Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By DEBI JONES, DAVE THEALL and Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 3, 2001
Hingis testifies against her accused stalker
Tennis star Martina Hingis testified Monday that she is frightened by her accused stalker, whom she called crazy and irrational.
The 20-year-old acknowledged on cross-examination during Dubravko Rajcevic's trial in Miami that he never threatened her. But she said he didn't give up after she told him in person and on the phone in 1999 that she wanted him to leave her alone.
Rajcevic, 46, a Croatian-born Australian citizen, faces up to four years in jail if convicted of stalking her and trespassing at the 2000 Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne.
When defense attorney Frank Abrams asked if Rajcevic was annoying, Hingis, answered: "More than that. Frightening at times." After his arrest, she said she thought Rajcevic was "maybe a little crazy." In court, she said she felt he was "more crazy, I believe now."
MORE TENNIS: Rita Kuti Kis beat No. 8 seed Rita Grande 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the $140,000 Porto (Portugal) Open.
RUNNING: At the Harvey's Festival Run, which started and finished at The Pier in St. Petersburg, Steve Wilcox, 30, eased into the lead in the first mile and never was challenged, winning in 16 minutes, 4 seconds. Ian Ray of Colorado was second followed by Brian Scott of Seminole (16:47) and Mike Ferreira (16:57) and John Woodruff (17:05), both of St. Petersburg. The Forerunners Club swept the first five women's places led by Laure Blume (18:07) of Pinellas Park followed by Lisa Valentine (18:38) of Tierra Verde and Jeanne Lesniak (18:52), Amy McClenathan (18:55) and Sandy Shelton (19:13), all of St. Petersburg.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida receiver Brian Haugabrook had surgery to repair his ACL and torn cartilage in his right knee. He is expected to return next season. Also, coach Steve Spurrier said fullback Rob Roberts likely would have surgery on a torn knee ligament but is expected back in the fall. ... For Florida State, Robert Morgan has an MCL sprain in his right knee and Ronald Boldin has a severe groin strain. ... Northwestern State will forfeit Southland League wins over Troy State and Nicholls State because of an ineligible player. ... Fairfield promoted defensive coordinator Joe Bernard to replace Kevin Kiesel as coach.
COLLEGES: The FSU women's volleyball team won three matches at its spring tournament. ... UF freshmen Jaime Ellis and Sara McLarty made the U.S. swim team at the World University Games in Beijing, Aug. 22-Sept. 1. ... Iowa State will drop baseball and men's swimming after this school year, athletic director Bruce Van De Velde said. The department faces a $1.4-million budget shortfall. ... UF senior Peter Nystrom of Dunedin was named SEC baseball player of the week.
HOCKEY: Katie King and Chris Bailey each scored twice as the United States beat Germany 13-0 in the opening round of the Women's World Championships at St. Cloud, Minn. In Rochester, six-time defending champion Canada beat Kazakstan 11-0.
OLYMPICS: Former IOC vice president Richard Pound announced his candidacy to replace president Juan Antonio Samaranch. Also, the IOC ethics committee said candidates may visit members to seek votes but can't offer or accept gifts.
SOCCER: In MLS, Los Angeles traded four-time All-Star Robin Fraser to Colorado for three second-round draft choices.
SKIING: Former Olympic downhill champion Bill Johnson was removed from a ventilator but remained in a coma more than a week after crashing during a practice run.
HORSES: San Felipe Stakes winner Point Given was listed a 4-1 morning line favorite in third and final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future wager, which opens Thursday. Florida Derby winner Monarchos was second choice at 6-1.
ETC.: The Women's American Football League will field a team based in Palm Beach/Fort Lauderdale this season.