Tennis: Edberg claims injury link

STEFAN EDBERG, the former world No 1 from Sweden, blames the Rebound Ace rubberised surface used at the Australian Open for the back problems which have troubled him in recent years.

Edberg, who celebrates his 28th birthday during the tournament next week, said his injuries began in 1988 when the Grand Slam event moved across Melbourne to Flinders Park from its former home on grass at Kooyong.

'You have to look at the history on Rebound Ace,' said Edberg, runner-up to American Jim Courier in 1992 and 1993.

'When it (the back problem) starts happening year after year you start getting a little suspicious,' Edberg said in Adelaide where he is preparing for an exhibition tournament.

Pete Sampras, the world No 1 and top seed, moved into the quarter-finals of the New South Wales Open in Sydney yesterday, but the American was forced to fight back from 4-2 down in the final set against the Australian Jason Stoltenberg before winning 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.