Sunday 23 November 1997
By PATRICK RAFTER

            BEACH, family, golf, in no particular order - that's what I'll be doing for the next few weeks. After seven months, it feels great to be back in Australia. I've received an unbelievably warm welcome from the media and from the people of Brisbane.

                When I arrived last Wednesday, I spent some time with the media and then went to a reception where I was congratulated by the Premier and others. I appreciate them taking the time out to make that sort of a gesture.

                When I think about the ATP Tour World Championships in Hanover last week, I feel satisfied with the outcome. My goal was to be No. 2 after the world championships and I reached that.

                At the same time, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't reach the semi-finals. I needed to win a set off Pete (Sampras) to reach the semis, but couldn't do it. Playing Pete is getting frustrating more than anything else. I'm going to have to beat him sooner or later.

                The problem is, he really likes playing against my style of game. By serving and volleying, I give him targets and force him to react without thinking, which is the time when he's most dangerous because his instincts kick in.

                Taking Michael Chang out of No. 2 is a major accomplishment which I'm really pleased about, but Sampras is something else. When he won the world championships, that was his 52nd title. I've won two.

                Reaching No. 2 has forced me to change how I look at myself in the tennis world. Even though I had been reaching the semi-finals and finals of ATP Tour tournaments on a regular basis, it wasn't until I won the US Open and reached the top five that I started thinking my game had reached another level.

                I have to say, I've adjusted to the idea of being in the top three pretty quickly. The key for me has been to set new goals and look for new challenges. Sampras is a part of that and I look forward to continuing to ook for ways to break down his game, if it's possible.

                Being at the top of most draws as the No. 1 seed has taken some adjustment, but it has put me in a position where I can be assured of a good draw and therefore able to win tournaments. I don't want just two titles to my credit at the end of my career.

                Davis Cup is another goal. I would be thrilled to be part of a successful Davis Cup campaign, to be part of a winning team. We've drawn Zimbabwe at home in the first round of the 1998 competition, so I'm looking forward to starting that off on the right foot.

                In looking at the Davis Cup final in Gothenburg, Sweden, next week, I have to say the Swedes are going to have to pull something very special out of the bag to topple Sampras.

                The US is definitely the favorite, but with a home-town crowd, Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Enqvist can't be ruled out.

                Off the court, 1997 has also been very interesting. Fortunately, I have a good following just about everywhere I go and meeting all sorts of friendly people is one of the great positives.

                FOR the first time this year, I've also encountered some more fanatical fans who'll follow me right across a whole continent in the hope of sitting down and talking with me for some great length of time. I enjoy talking to people, but it's important they understand that once we've had a conversation, it's time to move on and they have to let go.

                Perhaps more than ever this year, I've realised how valuable it is to have good friends. Since I've been travelling most of the year without a coach or trainer, I've been able to have some good mates around who have kept me grounded and have just been fun to have around.

                After the US Open chaos, my friends in Bermuda as always were fantastic and very understanding. Guys like Fitzy, Newk and Rochey are just outstanding people whose counsel I value highly.

                The Australian summer circuit should be fantastic. I'll be starting at the Hopman Cup, which is a first for me. Next up, will be my first test of the year at the Adidas International in Sydney.

                I'm really looking forward to playing in front of Aussie crowds and every bit of support you can give me and the other Aussies could make all the difference.