Lewis beats odds for thrilling win
Chris Lewis defied all odds when he became the first New Zealander since before World War I to reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon after yesterday beating the American, Mel Purcell, in four sets, 6-7, 6-0, 6-4, 7-6. “I think the last New Zealander to get into the semi-finals at Wimbledon was Wilding (who won the men’s singles title in four consecutive years from 1910 to 1913) and it is a good feeling to make it,” a delighted Lewis told NZPA in London. “Wimbledon is by far the best tournament in the world. It is a great thrill.” Lewis went to Wimbledon not really expecting to get beyond the first round this year, where he met the American No. 9 seed, Steve Denton, but his much improved grass court play won him the encounter in five sets. Tuesday’s match against Purcell was also one where he was considered the outsider. Purcell is an American, aged 23, whose youthful looks and knock-kneed stance belie a solid forehand and quick reflexes. Apart from a spark of inspiration from Purcell in the fourth set, Lewis had control over the match even though it went to a tiebreaker in the first and final sets. The chairman of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, Mr lan Wells, said Lewis had shown the best self-control he had yet seen from him. “He could have blown it when he
dropped service and then a match point, but he showed marvellous control to swing it back,” Mr Wells said. Mr Wells said Lewis’s chances could not be dismissed in his semi-final clash tomorrow with either the South African, Kevin Curren, or the American No. 16 seed, Tim Mayotte. Both are ranked above him and they will play a quar-ter-final today. A last-minute effort is being made to arrange television coverage of the Friday match. The Minister of Recreation and Sport, Mr Highet, said yesterday that New Zealand’s High Commissioner in London, Mr W. L. Young, had been asked to “use his influence” to make coverage possible. A commentary, due to start at either 3 a.m. or 5 a.m. on Saturday (New Zealand time) would be played on the Radio New Zealand commercial network. The final of the championship would be televised live regardless of whether Lewis won his semi-final match, Mr Highet said. Television New Zealand’s head of sport, Mr Keith McEwan, said earlier that Lewis’s match would be played on the No. 1 court. The 8.8. C. had no coverage of that court this year. (At Wimbledon, centre-court matches are the star attraction.) “We have not given up and will make every effort to have the match televised,” Mr McEwan said.
Match report, back page.
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Press, 30 June 1983, Page 1
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453Lewis beats odds for thrilling win Press, 30 June 1983, Page 1
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