WORLD NO. 1 (by year)

[Dan Lobb]

Originally Posted by jeffreyneave

i think the list is solid, but on some of the shared years i think there are definite winners.

In 1952 I would eliminate segura because gonzales won wembley and had 5-2 edge on segura leaving a shared ranking for sedgman and gonzales

in 1958 i would choose sedgman because of 2 major wins wembley (the most important0 and aussie pro to gonzales one win at forest hills, and 4-2 head to head advntage for sedgman including both 5 set matches they played.

in 1959 i would choose be cause his overall win-loss percentage is better than hoad who had lot poor results in europe. gonzales won the us tour over haod. both players are otherwise egual with 5 event wins and one major each.


in 1972 i domn't see newcombe as a contender , the race is between nastase (winner of 12 events from over 30 starts and the biggest event forest hills) against smith (9 wins from 21 starts, wimbledon and the davis cup) with vote going smith because of his 4-1 edge over nastase.

in 1975 everybody but the atp choose ashe. ashe won 9 events including wimbledon and wct finals and won his only match against connors, who was ru at wimbledon and forset hills and won 9 minor events.

in 1976 connors deserves because he won 12 events to borg's 6 and had a 3-0 head to head over borg.

in 1977 i agree its betwee borg and vilas. I would choose vilas because he won 2majors and was runner up in the aussie to borg's one major. outside the majors vilas won 16 events to borg's 10. borg's 3-0 head to head is his only claim and is not sufficient on its own.

in 1978 i would choose borg with 2 majors to connor's 1 and 3-2 head to head advantage.

in 1989 i would choose becker with 2 majors to one for lendl, and becker's big davis cup win and his 2-0 head to head edge on lendl. lendl 's only claim are 10 event wins to becker's 6


jeffrey

In 1959, Hoad's winning percentage on the two championship tours was 70% (76 wins and 33 losses), the best on the tours.

[FedericRoma83]

Frank Sedgman is my no. 1 in 1953 and 1958.
Gonzales no. 1 from 1954 to 1957.
Hoad no. 1 in 1959.
Rosewall no. 1 from 1960 to 1963, co-no. 1 in 1965 and 1970, no. 1 again in 1971.
Laver no. 1 in 1964, co-no. 1 in 1965, no. 1 from 1966 to 1969, co-no. 1 in 1970.
Then I have Nastase two years (1972-73).

[BobbyOne]

Originally Posted by FedericRoma83

Frank Sedgman is my no. 1 in 1953 and 1958.
Gonzales no. 1 from 1954 to 1957.
Hoad no. 1 in 1959.
Rosewall no. 1 from 1960 to 1963, co-no. 1 in 1965 and 1970, no. 1 again in 1971.
Laver no. 1 in 1964, co-no. 1 in 1965, no. 1 from 1966 to 1969, co-no. 1 in 1970.
Then I have Nastase two years (1972-73).

Federic, I agree with most of your points. I only would rank Sedgman behind Kramer in 1953 and Rosewall as Co. No.1 for 1964 as he won the official tour.

It's good that you have Rosewall No.1 in 1971 (I rank tied No.1 Smith and Newcombe).

[Dan Lobb]

Originally Posted by BobbyOne

Federic, I agree with most of your points. I only would rank Sedgman behind Kramer in 1953 and Rosewall as Co. No.1 for 1964 as he won the official tour.

It's good that you have Rosewall No.1 in 1971 (I rank tied No.1 Smith and Newcombe).

"Co" number ones? This is a cop-out and makes no sense.

[Mustard]

Sedgman is very close to Gonzales in 1958, beating Gonzales in both the Wembley Pro and the big tournament in Australia, but I still have Gonzales ahead. He won the US Pro in Cleveland and the Tournament of Champions at Forest Hills, and won the world pro tour against Hoad. In 1960, Gonzales barely played any tournaments after the end of his contract with Kramer, but he dominated the world pro tour, including Rosewall, and the tour was the most important thing back then.

I have Gonzales as number 1 from 1954-1961, because he always either the very best, or never toppled as the best, throughout that whole period.

[BobbyOne]

Originally Posted by Mustard

Sedgman is very close to Gonzales in 1958, beating Gonzales in both the Wembley Pro and the big tournament in Australia, but I still have Gonzales ahead. He won the US Pro in Cleveland and the Tournament of Champions at Forest Hills, and won the world pro tour against Hoad. In 1960, Gonzales barely played any tournaments after the end of his contract with Kramer, but he dominated the world pro tour, including Rosewall, and the tour was the most important thing back then.

I have Gonzales as number 1 from 1954-1961, because he always either the very best, or never toppled as the best, throughout that whole period.

Mustard, Therefore I plead to make Co.-No.1 for several years (plus other tied places).

