An article from: Matchball



Stefan Edberg’s farewell tour is turning into an ordeal, a sad world tour with few victories and now some controversy. Even in Dubai, the former super champion, at the third tournament in his final season, lost at the first round, suffering a beginner-like setback from Prinosil.

Stefan’s ’96 record is so far depressing: first round in Doha (beaten by Becker), second in Melbourne (he won against Novak, but lost to Fleurian), first round again here. «No, I’m not having fun at all – Edberg admitted – and I have to acknowledge that going on this way makes no sense. If I keep on losing, I might even decide to quit before the end of the year».

Visibly embittered, the Swede even had tough words against his younger colleagues. «When I was at the beginnings, I had the greatest respect for players like Borg, Vilas or McEnroe who were ending their careers. It’s not happening the same to me from today’s young… Times have really changed!».

In spite of all, Edberg keeps carrying on his commitment for the Swedish youth. The tournament in Dubai organized a night in his honour (in the picture, his thanksgiving speech), ended by a charity auction, whose proceeds went to his foundation for Swedish young talents. Reflexes get blurred, but blood is ticker than water…

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