THE SIDELINES : Lendl Opens Wimbledon Quest

Ivan Lendl started his quest for a Wimbledon title today by trouncing Neil Borwick, 6-1, 6-1, in less than an hour in the second round of a warm-up tournament at Beckenham.

Lendl, ranked No. 1 in the world, has made Wimbledon his top priority. His two-month practice for the title that has always eluded him included workouts with former Australian tennis greats Ken Rosewall, John Newcombe and his personal coach, Tony Roche.

“I would like to win it, there’s no secret about that,” Lendl said. “It would mean I achieved what I wanted to do.”

Lendl even passed up the French Open, an event he’s won three times, in his desire for success on the manicured lawns of the All England Club.

“The French is something I’ve accomplished,” said Lendl, noting the tournament still holds great importance as a Grand Slam event.

“I wish there would be four weeks between these two and I could play both of them.”