[kiki]

Originally Posted by FedericRoma83

Frank Sedgman is my no. 1 in 1953 and 1958.
Gonzales no. 1 from 1954 to 1957.
Hoad no. 1 in 1959.
Rosewall no. 1 from 1960 to 1963, co-no. 1 in 1965 and 1970, no. 1 again in 1971.
Laver no. 1 in 1964, co-no. 1 in 1965, no. 1 from 1966 to 1969, co-no. 1 in 1970.
Then I have Nastase two years (1972-73).

I agree with the following exceptions:

1970: it´s between Newcombe and Rosewall ( I´d pick Rosewall) but not really Laver, if you take into consideration the whole year ( and not 2 or 3 events were Laver was unbeatable).As you probably know, I am one of the fiercest Laver admirers over here, but he was behind Newcombe and Rosewall in the overall look of the year.

1971: although Rosewall won 2 of the 6 biggest events, Smith won Forest Hills and was runner up at both Wimbledon and the Masters.

Kodes won Paris and lost the USO final.Nastase lost the FO final and took the Masters.Newcombe won Wimbledon ( but little else ), Ashe reached the AO final against Rosewall ( and reached the Dallas semis), and finally Laver lost the WCT finals to Rosewall.

1971 is one of my fav years, with 7 excelent and yet diverse players making the 6 big finals of the year (Smith,Rosewall,Laver,Newcombe,Kodes,Nastase,Ashe) .That top 7 is possibly the best ever for a single year ( even better than late 50´s pros )

1972.Nastase wins Masters and USO while Smith wins the then big DC and Wimbledon.Smith beat Nastase in two of their 3 finals, although Nastase had probably a better year overall.Very very close.Their Masters final is one of the greatest indoor finals of all time.

Just my two cents.

[Dan Lobb]

Originally Posted by Mustard

Sedgman is very close to Gonzales in 1958, beating Gonzales in both the Wembley Pro and the big tournament in Australia, but I still have Gonzales ahead. He won the US Pro in Cleveland and the Tournament of Champions at Forest Hills, and won the world pro tour against Hoad. In 1960, Gonzales barely played any tournaments after the end of his contract with Kramer, but he dominated the world pro tour, including Rosewall, and the tour was the most important thing back then.

I have Gonzales as number 1 from 1954-1961, because he always either the very best, or never toppled as the best, throughout that whole period.

For 1958, I still have to rate Hoad at number one, because he was the leading money-winner on the year based on tournament points (which is the system we use today!), plus he won the greatest match of 1958 or of any year against Gonzales at Kooyong 4-6, 9-7, 11-9, 18-16 (a match Gonzales rated as the best ever between the two).

If you beat the best at his very best, what does that make you?

[BobbyOne]

Originally Posted by Dan Lobb

For 1958, I still have to rate Hoad at number one, because he was the leading money-winner on the year based on tournament points (which is the system we use today!), plus he won the greatest match of 1958 or of any year against Gonzales at Kooyong 4-6, 9-7, 11-9, 18-16 (a match Gonzales rated as the best ever between the two).

If you beat the best at his very best, what does that make you?

Dan, best match does not mean most important match.

[Dan Lobb]

Originally Posted by BobbyOne

Dan, best match does not mean most important match.

Not always, but in this case it does.
You never know in advance when the big one will come along, it just develops.
Many Wimbledon finals are dogs.

[Dan Lobb]

Originally Posted by BobbyOne

Dan, best match does not mean most important match.

Most important match does not necessarily mean greatest match.

[BobbyOne]

Originally Posted by Dan Lobb

Most important match does not necessarily mean greatest match.

Dan, okay, but what do you want to tell us?

[Dan Lobb]

Originally Posted by Dan Lobb

For 1958, I still have to rate Hoad at number one, because he was the leading money-winner on the year based on tournament points (which is the system we use today!), plus he won the greatest match of 1958 or of any year against Gonzales at Kooyong 4-6, 9-7, 11-9, 18-16 (a match Gonzales rated as the best ever between the two).

If you beat the best at his very best, what does that make you?

This is it.

[FedericRoma83]

Originally Posted by Mustard

Sedgman is very close to Gonzales in 1958, beating Gonzales in both the Wembley Pro and the big tournament in Australia, but I still have Gonzales ahead. He won the US Pro in Cleveland and the Tournament of Champions at Forest Hills, and won the world pro tour against Hoad. In 1960, Gonzales barely played any tournaments after the end of his contract with Kramer, but he dominated the world pro tour, including Rosewall, and the tour was the most important thing back then.

I have Gonzales as number 1 from 1954-1961, because he always either the very best, or never toppled as the best, throughout that whole period.

