Krajicek Incurs Fine for Media Snub

PARIS —  Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek understandably lingered on court during his third-round match against Patrick Rafter on Saturday--the tournament’s sixth-seeded player was trying not to get knocked out of the French Open by a player ranked only 25th in the world.

Once Rafter had won, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, Krajicek wasted no time in fleeing the court and Roland Garros. Krajicek left immediately after his match, refused to speak to the media, and was fined $2,000.

No doubt he was displeased that his powerful, attacking game had been blunted by an equally aggressive and surprising Rafter. Until Saturday, Rafter had not beaten Krajicek in five tries.

Rafter is one of three Australians in the Round of 16. Countryman Mark Woodforde, a doubles specialist, defeated 11th-seeded Albert Costa of Spain, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3.

The other seeded player to lose Saturday was No. 13 Wayne Ferreira of South Africa. Petr Korda of the Czech Republic advanced in a walkover, as Ferreira sprained his right ankle in practice Friday.

Michael Chang, seeded No. 2, had an easy time too. His opponent, Stephane Simian of France, tore a thigh muscle in the second set and was forced to withdraw trailing, 6-1, 5-2.

Chang remains the only American on the men’s side, after Chris Woodruff fell to Galo Blanco of Spain. Blanco, ranked No. 111, won, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 7-6 (7-2).

Hot-tempered Marcelo Rios, seeded No. 7, beat Arnaud Boetsch of France, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 6-4.