Despite Key Loses, Lendl Is No. 1 in Standings, Money

Ivan Lendl ended the year as the top-ranked tennis player despite losing in the semifinals of the Masters tennis tournament, according to figures released today by the Assn. of Tennis Professionals.

Lendl also overtook Boris Becker of West Germany as the top money winner because of the bonus money he earned on the Grand Prix circuit. The U.S.-based Czechoslovak earned $2.3 million in 1989 compared to $2.2 million earned by his rival.

Despite the computer rankings, there is controversy over whether Lendl is really the No. 1 player. He won 10 tournaments, far more than Becker, but lost to the West German in the two that mattered most, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.