QUOTES OF THE WEEK

If I knock on the door often enough, it will open. Colin Montgomerie, after his one-stroke defeat to Ernie Els in the US Open, on his failure so far to win a major title.

It was do or die and I didn't do it. Tom Lehman, who led the US Open going into the final round.

This course beat me up. It humbled me big time. Tiger Woods, after finishing 10 shots adrift of Els.

Who is the French Open champion? Somebody should tell the organisers. If it had been my dog winning the French title I think he would have expected to play in the stadium at Eastbourne. Iva Majoli, French Open champion, after being ordered to play on an outside court at Eastbourne.

Everybody's favourite is Venus. If I had put her on Court Two I would have been guilty of getting 5,000 people through the gate on to a court that only holds 500. George Hendon, Eastbourne tournament director, who put Venus Williams on Centre Court instead of Majoli.

I was a bad boy and my mother told me I was a bad boy... I really do feel the game misses John McEnroe and needs another bad boy. Jeff Tarango, back at Wimbledon after last year's ban following his 1995 default for verbally attacking a umpire.

I'm pleased, but what does it mean? Only that I won't meet Pete Sampras in the first round. Tim Henman, on being seeded for Wimbledon.

I have no sympathy for Greg and his style of play. He's fortunate to have got so far in the game. Tim Henman is a far more talented player. Wayne Ferreira, No 15 seed at Wimbledon, on Greg Rusedski.

I'm dangerous - but I don't know for what. Goran Ivanisevic, beaten in the Stella Artois final by Mark Philippoussis.

The shop is closed for the summer. Martin Edwards, Manchester United chief executive, after his club's failure to attract a single foreign player.

I was originally quoted at pounds 12.5m, but I think it is now around pounds 9m. That is how much it all went wrong at Middlesbrough. Juninho on his depreciating value.

I would rather play ugly football and win than play attractive football and lose. Mario Zagallo, Brazil coach, belies the stereotype after his side's defensive-minded 2-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America.

Ronalditis: an infantile disease of footballing neoliberalism. Famiglia Cristiana, Italy's best-selling magazine, on the likely move of Ronaldo to Internazionale.

The bone has been removed and I have it at home in a jar. I'm thinking of having a sacrificial ritual, a burning to get rid of it. Steve Backley, back from a long-standing leg injury.

For the sake of English rugby, Cliff Brittle must stand down. The game will not unite unless there is a new chairman. Rugby Football Union statement on its chairman, who stands for re-election next month.