Back to the drawing board for Rusedski

Greg Rusedski's clay-court season is over following his exit from the French Open yesterday, and he now begins his build-up to Wimbledon believing that he has enough in the bank to at least match his 1997 performance.

The British No2, who reached the last eight four years ago said today: "I'm just going to take off the weekend and start work on grass next week. I'll be putting in at least two hours a day starting with some explosive work, and then change the physical approach to my training.

"You have to get your grass court game going right away. I have been on clay courts for quite a few weeks and doubled my number of wins compared with last year.

"Now I have to build for Wimbledon and I have the benefit of a clear week next week to start off.

"I'll use what I have gained from all the work on clay to help me move on. I am going to play in the Stella Artois Championships and at Nottingham which is what I did in 1997 when I had my best Wimbledon." Rusedski's four-set defeat by London-based Frenchman Fabrice Santoro in the second round - in which "I made a ridiculous amount of unforced errors" - came on the day Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras also exited Roland Garros.

Rusedski said: "Pete will be working on Wimbledon straight away and so will a few others who think they can do well there.

"I'll not have any real advantage coming out of France at this stage. I just want my serve going well, my second serve going well, get my returns right, and compact everything up - and win a few matches."

Curiously at the height of the European season, Rusedski has suddenly found the delights of golf. He revealed: "I started up about two weeks ago. It is not too bad, I'm playing to about 20 or 21. I hit the ball maybe 150 or 200 yards. I am ugly to look at, but it is straight."