Mark Philippoussis held off a charge by John McEnroe in Boston at the $150,000 Staples Champions Cup to win his first title on the Champions Series circuit.
Philippoussis won by a margin of 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 in the circuit for former champion tennis players over the age of 30. The 33-year-old is currently the points leader for 2010.
While Philippoussis got off to a fast start, beginning the first set with a 5-0 lead, McEnroe fired back to take six of the next seven sets to set the tone for a seesaw battle that ended with a champions tiebreaker.
In lieu of a third set, opponents play a first-to-10-points set. Philippoussis made his mark during this tie-breaker, notching four aces, three groundstroke victories and closing out on a six-of-seven point streak.
“I knew I had to play some good tennis today,” said Philippoussis. “I wanted to play good tennis for myself more than anything. I came out good with an early break and things started to go my way.”
While McEnroe, the 2008 victor in Boston, was disappointed about losing, he was pleased about his effort after digging a deep hole early.
“I was getting blown out,” said McEnroe. “I wanted to show that I have been playing well and hopefully if I could get it going. I felt that I had a chance at the end.
“I had one bad point at four-all” in the tie-breaker, said McEnroe of the turning point in the match.
In other Sunday action, Jim Courier downed Bjorn Borg 6-4, 7-6 (4) to take home the third place crown. This event marked the first time in 10 years Bjorg had played in the United States and was pleased with the reception he got.
