Dellacqua returns serve to Rasheed

Australian Open first-round loser Casey Dellacqua has returned serve after copping a
nasty spray from Lleyton Hewitt's former long-time coach and conditioner Roger
Rasheed.

Rasheed, now mentoring exciting Frenchman Gael Monfils and also an Open commentator
for the Seven Network, this week accused Dellacqua of returning from a shoulder
injury short of peak fitness.
"She may have had some injuries - she's had a shoulder (problem) - but that doesn't
actually stop you from getting into real tip-top shape," Rasheed said.
"If I'm a girl and I've broken into the world of tennis and I've made $500,000 for
the year, wouldn't I just try and get into the most perfect nick I could to actually
excel?"
Rasheed also reportedly told Melbourne radio station 3AW he was surprised female
players can play with "excess baggage".
Dellacqua, who lost 7-6 (13-11) 6-4 to Slovakian 19th seed Daniela Hantuchova -
after holding four first-set set points against the 2008 semi-finalist - was angry
and disappointed at Rasheed's attack when asked for a response on Thursday.
"I have never met Roger Rasheed. He does not know me or my tennis. He does not know
my training techniques, my background or my personality," Australia's world No.57
said.
"He has no idea about my training program, my fitness level or my injury history.
"He has never bothered to even introduce himself, let alone offer advice on any
aspects of my tennis.
"If his comments have been reported accurately and in context, I find it both
amazing and totally self-serving that he now chooses to share his ill-informed
analysis with the Australian public.
"He is in the media and knows that what he says during the Australian Open will get
very widely reported."