In my opinion you are overrating Tour in some years.
In 1961 the tour was missing Rosewall, so Gonzales didn't faced his direct opponent there. I mean, it was surely a big event but I think we can't say it was more important than two Pro Majors with full fields (if Rosewall was on the tour, then maybe...)
They were 2-2 on tournaments head-to-head, with Rosewall winning both the big titles. No chance for Pancho as no. 1 in 1961 in my (very) humble opinion.
In 1960 he had a strong lead against Rosewall but he retired after the tour, in my vision of tennis I can't accept a no. 1 who plays only half season, that's why I go with Rosewall in 1960 also.
In 1959 Hoad was my no. 1 beacause Pancho won the tour, but just slightly, while Hoad won many tournaments, including the biggest one, and he leads him also on head-to-head matches.
In 1958 I go with Sedgman because he won two of the four biggest events (Australian Pro, Wembley Pro), while Gonzales "only" one (ToC). The fact that he won the tour against Hoad didn't prove he was stronger than Sedgman too, in fact on tournaments head-to-head we find Sedgman leading 4-2.

Just look how tennis history change by changing the observer. You have Gonzales no. 1 for eight straight years, while I have him on top "only" four straight years (+ he is also my 1952 no. 1). On the contrary you rank Rosewall no. 1 only in 1962-63, while he is my no. 1 or co-no. 1 in 1960-61-62-63-65-70-71.

[hoodjem]

Bumped for reference purposes.

[veco]

1919—Johnston
1920—Tilden
1921—Tilden
1922—Tilden
1923—Tilden
1924—Tilden
1925—Tilden
1926—Lacoste
1927—Lacoste
1928—Cochet
1929—Cochet
1930—Cochet
1931—Tilden
1932—Vines
1933—Crawford
1934—Perry
1935—Perry/Vines
1936—Perry/Vines
1937—Perry/Vines/Budge
1938—Budge
1939—Budge
1940—Budge
1941—Perry
1942—Budge
1946—Riggs
1947—Riggs/Kramer
1948—Kramer
1949—Kramer
1950—Kramer
1951—Kramer
1952—Gonzales
1953—Kramer
1954—Gonzales
1955—Gonzales
1956—Gonzales
1957—Gonzales
1958—Gonzales/Sedgman
1959—Hoad
1960—Gonzales
1961—Gonzales/Rosewall
1962—Rosewall
1963—Rosewall
1964—Laver
1965—Laver
1966—Laver
1967—Laver
1968—Laver
1969—Laver
1970—Laver/Rosewall
1971—Newcombe/Rosewall/Smith
1972—Smith
1973—Nastase
1974—Connors
1975—Ashe
1976—Connors
1977—Vilas
1978—Borg
1979—Borg
1980—Borg
1981—McEnroe
1982—Connors
1983—McEnroe
1984—McEnroe
1985—Lendl
1986—Lendl
1987—Lendl
1988—Wilander
1989—Becker
1990—Edberg
1991—Edberg
1992—Courier
1993—Sampras
1994—Sampras
1995—Sampras
1996—Sampras
1997—Sampras
1998—Sampras
1999—Agassi
2000—Kuerten
2001—Hewitt
2002—Hewitt
2003—Roddick
2004—Federer
2005—Federer
2006—Federer
2007—Federer
2008—Nadal
2009—Federer
2010—Nadal
2011—Djokovic
2012—Djokovic

any good?

[kiki]

Originally Posted by FedericRoma83

Frank Sedgman is my no. 1 in 1953 and 1958.
Gonzales no. 1 from 1954 to 1957.
Hoad no. 1 in 1959.
Rosewall no. 1 from 1960 to 1963, co-no. 1 in 1965 and 1970, no. 1 again in 1971.
Laver no. 1 in 1964, co-no. 1 in 1965, no. 1 from 1966 to 1969, co-no. 1 in 1970.
Then I have Nastase two years (1972-73).

71 is intrincate, probably the closest ever year among the top players.

73 is also close, but Nastase won 2 out of 6 majors, and he probbaly played the best tennis, although Newcombe and Kodes did play fantastic tennis at the US Open.Maybe Nastase is the nº1 for the first half and Newcombe or Kodes are the best candidates for the second half?

