Tennis : Connors Talks His Way Into the Second Round

Jimmy Connors advanced to the second round of the $2.1-million Lipton International Players Championships at Key Biscayne, Fla., and Miloslav Mecir survived a challenge from a player ranked 418th in the world Tuesday.

Connors, seeded No. 2, had an easy time with Broderick Dyke of Australia, 6-2, 6-2, 6-0. But Mecir, seeded No. 3, needed nearly 3 hours to beat George Bezecny of Boca Raton, Fla., 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.

“I played so-so; he played well,” said Mecir, who made 102 unforced errors.

Connors appeared relaxed before a supportive center court crowd and visited with fans behind the baseline.

“I like hearing what they have to say,” Connors said. “Sometimes they like hearing what I have to say. Sometimes they don’t.”

Connors, 35, said he wants the fans to like him.

“I hope they do until I stop. Then when I stop, I hope they miss me.”

Winners in women’s play included Gabriela Sabatini of Argentina, Chris Evert and Hana Mandlikova.

The 17-year-old Sabatini, coming off victories over Evert and Steffi Graf last week, swept past Helen Kelesi of Canada, 6-3, 6-1.

“I’m still very happy about beating Chris and Steffi last week,” said Sabatini, who is seeded No. 3. “I didn’t celebrate too much though. I was out practicing for this tournament yesterday.

“I think my physical conditioning is much better,” she said. “I’m more confident. I’m fighting. I feel I can play three sets, no problem.”

Evert, seeded No. 2, defeated Alycia Moulton, 6-0, 6-0, and No. 4 Mandlikova beat Vicki Nelson-Dunbar, 6-1, 6-0.