Patrick Rafter huffed and puffed and blew Jeff Tarango down in a fiery first-round match at the Australian Open.

But afterwards Rafter was left feeling a little sheepish.

He received an award Tuesday for fair play after conceding a point given in his favor at the 1997 Australian Hardcourt tournament in Adelaide against Andrei Cherkasov.

Cherkasov converted the gift into a win.

Rafter was nominated for the award by Australia's International Olympic Committee member Phil Coles, but the timing of the presentation - after the Tarango match - caused the world No. 2 player some concern.

"It was funny it came after that match because myself and Jeff were sort of having words at each other," Rafter said.

"They were going to present me with this award and here we are swearing at each other, and I thought `Oh, no.' It probably wasn't the best time to do it, (but) it's a great honor."

Rafter was unsure if he would give away another point.

"It was just one of those I had already conceded," Rafter said. ``It was that far out. It was just ridiculous, so I guess I probably would. Maybe."

Against Tarango?

"We'll wait and see about that one - no, probably not," Rafter said

CBS sportsline