Michael Goes Wild For Germany

Michael Williams has asked for a wildcard entry into next year's German Open in Berlin, organizers of the event have said.


Williams, whose year was devastated through injury, saw his ranking slide more than 50 places to #74 on the men's tour and thus automatic qualification for the event denied.

The event is used as an important claycourt warm-up for the French Open at Roland Garros. Jack Dobson and Josef Dokic have both already confirmed their intentions to play the tournament. Many more of the biggest names in men's tennis are expected to follow suit in the coming months.

Breaking News

January 1, 2002- Williams Gives Switzerland Hopman Cup Lead

Michael Williams defeated France's Victor Razzano 6-3 6-4 on Tuesday to give the top-seeded Switzerland a 1-0 lead over France in the XIV Hopman Cup. Williams only needed six games to warm up at the Western Australian venue but once he got into his stride never gave Razzano -- 10 years his junior a chance. ``I knew that would be tough, and it was,'' Williams said afterwards. ``He was a number one ranked junior in the world and has the potential to be a top player so I knew it would be hard. ``But I'm happy with the way I played. This is a fantastic way to get ready for the Australian Open.''

Fast Fact

Michael was born in Zurich, Switzerland. He didn't become a U.S. Citizen until March of 1994, when he pledged allegiance in Miami Stade.