ON THE SIDELINES : Lendl Beats McEnroe in Bologna
Ivan Lendl, the No. 1 player in the world, defeated long-time rival John McEnroe 6-4, 7-5 in the final of the All Stars Tennis Classic, a four-player exhibition. The Czech capitalized on his powerful serve and passing shots to down McEnroe, the world’s fourth-ranked player.
Lendl said Tuesday that he will give up major clay court tournaments next year, including Paris, Monte Carlo and Rome, to concentrate on a prestigious victory in Wimbledon.
He has never won the grass court event although he twice reached the finals.
“I must improve my play on grass to win Wimbledon,” Lendl said. “For this reason I plan to prepare in Australia, giving up some major clay court events.”
In a match for third at Bologna’s indoor sports palace, Frenchman Yannick Noah was upset by Italy’s Omar Camporese, 7-6, 6-3.
Prizes of the two-day exhibition were not disclosed by organizers.
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