Why do you hate Lendl?

[it was Just out]

I hate Lendl because he was a robot and the most boring player to ever play this sport. He just seemed evil.

I also hated him because he said he couldnt play Wimbledon because he was allergic to grass...turns out he was a big time golfer and was just afraid of losing again!

[FitzRoy]

Well, I don't hate him. But if I did, my answer would probably be "because of his face".

[SoBad]

I heard he kept some mean dogs around his house in CT and had them intimidate and bite hitting partners that came over.

[SFrazeur]

Do I hate him? No. But he was a dishonorable player, you never aim to hit a ball through another player's chest......not even McEnroe's.

[Polaris]

Why do you hate Lendl?
I don't. His drive to be the best, and to be prepared to work himself to death for it, was actually quite inspiring.

[Warriorroger]

I hate Lendl because he was a robot and the most boring player to ever play this sport. He just seemed evil.

I also hated him because he said he couldnt play Wimbledon because he was allergic to grass...turns out he was a big time golfer and was just afraid of losing again!

Evil and ignorant thread you started. Lendl was a better human being than Connors and ''you cannot be serious''. They made him out as evil. Boring? Great groundstrokes. Where did he say he was allergic to grass. Even nowadays you won't hear Ivan say anything but positive things about his peers and today's tennis. That was the case in the old days too. Don't confuse shy, arrogance, stoic (most topplayers are on court) with boring and evil. You are just here to mess things up.

[OrangeOne]

I hate Lendl because he was a robot and the most boring player to ever play this sport. He just seemed evil.

I also hated him because he said he couldnt play Wimbledon because he was allergic to grass...turns out he was a big time golfer and was just afraid of losing again!

I'm honestly not sure why I'm bothering to reply to such an ignorant post! Then I remember, as others have said, that he was an inspiration to me growing up and playing.

1. I don't hate *any player*, and with the possible exception of quite bad people (murders, etc etc), I don't hate anyone I've never met, anyone who's never done anything wrong by me. In fact, I pretty much don't 'hate' anyone - it just takes too much wasted energy. Sure, I think Nadal's gamesmanship is a bit annoying, and I never enjoyed watching Pat Cash win, but I don't 'hate' them.

2. Boring? No. Clinical? Yes. Exacting? Yes. Professional? Yes. But no different to any of the big-time players, agassi, fed, sampras... it's all a professional game. His game helped transform tennis into the power sport it is today! His forehand was brutal, he had a thumping serve, big backhand, and taught himself to Serve & Volley. He'd yell when he stuffed up, he'd argue with an ump for a bad call, he'd drill McEnroe at the net - none of which is boring.

3. Allergic to grass? Get your facts straight - this happened at the start of his career, not at the end. 1982, to be exact, and it was said tongue in cheek. He then slowly spent a chunk of the next decade dedicating himself to becoming a grass court player - back in the days of real, fast-grass. None of this "I'm a baseliner, I won't learn", he *dedicated* himself, hired Tony Roche, and made two consecutive Wimbledon Finals, followed by three consecutive semi-finals. The only three players he lost to over those five years? Becker, Edberg and Cash. He also won Queens by beating Becker in straight sets. This dedication was sure interesting for any fan, watching the struggle....

4. Evil? Ok. As you wish. He's now a family man with 3 or 4 kids, and spends most of his time supporting his daughters who play golf. Sounds evil to me.

[vive le beau jeu !]

i don't hate him.

allergic to grass ?
like warriorroger, i think it would be surprising : he says what one of the things he's the most proud about in his whole career is precisely to have reached twice the wimbledon final ! ;)

i understand some ppl can hate him because of this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xAPwx3z950&search=lendl
but he's certainly not the only one to do it !
Nb: we should make a thead with the best "player shootings" ! but as some say, tennis is still not a contact sport !!!
he was asked several times about it, and said it was logical for him to do this when it's the best way to win the point... because it's his job to win the points ! well...i wouldn't do the same thing, but if he's ok with his conscience like this...... :rolleyes:

and despite looking antipathetic on the court, it's said he was funnier guy offcourt, isn't it ? at least when i read his interviews, i enjoy his subtile sarcasm ! :p
+ he was an impressive champion : what a domination in the 2nd half of the 80's...

[Warriorroger]

allergic to grass ?
would be surprising : he says what one of the things he's the most proud about in his whole career is precisely to have reached twice the wimbledon final ! ;)

i understand some ppl can hate him because of this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xAPwx3z950&search=lendl
but he's certainly not the only one to do it !
Nb: we should make a thead with the best "player shootings" !
he was asked several times about it, and said it was logical for him to do this when it's the best way to win the point... because it's his job to win the points ! well...i wouldn't do the same thing, but if he's ok with his conscience like this...... :rolleyes:

and despite looking antipathetic on the court, it's said he was funnier guy offcourt, isn't it ? at least when i read his interviews, i enjoy his subtile sarcasm ! :p

Why quote me?:confused:

[vive le beau jeu !]

Why quote me?:confused:
ah sorry... i admit it's a bit confusing, but it's because i agree with you when you're surprised when he says lendl is allergic to grass !
i'll make it more clear. :)

better now ? ;)

[Condoleezza]

I hate Lendl because he was a robot and the most boring player to ever play this sport. He just seemed evil.

I also hated him because he said he couldnt play Wimbledon because he was allergic to grass...turns out he was a big time golfer and was just afraid of losing again!


Let me guess - you are an American?

Condi

[Grimjack]

First off, the OP isn't the one suggestning Lendl was allergic to grass. Lendl himself said it, as an excuse for skipping Wimbledon early in his career. Simply google a combo of words including "Lendl," "allergic," and "grass," and you'll get any number of hits confirming this.

Second, there are many reasons to hate Lendl. He represents in both thought and deed the Communist/European threat to the American way of life. Like most East Euros, his upbringing left him an unblinking, hardline commie robot.

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).

He lacked both personality and finesse, and made up for it with rigor and discipline. It made him hard for us (Americans) to love. He lacked the natural grace and talent with which we (as Americans) are imbued, but pursued in his own dogged way the mockery of natural talent which comes with endless slave-driven hard work. Once you've tasted genius, it's difficult to appreciate the rigors of disciplined craftsmanship. Effortless brilliance is so much more dazzling than hard work.

Instead of common pets, he kept vicious attack dogs. Instead of a good, mass-marketed Wilson or Prince racquet, he played with a Kneissl knockoff. Who can even pronounce that? The man wasn't simply un-American; he gloried in his differences, as if saying, "your culture is puny and weak, America." We didn't cotton to that. Give us personality, genius, and beagles every time.

[Grimjack]

Oh, all that said, *I* don't hate Lendl. I'm above all that, even though I love freedom.

Also, this is in the wrong forum.

[Warriorroger]

ah sorry... i admit it's a bit confusing, but it's because i agree with you when you're surprised when he says lendl is allergic to grass !
i'll make it more clear. :)

better now ? ;)

Yeahhhhhhhhhhh, thank you my hippo friend (avatar, not saying you are a hippo)

Thank you:p :mrgreen:

[Warriorroger]

First off, the OP isn't the one suggestning Lendl was allergic to grass. Lendl himself said it, as an excuse for skipping Wimbledon early in his career. Simply google a combo of words including "Lendl," "allergic," and "grass," and you'll get any number of hits confirming this.

Second, there are many reasons to hate Lendl. He represents in both thought and deed the Communist/European threat to the American way of life. Like most East Euros, his upbringing left him an unblinking, hardline commie robot.

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).

