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Magnus Norman described his 6-1, 7-6(1) defeat against Chile's Nicolas Massu in the first round of Vina del Mar late on Monday night as "probably the happiest defeat of my life." After being warned by doctors that he may never play again after undergoing hip surgery last August, Norman was delighted to be back on court for the first time in six months. "Normally you are very upset when you lose, but I was happy because my body was there and I could do what I love most - play tennis. I was told that there was a big chance that I would not play tennis again and I've fought very hard to get back onto the circuit."

After seeing countryman Thomas Johansson break through for a surprise victory at the Australian Open, Norman said that his goal - although ambitious - was to win the Roland Garros title in 2002. "For the past six months my goal has simply been to come back and play tennis again. Now that my hip is fine, my goal is the same as it has always been - to win Roland Garros. Obviously I have to work on a few things before then - I'm not moving as fast and I have to lose some weight - but my hip is fine. I was very happy to see Thomas (Johansson) win the Australian Open, and I hope that I can get back up there and win a major too."

Playing in Chile for the first time, Norman said that he intended to return to Vina del Mar in 2003. "This is my first time in this part of the world and I like it very much. The tournament is well organized; I like the people, the food and the weather. I believe I will come back again next year."