Did really Connors and Mac hate each other?
- Thread starter goldenera
- Start date
BeatlesFan
Bionic Poster
This H2H is heavily skewed because Lendl is 8 years younger than Connors. Many of their matches were played when Jimmy was in his mid to late 30’s and Lendl was in his peak.
Up to 1984 or so, they were pretty evenly matched. Jimmy was 31/32 at that stage while Ivan was about to hit his peak performance levels.
Actually, Connors was still pretty far ahead by through 1984 because he won a bunch when Lendl was young. Maybe the first 8 matches? Lendl didn't beat him until the summer of 1982. Even in 84 I think Connors won the last 2. Then he never beat him again. I guess the point is that Connors was 32 before Lendl started beating him all te time.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
They both had a persecution complex and liked to operate as if the whole world hated them and they hated everyone on it. So, of course they hated each other too.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
McEnroe grew up in Douglaston not Forrest Hills.
Douglaston–Little Neck, Queens - Wikipedia
Dedans Penthouse
Legend
Are they all the same age? Connors originally owned Lendl and it was Lendl who during a round robin format (year end Masters) tanked against Gene Mayer so as to avoid having to play Bjorn Borg in the semis. Connors called him out on it, and rightly so. Lendl had a lot of dog in him. Take no less a tournament than Wimbledon for example and Lendl's infamous "I'm allergic to grass" cop out. Guy was a front-runner when he was on top but was a shrinking violet on his way to the top.
Karma Tennis
Legend
You should try and read it. It is a pretty good book.
And this is what Jimbo says about Superbrat ...
"Mac is the one player I can watch limping around the court and feel good about saying 'F--- that guy.' "
I never truly got the sense they HATED one another...sniping, yes...hatred? No. But, it was a heated rivalry and they were not buddies by any stretch.
Karma Tennis
Legend
Thing I loved about Connors - Lendl matches was the difference in their personalities on court. Jimbo had the coolish personal that was always mouthing off. Lendl was the quiet one the let his tennis do the talking for the most part but could explode in his whiney matter at any moment. Lendl played the "victim" a lot of the time.
Regardless, as I mentioned earlier, most Aussies LOVED Connors. He was an amazing tennis player. He valued the AO and the history of Australian tennis. And when he came here he was a great entertainer both on and off the court. If he had decided to move to Australia we would have welcomed him with open arms. And seriously, I reckon the Australian way of life during the 70s and 80s would have suited him to a tee, especially up north in Queensland.
Connors was middle class, McEnroe was upper class. When looking for motive of animus, the question is did a young Johnny Mac wear his affluence around the locker room with humility, grace and sensitivity? Was Jimmy the sort to delve deeply into the psyche of Superbrat, and show due patience, understanding and maturity towards the young misunderstood man?
Lets debate that question?
Karma Tennis
Legend
Apart from the Australians in their Golden Era of the 50s and 60s, I don't think any players from the same nation have been fully supportive of their fellow countrymen.
Tennis is an individual sport. Rivalries between tennis players from the same nation are seemingly the strongest ones of all. On the surface, they all look chummy. But in reality, I think there is a lot of niggle between players from the same country when they are playing on the Tour. (In the modern game I do believe there might be some exceptions .. eg. Shapo and FAA .. but I think that happens when the players basically grow up together.)
It might be different come the Team Events where they play for each other. But on the Pro. Tour, I seriously think it is every man for themselves.
Connors and McEnroe simply took it to the next level because of their personalities.
Tennis is an individual sport. Rivalries between tennis players from the same nation are seemingly the strongest ones of all. On the surface, they all look chummy. But in reality, I think there is a lot of niggle between players from the same country when they are playing on the Tour. (In the modern game I do believe there might be some exceptions .. eg. Shapo and FAA .. but I think that happens when the players basically grow up together.)
It might be different come the Team Events where they play for each other. But on the Pro. Tour, I seriously think it is every man for themselves.
Connors and McEnroe simply took it to the next level because of their personalities.
