John Newcombe of Australia on Wednesday (1 January) served his way to victory in the Australian open tennis championship with a four-set win over Jimmy Connors of the United States.

Newcombe defeated the holder and Wimbledon champion -- who was also the sport's highest money-earner in 1974 -- 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 after a three-hour match.

The long awaited clash between the two men came after months of verbal clashes and counter challenges, but the pair left the court with a new-found respect for each other.

Newcombe's serves were the key to the game and Connor's returns were subdued as Newcombe put down a high percentage of first balls -- 17 of which were aces.