1985 Australian Open

Australian Open 1985: First Round: The tournament comprised ninety-six players. An overwhelming majority of the top players had a bonus as they were allowed to skip the first round. The promising British players who did not receive a bye in the opening round were soon shown the door. The exit of the English players from the second round excluded the veteran John Lloyd. The former Australian Open champion Mark Edmondson was a ghost of himself as he too lost in the first round. John Alexander, John Fitzgerald, Guy Forget, Peter McNamara and Bill Scanlon too did not make it to the second round. Second Round: In the second round there were some interesting matches. Ivan Lendl overcame Leonardo Lavalle in a tough four-setter. Ben Testerman, a semifinalist in the previous year at this championship, got rid of Brian Teacher, the 1980 Australian Open Champion in four sweltering sets. The elegant Englishman John Lloyd eliminated the Czech Tomas Smid in four sets. Two time former finalist at this championship namely Steve Denton was ousted by the Swiss Jakob Hlasek. Joakim Nystrom, Brad Gilbert and John Frawley advanced to the third round while the New Zealander Chris Lewis was removed from the tournament by Tim Gullikson. Big-serving David Pate also got booted out of the tournament in the second round. Henrik Sundstrom suffered the same fate as Pate, Lewis and Denton. Wally Masur and Matt Anger were victorious in tough encounters. The Wimbledon champion Boris Becker was served a bombshell by the obscure and outrageously tall Dutchman Michiel Schapers, who outlasted Becker in a five set thriller. Becker’s debacle was a bolt out of the blue for everyone. Stefan Edberg cruised to the third round. His victim was Bud Schultz. Tim Mayotte won in straight sets over Mark Dickson. Johan Kriek, Mark Woodforde and Paul Annacone had difficult four set wins over their opponents but were happy to reach the third round. Leif Shiras reached the third round after a miraculous escape against Marc Flur. Mats Wilander, the defending champion needed four sets to overcome Gary Muller of South Africa. The huge serving Serb Slobodan Zivojinovic defenestrated Scott Davis. Earlier in the year at Wimbledon, Zivojinovic’s mammoth serves crushed Mats Wilander’s hopes of winning Wimbledon. The swashbuckling southpaw Henri Leconte of France decimated Amos Mansdorf. Another southpaw that is the mercurial genius John McEnroe outplayed Danie Visser and cemented his place in the third round. Third Round: In the third round Christo Steyn knocked out Brad Gilbert. Steyn would now meet the world’s number one player Ivan Lendl in the fourth round. Lendl, in his stead, had taken out Ben Testerman in a four setter. John Lloyd threw Jakob Hlasek out of the tournament while the stoic Swede Joakim Nystrom ended the hopes of John Frawley. Lloyd and Nystrom would clash in the fourth round. Schapers, the vanquisher of Boris Becker, continued his dream run by making it to the fourth round while Tim Gullikson ended the aspirations of Darren Cahill, the conqueror of David Pate. Schapers would meet Gullikson in the fourth round. The workmanlike Wally Masur dashed the hopes of Broderick Dyke. Masur came back strongly after losing the first set. Masur had set up a fourth round rendezvous with the Swedish serve and volley artist Stefan Edberg. Edberg, too like Masur, had won his third round match in four sets, albeit in much more difficult circumstances. Edberg lost the first set against Matt Anger of America and was in dire straits when he was 1-5 down in the second set. Edberg was on the verge of being two sets down when his Viking warrior spirit rose to the occasion. Edberg rebounded formidably to win the second set in a tiebreaker. Edberg’s willpower helped him win the third and fourth sets. It was a grueling but satisfying win for Edberg. Johan Kriek won his match in straight sets. He eviscerated Peter Doohan. The defending champion and tournament favorite Mats Wilander made short work of Leif Shiras. Wilander looked in ominous touch as he blitzed into the fourth round. Wilander and Kriek had both won the Australian Open twice and seemed to be strong contenders for this year’s trophy. They both had made it to the round of sixteen. They were also in the same quarterfinal draw. It remained to be seen whether they would meet. Meanwhile, Tim Mayotte did not have an easy match against Roberto Saad. Mayotte finally prevailed in a four set match. Slobodan Zivojinovic had a hard match against Mike De Palmer. The former defeated the latter in a comeback after losing the first set in a tiebreaker. Zivojinovic would now meet Mayotte in the round of sixteen. It would be a match between two big serve and volley exponents. Mayotte and Zivojinovic were also two guys to look out for after the premature ouster of Wimbledon champion Boris Becker from the Australian Open. Henri Leconte won in straight sets against John Sadri to advance to the fourth round. Nevertheless, the score did not tell the full story. It was a close match where the classy Leconte got the better of Sadri. Leconte would meet John McEnroe in the fourth round. McEnroe had a serene encounter against the Nigerian Nduka Odizor. McEnroe dispatched Odizor from the championship after losing the first set to the latter. A fourth round bout between the two talented southpaws, McEnroe and Leconte, promised to be a clash between the present and future tenses of tennis. Fourth Round: The round of sixteen witnessed some spectacular matches. There were other matches too, which were not so good. In fact, some of them were rather ordinary. Lendl had a relatively easy encounter against Christo Steyn. Lendl, the US Open champ, marched into the quarterfinals. Schapers walked into the quarterfinals as Tim Gullikson retired from the Open. Johan Kriek smashed Jay Lapidus and roared into the quarters. Wilander waltzed past Wilkison to the quarters where he would meet Kriek. Wilander had knocked the stuffing out of Kriek in the 1983 and 1984 Australian Open. Kriek would surely want to avenge that. In a battle of big servers, Zivojinovic outgunned Tim Mayotte to reach the quarters. Zivojinovic’s fairytale continued as he once again came back from a first set deficit to triumph over the genteel American. Zivojinovic was growing in stature and was a menacing prospect for anyone who stood in his path to the crown. This match was above average but not memorable in any sense of the word. In a memorable match, the Brit John Lloyd was pitted against the Swede Joakim Nystrom. The Englishman won a nail-biting contest against Nystrom, the Scandinavian with a deadpan expression on his face. In a sizzling contest, Lloyd was sharper and edged out Nystrom in a five set tug of war. Lloyd displayed incredible grit, guts and gumption as he overcame the poker faced Nordic warrior. In a lamentable and gloomy open for the English, Lloyd’s pugnacious performance was the only silver lining for them. Chris Evert, the iconic queen of tennis and the wife of John Lloyd, was also immensely proud of her husband’s marquee fighting spirit. Lloyd’s opponent in the quarters would be none other than the bullish Ivan Lendl, who was craving to lift the trophy at the Australian Open. Lloyd was aware that he would have his hands full in the quarters. A superb match was played between the workhorse Wally Masur, a muscular Australian serve and volley player, and the suave Stefan Edberg, the Swede who had not yet done justice to his awesome athleticism and precocious prowess on the tennis court. In a match that was as hard as nails, oscillated back and forth, Edberg edged out Masur and drove Australian tennis fans into a deep well of disappointment and depression. Edberg lost the first set to Masur in a tiebreaker. Masur took Edberg to the cleaners in the second set. The third set was the pivotal set. This set was very, very, very close. The set culminated in a tiebreaker where Masur had the upper hand. The Aussie had two match points. Unfortunately, his efforts to convert those match points were futile. Edberg saved the match points and won the tiebreak by a whisker. The Swede was slightly fortunate to win the third set in a seesawing tiebreaker. The fourth set was tough where the talented Edberg displayed considerable fortitude to win. The fifth set saw a supremely confident and robust Edberg overpower Masur. Edberg roughed out a tough match. He grinded out Masur and savored the sweet success of a valiant victory. Edberg overcame the uphill and improbable task of coming back to life from the jaws of death. At two sets down and facing multiple match points in the third set, Edberg was on the brink of the precipice. Somehow, through a marvelous combination of tenacity, courage, strength and resolve, Edberg got back to a safe situation and ultimately clinched the match. The miraculous and marvelous demonstration of courage and character under fire would definitely stand him in good stead in the future. He had also defied his detractors with this gallant and heroic win. Many of his detractors had dismissively labeled him as diffident and spineless. Edberg’s epic win over Masur was a slap in their faces. This win would be a part of the folklore of Swedish tennis. Edberg would meet Michiel Schapers in the quarters. Notwithstanding Edberg’s fantastic comeback from the depths of the dark