TENNIS : Graf Drops First Set, but Cruises to Title

When Steffi Graf’s forehand sailed long to end the first set, fans rose with a roar as Natalia Zvereva grinned at her moment in the Florida sun.

The rest of the day, however, belonged to the top-ranked Graf, who won, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, in Saturday’s final at the Lipton Championships.

Graf lost a set for the first time in her 28 matches this year. But she kept a more important streak alive with her 32nd consecutive victory, the fourth-longest run of her career.

“I don’t expect to win every match,” Graf said. “I know I can do it. I think that’s what you need to know.”

In the all-American men’s final today, Andre Agassi will play top-ranked Pete Sampras.

Graf earned $150,000, her 84th title and her third Lipton championship. She became the first player since Martina Navratilova in 1990 to win three consecutive tournaments, an achievement she found taxing.

“At the moment I’m really tired of tennis,” she said. “That’s why the last couple of days it’s been difficult for me to be out there. I’m ready for a couple of days off at least.”

Graf looked lethargic in the first set, repeatedly missing service returns and passing shots. With Zvereva serving at 5-4, Graf managed to erase four set points, but not the fifth.

Suddenly she was down a set for the first time this year.

“I wasn’t upset,” Graf said. “It just happened.”

With the underdog ahead, the crowd of 13,212 roared for Zvereva, from Belarus.

“The crowd started expecting me to win or something,” Zvereva said.

The German champion made adjustments, and with a few flicks of her powerful forehand, the match turned. Graf broke serve five times in the final two sets and won going away.