Connors

style, combating his compatriot’s power game by taking the pace off the ball and playing to both wings of his opponent, and the ploy saw him race into a two-set lead.

Connors recovered to clinch the third and then went 3-0 up in the fourth only for Ashe to bounce back and win 6-4 to take the title.

There was no huge celebration from Ashe, who simply raised a clenched fist – a gesture towards his agent Dell rather than the Black Power salute.