Strings Grounded by Sacramento

The path the Los Angeles Strings have to follow to reach the TeamTennis playoffs isn’t clear yet, but at least they know if it really is their final destination, they are going to get there by air.

This season, the Strings are traveling in style aboard a six-seat Lear jet, making them the only team in TeamTennis with a private jet.

Actually, it was Jimmy Connors who came up with the idea of the jet and persuaded String owner Jeannie Buss to go along. The investment might pay off if it saves wear and tear on Connors, 39.

This morning, the Strings will climb on board and head for San Antonio, ready to dine on chicken, sun dried tomatoes and pesto, catered by Office Picnics of Beverly Hills. Thus fortified, the players will load the VCR with tapes and relax.

So what is Connors’ opinion of private jets?

“Like ‘em,” Connors said. “Only in America, right?”

Before 2,890 Tuesday night at the Forum, the Strings lost to Sacramento, 27-22, although Connors won his singles match against Steve DeVries, 6-4. The Strings fell to 3-4 and tied for third place. The first three teams make the playoffs.

Connors is planning for a playoff with the Strings, but TeamTennis is only part of a busy schedule for the five-time U.S. Open champion, who will turn 40 in six weeks.

After the Open, Connors will play Martina Navratilova in a winner-take-all exhibition at Las Vegas, will enter ATP Tour events in Switzerland, Israel and Austria and continue planning a seniors’ tour.