(20-DEC.)
by Patrick Rafter

The big issue in sport is illegal gambling in cricket - something that does not happen in tennis.

Cricketers Shane Warne and Mark Waugh have had a rough time.

But I believe they have paid the price by being fined and that is where the punishment should stop.

I have never been approached to throw a match for money or provide information to bookmakers.

But a few years ago in Manchester, some of the boys and I were able to gamble on matches with a legal bookmaker.

We had a few small bets.  I bet about five pounds on myself and it was simply a bit of fun.

It was the only time I have ever gambled on tennis.  It is legal in England and Australlia to bet on many tournaments, but it is not
something I do.

Your mind is on playing tennis rather than betting on it, anyway.

I spent part of last weekend in Melbourne for the Presidents Cup and I was fortunate enough to meet some players.

Meeting Greg Norman, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, and catching up with Steve Elkington and Craig Parry, was a buzz.

Hopefully, some of their magic rubs off when I play in Jack Newton's tournament at Twin Waters tomorrow and Tuesday.

Then I wil go home for Christmas in Brisbane before going to Sydney to prepare with Tony Roche for the AAPT Championship in Adelaide.