GORAN Ivanisevic is a man who knows how to make the most of a rain delay, writes Stewart Fisher.
The Croat, who famously used the elements to his advantage in a 2001 Wimbledon semi-final against Tim Henman, had an authentic Scottish experience at the Brodies Champions of Tennis event in Edinburgh yesterday as a downpour halted play for four hours.
The 41-year-old, who went on to defeat Pat Rafter in the final in SW19 after seeing off Henman, used the break to assess the chances of the contenders for this year's men's singles title, ahead of the start of the tournament tomorrow. Ivanisevic's triumph came after a hat-trick of final defeats in 1992, 1994 and 1998, leaving him better placed than many to assess Andy Murray's quest to make the step up from final loser to winner.
"It's tough when you lose the final – you don't want to know," Ivanisevic said. "Luckily back then you didn't have to speak [on court after the match], because I wouldn't have known what to say.
"I can understand why Andy was really emotional last year. It's not easy to say anything smart at that particular moment. When you have to receive that plate, it's a lovely plate, but you don't want to have the plate, you want to have the trophy.
"It's actually a s**t feeling, to be honest. Sometimes I almost think it is better to lose earlier on than to be beaten in the final.
"For me the best moment in tennis last year was when Andy won the US Open, because he really deserved it. Probably the best moment for tennis this year would be if he wins Wimbledon.
"Before I won Wimbledon, people pitied me. They were like, 'bad luck, he didn't win Wimbledon, maybe one day', but it's Goran, runner-up, it's written here on your forehead. You feel sorry for yourself because you worry if you are ever going to win another thing, so it's great to be a winner.
"When you see your name on the trophy, especially at a tournament like Wimbledon, it's just something special.
"Andy has been one of the best guys in the past five or six years. He is in the tougher side of the draw but I think he is happy with the draw."
Play at the Brodies event, which finishes today, resumed at 6pm, with John McEnroe thrilling fans as he beat Sweden's Michael Penfors 8-4 in a single-set encounter.
EX-CHAMPION IVANISEVIC BELIEVES SCOT CAN MAKE FINAL LEAP
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