While Some Don’t Like It Hot, Chang Cools It

Smoothly and quietly, Michael Chang is getting an edge in the Australian Open, winning in straight sets while other top players struggle.

The slogan on Chang’s T-shirt today might well have been his motto, “Go To Work,” something he’s been doing here with little fuss and much success.

Chang’s latest victory, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) over Guillaume Raoux, put the fifth-seeded Californian into the fourth round with less strain than any of the seeded players ahead of him.

Defending champion Andre Agassi, who barely survived a five-setter against a qualifier in the first round, had to go four to beat another qualifier, No. 225 Steve Bryan, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-1.

Agassi covered his shaved scalp with a white bandanna to protect him from the blazing sun after going bareheaded on a cooler afternoon in his previous day match. Despite losing the first set to Bryan, Agassi appeared quicker and sharper than in his first match.

Chang’s way became a little easier when No. 11 Richard Krajicek retired with a back injury in the third set against Jean-Philippe Fleurian. Though Fleurian beat former champion Stefan Edberg in the previous round, he’s likely to find Chang a much tougher opponent.

The rubberized hardcourts burned with temperatures near 90 degrees in the heat of an Australian summer, taking its toll on players and fans alike.

No. 3 Thomas Muster, always fit, looked exhausted at the end of his 6-4, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4 victory over Nicklas Kulti. Compounding his problems, Muster twisted an ankle, but later said he was all right.

Chang is playing with the ease and confidence of a man who believes he can win this Grand Slam event, even though most people think it will come down to No. 1 Pete Sampras against No. 2 Andre Agassi.

“I think I’m gaining on them,” Chang said. “My game is continuing to improve, and I think that Pete and Andre have kind of reached their peak of their tennis careers.”

In women’s matches, No. 3 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario beat Sandra Cacic, 6-3, 6-3; No. 6 Gabriela Sabatini routed Karin Kschwendt, 6-1, 6-2; No. 9 Mary Joe Fernandez ripped Nicole Arendt, 6-1, 6-1; No. 13 Chanda Rubin defeated Laurence Courtois, 6-0, 6-2; and No. 15 Naoko Sawamatsu beat Ai Sugiyama, 6-4, 6-0.