Tennis: Austin returns

TRACY AUSTIN, one of the earliest examples of 'burn out', plans to play at Wimbledon in June for the first time since 1982. But the championships seem certain to go ahead without Jennifer Capriati, the latest teenager to be afflicted by stress, writes John Roberts.

The 31-year-old Austin's name is among the entries, Capriati's is not, and the 18- year-old would have to request a wild card if she decides to return to the game. She recently left high school, having forsaken tennis in January to resume her education.

Austin, the youngest player to win the US Open at 16 years and nine months, first competed at Wimbledon two years earlier. But in 1990 Capriati became the youngest player to be seeded and to win a match.

Injuries began to wreck Austin's career in 1983, and she did not reappear in a Grand Slam championship until the Australian Open in January this year, winning a round. She is ranked No 86 in the world.