Who was actually better peak for peak at Wimbledon: Borg or McEnroe?

[WCT]

but destroying Connors as he did was impressive especially given that I would argue Connors in 78 > Connors in 84.

I would agree with this. However, while they both beat Connors badly, Mcenroe toyed with him. Forget break point, did he get to deuce on Mcenroe's serve? Just total annihilation.

 

[bigjimbofan]

It's just hard for me to think anyone other than McEnroe at Wimbledon in 1984.

 

[NedStark]

Um he DID win a slam.....maybe you didn't notice? He also got up to #4 in the world. So, give the guy some credit.

Australian Open was at its lowest point between 1976 and 1982.

Newcombe was a great volleyer. I'm certainly not putting Tanner with him, but there is a big gap between Newcombe level and so so or average. Tanner vs Ashe I think is pretty close. Ashe, if he was on, could hit you off the court, besides his serve and volley. Like Tanner, not always consistent.

Ashe said that about Sampras? Was it early on or after he peaked? Like with Laver, I would disagree. Still, it's a learned opinion and shows how much they can differ. I have no hesitancy calling Sampras a great volleyer. IMO, a clear level below the creme de la creme, but meets the level of my idea of great.

I think Ashe said that about Pete in around 1991.

As for Tanner, I think his net skills were above average compared to the tour as a whole, but below all the serve-and-volleyers who won Wimbledon between 1968 and 2000 (plus Rosewall, Rafter, Henman, Gerulaitis, Nastase).

 

[WCT]

Australian Open was at its lowest point between 1976 and 1982.


I think Ashe said that about Pete in around 1991.

As for Tanner, I think his net skills were above average compared to the tour as a whole, but below all the serve-and-volleyers who won Wimbledon between 1968 and 2000 (plus Rosewall, Rafter, Henman, Gerulaitis, Nastase).

With Henman, Rafter and Rosewall you are talking about great volleyers. I'll give you Gerulaitis although I don't think I'd use the word great for him. Not Nastase, though. Extremely talented, but not nearly decisive enough. Too often he gave players second shots at the pass. Like with the rest of his game, though, could awe you at times.

Amazing about Ashe. When I read what he said about Laver, when the book came out, my jaw hit the floor. Obviously, even among expert, opinions can vary, a lot.

 

[NedStark]

most of us could hit harder than Mcenroe could in 84, he was blown off the court only a year later when real power players arrived. Sampras 99 vs Mac 84 is a no contest

Sampras in straight with 3 close sets, like 7-5, 7-6, 7-5 - McEnroe hadn’t proven that he could win a serve shootout.

 

[Racquet_smash]

1978/76 Borg vs 84 McEnroe is anyone's game.

Picking Borg because his overall domination over Centre Court was superior troughout his prime years.

 

[Waves]

Taking Mac here. I think simply because of those hands at the net. But really it’s close, no argument either way.

 

[Barton]

Peak McEnroe narrowly.

 

[jrepac]

It's just hard for me to think anyone other than McEnroe at Wimbledon in 1984.

I have to agree. Never saw anything like that ever again. And not like he was playing some piker...it was Connors.

 

[WCT]

I have to agree. Never saw anything like that ever again. And not like he was playing some piker...it was Connors.

I'm with you.

 

[Mustard]

I have to agree. Never saw anything like that ever again. And not like he was playing some piker...it was Connors.

Borg won Wimbledon in 1976 without dropping a set, including beating Vilas, Tanner and Nastase in the last 3 matches.

 

[jrepac]

Borg won Wimbledon in 1976 without dropping a set, including beating Vilas, Tanner and Nastase in the last 3 matches.

Impressive but at the same level as Mac? I'd need to go watch that final. I mean, borg killed Connors in '78, but it was not like the Mac Massacre of '84.

 

[WCT]

Impressive but at the same level as Mac? I'd need to go watch that final. I mean, borg killed Connors in '78, but it was not like the Mac Massacre of '84.

Exactly. IMO, not that close to the same. Mcenroe toyed with him. I mean TOYED. Forget break point, did Connors get to deuce on Mcenroe's serve?
Granted that Connors is better in 78 than 84. Same with 76. I think it's impressive but not the same level.