Edberg Saves Match Points to Beat Ivanisevic for Zurich Title
by David Law
Stefan Edberg once again came back from the brink of defeat at the BNP Paribas Zurich Open to dash the title dreams of Goran Ivanisevic and lift his second ATP Champions Tour winner’s trophy. Edberg, who saved match points in his round-robin match against John McEnroe earlier in the week, again had the unenviable task of facing two match points, this time on the Ivanisevic serve before winning 3-6, 6-3, 12-10 (Champions’ Tie Break).
After the match Edberg, who now moves to joint first position in the South African Airways rankings, expressed his delight at adding another trophy to his already well-stocked cabinet.
“All wins are special and I am very happy to win here today,” he said. “It was nice when I got my first ATP Champions Tour win in Paris because I hadn’t played tournaments for 10 years and this one is definitely special as well.”
Edberg also spoke highly of his week spent at the BNP Paribas Zurich Open, an event which has been attended by more than 13,000 people over the five days of the event.
“Switzerland is a very nice country and I feel comfortable here,” he said. “The atmosphere is great here and it’s one of the best places in the world to play tennis because the crowds are always very knowledgeable and they appreciate tennis which makes you feel very good on the court. That’s what makes a tournament really special.”
Ivanisevic, who next week will be playing at the Seguros Bolivar Champions Tennis in Bogota, was hugely disappointed not to be leaving Zurich as the Champion.
“I am very upset with myself because I didn’t expect to lose today,” he said. “I started well, I served well and I felt good. Then I started pushing the ball and missing easy shots. In the tiebreak he played a few really good volleys and I didn’t take my chances. Stefan is a great player, he plays good but I’m very frustrated with myself today.”
In the match to decide 3rd and 4th place in the BNP Paribas Zurich Open, 1996 Wimbledon Champion Richard Krajicek brushed aside the challenge of former World Number One Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-3, 6-2. The Dutchman now moves into fifth place in the South African Airways Rankings, with Kafelnikov taking up joint seventh position.
Also Check Out:
Edberg Saves Match Points to Beat McEnroe at Zurich
John McEnroe — Fighting Fit at 51
Tennis Fans Miss Out on Sampras, McEnroe at Blackrock Masters
Ivanisevic Says English Football has Jumped the Shark, Croatia Better
Paths of Greatest Resistance: The Toughest Tennis Draws Conquered at the 4 Grand Slams in the Since 1988