He lacked both personality and finesse, and made up for it with rigor and discipline. It made him hard for us (Americans) to love. He lacked the natural grace and talent with which we (as Americans) are imbued, but pursued in his own dogged way the mockery of natural talent which comes with endless slave-driven hard work. Once you've tasted genius, it's difficult to appreciate the rigors of disciplined craftsmanship. Effortless brilliance is so much more dazzling than hard work.

Instead of common pets, he kept vicious attack dogs. Instead of a good, mass-marketed Wilson or Prince racquet, he played with a Kneissl knockoff. Who can even pronounce that? The man wasn't simply un-American; he gloried in his differences, as if saying, "your culture is puny and weak, America." We didn't cotton to that. Give us personality, genius, and beagles every time.


Total ignorant reply. It''s a shame you get to post so many post. Come to Europe with your fat belly and your patriotic bull ****. 50% of my family live in the beautiful California, none of them are as dumb as you. How can you even suggest to hate someone you don't even know. What natural talent did Connors, Evert, Capriati, and many more of ''only can play one one surface'' players have.

[Condoleezza]

First off, the OP isn't the one suggestning Lendl was allergic to grass. Lendl himself said it, as an excuse for skipping Wimbledon early in his career. Simply google a combo of words including "Lendl," "allergic," and "grass," and you'll get any number of hits confirming this.

Second, there are many reasons to hate Lendl. He represents in both thought and deed the Communist/European threat to the American way of life. Like most East Euros, his upbringing left him an unblinking, hardline commie robot.

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).

He lacked both personality and finesse, and made up for it with rigor and discipline. It made him hard for us (Americans) to love. He lacked the natural grace and talent with which we (as Americans) are imbued, but pursued in his own dogged way the mockery of natural talent which comes with endless slave-driven hard work. Once you've tasted genius, it's difficult to appreciate the rigors of disciplined craftsmanship. Effortless brilliance is so much more dazzling than hard work.

Instead of common pets, he kept vicious attack dogs. Instead of a good, mass-marketed Wilson or Prince racquet, he played with a Kneissl knockoff. Who can even pronounce that? The man wasn't simply un-American; he gloried in his differences, as if saying, "your culture is puny and weak, America." We didn't cotton to that. Give us personality, genius, and beagles every time.


LOL, all that from a certified Seles whacko ...

Condi

[Gut Reaction]

The fact is that Lendl was the most unloved player in the history of tennis.

Thats whjy he made the cover of I believe Sports Illustrated for the most boring #1 or something. It really hurt tennis big time.

Most people rooted against Lendl. He has this terrible "Karma" about him. He is so dark....sort of like Darth Vader.

[Rafa's best friend]

Well you are still here, so he wasn't succesful. Federer should put his feet in your face for ten minutes.

I stoped listening to Federer troll about 4 days ago. thank you.......:p

[Warriorroger]

I stoped listening to Federer troll about 4 days ago. thank you.......:p

Roger will put his feet in your face

[Gut Reaction]

Evil and ignorant thread you started. Lendl was a better human being than Connors and ''you cannot be serious''. They made him out as evil. Boring? Great groundstrokes. Where did he say he was allergic to grass. Even nowadays you won't hear Ivan say anything but positive things about his peers and today's tennis. That was the case in the old days too. Don't confuse shy, arrogance, stoic (most topplayers are on court) with boring and evil. You are just here to mess things up.

blah blah blah...Lendl still made the cover of Sports Illustrated for being the most boring player ever. Do you know any other player in the history of tennis that was ever given that honor??? I mean you have to be pretty damn bad to have that happen to you.

Tennis magazines tried to save him and show that he was a really nice guy and had a personality....they failed. Lendl was not human he was a Cyborg.

You mention Connors....well Connors showed emotion and fire. Connors was one of the most exciting players the game has ever seen..thats why people loved Connors. Lendl will NEVER get that type of admiration. NEVER .

[Gut Reaction]

Let me guess - you are an American?

Condi

What does being American have to do with anything?

My favorite player is actually Nadal. And if you look at this board which comprises of mainly Americans....you will notice a love fest going on with Federer.

Lendl simply was not likeable. Thats not only my opinion but he made it to the cover of sports Illustrated just for having no personality. In the history of tennis has there ever been a #1 that was so devoid of any signs of a personality?

[Mick]

hate is a strong word. I may not like watching some of the players but I don't hate them.

[Gut Reaction]

hate is a strong word. I may not like watching some of the players but I don't hate them.

Ok.... do you like watching the robot? I personally would rather watch paint dry.

But you are right. Hate is too strong of an emotion for Lendl. He was so devoid of personality I think a better word is indifference. No one really cares about lendl.

[omniexist]

Yeah early on, I disliked his grim robotic style. But as with any player later in their careers I got to appreciate his professionalism and work ethic. Always did love how he'd try to end the match with an ace down the middle. Sort of the "coup de grace".

[Gut Reaction]

Yeah early on, I disliked his grim robotic style. But as with any player later in their careers I got to appreciate his professionalism and work ethic. Always did love how he'd try to end the match with an ace down the middle. Sort of the "coup de grace".

I still don't think he was human.

Recently Mcenroe challenegd Lendl to a tennis match.

Guess what Lendls exciting comeback was?:

"Lets have a bicycle race instead"....OOOOOOOOO....good one Ivan!!!??

Even his name is cold. I mean no woman can get excited about a guy named Ivan. What is she going to say???....ooooo ride me like a wild bull Ivan. Or give it to me...Ivan. You just cannot get excited about anyone named Ivan. its almost as bad as Eugene.

In fact whenever I hear the name Ivan all I can think of is Ivan the terrible. Lendl was and is simply a disaster for public relations. He is as boring now as he ever was when he was on the tour.

Today even mats Wilander has shown signs of a personality. Lendl on the other hand still has the personality of a piece of wood.

[Mick]

Recently Mcenroe challenegd Lendl to a tennis match.

Guess what Lendls exciting comeback was?:

"Lets have a bicycle race instead"....OOOOOOOOO....good one Ivan!!!??



to his defense, Lendl has a back problem and cannot play tennis at the level that McEnroe is capable of playing. It was better for him to decline the challenge than to take it on, knowing that Mac would beat him 6-0, 6-0

[Warriorroger]

blah blah blah...Lendl still made the cover of Sports Illustrated for being the most boring player ever. Do you know any other player in the history of tennis that was ever given that honor??? I mean you have to be pretty damn bad to have that happen to you.

Tennis magazines tried to save him and show that he was a really nice guy and had a personality....they failed. Lendl was not human he was a Cyborg.

You mention Connors....well Connors showed emotion and fire. Connors was one of the most exciting players the game has ever seen..thats why people loved Connors. Lendl will NEVER get that type of admiration. NEVER .

As if he's asking for it.

[Condoleezza]

The fact is that Lendl was the most unloved player in the history of tennis. ....

In the U.S.A.

....Thats whjy he made the cover of I believe Sports Illustrated for the most boring #1 or something. It really hurt tennis big time. ....

"Sports Illustrated" being this jingoistic American sports rag?
Which called Steffi Graf the "most overrated sports person" ever?
And voted Sampras and Navratilova ahead of Graf in the "40 greatest tennis players of the last 40 years"? :D :D :D


....Most people rooted against Lendl. ...

In the U.S.
The same country that produced Connors and McEnroe ....


Condi

[Condoleezza]

....You mention Connors....well Connors showed emotion and fire. Connors was one of the most exciting players the game has ever seen..thats why people loved Connors. Lendl will NEVER get that type of admiration. NEVER .

In America.
But who gives .... ?

Condi

[Condoleezza]

What does being American have to do with anything?

My favorite player is actually Nadal. And if you look at this board which comprises of mainly Americans....you will notice a love fest going on with Federer.

