Courier Victory Would Get Him Close to Borg

Jim Courier has a chance to join some select company today in the men’s singles final of the French Open.

Since the tournament has been open to players from all countries, not counting 1941-45 when only Frenchmen could play, the only man who has won three French Open titles in succession is Bjorn Borg, who won four in a row from 1978-81.

If Courier defeats Spain’s Sergi Bruguera in today’s final, it would be Courier’s third consecutive French Open triumph and vault him into the company of Borg.

“You can’t mention me in the same breath as Borg yet,” Courier said.

But if he wins against Bruguera, Courier may invite the comparisons, at least on results alone. Borg won six French Open titles in all and five Wimbledon championships.

Courier is going for his fifth Grand Slam title, a grouping that includes back-to-back Australian Open championships.

Courier, seeded No. 2, is 4-0 against the 10th-seeded Bruguera. He has defeated Bruguera three times on clay, the last occasion a straight-set decision in the Italian Open quarterfinals.