Ex-UNLV star wins tour debut

Tuesday, July 15, 1997 | 9:43 a.m.

The 20-year-old Australian has played more than 35 singles and doubles matches the last four weeks, but he's on a roll and doesn't want to stop winning.

Unseeded at the NCAA's in May, Smith captured the singles title without losing a set and also grabbed the doubles title with UNLV partner Tim Blenkiron.

And now, Smith has made a successful ATP tour debut at the Legg Mason Classic.

A 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7) win over Mahesh Bhupathi of India on Monday earned Smith a shot at No. 6 seed Lionel Roux of France today.

Smith's streak earned him a wild-card entry into the Legg Mason where the word "hot" took on new meaning Monday with court temperatures soaring to 112 degrees.

"I actually thought I was going to get sick there for a little while," Smith said.

It should cool a bit by the time defending champion Michael Chang of Henderson takes the court tonight. Chang, the No. 1 seed, faces Luis Herrera of Mexico.

Las Vegan Andre Agassi, playing for the first time since May 1, is scheduled to begin play Wednesday.

Those playing earlier today will have to put up with what unseeded David Wheaton called "oven-like" conditions. Wheaton, a former top 20 player returning from a heel injury, defeated Roberto Jabali of Brazil 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The five seeds who did play Monday either needed three sets or were pushed to tiebreakers: No. 9 Kenneth Carlsen of Denmark, No. 12 Marzio Martelli of Italy, No. 14 Vincent Spadea, No. 15 Neville Godwin of South Africa and No. 16 Fernon Wibier of the Netherlands all advanced.