abyss, the best match in the round of sixteen was played between the legendary John McEnroe and the maverick Henri Leconte. In the third game of the first set McEnroe broke Leconte to go up 2-1 with razor-sharp returns. Leconte bungled a few volleys to lose his serve. McEnroe drew first blood. There were no more breaks till the eighth game. McEnroe was serving at 4-3. It is then that Leconte unfurled some scorching service returns and piercing passing shots that burnt and cut McEnroe. McEnroe was clueless in dealing with Leconte’s rapier like returns. Leconte had broken back at 4-4. Ultimately, Leconte broke McEnroe again in the twelfth game with some ravishing returns to snap up the first set 7-5. Leconte’s backhand returns especially crosscourt were a sight to behold. A factor that aided Leconte to win the first set was his higher first serve percentage. Leconte hit spectacular serves and venomous volleys. His backhand was functioning as smoothly as a well-lubricated machine. In the second set, games went with serve until the fourth game when Leconte broke McEnroe’s vaunted serves to go up 3-1. McEnroe missed a lot of first serves in that game. Leconte pounced on McEnroe’s second serves and ripped them apart with some swashbuckling service returns and penetrating passing shots. It was the same story as the first set. Like the first set, Leconte was also returning McEnroe’s first serves with punch and grace. After breaking McEnroe, Leconte easily held his service game at love and stormed to a 4-1 lead. Leconte was starting to exude an air of invincibility while McEnroe appeared to be out of sorts on that particular day. McEnroe’s misery was compounded as he was serving at 1-4 and suddenly went down 15-40. Nonetheless, McEnroe survived Leconte’s robust challenge. Magical McEnroe staved off two break points and made it deuce. The American then hit two superb serves to bail himself out of trouble. At 4-2, Leconte shot himself in the foot with a couple of unpardonable double faults. McEnroe regrouped himself and struck stunning service returns to bamboozle Leconte. McEnroe broke Leconte. It was 4-3 in favor of Leconte as McEnroe would serve next. McEnroe’s marquee serve and volley display in the next game leveled the scores at 4-4. There were no more breaks of serve and the score reached a tiebreaker. McEnroe won the tiebreaker with good serves and his unbelievable skills and prowess at the net. He demonstrated super shots at the net that comprised volleys, half volleys and overhead smashes. It was now one set all. McEnroe had dug deep and brought the match back on an even keel. In the third set there was no drama till the seventh game. At 3-3 with McEnroe serving, Leconte’s ballistic backhand was instrumental in breaking the famed McEnroe serve. Leconte’s backhand service returns stunned McEnroe. McEnroe was nonplussed. It was 4-3 in favor of Leconte. Leconte made it 5-3 with splendid serves and vicious volleys. At 3-5, McEnroe served to stay in the set. Again, Leconte’s rapid-fire returns off his backhand flattened McEnroe. Leconte broke McEnroe in the latter’s back-to-back service games to win the third set 6-3. Leconte was now leading by two sets to one. In the fourth game of the fourth set, Leconte executes perfect service returns, passing shots and lobs to gain an early break. Leconte once again broke McEnroe’s service with impunity. The Frenchman Leconte had made early inroads in the fourth set. At 3-1, Leconte serves splendidly and follows them with sharp smashes and vintage volleys to brave a late storm by McEnroe. Notwithstanding a barrage of backhand returns by the melancholic McEnroe, Leconte holds firm and weathers a belated onslaught by McEnroe with grit and guile. It is 4-1 in favor of Leconte. Leconte, the Frenchman, is only a couple of games away from gaining a berth in the quarterfinal. McEnroe, the American, uses his reserves of willpower and wins his service game. It is 4-2. The American is still a service break down to the Frenchman. The former is hanging by a thread and is swiftly running out of time. In the next game, Leconte’s fragile nerves become amply apparent as he fails to hold his service game. McEnroe breaks back and makes it 4-3. It is again back on serve. In the eighth game, Leconte’s formidable forehand service returns and passing shots nearly enabled him to break back but he comes up slightly short. McEnroe hangs in tough to make it 4-4. The next four games go with service. At 6-6, the tiebreaker would decide who would win the set and match. Leconte raced to a 5-1 lead in the breaker. He was up with two mini-breaks courtesy of very good serve and volley tennis. A double fault by McEnroe inevitably did not hurt Leconte. Handsome Henri needed to win only two more points to win now and shut the door in McEnroe’s face. It seemed like curtains for McEnroe. It is then that the unthinkable happened. Leconte made unnecessary unforced errors. He botched simple volleys. These colossal blunders combined with McEnroe’s time tested capability to perform when the chips were down cost Leconte the fourth set. McEnroe won six points in a row to win the tiebreaker 7-5. It was now two sets all and it was Even Stevens once again. This was completely in sync with Leconte’s deep disappointment and profound heartbreak. The Frenchman had lost the momentum by losing the fourth set tiebreak. The loss of two tiebreakers was on his mind and starting to weigh him down. McEnroe had a sliver of an advantage going into the fifth set, as he would serve first. In contrast to the diffident Leconte, McEnroe was on a roll and simply brimming with confidence after snatching victory in the tiebreaker from the jaws of defeat. In the opening game, McEnroe held his serve to open his account in the last set. Leconte, serving at 0-1 in his opening service game, was broken at once. McEnroe broke Leconte comfortably at 15. The American harried Leconte with a combination of rampant returns and a delectable topspin forehand lob. McEnroe was now leading 2-0. McEnroe served strongly to make it 3-0. He served two aces in the third game. At 0-3, Leconte was looking down the barrel of the gun. Nevertheless, Leconte opened his account. He finally managed to hold on to his service with some exceptional serve and volley tennis. It was 3-1 in favor of McEnroe, who then held his serve at love. McEnroe now led Leconte 4-1 and were simply two games away from meeting the huge serving Slobodan Zivojinovic in the round of eight. The choleric American added insult to injury by breaking Leconte’s serve again. McEnroe jumped to a 5-1 lead. He had struck a body blow to Leconte. McEnroe smacked insouciant service returns with consummate ease and exceptional nonchalance. A baffled Leconte had no answers to McEnroe’s supreme service returns. McEnroe had gotten a vice-like grip over Leconte in the last set with a double service break. Leconte was in the doldrums. In the next game, McEnroe’s serve faced some resistance from Leconte but the Frenchman’s efforts were a futile endeavor. The resistance was too little and came far too late. McEnroe closed out the match in style by serving an ace. He won the last set 6-1. The Leconte-McEnroe encounter was fantastic. It was a fascinating match that had plenty of twists and turns. It exhilarated and entertained anyone who was fortunate enough to watch such a scintillating spectacle of grass court tennis at its best. Leconte just wilted under pressure. It was sad to see Leconte betray his nerves and lose his fighting spirit in the final set after spilling his chances in the tiebreaker of the penultimate set. Leconte’s fruitless exercise in crying over spilt milk sounded the death knell for him. In contrast to an enervated and outgunned Leconte, McEnroe displayed calm and composure. Notwithstanding the Frenchman’s dominance in the first four sets, McEnroe doggedly went on and on. The American displayed solid nerves of steel that helped him to overcome a likely prospect of defeat at the hands of the flamboyant Frenchman. McEnroe played the key points better than Leconte and steamrolled the latter in the last set. McEnroe was contented to win the match and set up a rendezvous with Zivojinovic in the quarterfinal. The match lived up to its expectation. It was the best match in the fourth round beyond a shadow of doubt in anyone’s mind. It was a grievous sight for tennis aficionados that such a tremendous match would be a zero-sum game like all matches. There was a winner and a loser. The winner took it all while the loser took the fall. One man’s dismay was another man’s ecstasy. It called forth lachrymose sentimentality to see the loser exit the tournament. The winner knew that the match could have gone either way. The winner also was aware that he was lucky to scrape through to the round of eight. In the quarterfinals, Lendl had a comfortable straight-set win over the Englishman John Lloyd. Lendl won the first set against the Brit in a tiebreaker. The Czech took John Lloyd to the cleaners in sets two and three. Like Lendl, Edberg and Wilander too won their quarterfinal matches in straight sets. They disposed off their hapless opponents without much trouble. Edberg burst the bubble of Michiel Schapers. Edberg served superbly and combined it with wise volleys to get rid of Schapers, who had become the talk of the town after upsetting Boris