BBC SPORT | TENNIS | Rusedski hits back at Cash

Greg Rusedski has hit back at former coach Pat Cash's "unreasonable" demands for money after the pair ended their partnership on Sunday.

Former Wimbledon champion Cash claimed Rusedski sacked him after he requested payment for a coaching role that had brought the British number two's first title since October 1999.

But Rusedski has suggested Cash had gone back on his word in demanding payment for his services.

He said: "Pat Cash and I agreed to work together on a three-month training programme.

Pat Cash
Cash's coaching stint lasted under six months
"Although I had requested a contract, he adamantly refused and emphasised to myself and the media that he did not want to be paid."

Rusedski claimed Cash had wanted to use the association to promote his academy.

But because of other commitments Cash had recommended another coach, Brad Langevard, who Rusedski says "had been responsible for all the technical changes in my game".

He added: "In the past three months, Pat has spent a total of 17 days working with the team.

"His time was limited and he could only offer a total of one week in the next four months.

"I found it totally unreasonable that Pat asked me to pay him 10% of all future prize money until the end of my career.

I brought up the subject of money and Greg decided he didn't want me around

Pat Cash

"I did however offer to pay him for the time he had spent with me, but he refused."

After a dismal 2000, frustrated by injury and poor form, Rusedski has been transformed this season, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and defeating world number one Gustavo Kuerten on the way.

He also won the Sybase Open - his first ATP tournament triumph for 18 months - with a straight sets victory over Andre Agassi.

Cash, 35, had admitted he was "disappointed but not surprised" by the split.

He told reporters: "A lot of people warned me to be wary of Greg.

"I brought up the subject of money and Greg decided he didn't want me around."


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