A Grand Run Ends for Edberg

The emotion runneth over on the Stadium Court at the U.S. Open. First, the remarkable performance of an ill Pete Sampras on Thursday night. Then the final Grand Slam appearance of Stefan Edberg, the gentleman of tennis.

His farewell in the quarterfinal against fourth-seeded Goran Ivanisevic was a sentimental reminder of what tennis will miss when the 30-year-old Swede retires at the end of the season--his class and grace and, not least, his elegant volleys.

Edberg was defeated by Ivanisevic, the big-serving Croatian whose style is emblematic of the style currently in vogue on the tour. Ivanisevic fired 26 aces to defeat the unseeded Edberg, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (11-9).

The fans were loudly appreciative of Edberg and wildly cheered his every move.

“It’s sad to see such a great player leaving, such a gentleman,” Ivanisevic said. “Man, 19,000 people, I don’t know how many was against you, clapping on your first serves. It was like playing Sweden [in] Davis Cup. I didn’t expect this crowd, so much for him. Cheering like crazy when I miss first serve.”

This was Edberg’s 54th consecutive Grand Slam appearance and, except for his early exit from the tournament, it was much like the rest.

He appeared to be poised to win the third set, and managed to stave off multiple match points.

Edberg served at the first match point in the ninth game, and, as he has done all his career, rushed in to cover the net. Ivanisevic netted the return. Edberg held to force Ivanisevic to serve for the match.

Edberg, riding the wave of his own emotion, broke Ivanisevic to stay in the match. He held his serve to take a 6-5 lead.

Ivanisevic held his serve to force the tiebreaker.

Edberg wavered, but battled Ivanisevic’s serve to draw even, 5-5. Ivanisevic held match point on the net point but again netted his service return. He won the next point to bring it to 6-6.

Ivanisevic served at 9-9 and won the point to get to his fourth match point. Edberg’s first serve hit the net. His second serve came right back at his feet and his half-volley didn’t make it over the net.

Edberg was interviewed on court after the match and thanked the crowd for its support, causing more cheering. Then, as quietly as ever, Edberg walked away.

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How Swede It Was

A look at Stefan Edberg’s singles career in Grand Slam events:

* TITLES: 1985 Australian Open, 1987 Australian Open, 1988 Wimbledon, 1990 Wimbledon, 1991 U.S. Open, 1992 U.S. Open.

* RUNNER-UP: 1989 French Open, 1989 Wimbledon, 1990 Australian Open, 1992 Australian Open, 1993 Australian Open.

* Has played in 54 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, the longest streak in history.

* 178 Grand Slam match victories are third all-time (Connors, 233; Lendl, 222).

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

--Spent 11 years in Top 10, only the fourth player to appear there 10 or more years (Connors 16, Lendl 13, McEnroe 10).

--Ranked in the Top 10 from Aug. 25, 1985-Feb. 2, 1995.

--One of five players to end year ranked No. 1 in consecutive years (1990-91); others are Lendl, Connors, McEnroe and Sampras.

--41 career titles.