Australian Open Tennis : How Swede It Is: Edberg Beats Wilander

Swedish teen-ager Stefan Edberg trounced Davis Cup teammate Mats Wilander, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, Monday to win the men’s title in the $1.5-million Australian Open tennis tournament.

Edberg, 19, denied Wilander a third straight Australian Open title by overpowering him with strong serves and backhands. Wilander, his right arm heavily taped, had his service broken four times as Edberg won his first Grand Slam tournament.

When Edberg took the title on a backhand shot, Wilander rushed to the net and put his arm around the youngster.

Edberg became one of the youngest players to win the Australian Open. Ken Rosewall, at 18, was the youngest.

“I have never been so happy,” Edberg said. “This is a wonderful day for me and for Sweden. I am very glad to be able to win for my mother and father.”

Sunday night, the two players shared a few beers and, before the start of their final, took the extraordinary step of warming up against each other. Veteran tennis officials said they could not remember two finalists ever doing so.

“Stefan played very well,” Wilander said. “I didn’t want to lose, but then I don’t mind losing to Stefan because he is my very good friend.”

Edberg picked up $100,000 for the victory, the biggest paycheck of his career. Wilander, who has appeared in six Australian finals, won $50,000. Edberg broke Wilander in the 10th game of the first set to win, 6-4, in the fourth game of the second set to lead, 3-1, and again in the third game of the final set to open a 3-0 lead.

Edberg was down two service points in the eighth game of the third set, but hit four service winners to retain control. It was the only time in the 93-minute match that Edberg’s service was under threat. The match was played mainly from the baseline, with each player keeping his drives long to prevent the other from getting near the net.