AUSTRALIAN OPEN : Sampras, Sawamatsu Take a Break From Their Troubles, Win

MELBOURNE, Australia — World-class athletes are trained to block out extraneous thoughts and distractions while competing. “Focus” is the word they use, and it is as overused a cliche as exists in sports.

But sometimes, being able to focus on a sport in the midst of tragedy keeps an athlete emotionally centered.

Two athletes’ ability to focus at the Australian Open has been sorely tested. Pete Sampras, the world’s No. 1 player, is learning to deal with the sudden serious illness of his coach, Tim Gullikson, who was taken to a nearby hospital before Sampras’ match Friday night. Naoko Sawamatsu of Japan continues to advance, despite the destruction of her family’s home in last week’s earthquake and the uncertainty about other loved ones.

Sampras blocked out the sudden illness of his coach and defeated Lars Jonsson, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, Friday night. In a match played today, Sawamatsu upset her countrywoman, seventh-seeded Kimiko Date, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

It was a blustery day, sometimes rainy and always windy at the National Tennis Center. Unlike Friday’s schedule--which was upset by a rain-delayed start on the outer courts and the suspension of play in the evening--today was busy and productive as the regular schedule and makeup matches were completed.

Gullikson had hit with Sampras before the match, but later felt dizzy and had to be helped from the locker room by his brother Tom, who is the U.S. Davis Cup captain, and a racket stringer.

Gullikson, 43, has a history of heart problems and has been taking a blood-thinning medication. He has suffered two minor strokes in the last three months--during the Davis Cup in Sweden in October and again in December in Munich at the Grand Slam Cup.

Gullikson was taken to a local hospital and today was reported to be in stable condition. He underwent tests on his heart and brain and is expected to remain in the hospital for two days.

Sampras said he would not answer questions about the incident and that, even though Gullikson has been coaching him for three years, it wasn’t necessary for him to be at the court.

“I just had to block it out and not worry about it,” Sampras said. “I just had to concentrate on my tennis and what I had to do and try not to think about Tim. I realize he’s in good hands, and I’ve played this game for a lot of years. It’s always nice to have support, but when it’s not there, I’ve been around long enough to handle it.”

Like Sampras, Sawamatsu has no choice but to handle it and publicly. Sawamatsu’s progress through the tournament has been followed closely since her family home was destroyed in last Tuesday’s earthquake. After a week of frantically mining information about the well-being of her family and friends, the 21-year-old has been poised and patient during her post-match news conferences, during which she is made to tell again how her family home was crushed.

After today’s match, and having beaten Date for the first time, Sawamatsu was asked if perhaps the distractions have caused her to make a special effort to concentrate on tennis.

“I suppose, due to this bad news, I’m inspired more and I concentrate on tennis more,” she said. “That’s certainly one of the reasons that I’m winning. But I have to say, even if I win the game, I’m not happy and I don’t want this sort of thing to happen to benefit my tennis.”

Asked if she had further information about her best friend, who was reported to have died, Sawamatsu paused and then answered slowly.

“I still haven’t heard the truth yet regarding my best friend,” she said. “I got through to another friend over there who was telling me the horrific stories about when she was escaping. . . . There were so many people actually under the house screaming for help. . . . Because of her bad experiences, she was so upset, I really couldn’t ask anything. . . .”