Martin Makes Fans of Players

MELBOURNE, Australia —  He earned their admiration long ago. But Todd Martin’s latest magic act with his tennis racket was earning praise from a new generation of Americans, the same players he has mentored.

Martin, 33, has rallied from a two-set deficit nine times and has won 22 of 37 five-set matches. He pulled himself back from the abyss at the Australian Open on Monday in the opening round, defeating Anthony Dupuis of France, 4-6, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-3.

It is the third time he has come back from such a deficit here. “Well, I’m glad I didn’t retire after the U.S. Open,” said Martin, who had taken about four months off after New York.

Jeff Morrison, who defeated Dennis van Scheppingen of the Netherlands, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, today, said Martin is his closest friend on the tour and has been an instrumental part of his career. That was one of the many reasons he went to watch the last 2 1/2 sets of Martin’s match.

“He’s someone I would want to model myself after,” Morrison said. “What he did yesterday was the icing on the cake.”

James Blake came into the locker room Monday after beating lucky loser Ivan Miranda of Peru, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, and asked U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe about the fortunes of the other Americans.

“Patrick told me Todd did the usual,” Blake said, smiling.

Blake had been monitoring Martin’s match before his own, riding an exercise bike and talking to his coach.

“I’m like, ‘You know what, that’s incredible.’ If this was 10 p.m. at the U.S. Open, I’d put all my money on Todd Martin right now,” Blake said. “Australian Open, middle of the day, I’m not sure if it’s dramatic enough for him.... At his age, the amount of time he took off, it’s incredible. It’s inspiring to see him enjoying tennis that much to want to fight hard.”

*

Marat Safin, who was hampered by injuries in 2003, showed he hadn’t lost his unique brand of humor. After defeating Brian Vahaly, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, in the first round Monday, Safin was quizzed about his Russian compatriot Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

Safin told reporters that Kafelnikov had retired. But there has been no official announcement. “That’s OK,” Safin said. “He’s Kafelnikov. He doesn’t have to announce it.”

*

Never Say Die

Todd Martin has come back from an 0-2 deficit to win in five sets nine times during his career. A look at the three times he has done it at the Australian Open, including year, opponent, round and score:

* 1999, FERNANDO MELIGENI, Brazil

First round: 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1

* 2000, BYRON BLACK, Zimbabwe

First round: 5-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 8-6

* 2004, ANTHONY DUPUIS, France

First round: 4-6, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3