Swede upsets in Aust. Open

Press, 10 December 1983, Page 80

Swede upsets in Aust. Open

NZPA-AAP Melbourne Mats Wilander of Sweden caused the sensation of the Australian Open tennis tournament yesterday when he defeated the reigning Wimbledon champion, John McEnroe, in the first semifinal at Kooyong.

Wilander, aged 19, advanced into the final by defeating the American in four sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Wilander, who has openly admitted that grass is his worst surface, dazzled McEnroe with blinding backhanders and pinpoints volleys. McEnroe was obviously well below his best and made several unforced errors and double-faults. He also had a bandage strapped around his right knee and appeared to be carrying an injury. McEnroe started the match in great style and looked comfortable in the first set. He led 5-2 before finally taking it 6-4.

But Wilander stunned McEnroe in the next set, capturing the first four games on his way to winning it. After that McEnroe never got back into the game and was constantly let down by his usually devastating first serve.

The Swede took full advantage of that with some superb backhand passing shots on the American’s second service. Wilander now faces the top seed, Ivan Lendl of Czechoslovakia, in the final. Lendl, still seeking his first grand slam tournament title, stormed into the final with a 6-1, 7-6, 6-3 win over the young American, Tim Mayotte. Apart from the $77,500 first prize, Wilander and Lendl will both be chasing the top spot on the bonus pool standings. Whoever wins the final on Sunday wins the bonus pool and collects a massive $600,000, with $400,000 for the runnerup.