Bald Facts From The Boston Hacker

"He has touch, there's no denying that," the man said. Collins emitted a high-pitched squeak as his partner hit a passing shot. "I guess you'd call him an extrovert," the man added dryly.

Another Collins-watcher joined the conversation. "I hear Bud won the national indoor mixed doubles in 1961," he said, "and that he got to the finals of the senior [over 45] men's doubles at the French Open last year. Is that right?"

The elderly man nodded impatiently. "Yes, yes, that's right," he said. "Oh, he's good, and he's quick," he went on, "but damn it, when you know the people he does, you get good partners, too."

A few minutes later Collins came off the court. "This isn't my best surface," he said. "I'm best on bad grass. I once beat Virginia Wade on bad grass." He smiled his winner's smile at the elderly man.

He spent a few seconds in what appeared to be serious thought. "I think if I really devoted myself to it," he said finally, "and got, you know, tournament tough...." He paused dramatically while the elderly man leaned closer, alert for the telltale show of arrogance. "I could play the women's circuit." The smile came on. "I wouldn't be champ, but I might be in the top 10."