While Some Don’t Like It Hot, Chang Cools It

MELBOURNE, Australia —  Smoothly and quietly, Michael Chang is getting an edge in the Australian Open, winning in straight sets while other top players struggle.

The slogan on Chang’s T-shirt today might well have been his motto, “Go To Work,” something he’s been doing here with little fuss and much success.

Chang’s latest victory, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) over Guillaume Raoux, put the fifth-seeded Californian into the fourth round with less strain than any of the seeded players ahead of him.

Defending champion Andre Agassi, who barely survived a five-setter against a qualifier in the first round, had to go four to beat another qualifier, No. 225 Steve Bryan, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-1.

Agassi covered his shaved scalp with a white bandanna to protect him from the blazing sun after going bareheaded on a cooler afternoon in his previous day match. Despite losing the first set to Bryan, Agassi appeared quicker and sharper than in his first match.

Chang’s way became a little easier when No. 11 Richard Krajicek retired with a back injury in the third set against Jean-Philippe Fleurian. Though Fleurian beat former champion Stefan Edberg in the previous round, he’s likely to find Chang a much tougher opponent.

The rubberized hardcourts burned with temperatures near 90 degrees in the heat of an Australian summer, taking its toll on players and fans alike.

No. 3 Thomas Muster, always fit, looked exhausted at the end of his 6-4, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4 victory over Nicklas Kulti. Compounding his problems, Muster twisted an ankle, but later said he was all right.

Chang is playing with the ease and confidence of a man who believes he can win this Grand Slam event, even though most people think it will come down to No. 1 Pete Sampras against No. 2 Andre Agassi.

“I think I’m gaining on them,” Chang said. “My game is continuing to improve, and I think that Pete and Andre have kind of reached their peak of their tennis careers.”

In women’s matches, No. 3 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario beat Sandra Cacic, 6-3, 6-3; No. 6 Gabriela Sabatini routed Karin Kschwendt, 6-1, 6-2; No. 9 Mary Joe Fernandez ripped Nicole Arendt, 6-1, 6-1; No. 13 Chanda Rubin defeated Laurence Courtois, 6-0, 6-2; and No. 15 Naoko Sawamatsu beat Ai Sugiyama, 6-4, 6-0.