Tennis: Lendl's revenge: Wilander wilts to old rival
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.IVAN LENDL, the Czech- born American, thrashed his old Swedish rival, Mats Wilander, in the first round of the New South Wales Open in Sydney yesterday.
The match, the first competitive meeting between the former world No 1s since the 1988 US Open final, which Wilander won in five sets, was a one- sided affair with Lendl, now 34, winning 6-2, 6-1. The defeat again raised doubts about Wilander's ability to make a successful comeback.
'As soon as we'd played a few points, I realised Ivan was more match tough than I was,' Wilander said.
Afterwards Lendl said Boris Becker should apologise if he could not back up his allegations of drug-taking in tennis.
Also through to the second round is Pete Sampras, the American world No 1, who defeated Sweden's Jonas Svensson 6-4, 6-2, but Andrei Medvedev, the Ukrainian seeded No 2, pulled out with knee problems and is doubtful for the Australian Open which starts on Monday in Melbourne.
Sampras and Gabriela Sabatini will join several other top players in a special night session at the New South Wales Open today to raise funds for victims of the state's bushfires.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments