Patrick Rafter, the Australian newcomer of 1997, usually travels by himself. He sometimes takes a friend or his brother with him, but never for longer periods of time. "I don't think, I need someone to tell me what to do all the time. I mean, you are not alone at the tournaments," says Rafter who likes to mingle with other players.

The 25-year old Aussie puts together his schedule for the tournaments he intends to play himself, whereas others use their managers or coaches to carry out that task. Rafter used to travel with various people in the past, but has learned his lesson: "There were a lot of people giving me advice, but I didn't really listen to them. I like to sort of learn the lessons myself."

However, when Rafter spends time in Australia he is coached by former pros like Tony Roche and others. "It is great in Australia, because the former pros take time to teach us younger ones the tricks."

However, the fact that most other Australian have travelling coaches - like Philippoussis who travels with Gavin Hopper and manager Marty Mulligan - does not disturb the handsome resident of the Bermudas: "I learn the hard way, but I am a better person for it."

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