Lendl simply was not likeable. Thats not only my opinion but he made it to the cover of sports Illustrated just for having no personality. In the history of tennis has there ever been a #1 that was so devoid of any signs of a personality?


I shudder at the thought what people like you might mean by "having personality" ..... (Wow, this Paris Hilton really has personality!").


Condi

[vive le beau jeu !]

The fact is that Lendl was the most unloved player in the history of tennis.
don't underestimate nadal... he's on good track to take this title. ;)

[sypl]

i understand some ppl can hate him because of this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xAPwx3z950&search=lendl
but he's certainly not the only one to do it !


LOL! That was brilliant! The look on McEnroe's face is priceless. I think Lendl just became my favourite player ever!

[oberyn]

First off, the OP isn't the one suggestning Lendl was allergic to grass. Lendl himself said it, as an excuse for skipping Wimbledon early in his career. Simply google a combo of words including "Lendl," "allergic," and "grass," and you'll get any number of hits confirming this.

Second, there are many reasons to hate Lendl. He represents in both thought and deed the Communist/European threat to the American way of life. Like most East Euros, his upbringing left him an unblinking, hardline commie robot.

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).

I hope this is all tongue-in-cheek/satire. Lendl is hardly a poster boy for Communism. Among other things he defected to the U.S., made himself a ton of money, moved to Greenwich for crying out loud, and took up golf. He married a super-model and his daughters are now accomplished junior golfers. If anything, Lendl is the apotheosis of that mythical "American dream".

[Gut Reaction]

I hope this is all tongue-in-cheek/satire. Lendl is hardly a poster boy for Communism. Among other things he defected to the U.S., made himself a ton of money, moved to Greenwich for crying out loud, and took up golf. He married a super-model and his daughters are now accomplished junior golfers. If anything, Lendl is the apotheosis of that mythical "American dream".


and why do most people not know that??? because no one cares about Lendl. He is really boring.

You cannot force people to like this guy. I will admit that maybe people don't hate lendl.....but no one really cares about him.

Don't you find it odd that someone with that many wins can't sell a biography like Mcenroe, Connors or Borg can?? The reason is no one cares about Lendl. he has zero personality. The man is a robot.

[Gut Reaction]

don't underestimate nadal... he's on good track to take this title. ;)

The word hate may be a little strong to describe peoples feelings towards Lendl. I think indifference is a better word. No one cares about Lendl.

On the otherhand a guy like Nadal is the most exciting thing to happen to tennis since Connors! Whether you love or hate Nadal you must admit that he is exciting as all hell!

In fact Nadal is the type of player you either love or hate....while lend is the type of player you just don't really care about.

[Polaris]

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).
Delicious.:-D

[OrangeOne]

and why do most people not know that??? because no one cares about Lendl. He is really boring.

You cannot force people to like this guy. I will admit that maybe people don't hate lendl.....but no one really cares about him.

Don't you find it odd that someone with that many wins can't sell a biography like Mcenroe, Connors or Borg can?? The reason is no one cares about Lendl. he has zero personality.The man is a robot.

The word hate may be a little strong to describe peoples feelings towards Lendl. I think indifference is a better word. No one cares about Lendl.

On the otherhand a guy like Nadal is the most exciting thing to happen to tennis since Connors! Whether you love or hate Nadal you must admit that he is exciting as all hell!

In fact Nadal is the type of player you either love or hate....while lend is the type of player you just don't really care about.

You said the same thing 5 times in 2 posts. The exact same thing, FIVE times in two posts that followed one-another. Do you think if you repeat yourself enough, people will magically come to believe it?

[AJK1]

Hate is such a childish word.

[oberyn]

and why do most people not know that??? because no one cares about Lendl. He is really boring.

Well, if one followed tennis, his defection, move to Greenwich, and marriage were all pretty common knowledge while he was playing. Doesn't mean you were a Lendl fan, per se, just means you didn't turn off the t.v. or crumple up the newspaper when this information was being disseminated.

You cannot force people to like this guy. I will admit that maybe people don't hate lendl.....but no one really cares about him.

When did I try to force someone to like him? I just said that casting him as a poster boy for Communism was, IMO, incredibly inaccurate.

Don't you find it odd that someone with that many wins can't sell a biography like Mcenroe, Connors or Borg can??

Not at all. A McEnroe biography would [b]still[b] outsell a Federer biography in many markets, and McEnroe hasn't won a major since 1984. They'd both probably outsell Rod Laver.

I don't think these are things of which any of us should be particularly proud as tennis fans.

[Nuke]

Lendl had really bad teeth and gaunt cheeks in his playing years, and wasn't at all photogenic. The Dracula-like accent worked against him, too. He had a pretty dry sense of humor (the grass allergy, yet he spent missed Wimbledon time playing golf) that just didn't go over in the west. But he was a tremendous champion, and elevated the game. If he were playing today, his agent would get him an image makeover and he be a lot more popular than he was back then. Different times, though. The only endorsement I remember him doing was for Ben-Gay.

[OrangeOne]

Lendl had really bad teeth and gaunt cheeks in his playing years, and wasn't at all photogenic. The Dracula-like accent worked against him, too. He had a pretty dry sense of humor (the grass allergy, yet he spent missed Wimbledon time playing golf) that just didn't go over in the west. But he was a tremendous champion, and elevated the game. If he were playing today, his agent would get him an image makeover and he be a lot more popular than he was back then. Different times, though. The only endorsement I remember him doing was for Ben-Gay.

Not a bad conclusion really, but then again, there are still players like Davydenko going around, and equally, while he may not have had much outside-sport sponsorship, I'm sure Lendl made stacks from Addidas and Mizuno, he led Mizuno's break into the tennis world, which maybe worked for a time? I don't know the stats on that one.

[civic]

It is possible to be a fan of both Lendl and McEnroe, just not if they are playing each other..

[Grimjack]

Proud to be a Lendl fan.

Why do you hate America?

[Gut Reaction]

Proud to be a Lendl fan.

No one really cares. Lendl is the most boring player EVER!!!!

heres a list of the other 9 most boring #1's:

2. Lendl
3 Lendl
4 Lendl
5 Lendl
6 Lendl
7 Lendl
8 Lendl
9 Lendl
10 Lendl

[AJK1]

Closely followed by Sampras

[Mick]

No one really cares. Lendl is the most boring player EVER!!!!

heres a list of the other 9 most boring #1's:

2. Lendl
3 Lendl
4 Lendl
5 Lendl
6 Lendl
7 Lendl
8 Lendl
9 Lendl
10 Lendl

I am surprised Lendl still bothers you that much considering he retired 12 years ago . It's not like he is still playing :)

[Phil]

First off, the OP isn't the one suggestning Lendl was allergic to grass. Lendl himself said it, as an excuse for skipping Wimbledon early in his career. Simply google a combo of words including "Lendl," "allergic," and "grass," and you'll get any number of hits confirming this.

Second, there are many reasons to hate Lendl. He represents in both thought and deed the Communist/European threat to the American way of life. Like most East Euros, his upbringing left him an unblinking, hardline commie robot.

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).

He lacked both personality and finesse, and made up for it with rigor and discipline. It made him hard for us (Americans) to love. He lacked the natural grace and talent with which we (as Americans) are imbued, but pursued in his own dogged way the mockery of natural talent which comes with endless slave-driven hard work. Once you've tasted genius, it's difficult to appreciate the rigors of disciplined craftsmanship. Effortless brilliance is so much more dazzling than hard work.

Instead of common pets, he kept vicious attack dogs. Instead of a good, mass-marketed Wilson or Prince racquet, he played with a Kneissl knockoff. Who can even pronounce that? The man wasn't simply un-American; he gloried in his differences, as if saying, "your culture is puny and weak, America." We didn't cotton to that. Give us personality, genius, and beagles every time.