Becker, the Wimbledon Champion. Schapers was just a spoiler who made things easier for Edberg by eliminating Becker. Edberg taught Schapers an expensive lesson in grass court tennis. The Swede Edberg would meet Ivan Lendl in the semis. Meanwhile, Mats Wilander continued his relentless domination over Johan Kriek by crushing the latter’s hopes successively for the third time at the Australian Open. Wilander poured cold water over Kriek’s hopes for a third Australian Open by knocking him out in straight sets. Wilander, the defending champion, was peaking at the right time and seemed simply unstoppable in his quest to retain his Australian Open. Mats would meet either McEnroe or Zivojinovic in the semis. The McEnroe-Zivojinovic quarterfinal match was another classic match like the McEnroe-Leconte tussle. Both McEnroe and Zivojinovic played competitive tennis. In the first set, McEnroe was in majestic form. His confidence had soared after his impressive and incredible five-set victory over Leconte. In the first set, McEnroe steamrolled Zivojinovic like he was playing a sixth set against Leconte. The pugnacious New Yorker served and volleyed very well. McEnroe also hit terrific service returns and electric passing shots that confounded Zivojinovic. Zivojinovic was subjected to a barrage of great strokes that took the wind out of him in the first set. The Serb capitulated to a domineering McEnroe in the first set. McEnroe broke Zivojinovic thrice in the first set. Zivojinovic could break the American only once in the first set. McEnroe broke Zivojinovic in the second and sixth games of the first set to gain a dominant 5-1 lead. In the seventh game as McEnroe tried to serve out the first set, Zivojinovic resisted successfully by breaking the bellicose American’s serve. It was now 5-2 in favor of McEnroe with Zivojinovic’s chance to serve to stay in the set. Nonetheless, McEnroe immediately broke back Zivojinovic to seal the first set 6-2. In the opening game of the second set, John held on to his serve to lead 1-0. In the next game on Zivojinovic’s serve, McEnroe secured an early break to go up to a 2-0 lead. In the next game, McEnroe holds on to his serve to lead 3-0. Zivojinovic has not yet made his mark in the second set after losing the first set 2-6. Finally, in the fourth game of the second set, Zivojinovic holds on to his serve to make it 3-1. In spite of opening his account in the second set, the Serb is still a break down in the second set. As the tall Slav is already a set down and under duress in the second set, it looks like McEnroe will play Wilander in the semis. Just when it looks like the match is a foregone conclusion, the unexpected happens. Zivojinovic pulls off some sensational returns to break McEnroe’s inscrutable serve. It is now 2-3 and the set is back on serve. Zivojinovic serves strongly to make it 3-3. In the seventh game, Zivojinovic struck breathtaking backhand returns to break again much to McEnroe’s chagrin. Zivojinovic served robustly to make it 5-3. In the ninth game, Zivojinovic hit splendid service returns to break McEnroe thrice successfully in the set. From a deficit of 0-3, Zivojinovic had turned the tables around by winning the second set 6-3. An analysis of the second set would reveal that McEnroe lost the second set as he missed many first serves and committed some double faults. Notwithstanding McEnroe’s shortcomings, full credit needs to be given to Zivojinovic as he unleashed a torrent of terrific returns at McEnroe. Zivojinovic blitzkrieged unbelievable service returns and piercing passing shots much to the dismay of a stunned McEnroe. Zivojinovic served huge in the second set and followed them with venomous volleys. In the third set, Zivojinovic would begin proceedings. Zivojinovic was on a roll and was looking invincible then. Although it was one set each, Zivojinovic had the edge in the match. Zivojinovic served big to go up 1-0 in the third set. In the opening game of the third set, Zivojinovic’s volleys were conspicuous. McEnroe soon reciprocated with a strong serve and volley exposition to make it 1-1. In the third game, McEnroe hits electrifying service returns and passing shots to break Zivojinovic. Zivojinovic’s erroneous volleys were costly. McEnroe leads 2-1 with an early break. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to hold on to this early break in the third set or squander the advantage just like he did in the second set. McEnroe held on to his service game with ease to move to 3-1. Nevertheless, from then onwards, McEnroe showed no signs of complacency or distraction unlike the second set. McEnroe pancaked Zivojinovic in the next three games. In two out of these three games, McEnroe again broke Zivojinovic. McEnroe won the third set 6-1 by breaking Zivojinovic’s serve thrice in a row. McEnroe simply displayed a clinic of magnificent service returns, precise passing shots, well-placed approach shots and infallible volleys. Zivojinovic botched plenty of volleys and messed up his groundstrokes to hand back the initiative to McEnroe. McEnroe had rebounded strongly from the loss of the second set. McEnroe was up by two sets to one and had regained the momentum in the match. In the first game of the fourth set, Zivojinovic struck stupendous service returns, a lovely lob and a panzer-like passing shot to break McEnroe’s serve. Zivojinovic had secured an early break in the fourth set and would now serve at 1-0. Zivojinovic surges to a 2-0 lead with powerful serving. In the third game, McEnroe holds serve. At 2-1, Zivojinovic’s monstrous serve bails him out of trouble as he is under siege from McEnroe’s returns. McEnroe could not capitalize on his opportunities and the Serb Slobodan Zivojinovic maintains a lead of 3-1. In the fifth game, McEnroe demonstrates perfect serve and volley tennis to hold at love and make it 3-2. Zivojinovic would serve at 3-2 with a break up. The next three games went with serve. It was 5-3 in favor of Zivojinovic. In the next game, McEnroe would serve and try to salvage the fourth set. Zivojinovic struck lightning service returns and thunderous passing shots to gain a set point in the ninth game on McEnroe’s serve, but it was in vain. McEnroe’s experience came to the fore as he saved the set point and won the game through sheer willpower and determination. It was 5-4 and the Serb would try now to serve out the set. Zivojinovic hit ballistic serves in the tenth game. He followed his bazooka serves with beautifully punched high volleys to clinch the fourth set 6-4. It was two sets all and the momentum had shifted back to Zivojinovic. McEnroe would start proceedings in the fifth set. Like the fourth set, Zivojinovic broke McEnroe’s serve in the first game of the fifth set with a string of stinging service returns to which McEnroe had no answer. It remained to be seen whether the fifth set would be an encore of the fourth. On his own serve, Zivojinovic blasted thunderbolts to hold with ease and go up 2-0. At 0-2, McEnroe was once again in strife as Zivojinovic repeated his array of dazzling strokes. Zivojinovic relentlessly returned McEnroe’s serves with ferocity and speed. Zivojinovic combined these with passing shots and reflex volleys to knock the stuffing out of McEnroe again. Zivojinovic led 3-0 in the final set. He had a double break of serve. In the next game, Zivojinovic struck bombastic serves, stylish smashes and exquisite volleys to take a commanding 4-0 lead in the final set. McEnroe is definitely in hot water. McEnroe’s morale has taken a beating and he seems to be unraveling. A combination of inept serving by McEnroe and proficient returns by Zivojinovic helps the latter break the former’s serve for the third time in a row in the final set. The Serb takes an unassailable 5-0 lead in the last set and will now try to serve out the match. Zivojinovic is on the cusp of an epic five set win. Zivojinovic serves cannonballs to move up 40-15 and gain two match points. He has served two aces in this game including an ace off a second serve. McEnroe nets a spitfire serve by Zivojinovic to hand a win to the tall Serbian. Zivojinovic bagels McEnroe in the final set to add insult to the injury borne by the latter. This is indeed a big feather in Zivojinovic’s cap. This is the biggest victory recorded by Zivojinovic. It will be a memorable one for him. Semi-Finals: In the first semifinal, the defending champion Mats Wilander decimated Slobodan Zivojinovic in straight sets. Wilander demolished Zivojinovic 7-5 6-1 6-3 and reached the men’s final. The first set was competitive. Wilander, after winning the crucial first set, flattened Zivojinovic in the next two sets. Wilander ended Zivojinovic’s dream run at the Australian Open. Many had expected Zivojinovic to upset Wilander but their expectations were in vain. Wilander also avenged his four set loss to Zivojinovic in the first round at Wimbledon earlier in the year. There was concern about Wilander’s injured elbow in the press although the stoic and phlegmatic Swede gave short shrift to the matter. The second semifinal witnessed tennis of epic proportions. It was a clash between world number one and US Open champion Ivan Lendl and world number six Stefan Edberg. It promised to be a match of contrasting styles as Edberg’s aggressive serve and volley style of play would contend against Lendl’s defensive style