1.
GV M. Lara serves to Connors and wins rally
0.16

2.
GV Crowd watch as Lara serves again and wins point
0.30

3.
GV Scoreboard
0.32

4.
CU ZOOM OUT TO GV Connors receives service from Lara and wins point
0.43

5.
GV Lara serves but hits return into net to lose game
1.25



Initials CL/2140 CL/2200


SPORT TENNIS.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Jimmy Connors of the United States took more than three hours to defeat little Mexican Marcelo Lara in a tough five-set match in the Davis Cup tie between the two countries in Mexico City on Friday (19 December).

The former U.S. and Wimbledon champion won 6-2, 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5, in the opening round of the American zone north-section third-round tie.

"That was a real dog-fight," Connors said after the game.

The U.S. tennis star was in complete control for the first two sets, but then the Mexican upset him by varying his pace and attacking at the net.

Lara broke Connors' service three times in the third set.

The final set went to two match points, before the Mexican volleyed into the net.

the second singles match of the day was won by Mexican Raul Ramirez, who beat Brian Gottfried in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.

SYNOPSIS: Former U.S. and Wimbledon champion Jimmy Connors came from the brink of defeat to narrowly defeat little Mexican ??? Lara in the opening round of the Davis Cup tie between the countries in Mexico City on Friday.

The U.S. star confidently took control over the first two sets of the game. But Connors' game turned very defensive in the third set when the Mexican started to vary his pace and dominate the net.

Lara continued his aggression into the fourth set, which he won. In this, the fifth -- and final -- set, Connors regained his confidence with an amazing two-fisted backhand shot to give him a fifteen-love edge at six-five. The set went to two match points before Lara volleyed into the net. "That was a real dog-fight," an exhausted Connors said after the game.