New York, Sep 2: Lee Hyung-Taik said reaching the fourth round at the US Open on Saturday was a dream come true, and a product of learning to enjoy tennis more as the years go by.

The 31-year-old South Korean will play in the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time since his grand slam debut at the 2000 US Open after defeating 19th seed Andy Murray of Britain 6-3 6-3 2-6 7-5 in yesterday's third-round match.

''It's like a dream come true for me,'' Lee told reporters through an interpreter after his two hour, 45-minute victory over the 20-year-old Scotsman on the Grandstand court.

''It's been seven years since I've been in the round-of-16, since the year 2000 and I come back at an older age in a different situation.

''I've been married and I have children.'' Lee, currently ranked 43rd after reaching a career-high mark of 36th in early August, said he has mellowed as he has matured.

''In part I don't feel compelled to win at all costs, to win all the hard points and run for it,'' he said. ''Now my life has changed and I'm beginning to learn to enjoy the game more.

MORE BALANCED

Not just the tennis, but the running and the timing, every part of the game, trying to enjoy more.

''I have two lovely children, one was just born a couple of weeks ago. It seems like my life is a bit more balanced.'' Lee said he was not sure how long he would continue playing.

''I'm not sure. I live for the day, day by day. I don't feel any physical difficulties at the moment so I really haven't thought about how much more time I have left.'' The Korean said the crowd support helped carry him to victory.

''The crowd certainly did have an effect,'' Lee said. ''I'm very grateful for the Korean fans and the local fans who came and cheered me on. It was a big boost for me and I'm thankful.'' Lee's opponent in the fourth round will be fourth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia.

''Davydenko is going to be a great challenge,'' Lee said. ''He is a great attacker. He runs really well. I am going to try to relax and enjoy it.''

Reuters

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