of play from the baseline. The two had met three times before. Lendl led 2-1 in their head to head. In their first meeting, Lendl had won a tough match on the fast indoor carpet at Rotterdam. In their first meeting at 1985, Edberg defeated Lendl in straight sets at the inaugural Miami Open. Later in the year at Dallas, Lendl had overcome a gritty Edberg in a marathon five set encounter. Nonetheless, this was their first collision on grass. Lendl was favored to win the match but Edberg’s game was more suited to grass than Lendl. Lendl had a relatively ease time in reaching the semis while Edberg had taken the harder road. Edberg had barely survived against Wally Masur and Matt Anger. However, he walked into the Kooyong Grass Courts with aplomb after overcoming huge hurdles in his path. This was the first time Edberg played in the semis of a Grand Slam. Nevertheless, he had his hands full as his canny, unsmiling and unrelenting opponent was ready to give him a stern test. It didn’t get any tougher than that. A detailed recap of the match will be given below. Edberg wins first game easily at love with great serves. It is 1-0 in favor of Edberg. In the next game, Lendl wins first point on his serve with a delicate forehand drop volley. The Czech loses the next point when he misses a forehand half volley. It is 15-15. It is 30-15 as Edberg misses a crosscourt forehand pass. Edberg makes it 30-30 with a classic offensive topspin down the line forehand lob. Lendl wins the next two points on his serve with two great angular service winners. It is 1-1. Edberg again wins his service game at love with decent serves and an array of fine forehand volleys. Edberg looks very sharp. Lendl is having difficulty returning the serves of his opponent. In the next game, Lendl again serves and volleys well but Edberg is up to the task. He hits three scintillating on the run passing shot winners to get a break point. Nonetheless Lendl holds on with his big serves. It is 2-2 but Lendl looks uneasy. Edberg wins a tough game on his serve as Lendl hits razor sharp returns but the Swede's strong serve coupled with some good volleys helps him hang on to his serve. Lendl is trailing 2-3 and will serve next. It is 0-40 on Lendl's serve as Edberg's backhand returns are spot on. Lendl is clueless when it comes to returning the backhand of the young Scandinavian. Lendl saves the first break point with a high kicking serve to Edberg's backhand side. It is 15-40. Lendl serves at the body of Edberg. Edberg hits an inside out forehand service return crosscourt. Lendl hits a good forehand volley that Edberg manages to lob. Lendl hits a crosscourt backhand smash that is intercepted by Edberg. Edberg hits a classic running backhand pass down the line. Lendl stretches to his right to hit an excellent crosscourt forehand stretch volley. It is 30-40 and there is still one more breakpoint to save. Lendl hits two excellent angular serves to save the breakpoint first and then secure an advantage to himself on his serve. An excellent crosscourt backhand pass return winner brings the score back to deuce. Edberg wins the next point and gets another breakpoint on Lendl's serve. Lendl makes it deuce with a big serve. Two points later it is again deuce. Lendl wins his service game finally with some classic volleys. It is 3-3 and Lendl is holding on with the skin of his teeth. In the next game first there is a strong serve by Edberg to the backhand of Lendl. Lendl hits a high backhand return to Edberg forehand wing. Edberg hits a great deep high crosscourt forehand volley incisively to Lendl forehand wing. Lendl commits a forehand forced error. It is 15-0 in favor of Edberg. The Swede again serves to Lendl backhand wing. Lendl hits a high service return that Edberg volleys deep into the crosscourt. Nonetheless Lendl hits an outstanding high backhand lob winner. Edberg only marvels at Lendl half volley lob return. It is 15-15. Edberg kicks his serve to Lendl's forehand. Lendl hits his topspin forehand service return wide outside. It is 30-15. Edberg makes it 40-15 by hitting an angular serve to Lendl's backhand. Lendl hits a high crosscourt backhand service return that Edberg easily volleys with his backhand for a winner. Edberg serves one flat down the middle fast to Lendl's backhand. Lendl's service return presents Edberg with an easy forehand volley. Edberg hits a decent forehand volley that Lendl is unable to pass. Edberg has held on to his serve successfully without any fuss again. It is 4-3 with Edberg in the lead but it is still on serve in the middle of the first set. Lendl serves to Edberg backhand. Edberg hits an under spin backhand service return and goes towards the net. Lendl half volleys a backhand crosscourt to Edberg. Edberg reciprocates by a half volleyed backhand down the line of his own. Lendl uses a forehand half volley down the line for a return that is placed at the right elevation for Edberg to hit a dolly backhand volley winner. It is 0-15. It is 15-15 when Lendl wisely serves one down the line to Edberg forehand and the latter hits his forehand service return out of the court. Lendl serves to the Edberg backhand. Edberg hits a punishing crosscourt flat backhand service return. Lendl hits a decent running forehand return that Edberg slices crosscourt with his backhand. Lendl flicks a crosscourt backhand pass that is deftly volleyed crosscourt by Edberg. Lendl loses his footing on the grass and makes an erroneous backhand pass. It is 15-30. Lendl serves very deep and angular into Edberg's backhand that the latter returns with flair. Lendl hits a magnificently angular and deep forehand volley that Edberg is unable to pass on the run with his forehand. It is 30-30. Lendl cleverly serves one wide into Edberg's vulnerable forehand that the Swedish teen clumsily nets. It is 40-30. Lendl has a game point. Lendl again serves powerfully and wide into the corner but this time to Edberg's backhand and pays dearly as the Swede hits a devastating crosscourt backhand service return that the Czech can barely touch. It is deuce. Lendl serves down the middle to Edberg backhand. Edberg hits a high backhand return of serve down the line that Lendl expertly volleys with his backhand. It is Advantage Lendl. It is back to deuce as Lendl serves wide into the corner where Edberg whips a backhand service return winner down the line. Lendl is not playing smartly by continuously targeting Edberg's ballistic backhand. Edberg is teeing off on Lendl's serves that are directed to his backhand wing. Lendl serves again senselessly to Edberg backhand wing. Edberg cracks a backhand return of serve straight down the middle that Lendl weakly volleys only for Edberg to rush to the net and hit a forehand passing shot winner. It is Advantage Edberg and a breakpoint for the youngster. At last, Lendl serves one to Edberg forehand. Edberg's forehand return is weak and is set up for Lendl to unleash his vicious forehand. It is deuce. Lendl serves to the backhand side of the Swede. The Swede hits a good return of serve that Lendl punches marvelously for a winner with his forehand volley. It is Advantage Lendl. Lendl serves again into Edberg backhand but stays rooted to the baseline for a change. Edberg hits an excellent service return down the line that is returned by Lendl for a hard struck crosscourt forehand. Edberg manages to hit a weak forehand return crosscourt to Lendl forehand. Lendl is only too pleased to hit a classic crosscourt forehand return to Edberg forehand side. Edberg commits an error on his forehand wing to give the longest game of the match so far to Lendl. It is 4-4. Edberg wins the first point on his serve next game when Lendl hits a wayward forehand service return. It is 15-0. Edberg makes it 30-0 when Lendl bungles a flat backhand return of serve. Edberg serves superbly to Lendl whose forehand service return is lackluster and prone to error again. It is 40-0 and Edberg is in a purple patch on his service. On Edberg’s serve, Lendl whacks a flat backhand service return down the line. Edberg attempts a low forehand volley that is unable to clear the net. It is 40-15. Edberg serves down the middle to the backhand side of Ivan Lendl. Lendl hits a crisp backhand service return only to be surpassed by a crisper crosscourt backhand volley of Edberg that Lendl cannot pass. Edberg now leads 5-4. Lendl will have to serve now to stay in the set. In the 10th game of the match, Lendl uses the serve and volley tactic that he has been continuously using. Lendl serves to Edberg backhand like he has been throughout the set. Edberg hits a slice backhand return of serve that Lendl volleys with his backhand to perfection. It is 15-0. Lendl wins the next two points easily as Edberg makes two errors on his backhand service return. It is 40-0. Lendl serves to Edberg forehand. Edberg forehand return of serve is low and Lendl misses the low backhand volley. It is 40-15. Lendl makes it 5-5 with a corner service ace. Edberg wins the first point of the next game when he kicks his serve to Lendl's backhand and the world number one hits a topspin backhand service return long. It is 15-0. Edberg serves an ace down the middle and it is 30-0. Edberg serves swiftly into the corner and Lendl botches his forehand return of serve. 