Wilander shines in duel of oldies
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey – In his first match since retiring 16 years ago, Ivan Lendl looked nearly as fit as the man who dominated tennis in the 1980s, but his game wasn’t as sharp.
Lendl committed numerous unforced errors and fell to former rival Mats Wilander, 6-3, in a one-set exhibition match in the Caesars Tennis Classic on Saturday.
“It was fun playing, but a bit frustrating,” Lendl said. “I was seeing the shot but couldn’t make myself hit it properly.”
An eight-time grand slam champion who was ranked No. 1 in the world for 157 straight weeks from 1985-88, Lendl disappeared from the tennis scene after retirement. With his back healthier, Lendl began playing more seriously recently, saying he “put a lot of training” into preparing for Saturday’s match.
Asked if his performance was what he expected, the 50-year-old Lendl said, “Pretty much, unfortunately.
“My heart was telling me it’s not going to be like this, but my mind was telling me yes it could and most likely would.”
Lendl and Wilander came out in typical style with both playing from behind the baseline. (AP)
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