Nice one:o ! LMAO...Let me add that whenever Lendl was playing an American and came to the net for the coin toss, he would declare, Ivan Drago-like,

"I vill cr-uu-sh you, and all zat you belive it...prepare ya-selv for total and utt-a humiliation, imperialist DOG."

[civic]

please ignore this post

[galain]

Grimjack

I think I ruptured a tonsil laughing at your post. Brilliant! I'd nominate that for post of the year. Thanks mate - made my day.

[christos_liaskos]

Don't you find it odd that someone with that many wins can't sell a biography like Mcenroe, Connors or Borg can?? The reason is no one cares about Lendl. he has zero personality. The man is a robot.

I would love to read an autobiography by Lendl. I think its a shame that his name gets mentioned so little nowadays in the tennis world and on forums like this, afterall the guy's achievements on court rank him up there with the greats of all time yet no one really knows much about him except for the occasional mention from tennis pundits.

Out of the autobiographies I would love to read I would rank Connors, Borg and Lendl as three I wish would release one the most. Further in the future I also look forward to Sampras and Agassi autobiographies.

[m_b]

Lendl is a legend!

[omniexist]

Different times, though. The only endorsement I remember him doing was for Ben-Gay.[/QUOTE]

I remember Lendl doing ads for Snapple quite a bit.

[Breaker]

You said the same thing 5 times in 2 posts. The exact same thing, FIVE times in two posts that followed one-another. Do you think if you repeat yourself enough, people will magically come to believe it?

My "gut reaction" is that he doesn't have anyone caring about him- so he brings his inner hatred into this message board and releases it in random Lendl rants.

[ChipNCharge]

My only problem with Lendl is that it seems he's completely turned his back on the game. Many players, when they retire, get away from tennis for a while but eventually come back to it in some capacity (eg: Sampras, Connors). However, it seems Lendl still doesn't want anything at all to do with tennis. It's as if he doesn't even like the sport any more. He's always talking about how great golf is and rarely mentions tennis, other than to remind folks that it ruined his back.

[Gut Reaction]

Sheer poetry:

Originally Posted by Grimjack
First off, the OP isn't the one suggestning Lendl was allergic to grass. Lendl himself said it, as an excuse for skipping Wimbledon early in his career. Simply google a combo of words including "Lendl," "allergic," and "grass," and you'll get any number of hits confirming this.

Second, there are many reasons to hate Lendl. He represents in both thought and deed the Communist/European threat to the American way of life. Like most East Euros, his upbringing left him an unblinking, hardline commie robot.

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).

He lacked both personality and finesse, and made up for it with rigor and discipline. It made him hard for us (Americans) to love. He lacked the natural grace and talent with which we (as Americans) are imbued, but pursued in his own dogged way the mockery of natural talent which comes with endless slave-driven hard work. Once you've tasted genius, it's difficult to appreciate the rigors of disciplined craftsmanship. Effortless brilliance is so much more dazzling than hard work.

Instead of common pets, he kept vicious attack dogs. Instead of a good, mass-marketed Wilson or Prince racquet, he played with a Kneissl knockoff. Who can even pronounce that? The man wasn't simply un-American; he gloried in his differences, as if saying, "your culture is puny and weak, America." We didn't cotton to that. Give us personality, genius, and beagles every time.

[Gilgamesh]

I don't hate Lendl. I don't see how you can hate someone you never met. As much as I don't like Bush's foreign policy I don't hate Bush. How can I? I never met him.

But Lendl was the guy people rooted against and he played that role very well. The guy was one hell of a talent though.

[FedFan_2007]

No true tennis fan can hate Lendl. You have to give props to(at the time he retired):

#1 in weeks at No. 1
5 YEC titles
8 Grand slams
8 consecutive US Open finals
record 19 GS finals
record 10 straight GS semifinals
3 straight years with 90+ win percentage

I know I'm missing many other records, oh and he created the modern baseline game and revolutionized training methods for tennis players.

[FedFan_2007]

Sheer poetry:

Originally Posted by Grimjack

Instead of common pets, he kept vicious attack dogs. Instead of a good, mass-marketed Wilson or Prince racquet, he played with a Kneissl knockoff. Who can even pronounce that? The man wasn't simply un-American; he gloried in his differences, as if saying, "your culture is puny and weak, America." We didn't cotton to that. Give us personality, genius, and beagles every time.

So that's why Lendl settled in Greenwich, CT. Spare us the "poetry".

[35ft6]

Most underrated player of all time.

[Gut Reaction]

No true tennis fan can hate Lendl. .

Your right. Hate is too strong of a word for the robot....Lets just say no one cares. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Condoleezza]

Grimjack

I think I ruptured a tonsil laughing at your post. Brilliant! I'd nominate that for post of the year. Thanks mate - made my day.


The problem is that Dumbjack didn't mean it to be sarcastic .....

Condi

[Eviscerator]

I hate Lendl because he was a robot and the most boring player to ever play this sport. He just seemed evil.

I also hated him because he said he couldnt play Wimbledon because he was allergic to grass...turns out he was a big time golfer and was just afraid of losing again!

:roll: :roll:

[MaxT]

I like him.

A much better human being, not even in the same class, than the "thug", the "can't be serious", and the "forehand and a haircut." His only fault is he didn't self promote. This in the U.S. is a sin. Here you will have made it if you can give a public blow job or release a sex video and have it covered on CNN. Others don't count.

[Gut Reaction]

I like him.

A much better human being, not even in the same class, than the "thug", the "can't be serious", and the "forehand and a haircut." His only fault is he didn't self promote. This in the U.S. is a sin. Here you will have made it if you can give a public blow job or release a sex video and have it covered on CNN. Others don't count.

wrong..that person you call a "thug" had a personality while Ivan the terrible was robotic and gave off a Darth vader appearence.

It has nothing to do with self promoting. Borg, Fed, Sampras, Agassi are all pretty classy and quiet. The difference is that they do not give off the "evil" Karma that Ivan the terribble gives off. Where Lend is the "dark" champion guys like Agassi & Borg exude charm.

You are defending the indefensible...there was just something very dark about Lendl...and thats not my opinion thats what many people felt. Thats why he made the cover of Sports Illustrated. If this angers anyone then I'm sorry but thats just the way many people feel. that is a fact.

[Mick]

...Borg, Fed, Sampras, Agassi are all pretty classy and quiet. The difference is that they do not give off the "evil" Karma that Ivan the terribble gives off. Where Lend is the "dark" champion guys like Agassi & Borg exude charm...

"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."

-- Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 - 1527)

[AJK1]

If Lendl converted his 19 GS finals into more than 8 wins, we'd be talking very differently about him now. He was one of my favourite players, he revolutionised the game. He's enjoying his life with his kids now, and good luck to him.

[MaxT]

wrong..that person you call a "thug" had a personality while Ivan the terrible was robotic and gave off a Darth vader appearence.

It has nothing to do with self promoting. Borg, Fed, Sampras, Agassi are all pretty classy and quiet. The difference is that they do not give off the "evil" Karma that Ivan the terribble gives off. Where Lend is the "dark" champion guys like Agassi & Borg exude charm.

You are defending the indefensible...there was just something very dark about Lendl...and thats not my opinion thats what many people felt. Thats why he made the cover of Sports Illustrated. If this angers anyone then I'm sorry but thats just the way many people feel. that is a fact.

I know that is some, not sure it is a lot, people feel in the U.S. And I gave a a reason. The American culture just does not appreciate a quite decent worker.

And you call Agassi quiet? He is not the same as the other three.

[civic]

i like Lendl

[Gut Reaction]

I know that is some, not sure it is a lot, people feel in the U.S. And I gave a a reason. The American culture just does not appreciate a quite decent worker.

