USA: TENNIS STAR MARC ROSSET WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE DOOMED SWISSAIR FLIGHT ON WHICH 229 PEOPLE DIED

Record ID: 637032

  • Title: USA: TENNIS STAR MARC ROSSET WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE DOOMED SWISSAIR FLIGHT ON WHICH 229 PEOPLE DIED
  • Date: 4th September 1998
  • Summary: NEAR KENNEDY AIRPORT, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (SEPTEMBER 3, 1998) (RTV) 5. WIDE OF HOTEL 6. MICROWAVE TRUCKS 7. JOURNALISTS WAITING OUTSIDE HOTEL 8. VICTIMS' FAMILIES ENTERING THE HOTEL 9. MAN BRINGING FLOWERS INTO THE HOTEL 10. FAMILY HUGGING IN FRONT OF HOTEL
  • Embargoed: 19th September 1998 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: PEGGY'S COVE, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA/NEW YORK CITY AND QUEENS, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Disasters,General,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVABDJRGX9BE1VZL7XU0IK3HP8RZ
  • Story Text: Tennis star Marc Rosset was supposed to be on the doomed Swissair flight on which 229 people died but missed it because of a last minute decision to do more tennis practice.

    "It was a strange feeling when you realise that for just changing your mind, you are still alive," said Swiss tennis player Marc Rosset.

    "Sometimes, you just wake up and you decide, okay let's leave tomorrow instead of today and you don't know why and a couple of days later you realise you changed your life," Rosset told reporters on Thursday at the US Open.

    The tall, blond 27-year-old veteran of the globe-trotting ATP Tour had lost in the first round of the U.S.Open and was booked to return to Geneva on the Swissair flight 111 that crashed off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, on Wednesday night, killing all 229 people on board.

    At the last minute Rosset told his coach, Pierre Simsolo, he would stay in New York another day to get some more practice at the National Tennis Centre, where high quality hitting partners abound this time of year.

    Swiss world number one Martina Hingis said she woke up to the shocking news of the disaster."I was like, 'no way' Swissair is very safe usually." Rosset said a friend in New York who knew he was supposed to be on the doomed flight called him at his hotel and told him to turn on the television.Rosset said he watched the grim saga unfold from his New York hotel room.

    "I called my parents and friends to tell them I was still in New York and in good shape," he recalled."I can tell you they were pretty glad to hear my voice." He also called his coach and told him to turn on the television.

    "We were like feeling really happy, but in another way...

    it is kind of a sensation that can make you really nervous, actually," Rosset said.

    The Swiss Davis Cup and Olympic player said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy, especially after seeing friends and family of the victims at the Geneva airport on CNN television.

    "I feel a little bit lucky that I didn't take this flight.

    Right now, it's strange, I think I am a little bit afraid to realise you were pretty close to dying," he continued.

    "I have plans to fly tonight but I don't know if I can do it honestly," added Rosset, who was clearly shaken by the crash.

    Rosset said he was usually very secure about flying which is a regular part of the lifestyle of a professional tennis player.

    "You have less chance to die in a flying accident than in a car or in the street here in New York," he said.

    "But I have to say, last night made me realise that you still have a chance that something wrong happens that is why I don't think I am going to fly tonight." But he said the crash would permanently change his outlook on life.

    "I am going to try to enjoy more my life, like everyday, and it is going to be a benefit for myself.
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