40-0. It is 40-15 as Edberg's serve down the middle is pummeled by Lendl's signature forehand for a return winner down the line. Edberg loses the next point when he muffs up a regulation forehand volley. It is 40-30. Edberg hits a wicked kick serve to Lendl's backhand wing. Lendl's backhand return is wide off the mark. Edberg is in the ascendancy at 6-5 and Lendl will have to hold serve again to take the set to a tiebreak. A great flat serve down the middle by Lendl sets up an easy forehand volley for him. Lendl volleys with ease to go up 15-0. Lendl serves to Edberg forehand. Edberg hits a crosscourt forehand service return winner that is simply awesome. 15-15. Lendl wins the next point by serving into the corner at Edberg forehand. Edberg is unable to return Lendl’s serve. It is 30-15. Lendl serves extremely deep into the corner but Edberg hits a classy crosscourt backhand return of serve that is volleyed with punch and grace by Lendl. Edberg's forehand lob on the run sails out of the singles court. It is 40-15. Lendl wraps up the game when Edberg chip and charge on Lendl serve fails. It is 6-6 and the first set will be decided by a tiebreak. Tie Breaker: Edberg serves first. He serves well to Lendl backhand wing. Lendl replies with a low crosscourt backhand return of serve. Edberg hits a low forehand volley deep that Lendl can only lob defensively. Edberg wins the point by hitting a terrific backhand smash. Edberg leads 1-0. Lendl will have the next two serves. Lendl wins the next two points easily on his serve with very well struck flat serves down the line. Lendl leads 2-1 but it is still on serve as it is Edberg who will serve next. Edberg hits a topspin serve well into the corner directed at Lendl backhand and rushes to the net for the volley but Lendl is up to the task as he belts a tremendous topspin crosscourt backhand service return winner to get a mini-break. Edberg fires a heavy serve down the line in the next point and Lendl smacks a devastating backhand service return at the feet of Edberg. Edberg hits a half volley, which is viciously returned by a flat backhand from Lendl that is targeted at Edberg body. Edberg mishandles a tough backhand volley, which goes far off the court. Lendl has a double break in the tiebreak and leads 4-1. Edberg wins a first point on Lendl serve. Lendl leads 4-2 now. Lendl hits a big serve to force an error on Edberg’s return of serve. Lendl leads 5-2. Lendl crushes Edberg’s serve with his crosscourt topspin backhand for a 6-2 lead. Edberg can barely touch the ball with his racket. It is set point for Lendl. Edberg wins the next point when he serves to Lendl forehand and the Czech hits a faulty forehand service return. Lendl still leads 6-3 with three set points intact. Lendl's powerful serve to Edberg backhand is returned equally powerfully. Lendl hits a fantastic low backhand volley. Edberg hits a running forehand pass down the line that is skillfully volleyed crosscourt by Lendl with his backhand to force a backhand return error from the Swede. Lendl wins the tiebreak and has pocketed the first set 7-6 (7-3) despite a scare. Second Set: Notwithstanding a couple of classic backhand returns from Edberg, Lendl overpowers Edberg with his serve and ground strokes off both sides to get to a 1-0 lead in the second set. It is still on serve but Edberg’s frustration is palpable. At 0-1 in the second set, Edberg served. Lendl hit two gorgeous service returns to threaten Edberg serve at 15-30. Nonetheless good serving and preternatural volleying by Edberg helped him hold on to his serve and make it 1-1. Lendl held on to his serve next game with some of his thunderbolt serves. At 1-2, Edberg had to serve after the 90 second break. Edberg’s serve was under siege in this game as Lendl hit stunning service returns. Lendl even had a breakpoint but could not convert as Edberg potent serve and even more, his finesse at the net helped him to hang on to his serve at 2-2. Lendl's unbelievable serves and decent volleys helped him get to a 3-2 lead in the second set. It was still on serve in the second set. Lendl looked comfortable in the second set while Edberg was struggling on his serve albeit holding on barely. In the next game, Edberg is on the edge of disaster as it is 0-40 on his serve. A pinpoint accurate topspin lob, a powerful pass and a blistering service return that is three tremendous responses from Lendl gives the Czech three breakpoints. Edberg saves the first one with an easy smash and makes it 15-40 on his serve. It is soon deuce as Lendl misses a backhand lob and botches a return of serve. Two strong serves by Edberg including an ace helps him make it 3-3. Lendl looks disappointed. Lendl holds his serve easily next game to lead 4-3. Edberg serves next. Edberg survives another close service game where he was down a breakpoint with some scorching serves. Lendl hit awesome service returns yet couldn't break the Swede's serve. Edberg's performance in the second set has gone down a notch from the first and his volleys look slightly vulnerable. Edberg's serve is good and consistent. It is 4-4. In the next game, Edberg hits good ground strokes and takes the score to 40-40 on Lendl's serve on two occasions but the teenager's effort is in vain as Lendl bails himself out of trouble with thunderous aces, defining service winners, great ground strokes and nimble net play. Lendl leads 5-4 and is just one game away from securing a two set to love lead in the semis. Edberg will have to hold his serve in the successive game to stay alive in the second set. He will be under pressure. Edberg holds serve at love with very good serves, incredible volleys and a screaming smash. It is 5-5. Lendl looks sloppy in his service game as he serves a double fault and then hits a loose forehand return to go down 0-30. He soon makes it 30-30 with a deadly drop volley and an ace down the middle. A service winner from Lendl makes it 40-30. Edberg appears frustrated. Lendl serves a second double fault in this game to make it deuce. Lendl serves well but Edberg's service return is sharp. Lendl hits a good backhand half volley but Edberg responds with a blazing backhand pass down the line that the Czech is unable to volley. It is Advantage Edberg. Lendl saves the breakpoint with a slanting service winner. It is deuce. Lendl wins the next point with a ferocious forehand approach shot. It is game point for Lendl. Lendl stays back next point as Edberg hits an impressive under spin backhand approach shot, which the world number one is unable to pass. It is back to deuce. Lendl rushes to the net next point but nets a drop shot and gives a breakpoint to Edberg. In the next point Lendl stays back and rallies with Edberg. Edberg's forehand fails him and it is again deuce. Lendl serves a double fault to hand over another breakpoint to Edberg. It is Advantage Edberg. In this game Lendl has served three terrible double faults. Lendl's serve deserts him again as he has the dubious distinction of hitting a quartet of double faults in a solitary service game. Edberg has broken Lendl to go up 6-5 and will now try to serve out the second set and take the match to even Stevens. In the successive game of the second set, Edberg serves strongly and volleys impressively to win his service game and the second set despite razor-sharp returns from Lendl. It is one set apiece in the semi final. Third Set: In the first game of the third set, Edberg breaks Lendl to go up 1-0. In this game, Edberg hits destructive backhand service returns, dazzling passing shots off both backhand and forehand and amazing approach shots off his backhand to draw first blood in the third set. Lendl's serve has been broken by Edberg in back to back service games. Next, Edberg cracks three aces in one game to move to a 2-0 lead in the third set. Edberg has won four games in a row. Lendl's woes continue as Edberg breaks him again in the third set, quite easily this time. Lendl is bungling volleys and serves a couple of debilitating double faults. Edberg is returning Lendl's serve with consummate ease. Edberg leads 3-0 in the third set with a double break of service. Edberg has swept the last five games. On his way to a five game sweep, Edberg has crushed Lendl's lethal serve thrice successfully. Edberg held on to his serve albeit with a struggle as Lendl hit a couple of backhand slice service returns and a fascinating forehand passing shot down the line on the run. Nevertheless Edberg's spectacular serve and his unmatched prowess at the net helped him go up to a commanding 4-0 lead in the third set. Edberg won his sixth game in a row. The Swede was on a roll. Lendl holds serve for the first time in the third set with dashing serves and precise volleying. Edberg leads 4-1 and will now serve. A combination of well placed serves, dynamic overhead smashing and copybook volleys helped Edberg march ahead to a 5-1 lead in the third set. Edberg breaks Lendl serve for the third time in the third set with a mix of ballistic backhand service returns and penetrating passing shots hit on the run with his bodacious backhand. Edberg wins the third set 6-1. Edberg has broken the serve of Lendl four times in the match. Edberg has two sets to one lead in the semis and is simply oozing confidence. Lendl looks bemused and hapless. The Czech has not broken Edberg serve in the match so far and is clearly bewildered by Edberg's booming backhand returns. Fourth Set: Edberg won his first service game of the fourth set with absolute ease to go ahead 1-0 in the fourth set. He won his service game at love. On Lendl's serve, Edberg returned and passed stupendously to gain two breakpoints but Lendl averted an early break on his serve with strong serves, vintage volleys, well disguised drop shots and an athletic smash. It is 1-1 in the fourth set. In a long game, Lendl finally prevails. Lendl finally breaks Edberg serve with rapier return of serves and swift passing shots. Edberg made things worse by serving two grotesque double faults. Lendl led 2-1. Lendl's serve is under siege but Lendl saves the day with his strong and stylish backhand returns and volleys. Lendl leads 3-1 in the fourth. Edberg concedes only one point while holding on to his serve. Lendl still leads 3-2. Lendl serves with power and panache to move to a 4-2 lead despite losing his footing a few times. Edberg put on a service clinic in the seventh game including two unplayable aces to win his service game. Lendl still led 4-3. Edberg hits razor sharp return of serves and pretty passing shots to break Lendl serve for the fifth time in the match. It is 4-4 in the fourth set. Lendl breaks back Edberg serve in the next game with his repertoire of swift service returns, athletic ability, preternatural passes and a high offensive topspin lob. Lendl gets a crucial break to go ahead 5-4. Lendl displays scintillating serving and volleying technique to hold on his serve and win the set 6-4. It is two sets all now. In the match Lendl has broken Edberg twice, both times in the fourth set. Edberg meanwhile has broken Lendl five times. At the advent of the fifth set the match can swing either way. Fifth Set: In the first game of the fifth set, Lendl hits remarkable return of serves and powerhouse passing shots to break Edberg serve. Lendl has taken an early lead of 1-0 in the fifth set. The world number one seems to have found his momentum. Lendl serves poorly while Edberg returns and smashes well to immediately break back Lendl. It is 1-1 in the fifth set. Edberg serves tremendously, volleys with verve and smashes skillfully to lead 2-1 in the fifth set. Lendl serves powerfully, volleys with capably and hits awesome overheads to make it 2-2. In a long game, Edberg finally held on to his serve with courageous serves and textbook volleys notwithstanding some ferocious forehand returns from Lendl. Edberg led 3-2. Lendl hit robust serves and volleys with pinpoint accuracy to hold on to his serve and level the score in the final set at 3-3. Edberg served splendidly, volleyed very well and smashed solidly to go up 4-3. Lendl survived an incredibly difficult game on his serve with sledgehammer serves and oodles of luck as Edberg missed a couple of backhand returns by millimeters. It was 4-4 and Lendl knew that he had survived this game by the skin of his teeth. Lendl won a couple of points on the Edberg serve. Lendl claimed the first two points on his opponent serve with his classic backhand slice service return. Nonetheless Edberg won four points in a row with intrepid serves and good volleys. Edberg led 5-4 and was now only a game away from playing his first Grand Slam final. Lendl would serve now to stay in the match. Edberg hit blistering backhand return of serves to garner two match points but blew away his opportunities to close out the match when he hit erroneous returns and passes on Lendl's fortified first serves and his daring second serves. Lendl again had to grind his way out of trouble and the score was level at 5-5. Edberg hit astounding serves and outstanding volleys to edge ahead to a 6-5 lead. Lendl made it 6-6 after a combination of hard serving and incredible athletic prowess at the net. Edberg's spectacular serves and unbelievable volleys helped him hold his game at love. The Swede led 7-6. Lendl hit high-octane serves, vicious volleys and a brutal overhead shot to level the score at 7-7. In spite of two terrible double faults, Edberg hit bullet serves and unblemished volleys to go up 8-7. Edberg returned very well and finally on his third match point, Edberg broke through Lendl's defenses with a running forehand passing shot down the line to win the final set 9-7 and the match in five sets. The match was a photo finish. In the last game, Edberg's marquee court coverage, inimitable reflexes, lobs and passes dashed Lendl hopes of winning the Australian Open. 1985 Australian Open Final: An All-Swedish Affair Edberg serves first. Wilander hits a good backhand service return. Edberg misses a high backhand volley. It is 0-15. It is then 15-15 as Edberg serves solidly down the middle that Wilander barely returns. It is 15-30 as Edberg bungles a backhand smash off a cross-court backhand topspin lob by Wilander. Edberg makes it 30-30 with a scorching serve that Wilander returns badly. Edberg serves well. Wilander returns his opponent's serve equally well. Edberg makes a beautiful backhand volley that Wilander lobs well. Edberg is nonetheless equal to the task when he hits an overhead. Wilander, ever the counter puncher, returns Edberg's overhead with another lob. Edberg again hits an overhead. This time Wilander cannot lob Edberg. It is 40-30. This is also the first time in the opening game that Edberg has won a point from the deuce court. Edberg easily wins the next point and holds his serve to lead 1-0. It is now Wilander's turn to serve. In the second game of the final, Wilander wins the first point from a strong angular serve to Edberg's forehand. Edberg 's erroneous return makes it 15-0. Wilander makes a double fault to make it 15-15.Wilander serves to Edberg's forehand again. Edberg hits a short return to Wilander's forehand wing. Wilander clobbers the ball with his topspin forehand to the Edberg backhand. Edberg hits a topspin backhand lob that Wilander smacks easily with his high forehand volley. It is 30-15. Wilander misses his first serve. Wilander's second serve is to Edberg's backhand. Edberg's backhand service return is hit deep to Wilander's backhand. Wilander plays a flawed inside out forehand return that fails to cross the net. 30-30. Wilander's first serve is directed at Edberg's forehand side. Edberg's cross-court forehand return of serve is good but deftly volleyed by Wilander with his backhand. Edberg's cross-court backhand pass is wide. It is 40-30. Wilander again serves to the forehand wing of Edberg. Edberg's return of serve is volleyed by Wilander. The volley however lacks depth. Edberg replies with a forehand pass winner down the line. It is deuce. Wilander serves an ace to go to advantage on his serve. In the next point, Wilander misses his first serve. On Wilander's second serve ensues a long rally where Edberg wins the point when the server's forehand return from the baseline sails wide. It is again deuce. Wilander wins the next two points and the game when Edberg hits two wayward returns. It is 1-1. In the next game, Edberg easily held on to his serve despite missing some first serves. Wilander hit a lot of returns that were wild. There was also a terrific low cross-court forehand volley winner from Edberg at 30-15. It is now 2-1 in favor of Edberg but it was still on serve. Wilander again missed his first serve. On his second serve, Edberg hit a deep forehand return of serve to the forehand of Wilander. Wilander hit a forehand return from the baseline that was long. It was 0-15. Wilander struck a first serve to Edberg's forehand wing. Edberg hit a high cross-court forehand return of service. Wilander hit a deep high backhand volley to make it 15-15. Wilander served to Edberg's forehand. Edberg's forehand return was deep. Wilander responded with a deep double-handed backhand return. Edberg hit a powerful backhand return and approached the net. Wilander hit a cross-court forehand pass that was volleyed well by Edberg. Wilander barely got to the ball and hit an ineffective defensive lob. Edberg used his high volley to close out the point with consummate ease. It was 15-30. Wilander missed his first serve. His second serve was impotent but Edberg could not capitalize on it as he messed up an easy backhand service return. 30-30. Wilander struck two superb aces to win his second serve game and take the score to 2-2. Edberg took a 3-2 lead with penetrating serves and potent volleys. Edberg had been impressive so far in the final at the grass court in Kooyong. Wilander hammered fortified serves and struck well-placed volleys to level the score at 3-3. It was a love service game for Wilander where he pummeled his fourth ace of the match. In the seventh game, Edberg served to Wilander's forehand. Wilander hit a very good return that was skillfully volleyed by Edberg. Edberg's backhand volley was deep and to Wilander's forehand side. Wilander hit a wicked forehand passing shot return winner down the line. It was 0-15. Edberg hit a fine serve to Wilander's forehand. Edberg was instantly rewarded with a service winner. 15-15. Edberg won the next point on his serve with a magnificent cross-court backhand volley. It was 30-15. It was soon 40-15 as Edberg hit another service winner. Edberg served and volley well again to close out his service game. In the last point, Edberg showed his command over the net point with a good half volley and a very deep volley. Edberg led 4-3. Wilander served and volleyed again in the succeeding game. He hit a fantastic forehand volley that a running backhand passing shot return down the line from Edberg could not overcome. 