Inter-generational Dominance as a GOAT criteria

[objectivity]

Many posters here feel that it is impossible to compare players across eras. I like to propose that while that is generally true, it is possible in part, to infer the relative strengths of players by focusing on the parts of their careers where they were overlapping generations. there are players who have managed to transcend generations due to their careers overlaps. Laver for example, was outstanding in how he managed to keep up with the likes of Borg although this is somewhat complicated due to the inanity of professional/amateur debacle.

but Sampras for example, clearly held his own through at least 2 generations of players. He clearly dominated his own generation, and held his own even as the new generation arrived. I have often said that I am more impressed by Sampras ability to win across three decades than by his overall numbers.

The same can be said of Federer. And it can be said for Nadal, who has held his own against peak Federer, while being at / near the top for his own generation. That is staggering. We are very lucky to witness such champions in our midst, both Federer and Nadal.

I am taking nothing away from John McEnroe but he never displayed such inter-generational ability. Once Lendl came onboard, he whittled away into obscurity. Similarly, the likes of Becker and Edberg never held their own as the new generation arrived.

 

[mike danny]

Agassi as well held his own against the new generation. But he is a special case. He went mostly AWOL against his generation during his best years.

 

[BobbyOne]

Many posters here feel that it is impossible to compare players across eras. I like to propose that while that is generally true, it is possible in part, to infer the relative strengths of players by focusing on the parts of their careers where they were overlapping generations. there are players who have managed to transcend generations due to their careers overlaps. Laver for example, was outstanding in how he managed to keep up with the likes of Borg although this is somewhat complicated due to the inanity of professional/amateur debacle.

but Sampras for example, clearly held his own through at least 2 generations of players. He clearly dominated his own generation, and held his own even as the new generation arrived. I have often said that I am more impressed by Sampras ability to win across three decades than by his overall numbers.

The same can be said of Federer. And it can be said for Nadal, who has held his own against peak Federer, while being at / near the top for his own generation. That is staggering. We are very lucky to witness such champions in our midst, both Federer and Nadal.

I am taking nothing away from John McEnroe but he never displayed such inter-generational ability. Once Lendl came onboard, he whittled away into obscurity. Similarly, the likes of Becker and Edberg never held their own as the new generation arrived.

objectivity, I agree that we can make comparisons between players of different decades.

You mention Laver among others regarding career overlaps.

But some champions are even greater than him or Sampras. I mention Tilden who was able to cope with the next generation (Lacoste) and the following (Budge), Kramer who beat Hoad at Wembley in 1957 (13 years of age difference), Gonzalez who was great against Laver (beating the ten years younger Rocket even in 1970 three times), Rosewall who dominated Newcombe (10 years difference) and even won a match against 18 years younger Vilas by 6-2,6-2,6-0 in 1976), Ashe who had two matchpoints against J. McEnroe in the 1979 "Masters" tournament (an even more important event than the current Master tournaments) and last but not least Connors who did very well when being 37 (two titles) and even 39 (US Open SF).

"Muscles" Rosewall seems unique in defeating players coming from the stone age (Jack Crawford, born 1908) and a rather recent time (John Fitzgerald, born 1960)...

 

[jg153040]

Not much to add. I would like to add Connors on the list. I think he has amazing longevity and is underrated a lot on this board.