By Terry Maddaford
James Greenhalgh hopes Brett Steven is not lost to New Zealand tennis after calling it quits at the end of the Davis Cup tie against Spain at Mystery Creek yesterday.
"I would love to get some coaching from him," said Greenhalgh after playing the doubles with Steven and the reverse singles in the 0-5 loss to the scintillating Spaniards.
"If he puts his hand up [to do some coaching], I'll be first in line. I have a huge respect for Brett and have learnt a lot from him."
Greenhalgh is keen to step up his singles participation - especially in Davis Cup - but not at the expense of his world doubles ranking, which earns him a reasonable living.
Steven's priority is elsewhere - mowing the lawns this morning and then, no doubt, working on his golf handicap, already a more than respectable five.
"I'm relieved in a way that it has finished," said Steven. "I feel 40, not 30. I spent four and half months getting ready for this tie, but I was not as sharp out there as I used to be."
Of his quick exit after he and Greenhalgh lost in straight sets on Saturday, Steven said he did not want to stay and talk to TVNZ - "who turn up once every 10 years."
"I am disappointed," he said. And obviously frustrated his last hurrah was not a winning one.
His 10-year contribution was acknowledged by New Zealand Tennis chairman David Howman at the end of the tie.
Steven was selected 21 times to play for his country - only Onny Parun (29), Russell Simpson (26) and Chris Lewis (22) played more ties.
His 18 win-15 loss singles record and 9-7 doubles record is up there with the best. Only Parun (23) won more singles.
Tennis: Steven in demand from new breed
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