15-0. Wilander wrapped up the game quickly with three swift serves including two aces. It was 4-4 and the set hung firmly in the balance. In the ninth game, Edberg hit splendid serves and combined them with dazzling volleys to hold at love for a 5-4 lead. At 4-5, Wilander serves. On Wilander's second serve Edberg hits a slice backhand return to Wilander's forehand. Wilander replies with a cross court forehand to Edberg's forehand. Edberg hits a cross court forehand return of his own to Wilander's forehand;Edberg then rushes to the net. Wilander hits a forehand pass down the line, which is successfully intercepted by Edberg. Edberg hits a deep backhand volley to Wilander's backhand. Wilander nets the backhand pass and it is 0-15. Wilander is a bit tight and commits a double fault. It is 0-30. Wilander must get his first serve in the box. Edberg's tactic is to capitalize on Mats's second serve. Wilander thankfully gets a first serve. He serves an angular one wide and deep into Edberg's forehand. Wilander is rewarded with a service winner. It is 15-30. This was a big point for Wilander. Wilander once again misses a first serve. On his second serve there initially takes place a rally. It continues for some time before Wilander hits a forehand approach shot deep to Edberg's backhand. Edberg rises to the occasion and hits a devastating backhand passing shot winner down the line. It is 15-40. Edberg has two set points. Wilander serves a second ball to Edberg's forehand. Edberg returns to Wilander's backhand. Wilander hits a return cross-court to Edberg's backhand. Edberg hits a return cross-court to Wilander's backhand. Wilander hits down the line to Edberg's forehand. Edberg botches his forehand return. It is 30-40. Wilander has saved a set point. There is still one more set point to save. Wilander hits a body serve and volleys. Edberg expertly returns the serve with his classic topspin backhand cross-court to Wilander's backhand. Wilander hits a super low cross-court backhand volley to Edberg's backhand. Edberg makes no mistake on his backhand pass down the line. Edberg hits his backhand passing shot return as clean as a whistle. Wilander nets the difficult low forehand volley. Edberg has seized his chance and won the first set 6-4. Wilander hit six aces in the first set but still lost. Edberg pounced on Wilander's second serve. Edberg hit zero aces in first set. His first serve percentage was 58 % while Wilander's was 60 %. Edberg's second serve was good. Edberg volleyed very well. Wilander could not capitalize on Edberg's second serve. Wilander's volleys were no patch on Edberg's. Edberg's returns were far superior to those of Wilander. In the first game of the second set Edberg served superbly to hold on to his serve. Both his first and second serves were good. He hit great volleys, a couple of service winners and an ace as well. Notwithstanding a late fight back from Wilander, Edberg crucially managed to hold on to his serve. It is 1-0 in favor of Edberg. In the next game, Wilander wins the first point on his serve when he comes to the net and plays the one handed backhand slice in response to Edberg's service return. Edberg's cross-court forehand pass goes out of the court. 15-0. Wilander loses the second point when he misses an overhead shot of Edberg's lobbed return of serve. 15-15. Wilander serves to Edberg's forehand. Edberg misses the service return on his weak wing. It is 30-15. Edberg makes it 30-30 by taking advantage of Wilander 's second serve. Edberg drilled a powerful backhand from the baseline to induce a forced forehand error from Wilander. Wilander misses his first serve. On his second serve, there is a rally where Edberg prevails with a cross-court backhand return winner. It is 30-40. This is Edberg's chance of making an early inroad in the second set. Wilander saves the break point on his second serve. In another rally Edberg hits a forehand approach shot to Wilander's forehand. Wilander hits a forehand pass down the line to Edberg's backhand. Edberg misses the backhand volley. It is deuce. Wilander serves powerfully to Edberg's backhand side. Edberg's backhand service return is deep and hit cross-court to Wilander's forehand. Wilander hits a forehand down the line to Edberg's backhand. Edberg hits a cross-court backhand to Wilander's backhand. Wilander plays a slice backhand approach shot but Edberg passes him down the line with a forehand winner. It is Advantage Out. Wilander misses his first serve. On his second serve Edberg hits a deep down the line under spin backhand approach shot. Wilander hits a forehand down the line passing shot that is crisply struck cross-court by Edberg with his inimitable backhand volley. Nonetheless Wilander is nimble and hits a backhand pass winner down the line that foxes Edberg. It is back to deuce. Wilander hits a second ball and a baseline rally takes place. Finally, both players approach the net where Edberg gets the better of Wilander. Edberg hits a cross-court forehand passing shot winner to secure another break point. Wilander muffs up his first serve. On his second serve, after a baseline rally Edberg rushed to the net to close out the game with his volleying skills but bungles a forehand volley. It is back to deuce. Wilander won the next two points with two service winners. It was 1-1 in the second set. Wilander had salvaged his serve from a precarious position. Wilander showed plenty of pluck to hold on to his serve, which was incessantly under siege. Edberg had missed multiple opportunities to capture an early service break in the second set. Edberg served a wide one to Wilander's forehand and got a service winner. Edberg has mostly served to Wilander's forehand so far in the match. 15-0. Edberg gets a point off his second serve with a forehand volley winner. 30-0. Edberg wins the next point on his first serve with a service winner. 40-0. It is soon 40-15 as Wilander hits a forehand service return winner of Edberg's second serve. Edberg wins the game with a strong first serve to the backhand side of Wilander. Edberg then easily handles Wilander’s service return with his forehand volley. It is 2-1 in favor of Edberg. Edberg won the first point of the serve of Wilander with a combination of good service return, incredible athleticism and an amazing running backhand passing shot winner cross court to which Wilander had no answer. 0-15 on Wilander's serve in the fourth game of the second set. Two superb backhand service returns from Edberg make it 0-40. Wilander saved the first break point with a good volley but he would still have to save two more. It is 15-40. Wilander saved another breakpoint with a service winner. 30-40 Wilander displays willpower to make it deuce with some excellent serving and volleying. Edberg chips and charges on Wilander's second serve to put pressure on him and induces an error out of him. It is Advantage Edberg. There is still another break point for Edberg. Wilander misses his first serve and on his second one rallies from the baseline with Edberg before rushing to the net to volley. Nevertheless, Wilander's effort is fruitless as Edberg passes him with his lethal cross-court backhand pass. Edberg has finally broken Wilander in the second set to jump to a 3-1 lead. Edberg won the first point through unbelievable serve and volley tennis. He lost the second point when Wilander hit an incredible cross-court forehand service return. It was 15-15. Edberg cracked three astounding serves to soon go up 4-1 and consolidate his hold over the set. Wilander won the first point on his serve by coming to the net after hitting a strong serve and a very good backhand volley. 15-0. Wilander soon won three points on succession on his serve with great serves and good volleys. The score was now 4-2 in favor of Edberg. Edberg wins the first point on his serve in the seventh game of the second set with a service winner after Wilander nets his service return. 15-0. It is soon 30-0 with another service winner from Edberg. It is 40-0 as Edberg hits a forehand volley winner. Edberg soon holds his serve at love. He wins the last point on his second serve when the strong service return of Wilander is deftly half volleyed cross-court by Edberg. Wilander makes a mess of the running forehand passing shot. Edberg leads 5-2 in the second set. Wilander wins the first point on his service when Edberg makes an unforced forehand error. 15-0.Wilander serves and volleys like a tyro to win the next point. It is 40-0 when Wilander wins a point on his second serve by hitting a terrific backhand pass down the line past a charging but helpless Edberg. 40-0. Wilander serves his eighth ace to hold his serve at love. Edberg still leads 5-3. Edberg will now try to close out the second set. On Edberg's serve it is 15-0 when Edberg serves and volleys on his second serve to strike a backhand volley winner like a maven off the return of Wilander. Two extraordinary serves by Edberg yields two service winners. It is 40-0 and Edberg has 3 set points. Edberg serves his 3rd ace to close out the set 6-3. Edberg leads by two sets to love in the final of the 1985 Australian Open at Kooyong. Wilander has been unable to break Edberg's serve so far in the match. Mats has to do something swiftly to change the tide of the match. He seems slightly sluggish and maybe a bit jaded. Edberg is running mad like a bellicose bull that has gone berserk. Surely, something has got to give. Wilander opens the third set. He wins the first point by rallying from the baseline. 