[kiki]

Originally Posted by veco

1919—Johnston
1920—Tilden
1921—Tilden
1922—Tilden
1923—Tilden
1924—Tilden
1925—Tilden
1926—Lacoste
1927—Lacoste
1928—Cochet
1929—Cochet
1930—Cochet
1931—Tilden
1932—Vines
1933—Crawford
1934—Perry
1935—Perry/Vines
1936—Perry/Vines
1937—Perry/Vines/Budge
1938—Budge
1939—Budge
1940—Budge
1941—Perry
1942—Budge
1946—Riggs
1947—Riggs/Kramer
1948—Kramer
1949—Kramer
1950—Kramer
1951—Kramer
1952—Gonzales
1953—Kramer
1954—Gonzales
1955—Gonzales
1956—Gonzales
1957—Gonzales
1958—Gonzales/Sedgman
1959—Hoad
1960—Gonzales
1961—Gonzales/Rosewall
1962—Rosewall
1963—Rosewall
1964—Laver
1965—Laver
1966—Laver
1967—Laver
1968—Laver
1969—Laver
1970—Laver/Rosewall
1971—Newcombe/Rosewall/Smith
1972—Smith
1973—Nastase
1974—Connors
1975—Ashe
1976—Connors
1977—Vilas
1978—Borg
1979—Borg
1980—Borg
1981—McEnroe
1982—Connors
1983—McEnroe
1984—McEnroe
1985—Lendl
1986—Lendl
1987—Lendl
1988—Wilander
1989—Becker
1990—Edberg
1991—Edberg
1992—Courier
1993—Sampras
1994—Sampras
1995—Sampras
1996—Sampras
1997—Sampras
1998—Sampras
1999—Agassi
2000—Kuerten
2001—Hewitt
2002—Hewitt
2003—Roddick
2004—Federer
2005—Federer
2006—Federer
2007—Federer
2008—Nadal
2009—Federer
2010—Nadal
2011—Djokovic
2012—Djokovic

any good?

excellent, but I´d consider Hoad and Gonzales on par in 56 and Newcombe or Kodes at Nastase´s results level in 73( but I am happy with your choice of Nasty anyway).

[hoodjem]

Originally Posted by veco

1919—Johnston
1920—Tilden
1921—Tilden
1922—Tilden
1923—Tilden
1924—Tilden
1925—Tilden
1926—Lacoste
1927—Lacoste
1928—Cochet
1929—Cochet
1930—Cochet
1931—Tilden
1932—Vines
1933—Crawford
1934—Perry
1935—Perry/Vines
1936—Perry/Vines
1937—Perry/Vines/Budge
1938—Budge
1939—Budge
1940—Budge
1941—Perry
1942—Budge
1946—Riggs
1947—Riggs/Kramer
1948—Kramer
1949—Kramer
1950—Kramer
1951—Kramer
1952—Gonzales
1953—Kramer
1954—Gonzales
1955—Gonzales
1956—Gonzales
1957—Gonzales
1958—Gonzales/Sedgman
1959—Hoad
1960—Gonzales
1961—Gonzales/Rosewall
1962—Rosewall
1963—Rosewall
1964—Laver
1965—Laver
1966—Laver
1967—Laver
1968—Laver
1969—Laver
1970—Laver/Rosewall
1971—Newcombe/Rosewall/Smith
1972—Smith
1973—Nastase
1974—Connors
1975—Ashe
1976—Connors
1977—Vilas
1978—Borg
1979—Borg
1980—Borg
1981—McEnroe
1982—Connors
1983—McEnroe
1984—McEnroe
1985—Lendl
1986—Lendl
1987—Lendl
1988—Wilander
1989—Becker
1990—Edberg
1991—Edberg
1992—Courier
1993—Sampras
1994—Sampras
1995—Sampras
1996—Sampras
1997—Sampras
1998—Sampras
1999—Agassi
2000—Kuerten
2001—Hewitt
2002—Hewitt
2003—Roddick
2004—Federer
2005—Federer
2006—Federer
2007—Federer
2008—Nadal
2009—Federer
2010—Nadal
2011—Djokovic
2012—Djokovic

any good?

Looks very good, to me.

1977 is tricky, as is 1970, as is 1961, as is 1958.

[borg number one]

1977 is very debatable. Borg won 11 official titles and went 76-7 on the ATP site. He went 2-1 vs. Connors, with wins at Wimbledon (grass) and the Pepsi Grand Slam (rubico), and a loss at the Masters (indoors) in Jan. 78. He was 3-0 vs. Vilas, with wins at the Masters in Jan. 78 (carpet), Monte Carlo (clay) and Nice (clay). So, Borg was 5-1 versus his primary competition at the top, with 11 titles won, including Wimbledon. He won at Wembley (indoor), Cologne (carpet), Basel (carpet), Barcelona (clay), Madrid (clay), Wimbledon (grass), Denver (carpet), Monte Carlo (clay), Nice (clay), Memphis (carpet), and the Pepsi Grand Slam- Boca Raton (clay). His surface versatility with big titles, head to head record versus Connors and Vilas, and his win at Wimbledon all weigh in favor of Bjorn Borg in 1977. It's debatable, but I would submit that Borg has the best record overall in 1977.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/P...=1977&m=s&e=0#