And you call Agassi quiet? He is not the same as the other three.

Look no matter what you say Lendl is just not a charasmatic person.

American love quiet hard working players. You don't like the Agassi example?? How about Federe...americans love him. How about Borg and Edberg?

There was just bad karma around Lendl. And its not only america...I mean how many Lendl fan clubs are there in Europe? There really is no chatter about Lendl.

You always see SAudi Arabia and paying for exhibitions of Mcenroe vs. Borg....but no one really cares about Ivan the robot.

[Grimjack]

The problem is that Dumbjack didn't mean it to be sarcastic .....

Condi

You know, behind these scruffy good looks, this razor-sharp wit, and this armor of cynicism beats the heart of a tender, loving person.

Your hurtful pseudonym really stings.

[joe sch]

Lendl was a selfish champion who did not give his competition much respect. This was also probably the reason he was soo successful. He also snubbed the press. These are not reasons to root for a player.

[Grimjack]

What a Liar...there is no Czechoslovakia moron!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"What country are you from," is not the same question as, "where do you currently reside." It is entirely possible to be from a country that ceased to exist as an independent entity during one's lifetime. Especially in these troubled times.

And so I tip my 40 to you, my mother, my homey, my once-upon-a-time homeland -- Zaire.

Condi

[ipodtennispro]

Bring back Lendl for the Seniors tour!


Watch him take down Mac:

http://iws.punahou.edu/user/lcouillard/Headhunting.mov

ipodtennispros.com

[omniexist]

Well, I think Lendl's persona was in part a calculated tactic. I think he realized early on that players will use any emotion expressed by their opponent to give themselves a psychological edge. Same with Borg. If you show distress or anger..usually the opponent will be encouraged.

Same with friendliness and respect (that is, too much respect)..ala James Blake. Lendl simply didn't want the opponent to feel too comfortable out there.

James Blake...his attitude makes me want to puke. Here's a quote..By the third set, even Blake was applauding some of Federer's winners.

"I appreciate the support you gave me when I was playing great, or when Roger was giving me a lesson," Blake told the crowd at Qi Zhong Stadium. "I'm honoured to be considered a colleague of his." -Yuck..have some pride man!

Check out what this Eagle football player had to say about Blake's sportsmanship:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jon_wertheim/11/29/mailbag/index.html

Familiarity breeds tougher competition..look at Roddick..he's chummy at times but maybe that can hurt him when he plays others...applauding the other player too much...Heh, Connors never had that problem..he'll probably cure him of it.

Of course we wouldn't want all the players adopting such a philosophy..or else we'd get a lot of Lendl clones.

[Jet Rink]

Lendl, while one of my least favorite players of all-time (boring game, even more boring persona - in an age exploding with personalities), deserves credit for his slams - and for his work ethic. He was right there in the early eighties, getting hip to nutrition and balls-to-the-wall work.

Second-best tennis joke ever, circa mid-eighties: "An empty limo pulled up the grounds of the US Open and Ivan Lendl got out." :p

Jet

[Condoleezza]

You know, behind these scruffy good looks, this razor-sharp wit, and this armor of cynicism beats the heart of a tender, loving person.

Your hurtful pseudonym really stings.

Sorry ....

Condi

[Dashbarr]

i dislike lendl because he really didnt come off as the type of guy you'd want to be around. hell, even mac could be a fun guy to hang with if he argued all the time, but lendl was a blank slate. play well, play to kill, and play without regret. more of a robot than a tennis player if you ask me.

[Gut Reaction]

Bring back Lendl for the Seniors tour!


Watch him take down Mac



Actually I am glad you brought that up.

You probably did not hear about it because no one really cares...but here goes.

Mac challenged Ivan the robot to a match.

Ivans response: "how about a bike race instead".....What a comeback...BRAVO LENDL!!!!!! pathetic.

The the reporter pushed Ivan and Ivan admotted that mac would beat him today!!!

[Gut Reaction]

You are one bright bulb ....

Condi

and you lie.

[civic]

Condi, Thanks for trying to defend me. Being called anti-American for saying I am a Lendl fan was quite hurtful as well.

[Frank Silbermann]

I'll admit that Lendl didn't have a very pretty face, but I don't think Lendl was at all boring to watch. He had the most exciting forehand of the 1980s, and a pretty exciting backhand. If you want emotion, turn to a soap-opera; I watched to see tennis.

Now that's I've learned more about the players, I respect him all the more. Connors and MacEnroe were cheaters who repeatedly broke the rules when playing against lesser-known players because they knew they could get away with it. No tournament director would dare allow his main draws to be disqualified. For example, when a lesser player was playing really well, they'd throw a fake tantrum against a linesman so that the opponent would get distracted, lose his composure through irritation, or simply cool down and get chilled. A lesser player couldn't get away with exceeding the permitted time between points like that. No one really knows how spotty their records would have been had the rules of tennis been enforced fairly.

Lendl and Borg, however, earned every single one of their victories.

[PimpMyGame]

It's as if he doesn't even like the sport any more.

He never liked the sport in the first place. He'd turn up on court looking like someone who had to drag their sorry ass into a dull job every day.

This guy really had a face like a bulldog licking p*** off a nettle. That's why people don't think as highly of him as the likes of Connors, McEnroe, Federer et al.

BTW I walked past him when visiting Wimbledon in '87 and he was just walking around with a Walkman on and a crazy blank expression...reminded me of a robot even then:grin:

[Condoleezza]

He never liked the sport in the first place. He'd turn up on court looking like someone who had to drag their sorry ass into a dull job every day.

This guy really had a face like a bulldog licking p*** off a nettle. That's why people don't think as highly of him as the likes of Connors, McEnroe, Federer et al. ....

I don't think highly of Jimbo or Mac. Both were major a**holes compared to Lendl.

Condi

[Gut Reaction]

I actually play at Lendls club here in Westchester. its called Grandslam .

Anyway, even when he is at the club he is a cold *****. No one talks to him...not the Pro's or the members. The man is just as cold as ice.

Now Mats Wilander is talkative as hell ...although when I have seen him at the club he was stoned out of his mind.

[vivavincent]

All players have their own style. Even lendl, Federer is very boring. He looks like lendl and ground stroke.

[rasajadad]

I don't hate him, but that eye picking thing really skeeved me out!

[icazares]

Even his name is cold. I mean no woman can get excited about a guy named Ivan. What is she going to say???....ooooo ride me like a wild bull Ivan. Or give it to me...Ivan. You just cannot get excited about anyone named Ivan. its almost as bad as Eugene.

In fact whenever I hear the name Ivan all I can think of is Ivan the terrible. Lendl was and is simply a disaster for public relations. He is as boring now as he ever was when he was on the tour.

Today even mats Wilander has shown signs of a personality. Lendl on the other hand still has the personality of a piece of wood.

Because of people like you, I'm not a frequent visitor of this web site anymore. Your stereotype of Eastern Europeans is way off. You should open your mind, By talking the way you do, all we can see is how ignorant you are, and unfortunately, that gives a pretty bad idea of the type of people around here.

[swedechris]

i think why lendl 'turned his back on the game ' and never gave anything back is actually not that starnge.. the guy trained like a horse for many years to get max results form his discipline and effort for his talent shot variaety was not as strong ....then made success only to find that he was not that appreciated .. guess he got both burned out physicall y and burnt mentally also...like who does embrace something that doesnt like him / her.. not too many ..incl mr lendl

[Dedans Penthouse]

I actually play at Lendls club here in Westchester. its called Grandslam .

Anyway, even when he is at the club he is a cold *****. No one talks to him...not the Pro's or the members. The man is just as cold as ice.

