Connors' forehand is possibly the most underrated shot in tennis history

[Galvermegs]

There is no "back story" - go watch that W replay and the two veteran announcers never see one hint of any injury, never. To any eyes, watched over and over, not one bit of evidence to Connor's convenient injury story. (Typical Connors - "he didn't really beat me.")
The announcers do comment on his "nervousness" though. Just a guess, I admit, but I think that his "me and the two moms" against the world routine was just building up some insurmountable pressure - suing his own peers, Ashe and the fledgling professional organization. And like Ashe or not , I have a bias I admit, he was a pretty imposing presence for most of the world at that time. His balanced qualities did demand respect...

Don't forget Connor's loss to Newcombe at the Australian - a semi retired and aging Newcombe had no right dismissing Connors on Aussie Grass (not as fast). Very similar tactics played by Newcombe - no pace, soft lobs, wide serving and varied serving, dinks galore ...

Ill be inclined to agree with you. Connors main injury was all in the mind as he lost his rhythm.

But as much as you criticise him for that loss i think he more than made up for it by making 4 more finals and beating a prime mcenroe in 1982.

 

[Frankc]

And Connors did "run through" the semis before the W Final - he was playing so well.

I did not criticize him at all - just observing that the "soft spots" in his game started with his forehand...

 

[Galvermegs]

And Connors did "run through" the semis before the W Final - he was playing so well.

I did not criticize him at all - just observing that the "soft spots" in his game started with his forehand...

Ok. Wasnt entirely clear. Even a lot of his fans will point out his sportsmanship or lack of.

 

[jrepac]

There is no "back story" - go watch that W replay and the two veteran announcers never see one hint of any injury, never. To any eyes, watched over and over, not one bit of evidence to Connor's convenient injury story. (Typical Connors - "he didn't really beat me.")
The announcers do comment on his "nervousness" though. Just a guess, I admit, but I think that his "me and the two moms" against the world routine was just building up some insurmountable pressure - suing his own peers, Ashe and the fledgling professional organization. And like Ashe or not , I have a bias I admit, he was a pretty imposing presence for most of the world at that time. His balanced qualities did demand respect...

Don't forget Connor's loss to Newcombe at the Australian - a semi retired and aging Newcombe had no right dismissing Connors on Aussie Grass (not as fast). Very similar tactics played by Newcombe - no pace, soft lobs, wide serving and varied serving, dinks galore ...

But it does exist. Even if Connors will never mention it. Much like Borg with his pulled stomach muscle, the infected thumb (very obvious), etc. These guys showed up and played and that was that, it was a different era. You don't like the guy, that's fine. I don't much care for Ashe actually, and that's fine too. But, sometimes there is more to it than what meets the eye. 1983 USO final as well, which was rather shady on Connors part.

 

[KingCarlitos]

everybody has an off-day including Greats

 

[DariaGT]

inside out side spin FH only Tomic the Tank has been able to emulate this shot

 

[jrepac]

inside out side spin FH only Tomic the Tank has been able to emulate this shot

it's an unusual one....Evert and Connors had it down....

 

[DariaGT]

it's an unusual one....Evert and Connors had it down....

Unlike Tomic, Connors and Evert use it offensively

 

[jrepac]

Unlike Tomic, Connors and Evert use it offensively

I have not seen much of Tomic...and not that shot from him. But for Jimmy and Chrissie, it was a weapon in their arsenals. Folks don't really appreciate the diversity of their shot making skills, Chris in particular.

 

[big ted]

connors had a semi or western grip it helped him with high balls but low balls were a nightmare for him

 

[DariaGT]

I have not seen much of Tomic...and not that shot from him. But for Jimmy and Chrissie, it was a weapon in their arsenals. Folks don't really appreciate the diversity of their shot making skills, Chris in particular.

you must see this Tomic shot, its like a drop shot that spins sideways after faking an inside out FH.

Evert could afford to do more than Connors in terms of variety as she adopted the better easier to swing PS earlier than that tin metal contraption Connors wielded.

 

[jrepac]

you must see this Tomic shot, its like a drop shot that spins sideways after faking an inside out FH.

Evert could afford to do more than Connors in terms of variety as she adopted the better easier to swing PS earlier than that tin metal contraption Connors wielded.

They actually took up the PS at just about the same time...her just a tad earlier in the Spring of '84. They designed the racket for HIM and they sort of became co-sponsors, if I recall correctly. He did very well by the T-2000...a racket that only he could wield. But it was very unforgiving with a tiny sweet spot. I want to see Djoko play with it.

 

[DariaGT]

Djoko, I want to see 8 players called the Big 3 + Muzz + Sinraz wield it in a round robin
fast 4 event, it would be hilarious to see Nadal hit the frame more than the strings!.
I think only Fed and Dimitrov could do anything with it.
Grigor used the Kramer recently very well.