John McEnroe overpowers Jeremy Bates to take lead – Statoil Masters Tennis 2012
Former world number one, John McEnroe, got the better of the local challenger, Jeremy Bates, in straight sets at the Statoil Masters Tennis 2012, an ATP Champions Tour event taking place in London, Great Britain.
The American legend nudged up a 6-4, 6-1 score line against Bates to take lead in his group. The players last battled each other at the final showdown in this event four years ago when Bates edged past the American after prevailing 11-9 in the Champions’
Tie-Break. After this loss, McEnroe left this ATP Champions Tour event.
However, McEnroe made an emphatic return this season and avenged his loss. He is now bidding for the title and the prize money here.
The American icon stated in a courtside interview after winning the match, “It’s incredible to play here, it’s the best spot on the Tour, and I thought I was done (four years ago). A couple of years away gave me some perspective, my legs felt healthier to
let me get back here again, and I hope I can lift something up - a cup or a trophy - at the end. If I can have a bit of fun, compete still, play like I think I can and serve like I did today, it’s going to be pretty tough to beat me.”
McEnroe made a comfortable entry at the Royal Albert Hall. He smoothly held his entire serves and got the breakthrough in the last game, eventually sealing the opener by winning six games to four.
The 53-year-old moved up a gear in the proceeding set. He drew the first blood in the opening game and jumped to a 2-0 lead. After Bates held his serve in the third game, the American pocketed the proceeding four games and eventually clinched the set with
a breadstick.
McEnroe will face off Guy Forget on Friday evening. Forget replaced Ivan Lendl yesterday who pulled out form the tournament with hip and knee injury.
Later that day, Henri Leconte showed brilliant skills to triumph over Pat Cash in straight sets. The French legend recorded a 6-3, 6-2 score line against the Wimbledon Champion.
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