Austrian Extends Streak

Thomas Muster solidified his status as French Open favorite and stretched his clay-court winning streak to 28 matches by overcoming Sergi Bruguera in four sets at the Italian Open.

In a match delayed by rain for nearly four hours, the Austrian came from behind to win 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-3 for his fifth clay-court title of the year and the 27th of his career.

Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe went shot for shot and emotion for emotion before Connors prevailed 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in The Challenge championship at the Beach and Tennis Club.

Connors took home the $150,000 winner’s check before a sellout crowd of 4,100 and avenged one of only two Champions Tour losses since he and Ray Benton started the over-35 circuit in 1993.