How good was Ramirez?

[goldenera]

Very good..in one of the toughest eras he was a top ten member from 74 to 78
Won IO vs Orantes and Tejeran WCT against Borg in straught sets both
FO twice sf,W sf..a bunch of quarters,beating peak Jimbo in DC..and of course,that wonderful doubs team with Gottfried
Nimble,all round,smart,fit player..how much could he have done playing in a weaker era?

 

[Frankc]

A favorite of mine, no doubt. Magical blend of speed, touch and a true competitor. Single handedly destroyed the US Davis Cup Team. On special nights, I will make a pot of coffee and rewatch his semi with Nastase at Wimbledon. The quickness , skill, variety and touch are a joy. Nastase near his peak and Ramirez likewise... Just imo, but that match (wood and fast grass) represents the perfect balance of technology and human skill on a tennis court. Tennis as it should be played...
One of my sadder moments was watching a past his peak Ramirez at the USO. It was into the graphite era and Raul had a graphite in his hand(Adidas if I remember right). You could see the look in his determined eyes as the balls flew by him - just accelerating. Touch was on the outs in the game and his speed was not only on decline but mattered less now...

 

[goldenera]

Great post
I loved seeing him live..and the magical mutual understanding with Gottfried should be on any textbook on how to play perfect doubs

 

[goldenera]

I wanted them so badly to beat Mac and Fleming in that 79 W final..

 

[goldenera]

And GP points leader in 76 as well..