MRS COURT HAS HAPPY RETURN

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31656, 17 April 1968, Page 13

MRS COURT HAS HAPPY RETURN

(N.Z PA.-Reuter—Copyright)

JOHANNESBURG.

The Australian, Mrs M. Court, the 1963 and 1965 Wimbledon champion who is making a come-back on the world tennis scene, yesterday won the South African title.

In the final of the women's singles, she beat Miss V. Wade, Britain’s leading amateur player, 6-4, 6-4. Mrs B. J. King (United States) did not defend the title she won last year as she turned professional shortly before the start of the championships. Mrs Court showed her usual signs of early nerves, as did Miss Wade, and seven of the

first nine games went against service. Mrs Court led 3-1 and then 5- at which stage, helped by Miss Wade’s loose ground strokes, she held her next service to love and went on to a 3-1 lead in the secono set. The British international tightened her game, and using her powerful service effectively, fought back to 4-5. But in the next game, Mrs Court, although double-faulting twice —once on match point—took the title. T. Okker, of Holland, who beat the American, M. Riessen in the men's singles final, later paired with Riessen to win the doubles. In the final, they beat the Wimbledon champions, R. A. Hewitt and F. McMillan (South Africa) 6-2, 6- 3-6, 4-6, 6-3.