Now Mats Wilander is talkative as hell ...although when I have seen him at the club he was stoned out of his mind.

Howdy "neighbor." I've occasionally played on their "hard" courts. Three weeks ago I played on one of their 3 "bubbled" Har-tru courts and as far as indoor "Har-Tru" courts go, they were in great shape; very supple. I regularly play "up the street" (in the winter) at Armonk Tennis Club on Bedford Rd (Rt. 22; next to the Canyon Club).

I know of a "once-good" (now somwhat over-rated) French restaurant La Cremaillere up the street and Finch Country Store across the parking lot from Grand Slam. As for Ivan, you're right: Lendl is a stiff and guitar-playin' Mats is much more of a free spirit.

Sidebard: And this, icazares, isn't a put-down of Eastern Europeans in general--Lendl's just a dour, cold fish.

Don't know about now, but Lendl's friend and "art mentor," Vojtek Fibak used to play there a lot as well.

[Kaptain Karl]

I'd root for his opponent ... but stay for his post-match interview when he won. He had the greatest dead-pan responses to some pretty lame questions.

I still smile whenever I remember his reply to some dopey Reporter ... IIR, it was after a hard-fought 4-setter at the US Open.
Reporter: [Some blather about the importance of winning the Big Points, followed by] "What's the most important point in a match for you, Ivan?"
Lendl: [Looking at him as if the Reporter was an imbecile] "The last one."

... There was *such* a "pregnant pause" after that. Nobody wanted to be the next Doofus, exposed by Ivan. (I know, I'm weird. I still think it was a classic reply.)

- KK

[Condoleezza]

i think why lendl 'turned his back on the game ' and never gave anything back is actually not that starnge.. the guy trained like a horse for many years to get max results form his discipline and effort for his talent shot variaety was not as strong ....then made success only to find that he was not that appreciated .. guess he got both burned out physicall y and burnt mentally also...like who does embrace something that doesnt like him / her.. not too many ..incl mr lendl

When "giving back to tennis" means blabbering as co-commentator on TV then I prefer former tennis players who don't give back ....

Condi

[Condoleezza]

Howdy "neighbor." I've occasionally played on their "hard" courts. Three weeks ago I played on one of their 3 "bubbled" Har-tru courts and as far as indoor "Har-Tru" courts go, they were in great shape; very supple. I regularly play "up the street" (in the winter) at Armonk Tennis Club on Bedford Rd (Rt. 22; next to the Canyon Club).

I know of a "once-good" (now somwhat over-rated) French restaurant La Cremaillere up the street and Finch Country Store across the parking lot from Grand Slam. As for Ivan, you're right: Lendl is a stiff and guitar-playin' Mats is much more of a free spirit.

Sidebard: And this, icazares, isn't a put-down of Eastern Europeans in general--Lendl's just a dour, cold fish. ....

... who prevented U.S. stars like Connors and McEnroe from staying at #1 .... :D

Graf was a "cold fish", too. And she didn't "give back to the game" either!!
And guess what - from which country did the players come who lost the top spot to Graf .... ? :D :D

Condi

[Gut Reaction]

All players have their own style. Even lendl, Federer is very boring. He looks like lendl and ground stroke.


Oh I agree...Fed is boring. And so was Sampras....he looked downright depressed. But there is a HUGE HUGE difference between Lendl & fed & Sampras or even Borg!!!

Borg for example was called the angelic assasin because he looked like an angel. Sampras and Fed also gove off the aura of being "good guys". Lendl on the other hand just has Evil Karma. There is something very dark about him...I can't put my finger on it. But out of all the #1's in the history of tennis I would have to say Lendl had the least product endorsements. Ever wonder why? Its because many companies just did not want to be associated with the evil one.

[Gut Reaction]

I don't hate him, but that eye picking thing really skeeved me out!

Actually Brad Gilbert said that was a strategic tactic of Lendls. it was Lendls way of delaying the game!!!!

I hated all the saw dust crap all over the place.

[Gut Reaction]

Because of people like you, I'm not a frequent visitor of this web site anymore. Your stereotype of Eastern Europeans is way off. You should open your mind, By talking the way you do, all we can see is how ignorant you are, and unfortunately, that gives a pretty bad idea of the type of people around here.

Listen alter ego Condi,

I am actually Eastern European.

[Gut Reaction]

Howdy "neighbor." I've occasionally played on their "hard" courts. Three weeks ago I played on one of their 3 "bubbled" Har-tru courts and as far as indoor "Har-Tru" courts go, they were in great shape; very supple. I regularly play "up the street" (in the winter) at Armonk Tennis Club on Bedford Rd (Rt. 22; next to the Canyon Club).

I know of a "once-good" (now somwhat over-rated) French restaurant La Cremaillere up the street and Finch Country Store across the parking lot from Grand Slam. As for Ivan, you're right: Lendl is a stiff and guitar-playin' Mats is much more of a free spirit.

Sidebard: And this, icazares, isn't a put-down of Eastern Europeans in general--Lendl's just a dour, cold fish.

Don't know about now, but Lendl's friend and "art mentor," Vojtek Fibak used to play there a lot as well.

Cool!!! Armonks a great club!! and one of the oldest in the area!....and by the way...I am Eastern European so therefore my image of Lendl has nothing to do with any sort of prejudice.

[civic]

Oh I agree...Fed is boring. And so was Sampras....he looked downright depressed. But there is a HUGE HUGE difference between Lendl & fed & Sampras or even Borg!!!
Yes, all those players are boring. Tennis is just a boring sport.
There is something very dark about him...I can't put my finger on it. Maybe he's the apprentice of a Sith lord.

[rasajadad]

Actually Brad Gilbert said that was a strategic tactic of Lendls. it was Lendls way of delaying the game!!!!

I hated all the saw dust crap all over the place.

He could have just tied his shoes. I know his opponents hated the sawdust all over the baseline.

As an aside, I used to go to The Volvo at Stratton Mountain in the mid-80's and watched Lendl practice/warm up a lot there. He hit more topspin off the forehand than anybody I've ever seen before or since (until Nadal.)

[Gut Reaction]

He could have just tied his shoes. I know his opponents hated the sawdust all over the baseline.


Actually Lendls delay tactics wer ingenius. It was not as obvious as Macs.

In addition to the saw dust he would pull each eyelash out one by one forever!! Its truly amazing that he had any eyelashes left at all.

[ilovecarlos]

Forgive my shallowness, but I couldn't get past that goofy "legionaires" style hat with the flaps that he wore in the sun......rotflmao...look up goofy in the dictionary and there's a picture of him wearing that hat!!!

[Gut Reaction]

Forgive my shallowness, but I couldn't get past that goofy "legionaires" style hat with the flaps that he wore in the sun......rotflmao...look up goofy in the dictionary and there's a picture of him wearing that hat!!!


That was really funny! I forgot about that. together with the wrist bands that went up to his shoulders...LOL!!!

[Warriorroger]

That was really funny! I forgot about that. together with the wrist bands that went up to his shoulders...LOL!!!


Federer will put his feet in your face:mad:

[Azzurri]

First off, the OP isn't the one suggestning Lendl was allergic to grass. Lendl himself said it, as an excuse for skipping Wimbledon early in his career. Simply google a combo of words including "Lendl," "allergic," and "grass," and you'll get any number of hits confirming this.

Second, there are many reasons to hate Lendl. He represents in both thought and deed the Communist/European threat to the American way of life. Like most East Euros, his upbringing left him an unblinking, hardline commie robot.

It was clear he harbored a hatred for Freedom (e.g., his attempted assault of McEnroe was clearly a shot at freedom of speech -- he hated Mac for his talent, artistry, and above all, for his freedom).

