bORG VS lENDL, THE RIVALRY WE MISSED

[paolo2143]

I think

Lendl was just one set away from his first major...and leaving Borg slamless in his last year.

Even if fit, I can´t see him atop for more than one or one and a half year, then becoming a competitive player but not a nº 1 spot contender.Could he really face the pownding of a 1985 Lendl? the gruelling battles on clay with up and coming Wilander? the firepower of a young and hungry boris Becker on grass? I doubt it, and I wish I was wrong.A 1985 year with Borg and Connors still competitive, Lendl and Mac at their best, and up and doming new stars such as Becker,Edberg,Wilander and Cash, along Mecir,Kriek,Gomez,Curren,Noah,Leconte...that´d have been explosive and easily the best ever year.

I think if Borg hadn't been practically forced out the tour by a ridiculous rule then he may well have rediscovered his desire and passion for tennis.

If he has I gave absolutely no doubt he would have won more slams between 82 to 85 and would have been still challenging for top spot.

 

[Mustard]

I've seen two Borg vs. Lendl matches. Their 1980 Basel final (which Lendl won 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 0-6, 6-4) and their 1981 French Open final (which Borg won 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1).

 

[paolo2143]

You saw two of the close ones, Borg won a few of the others fairly easy especially impressive was his 6-4 6-2 6-2 hammering of Lendl at 1980 colgate masters played in January 1981.

Borg was still at peak of his powers then and beat McEnroe, Connors and then Lendl to lift title.

 

[jrepac]

You saw two of the close ones, Borg won a few of the others fairly easy especially impressive was his 6-4 6-2 6-2 hammering of Lendl at 1980 colgate masters played in January 1981.

Borg was still at peak of his powers then and beat McEnroe, Connors and then Lendl to lift title.

Super impressive

 

[paolo2143]

I think a lot of people who didn't grow up in that era are under Impression Borg declined during 1981 due to his losses to McEnroe at Wimbledon and US open finals.

However, up until early March Borg was still playing at his peak and he absolutely routed McEnroe in their challenge series in Australia.

Make no mistake this was no friendly exhibition and Borg annihilated John 6-0 6-4 and then 6-2 6-4 playing some amazing tennis. Yes John won the final dead rubber but Borg proved his point in first 2 matches.

He then started to struggle with shoulder injury earlier March and suffered a few shock losses before having to rest for 2 months before RG , which he still won.

However, I think it was his lack of match practice and wee bit of confidence that cost Borg 1981 Wimbledon final.

 

[buscemi]

I think a lot of people who didn't grow up in that era are under Impression Borg declined during 1981 due to his losses to McEnroe at Wimbledon and US open finals.

However, up until early March Borg was still playing at his peak and he absolutely routed McEnroe in their challenge series in Australia.

Make no mistake this was no friendly exhibition and Borg annihilated John 6-0 6-4 and then 6-2 6-4 playing some amazing tennis. Yes John won the final dead rubber but Borg proved his point in first 2 matches.

He then started to struggle with shoulder injury earlier March and suffered a few shock losses before having to rest for 2 months before RG , which he still won.

However, I think it was his lack of match practice and wee bit of confidence that cost Borg 1981 Wimbledon final.

My understanding from this article is that Borg suffered his shoulder strain on April 18th. That would have been after the Milan WCT Event in March where McEnroe beat him in the final, 7-6, 6-4.