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Tennis: Federer and co put up a thriller

John McEnroe celebrates after beating Bjorn Borg 7-6 (13-11) in their Showdown Of Champions match at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — Pic: HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM
John McEnroe celebrates after beating Bjorn Borg 7-6 (13-11) in their Showdown Of Champions match at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — Pic: HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM

WORLD No 2 Roger Federer got his revenge over James Blake in the 'Showdown of Champions' despite not being at his best at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The Swiss ace defeated his American opponent 7-6 (10-7) in the one-set match.

In an earlier encounter, John McEnroe of the United States proved he was the King of Yesteryears by defeating Sweden's Bjorn Borg 7-6 (13-11).

Federer, however, was rather off colour against Blake suggesting that he may not have recovered 100 per cent from his back injury, sustained at the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

Both players broke each other's service once in the 44-minute match.
Blake entered the match with a psychological advantage as he defeated Federer in their last encounter at the Beijing Olympic Games in August.

It seemed that Blake would repeat his famous win, when he raced to a 3-1 lead.

However, Federer broke back almost immediately to win the next two games.

The match went to a super tie-break after Federer held serve in the 12th game to level at 6-6.

Blake stunned his opponent to lead 6-4 at one point. However, Federer stepped up a gear and won five straight points to lead 9-6.

Blake earned another point before Federer wrapped up the match.

"I had a fantastic match today (yesterday). It feels great to beat Blake after the loss in Beijing (Olympic Games)," said Federer after the match yesterday.

Meanwhile, McEnroe, known as Super Brat, and Borg showed their mettle with some delightful serve-and-volley play during the 59-minute opening one-set match which the American won.

Borg, was rather calm while McEnroe, famed for his on court tantrums, showed that age had not mellowed him.

Borg, 52, served seven aces compared to McEnroe's four. There was no break of service.

This was Borg's second trip to Kuala Lumpur while it was the first for McEnroe.

"I'm delighted to beat Borg as it was really tough. I hate to say this but the linesmen did a great job," said the 49-year-old McEnroe.

In the final match of the day, McEnroe-Blake, representing America defeated Europe's Borg-Federer 7-5.

RESULTS: Singles -- John McEnroe (US) bt Bjorn Borg (Swe) 7-6 (13-11); Roger Federer (Swi) bt James Blake (US) 7-6 (10-7).

Doubles -- John McEnroe-James Blake (US) bt Bjorn Borg (Swe)-Roger Federer (Swi) 7-5.


NST 19 Nov 2008
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