Mats Wilander outclassed Pat Cash in legends group – Statoil Masters Tennis 2012
Former world number one, Mats Wilander, made an epic comeback to shock the 1987 Wimbledon Champion, Pat Cash, in a three-set thriller at the Statoil Masters Tennis 2012 on Wednesday. He summed up a 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 victory against the Australian icon in the legends group at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Champions Tour event taking place in London, Great Britain.
The Swedish legend recreated his magic to overpower Cash. He made a drastic start but quickly found his rhythm in the second set. After bagging this match, Wilander inched closer towards the prize money at these British courts.
Wilander was quoted in a courtside interview after recording this victory, "At the end of that first set I was nervous believe it or not! I choked a bit and then suddenly he had won the first set 6-4. It felt good though. I love this court. It's great for serve and volley… so we should see some great tennis this week."
The former world number four, Cash made a strong start at the Royal Albert Hall. He drew the first blood early in the set to take the initial lead. The Aussie held his composure and bagged his remaining serves, eventually carving out the opener with a 6-4 success.
Wilander rebounded in the following set. He smoothly slid his entire serves with conviction and after getting the breakthrough near the end, the Swede plucked the equaliser with a 6-3 score line.
The 48-year-old carried his rhythm in the Champions’ Tie Breaker. He dominated in it and eventually sealed the decider with a 10-6 win.
The former Australian number one was pleased with the number of fans watching their match. He also praised the venue and reflected, "It's amazing that on a Wednesday afternoon, two 48-year-olds are playing tennis in front of a pretty much packed house in the Royal Albert Hall. That's the beauty of this event and the Royal Albert Hall, it's special.”
Wilander will next face the former world number five, Henri Leconte from France, on Friday afternoon. Cash on the other hand will take on the French legend on Thursday afternoon.
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