Tennis: Connors accused

Friday 05 February 1993 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

BRYAN SHELTON, of the United States, accused his compatriot Jimmy Connors of making a mockery of the sport after being beaten 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 in the second round of the Volvo men's tournament in San Francisco yesterday.

Connors advances to the quarter-finals but Shelton accused him of breaking his concentration by stalling, shouting obscenities and playing to the crowd.

'I thought he was making a mockery of the game,' Shelton, ranked 122 in the world, said. 'When I heard the obscenities he was shouting at the umpire, I was thinking of all the kids and ballboys who were watching.

Shelton, who admitted that Connors outplayed him, said that if he had to put up with Connors' behaviour regularly, he would 'be out of tennis'.

Connors, who was warned twice, once for delaying the game and once for a visible obscenity - a racket gesture - said: 'Maybe he should play a little better. I'd be upset if I lost to a 40-year-old guy, too.'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in