15-0. Wilander wins the next point with a brilliant volley. 30-0. It is 30-15 as Wilander bungles a volley. Edberg chips and charges on Wilander's second serve but the latter hits a cross-court passing shot winner. 40-15. Edberg again uses the chip and charge tactic. This time the tactic works as Edberg hits a stunning backhand volley winner. 40-30. On Wilander's second serve, Edberg again employs the chip and charge to put pressure on Wilander's forehand pass. Wilander consequently nets his forehand pass. Deuce. The game goes on for quite some time and there are several rounds of deuces before Wilander somehow manages to cling on to his serve despite a fierce challenge issued by Edberg. Wilander leads 1-0 in the third set. Edberg exhibits a serve and volley clinic to level the score in the third set at 1-1. Wilander serves at 1-1. He serves and volleys. Edberg returns his powerful serve low. Wilander plays an excellent low backhand volley in vain as Edberg wins the point with a tremendous backhand pass cross-court. 0-15. In the next point, Edberg rushes to the net after slicing Wilander's second service and applies pressure on Wilander. Wilander caves in and misses a backhand pass. 0-30. Wilander, in the next point, serves to Edberg's forehand. Edberg's forehand return is ordinary. Wilander hits a punishing approach shot and runs to the net. This is an exercise in futility as Edberg hits a magnificent backhand pass cross court winner. 0-40. Edberg has three break points. Wilander saves the first break point when Edberg's slice backhand service return fails to cross the net. Wilander saves another break point with a very good serve. There is one more to save. Edberg slices the deep return on Wilander's second serve and charges to the net to put pressure for the umpteenth time on the iconic Mats Wilander. Wilander has a difficult pass to make. Wilander makes a spectacular backhand cross court pass but still fails to save the break point as Edberg intercepts the pass and makes an awesome backhand volley winner. Edberg has broken Wilander's serve in the third set. Edberg will now serve at 2-1. Wilander is in dire straits. Edberg is having the time of his life. Edberg loses the first point on his serve when Wilander chips and charges on Edberg's second serve and outwits Edberg at the net. 0-15. Edberg makes it 15-15 with a great forehand volley on his serve. A great cross-court backhand volley winner by Edberg on his first serve takes him to 30-15. A marvelous backhand service return by Wilander makes it 30-30. Wilander returns Edberg’s high kicking body serve with discomfiture and Edberg makes use of it to hit a backhand volley winner to lead 40-30. Edberg serves a quick one to Wilander's forehand. Wilander barely hits a lobbed service return that is easily smashed by Edberg for a 3-1 lead. Edberg defensively lobs Wilander's serve in the first point of the consecutive game. Wilander smashes Edberg's lob to go up 15-0. Wilander serves his tenth ace to move to 30-0. Wilander goes again for a serve and volley tactic on a good serve that is returned by Edberg. Wilander is up to the task and volleys the ball very well. Edberg cannot hit the pass successfully. It is 40-0. On Wilander's serve, Edberg hits a return and sprints to the net. Wilander lobs Edberg but Edberg hits a terrific smash. 40-15. Wilander hits a good forehand volley off Edberg's service return to win the game. Edberg still leads 3-2 with a break up. Wilander displays superb reflexes in a serve and volley mini-battle to win the first point on Edberg's serve. 0-15. Edberg wins the next point with a service down the middle to Wilander's forehand. Wilander nets the forehand return of serve. 15-15. Edberg wins the next point with fine volleying and easy put away of the overhead. 30-15. Good serving by Edberg, great volleying by him and magnificent smashing by him makes it 40-15. Edberg smacks his fifth ace to go up 4-2. Time is running out for Wilander. Wilander's performance has been garden variety so far. Wilander serves with new balls. He wins the first point with a service winner. A good forehand volley winner by Wilander makes it 30-0. Wilander serves down the middle to Edberg's forehand to earn a service winner and take the score to 40-0. Wilander hits a first serve to the forehand wing of Edberg. Edberg hits a cross-court forehand service return that Wilander fails to volley. 40-15. Wilander serves an angular one to Edberg's forehand. Edberg hits a strong forehand return which is superbly volleyed by Wilander but Edberg runs like a leopard and hits a stupendous backhand cross court passing shot return winner. Edberg is oozing with confidence. 40-30. On Wilander's second serve, Edberg moves to the net and volleys like a maven the passing shots of Wilander. Wilander finally makes a forced error on his backhand pass. 40-40. Wilander wins the battle of groundstrokes to get a game point on his serve. It is Advantage Wilander. Wilander serves strongly and volleys very well to hold on to his service game. Edberg still leads 4-3 and will now serve. Wilander hits a successful topspin service return off Edberg's serve. 0-15. A passing shot return winner by Wilander makes it 0-30. Wilander is trying his best to break Edberg's serve. Edberg's second serve kicks up too high for Wilander. Wilander's return is out. 15-30. Edberg misses his first serve. Wilander returns Edberg’s topspin serve very well. Edberg volleys well but Wilander hits a good pass. However, Wilander's pass cannot pierce through Edberg's defense. Edberg hits a great volley but Wilander runs like a gazelle to score a screaming forehand pass winner down the line. It is 15-40. For the first time in the match, Wilander has a chance to break Edberg. It might be the last chance for Wilander as it looks like the final is drawing to a close. Two service winners by Edberg make it deuce. A defensive lobbed service return by Wilander off Edberg's serve is brutally smashed cross-court by Edberg. It is Advantage Edberg. Edberg serves to Wilander's forehand. Wilander's forehand return is good but not good enough for Edberg who volleys the ball with power and precision. Edberg is 5-3 ahead and just one game away from winning his first Grand Slam title. He has played a flawless final so far. He has clearly outplayed his opponent who along with many in the crowd is startled to see the turn of events. Edberg is brimming with confidence. He hits a forehand service return winner cross-court off Wilander's first serve. 0-15. Edberg is just three points away from winning his maiden trophy. On Wilander's second serve, Edberg runs to the net like a cheetah after returning the serve. Mats hits the backhand pass down the line but Edberg is impregnable at the net. Edberg displays unbelievable reflexes like he has done throughout the match to knock off a forehand volley winner cross-court that is beyond Wilander's reach. 0-30. Edberg is playing like a man possessed. Mats is bemused. Wilander serves to the backhand wing of Edberg. Edberg returns well but Wilander volleys deep. Edberg hits a forehand lob that Wilander backpedals and tries to smash but comes up a cropper when the smash sails long. 0-40. There are now three match points for Edberg to claim the Australian crown. Wilander hits a volley of Edberg's service return. Edberg reaches the ball and lifts a lob that is thwacked by Wilander for an overhead winner. Wilander has saved the first championship point against him. Two more to save. Wilander's serve is returned well by Edberg. Wilander's volley is deep and cross court but cannot beat an athletic Edberg, whose running backhand pass threads the needle past a stunned Wilander. Edberg has won the 1985 Australian Open Championship. This is his first Grand Slam victory and he will inevitably savor such a sweet victory on a sweltering day in a city that is globally conspicuous for having four seasons in a day.

Rising Stars of Tennis

In 1985, two out of the four Grand Slams have been won by two of the hottest teens on the circuit scilicet Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg. Both these Grand Slams have been played on grass courts. It seems like a new generation of grass court players are blossoming. Both Becker and Edberg won in their first Grand Slam Final. These two look like they will shape the future of tennis in the years to come. The future of tennis looks bright. It is also interesting to note that Becker overcame two terribly tough matches against Nystrom and Mayotte at Wimbledon before defeating Kevin Curren in the final. Edberg, like Becker, overcame a scary match against Wally Masur and out wrestled Ivan Lendl in the pit before triumphing over Mats Wilander in an uninteresting final. The match against Masur was the turning point for Edberg just like for Becker it had been his match against Nystrom.

Wilander-Westphal

In the first match of the 85 Davis Cup Final, Mats Wilander of Sweden met Michael Westphal of Germany. Wilander scored an easy victory over Westphal to give Sweden an early lead of 1-0 against Germany. Wilander won in straight sets. Wilander won 6-3 6-4 10-8.