ORLANDO Florida, (Reuter): Unseeded Christo Van Rensburg of South Africa scored the biggest win of his career when he knocked off top seeded American Jimmy Connors 63, 36, 61, to win the 315,000 dollar Orlando classic.
Van Rensburg collected 50,000 dollars for the first grand prix singles title of his career. The heavily favored Connors, who has not won a tournament since October 1984, when he beat Ivan Lendl in Tokyo, received 25,000 dollars.
“I know Jimmy was looking for his first title in a long time,” said the 24yearold South African, “but this win has made a lot of hearts very happy. I’m really happy”.
Connors had trouble with his serve throughout the match and was clearly disappointed that a title had once again eluded him.
“This was a huge opportunity and I am very disappointed” said Connors.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 27, 1987
