BGod
G.O.A.T.
Like pulling an Elway in US Football, what other careers, ATG or not could have ended in the same fashion as Sampras winning a Slam as their last match? This may not be on talent but on gift draws. Some examples below:
John McEnroe winning 1990 USO
Given his history I doubt he'd ever retire at any other venue so 92 Wimbledon somehow getting to the final nd beaten Goran is out. I think post 85 this was legitimately his best shot losing to Sampras in 4. I've watched the match on tape at least 3 times that I can remember and I do not see any technical way he gets past Sampras unless he wins that 2nd set and Pete as a youngster folds in the 4th down 1-2. But it's certainly plausible. Now sure Mac was a cocky one but at that point in his career I don't think he'd be absolutely driven to play more seasons to garner more titles since he'd be at least tied with Connors.
Federer at 2012/2017/2019 WMB
We don't have to mull about 2012/2017 since they actually happened. With 2019 it takes just a second of mulling the 90% likely outcome (though Novak I suppose had a 90% chance with his history even at 15-40). The big question is Basel and I think that's what makes 2019 Basel the likeliest end had he won Wimbledon anyway.
Borg at 1982 FO
With his Wimbledon crown lost Borg was clearly pushed out by the ITF not of his own accord in 82. However had he wanted to retire anyway, doing so after winning his 7th French Open seems to be more fitting than back to back losses including a Slam he never won in New York.
Agassi at 2005 USO
Quite clearly feasible if he wins that 3rd set tiebreak. In terms of likelihood, Agassi has never explicitly said he would have retired had he won but given his absence from AO, FO and a 3rd round exit at Wimbledon he played already planning to retire, I sincerely doubt he would have made the two additional appearance as the reigning USO champ and having surpassed Connors with 9 majors.
Becker at 1997 WMB
Given this was his 2nd last Slam appearance and with a gap with his last also being Wimbledon, it's almost guaranteed he wouldn't have played another Slam had he won this. And he would have won it had he gotten past Sampras instead of losing in 4, but two bread sticks make it a hard sell.
Martin at 2000 USO
He played Safin closer than Sampras and after the blown opportunities the year before and being unseeded I think Martin could have seen the writing on the wall and retired a champion.
Kerber at 2021 WMB
Yes she might have played the USO regardless to end the season but more women have ended careers with last Slams than men and given her form and ranking had she gotten past Barty and won it all in front of a full crowd I think she would have called it a day. She won't have another opportunity in my opinion.
John McEnroe winning 1990 USO
Given his history I doubt he'd ever retire at any other venue so 92 Wimbledon somehow getting to the final nd beaten Goran is out. I think post 85 this was legitimately his best shot losing to Sampras in 4. I've watched the match on tape at least 3 times that I can remember and I do not see any technical way he gets past Sampras unless he wins that 2nd set and Pete as a youngster folds in the 4th down 1-2. But it's certainly plausible. Now sure Mac was a cocky one but at that point in his career I don't think he'd be absolutely driven to play more seasons to garner more titles since he'd be at least tied with Connors.
Federer at 2012/2017/2019 WMB
We don't have to mull about 2012/2017 since they actually happened. With 2019 it takes just a second of mulling the 90% likely outcome (though Novak I suppose had a 90% chance with his history even at 15-40). The big question is Basel and I think that's what makes 2019 Basel the likeliest end had he won Wimbledon anyway.
Borg at 1982 FO
With his Wimbledon crown lost Borg was clearly pushed out by the ITF not of his own accord in 82. However had he wanted to retire anyway, doing so after winning his 7th French Open seems to be more fitting than back to back losses including a Slam he never won in New York.
Agassi at 2005 USO
Quite clearly feasible if he wins that 3rd set tiebreak. In terms of likelihood, Agassi has never explicitly said he would have retired had he won but given his absence from AO, FO and a 3rd round exit at Wimbledon he played already planning to retire, I sincerely doubt he would have made the two additional appearance as the reigning USO champ and having surpassed Connors with 9 majors.
Becker at 1997 WMB
Given this was his 2nd last Slam appearance and with a gap with his last also being Wimbledon, it's almost guaranteed he wouldn't have played another Slam had he won this. And he would have won it had he gotten past Sampras instead of losing in 4, but two bread sticks make it a hard sell.
Martin at 2000 USO
He played Safin closer than Sampras and after the blown opportunities the year before and being unseeded I think Martin could have seen the writing on the wall and retired a champion.
Kerber at 2021 WMB
Yes she might have played the USO regardless to end the season but more women have ended careers with last Slams than men and given her form and ranking had she gotten past Barty and won it all in front of a full crowd I think she would have called it a day. She won't have another opportunity in my opinion.
I had to check google to make sure I hadn't missed something.