He lacked both personality and finesse, and made up for it with rigor and discipline. It made him hard for us (Americans) to love. He lacked the natural grace and talent with which we (as Americans) are imbued, but pursued in his own dogged way the mockery of natural talent which comes with endless slave-driven hard work. Once you've tasted genius, it's difficult to appreciate the rigors of disciplined craftsmanship. Effortless brilliance is so much more dazzling than hard work.

Instead of common pets, he kept vicious attack dogs. Instead of a good, mass-marketed Wilson or Prince racquet, he played with a Kneissl knockoff. Who can even pronounce that? The man wasn't simply un-American; he gloried in his differences, as if saying, "your culture is puny and weak, America." We didn't cotton to that. Give us personality, genius, and beagles every time.

Did not read whole tread, but do you realize he became a citizen of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA? He became a citizen in like 5 years. HE LIVES HERE!!! You make little sense. The guy was just not flamboyent. He was stoic. He was probably raised that way...which is just different. Has nothing to do with living in Eastern Europe. You are a complete waste and you insult people from Europe with your narrow minded American attitude.

[Azzurri]

I still don't think he was human.

Recently Mcenroe challenegd Lendl to a tennis match.

Guess what Lendls exciting comeback was?:

"Lets have a bicycle race instead"....OOOOOOOOO....good one Ivan!!!??

Even his name is cold. I mean no woman can get excited about a guy named Ivan. What is she going to say???....ooooo ride me like a wild bull Ivan. Or give it to me...Ivan. You just cannot get excited about anyone named Ivan. its almost as bad as Eugene.

In fact whenever I hear the name Ivan all I can think of is Ivan the terrible. Lendl was and is simply a disaster for public relations. He is as boring now as he ever was when he was on the tour.

Today even mats Wilander has shown signs of a personality. Lendl on the other hand still has the personality of a piece of wood.

What's your name? WODDY?

[Azzurri]

I still don't think he was human.

Recently Mcenroe challenegd Lendl to a tennis match.

Guess what Lendls exciting comeback was?:

"Lets have a bicycle race instead"....OOOOOOOOO....good one Ivan!!!??

Even his name is cold. I mean no woman can get excited about a guy named Ivan. What is she going to say???....ooooo ride me like a wild bull Ivan. Or give it to me...Ivan. You just cannot get excited about anyone named Ivan. its almost as bad as Eugene.

In fact whenever I hear the name Ivan all I can think of is Ivan the terrible. Lendl was and is simply a disaster for public relations. He is as boring now as he ever was when he was on the tour.

Today even mats Wilander has shown signs of a personality. Lendl on the other hand still has the personality of a piece of wood.

I meant:
What's your name? WOODY?

[Azzurri]

Most underrated player of all time.

what does that mean? No one is saying he sucked. Most if not all will agree he was the best player from 85-91.

[Azzurri]

wrong..that person you call a "thug" had a personality while Ivan the terrible was robotic and gave off a Darth vader appearence.

It has nothing to do with self promoting. Borg, Fed, Sampras, Agassi are all pretty classy and quiet. The difference is that they do not give off the "evil" Karma that Ivan the terribble gives off. Where Lend is the "dark" champion guys like Agassi & Borg exude charm.

You are defending the indefensible...there was just something very dark about Lendl...and thats not my opinion thats what many people felt. Thats why he made the cover of Sports Illustrated. If this angers anyone then I'm sorry but thats just the way many people feel. that is a fact.

AGASSI!!!?? QUIET?????????????? Where you born 2 years ago?

[Azzurri]

Look no matter what you say Lendl is just not a charasmatic person.

American love quiet hard working players. You don't like the Agassi example?? How about Federe...americans love him. How about Borg and Edberg?

There was just bad karma around Lendl. And its not only america...I mean how many Lendl fan clubs are there in Europe? There really is no chatter about Lendl.

You always see SAudi Arabia and paying for exhibitions of Mcenroe vs. Borg....but no one really cares about Ivan the robot.

You guys seem to forget something about Borg...he was more popular in Europe. Americans rooted for a guy like MAC (who is my favorite all-time) because of the disdain for Borg. Edberg? No one hated him, but he was not popular either. People like him for his game, but his personality was a wet sponge like Wilander, Borg, Lendl and Graf.

[Azzurri]

He never liked the sport in the first place. He'd turn up on court looking like someone who had to drag their sorry ass into a dull job every day.

This guy really had a face like a bulldog licking p*** off a nettle. That's why people don't think as highly of him as the likes of Connors, McEnroe, Federer et al.

BTW I walked past him when visiting Wimbledon in '87 and he was just walking around with a Walkman on and a crazy blank expression...reminded me of a robot even then:grin:

Did Lendl tell you that? Oh...that's right...he ignored you.

The man LOVED tennis.

[Azzurri]

I don't hate him, but that eye picking thing really skeeved me out!

It was his CONTACTS. He stated that fact many times. They picked his eyes.

[Gut Reaction]

It was his CONTACTS. He stated that fact many times. They picked his eyes.

I think thats a lie. Sort of like his allergic to grass thing was a lie.

The man was pulling out his eyelashes...that has nothing to do with contacts. In fact Brad Gilbert says that it was a purposeful delay tactic!

[Gut Reaction]

AGASSI!!!?? QUIET?????????????? Where you born 2 years ago?


Agassi is a class act. Yes compared to lendl he is not quiet but compared to Mcenroe he is very quiet. Lets just say that Agassi is neither quiet or loud....rather he is just right. A real class act. On the other hand Lendl is a robot.

[Gut Reaction]

The man LOVED tennis.

Well it sure did not look like it. And today he has done everything in the world to hide from the sport. If he loved tennis he sure as hell fooled everyone.

[Mick]

You guys seem to forget something about Borg...he was more popular in Europe. Americans rooted for a guy like MAC (who is my favorite all-time) because of the disdain for Borg. Edberg? No one hated him, but he was not popular either. People like him for his game, but his personality was a wet sponge like Wilander, Borg, Lendl and Graf.

I admired Borg, Edberg, Wilander, Lendl, Graf, and McEnroe because when I watched their matches, I had the feeling they gave their best effort to try to win the match. I only dislike players who would phase in and phase out like Henri LeConte or Hana Mandlikova. Sure, they were great players but when under pressure, they usually would not play great the entire match and would come up short.

[Azzurri]

I think thats a lie. Sort of like his allergic to grass thing was a lie.

The man was pulling out his eyelashes...that has nothing to do with contacts. In fact Brad Gilbert says that it was a purposeful delay tactic!

do you wear contacts? I used to (laser surgery fixed that). I used to get dry/scratchy eyes and I would pull my upper eye lashes over my lower ones (something I learned somewhere). This helped alleviate the annoyence for a little while. Lendl did not need a STUPID delay tactic. He was far better than anyone else during his dominant era.

[Azzurri]

I admired Borg, Edberg, Wilander, Lendl, Graf, and McEnroe because when I watched their matches, I had the feeling they gave their best effort to try to win the match. I only dislike players who would phase in and phase out like Henri LeConte or Hana Mandlikova. Sure, they were great players but when under pressure, they usually would not play great the entire match and would come up short.

MICK...what is your point?

[Azzurri]

Well it sure did not look like it. And today he has done everything in the world to hide from the sport. If he loved tennis he sure as hell fooled everyone.

notice the word is in the past tense LOVED. I loved golf at one time...was nuts about it. Now I hate it. Don't forget, he played pro tennis, not leasure tennis or for "fun"

Who cares if he was boring. You people seem to forget how much slack SAMPRAS got for being boring. I used to go nuts sticking up for the guy because I never thought he was boring, but most sports magazines and newspapers called him a bore.

