JOHN MCENROE beat Pat Cash 6-1, 7-5 in the final to win the fifth Vale do Lobo Grand Champions tennis event. Around 2,500 spectators looked on as “Big Mac” triumphed over the Australian former Wimbledon champion.
McEnroe, 46, who is as famous for his on court tantrums as for his superb tennis, has vowed to return to the tournament because “I would like to win again”, he said. Talking to the press after his win, the American legend commented: “I liked it more this year – I think it was more competitive.” He also praised the crowd, whom he described as fantastic, and the hospitality of the Vale do Lobo resort.
The tennis star has competed in the event three times so far and won the tournament previously in 2002, when he beat Andres Gomes.
Several VIPs attended this year’s final, including Portugal’s Secretary of State for Sport Laurentino Dias, Faro Civil Governor António Pina, Algarve Tourism Board (RTA) President Hélder Martins, and Loulé Câmara President Seruca Emídio. Various members of the Portuguese jet set were also in attendance, including eccentric socialite José Castelo Branco.
