Sergi Bruguera of Spain seeded 16, prevented what would have been the first French Open final in history without a seeded player by withstanding the gallant efforts of Australian Pat Rafter to move within one match of a third title in Paris in two years.

The Spaniard won the French open in 1993 and 1994 and became one of the finest clay court players in modern tennis. He then went into bit of a slump after a couple of injuries and has now over the last year fought his way back to where he belongs, at least on clay.

In his mind Sergi has always known that among clay courters he is up there with the best. He is mentally tough and physically strong enough to endure long rallies. His match against Pat Rafter the near perfect Australian serve and volleyer, he knew it would come down to how many passing shots he could hit at the crucial times in the match. Rafter knew that the only way he could win was at the net. So at every opportunity he came in, covered the net brilliantly and played attacking tennis even from the back.

But the slowness of the court and the quality of Bruguera's passing shot was a bit too much for Rafter. He had numerious chances including a 5-2 lead in the third set which he lost 7-5 and two set points at 6-5 in the fourth set.

This is where the fact, that Bruguera, who has won two French Opens and is more comfortable on clay, came into effect. after the match Rafter credited the Spaniard for his mental toughness and fewer errors.

Only two men have won three or more French titles in their careers, and Bruguera will draw level with three of them -- Mats Wilander, Ivan Lendl and Rene Lacoste -- if he can win on Sunday. His opponent in the final, the unseeded Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, is in his first Grand Slam final and despite five-set victories in the last three rounds, is in great physical shape.

In a match between two unseeded players, the man with the better nerves won. As the match got into the fourth set, the quality of tennis reached a mediocre level, as both players were overcome with the thoughts of being in their first Grand Slam final.

It is hard to put into perspective what goes through one's mind, but it is generally courage and a strong heart that pulls you through.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.