[Azzurri]

Agassi is a class act. Yes compared to lendl he is not quiet but compared to Mcenroe he is very quiet. Lets just say that Agassi is neither quiet or loud....rather he is just right. A real class act. On the other hand Lendl is a robot.

you must be around 12 years old. I have always loved Agassi, but he was not always a class act.

When he came out in 86 and had that "attitude" people did not think of him as a class act.

[Mick]

MICK...what is your point?
My point is i don't hate any player that put out 100% to compete. I don't care what they look like or behave as long as they put out their best effort to play the match.

[Kirko]

Do I hate him? No. But he was a dishonorable player, you never aim to hit a ball through another player's chest......not even McEnroe's.

exactly! he's kind of a coward. the way he won his 1st slam vomitting from almost being embarassed. I saw him play up close in Reno,NV in 1982 Harrah's Tennis "Shoot Out" against Vilas. Lendl the pretend bully nearly **** the bed in an exibition match.

[altodds]

I never hate him, actually I considered him as one of the greatest player ever, he influence many players, but attitiude??? well, as a no.1 in the world on those days he's got a certain kind of attitude, I met him twice in Japan when I was still in the company which supports his wears and rackets

[PimpMyGame]

do you wear contacts? I used to (laser surgery fixed that). I used to get dry/scratchy eyes and I would pull my upper eye lashes over my lower ones (something I learned somewhere). This helped alleviate the annoyence for a little while. Lendl did not need a STUPID delay tactic. He was far better than anyone else during his dominant era.

I wear contacts. They are very comfortable. If I was boring and hated tennis I might play with them like some boring bloke did in the 80s, what as his name? Can't remember, he was that dull miserable and boring.

[sypl]

I thought this was funny:
http://members.cox.net/chuxwords/IvanLendl.jpg

[PimpMyGame]

lol the robot that nobody cares about

[Mick]

I thought this was funny:
http://members.cox.net/chuxwords/IvanLendl.jpg

That Sports Illustrated magazine cover is pretty stupid because if nobody really cares about Lendl, how the heck did his picture appear on the cover of that magazine ?

Think about it.

[superman1]

Obviously the editors of the magazine cared about him.

[Azzurri]

exactly! he's kind of a coward. the way he won his 1st slam vomitting from almost being embarassed. I saw him play up close in Reno,NV in 1982 Harrah's Tennis "Shoot Out" against Vilas. Lendl the pretend bully nearly **** the bed in an exibition match.

Sampras puked too....what are you going to say about that?

[Azzurri]

That Sports Illustrated magazine cover is pretty stupid because if nobody really cares about Lendl, how the heck did his picture appear on the cover of that magazine ?

Think about it.

Exactly. It was one idiot's opinion based on some people's perceptions. The guy was popular...period. He just was not Connors and Mac.

[Capt. Willie]

I don't. His drive to be the best, and to be prepared to work himself to death for it, was actually quite inspiring.
While I was never a Lendl fan I too admire him for this. He trained harder and practiced more than any other player at that time. I also liked the argyle pattern adidas shirts. :)

[Starlite]

I thought this was funny:
http://members.cox.net/chuxwords/IvanLendl.jpg

Why does Sports Illustrated hate tennis? Sadly enough, they would probably do the same cover for Federer.

[Gut Reaction]

I thought this was funny:
http://members.cox.net/chuxwords/IvanLendl.jpg

I pointed out the cover before...but I guess as Agasi said:

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING

[oscar_2424]

I hate Lendl because he was a robot and the most boring player to ever play this sport. He just seemed evil.

I also hated him because he said he couldnt play Wimbledon because he was allergic to grass...turns out he was a big time golfer and was just afraid of losing again!

I personally think he was one of the best players of all time, nothing to hate about him

[The Gorilla]

if he played today he'd be hugely popular,people were spoiled with wooden racquets and touch tennis,lendl killed that.People didn't appreciate his talent.

[vive le beau jeu !]

I pointed out the cover before...but I guess as Agasi said:

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING
an advertising campaign that agassi regrets a lot... ;)

[Gut Reaction]

an advertising campaign that agassi regrets a lot... ;)

http://members.cox.net/chuxwords/IvanLendl.jpg

[Gut Reaction]

do you wear contacts? I used to (laser surgery fixed that). I used to get dry/scratchy eyes and I would pull my upper eye lashes over my lower ones (something I learned somewhere). This helped alleviate the annoyence for a little while. Lendl did not need a STUPID delay tactic. He was far better than anyone else during his dominant era.

I also wore contacts and I also had laser surgery. I can honestly say that I have never found the need to pull each and every eyelash out of my eyelids throught out a match. Once in a bluemoon one may find the need to pull the top eyelid over the bottom eyelid for rewetting pueposes...but thats not what Lendl did. He would OFTEN literally pull his eyelashes OUT of his eyelid!!! Thats far different. Nice try though....you should think about law school!!!

I tend to agree with Brad Gilbert that Lendl eyelash pulling antics were simpl a game delay tactic.

[The Gorilla]

I also wore contacts and I also had laser surgery. I can honestly say that I have never found the need to pull each and every eyelash out of my eyelids throught out a match. Once in a bluemoon one may find the need to pull the top eyelid over the bottom eyelid for rewetting pueposes...but thats not what Lendl did. He would OFTEN literally pull his eyelashes OUT of his eyelid!!! Thats far different. Nice try though....you should think about law school!!!

I tend to agree with Brad Gilbert that Lendl eyelash pulling antics were simpl a game delay tactic.

so is picking your arse clean and arranging your wtaer bottles obsessively,but people don't hate nadal,that's not why people hate lendl.

[Gut Reaction]

an advertising campaign that agassi regrets a lot... ;)

maybe ...but this image really does say quite a bit...don't you think?:


http://members.cox.net/chuxwords/IvanLendl.jpg[/QUOTE]

[Gut Reaction]

so is picking your arse clean and arranging your wtaer bottles obsessively,but people don't hate nadal,that's not why people hate lendl.


why do people keep saying "arse"?? is That an English thing?

[The Gorilla]

why do people keep saying "arse"?? is That an English thing?

it's also an irish thing.Many people from the uk post on this forum.(www=world wide web)

[Gut Reaction]

it's also an irish thing.Many people from the uk post on this forum.(www=wide web)

Oh I didnt realize there were any other countries besides the USA:) .

[civic]

great post

[Azzurri]

[QUOTE=Gut Reaction;1133902]I also wore contacts and I also had laser surgery. I can honestly say that I have never found the need to pull each and every eyelash out of my eyelids throught out a match. Once in a bluemoon one may find the need to pull the top eyelid over the bottom eyelid for rewetting pueposes...but thats not what Lendl did. He would OFTEN literally pull his eyelashes OUT of his eyelid!!! Thats far different. Nice try though....you should think about law school!!!

Too late...already graduated from law school in 98.

[eunjam]

i don't hate lendl. anyways, i WISH i could be lend in this situation:

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040811/GOLF12/108110386

to have 5 beautiful daughters.....a hot wife......etc.

[alwaysatnet]

To be surrounded constantly by six women? Be careful what you wish for.You will note how much time he spends with his German Shepards and on the golf course to be out of the house.I think he's a saint to live through all that.

[intense2b]

i don't hate lendl. anyways, i WISH i could be lend in this situation:

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040811/GOLF12/108110386

to have 5 beautiful daughters.....a hot wife......etc.

yeah wow!!! its a miracle how he cured his grass allergy! Maybe now he can play at Wimbledon in an old timers match? Oh yeah forget that because he already backed out when Mcenroe challenged him. Instead lendl offered to race him on a bicycle. weeeeeeeeeeeee.