Misconceptions about the Borg/McEnroe/Connors rivalry

[Xavier G]

Sure it's debateable, but Connors' year in 1976 beats Borg's imo. Borg won Dallas, but Jimmy wasn't there. In 1977, Connors won Dallas when Borg wasn't there, so Connors' Masters win is more worthy than the WCT that year, I think. I pick Jimmy's 12 titles, a better win-loss match record (I saw a 105-7 total given somewhere for Jimmy that year, if it's right), and his 3-0 head to head record over Bjorn as the superior year for 1976.

[kiki]

Originally Posted by Xavier G

Sure it's debateable, but Connors' year in 1976 beats Borg's imo. Borg won Dallas, but Jimmy wasn't there. In 1977, Connors won Dallas when Borg wasn't there, so Connors' Masters win is more worthy than the WCT that year, I think. I pick Jimmy's 12 titles, a better win-loss match record (I saw a 105-7 total given somewhere for Jimmy that year, if it's right), and his 3-0 head to head record over Bjorn as the superior year for 1976.

In fact, Connors won two majors (WCT and Masters) in 77, to one for Borg.So, Connors possibly had a better record than Borg that year, but in 1976 it was Borg who had the better record...and, everybody will tell you Connors was the best of the two in 1976 and Borg in 1977...you know, tennis is very surprising and somewhat crazy...

[Xavier G]

Originally Posted by kiki

In fact, Connors won two majors (WCT and Masters) in 77, to one for Borg.So, Connors possibly had a better record than Borg that year, but in 1976 it was Borg who had the better record...and, everybody will tell you Connors was the best of the two in 1976 and Borg in 1977...you know, tennis is very surprising and somewhat crazy...

You're calling the WCT and Masters majors, Kiki, and they were big titles, but not Grand Slam events and not quite comparable to Wimbledon and the US Open. My point is that Borg winning the WCT in 1976 does not give him the edge for 76, Jimmy's 12 titles, better win-loss match record and his 3-0 head to head record against Borg give Connors the edge for 76, in my opinion. It's all about opinions.

[kiki]

Originally Posted by Xavier G

You're calling the WCT and Masters majors, Kiki, and they were big titles, but not Grand Slam events and not quite comparable to Wimbledon and the US Open. My point is that Borg winning the WCT in 1976 does not give him the edge for 76, Jimmy's 12 titles, better win-loss match record and his 3-0 head to head record against Borg give Connors the edge for 76, in my opinion. It's all about opinions.

Not by itself alone, but added to his Wimbledon title, that gives Borg the edge.As you said, opinions...

[Mustard]

Connors is number 1 for 1976, in my opinion.

[kiki]

Based on H2H, Connors wins (Philadelphia and US Open), but results wise at the most important events, give Borg the final edge.Borg won Dallas and Wimbledon and reached a third big final, at Forest Hills.Connors just won the US Open, but didn´t make any other major final.Phily was the biggest indoor event ( ever), but not in the league of WCT Finals or the Masters.

[paolo2143]

Over this period the head to head was McEnroe led Borg 7-6 and McEnroe led Connors 6-5. This is effectively the same. "

Actually Borg was leading mcenroe 7-6 in actual ATP competitive matches between 79-81

[hoodjem]

Another misconception, IMO, is that Borg retired because he could no longer beat McEnroe. Hogwash!