'Mad Dog' Matosevic lives up to nickname

By Michael Chammas
January 15 2014 - 3:00am

After Marinko Matosevic took exception to this column's reference to his nickname ''Mad Dog'' at the Sydney International last week, Foot Fault decided to venture out to showcourt two to watch him in action. What started as a light-hearted joke has now turned ugly after Matosevic imploded during his first-round match against Kei Nishikori of Japan. Not only did he take aim at coach Mark Woodforde in the press conference for the lack of verbal support during the match, he also complained to the chair umpire about the use of the ''Mad Dog'' nickname from the crowd. In the fifth set the chair umpire finally asked fans to ''please use players' names if you want to support them''. There is also a website (www.marinkomatosevic.com.au) that references the nickname. ''Marinko Matosevic is one of Australia's leading pro tennis players,'' the profile of Matosevic on the website says. ''A tenacious, determined player, earning him the nickname, 'Mad Dog Matosevic', Marinko has etched his name firmly on both the Australian and world tennis playing stage.'' Foot Fault later found out it is not his official website. It's time Matosevic accepted the nickname and got on with playing tennis.

Seats scorched

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