Legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe know one another all too effectively. The pair loved a fierce rivalry between 1978 to 1981, going through off 14 instances on a number of the largest phases on Tour.
There was little to separate them on court docket, with the Swede and American locked at 7-7 of their Lexus ATP Head2Headvert collection. They met 4 instances in main finals, with McEnroe triumphing on the US Open in 1980 and 1981 and at Wimbledon in 1981. Borg defeated the American in 5 units within the Wimbledon last in 1980, a match broadly thought-about one of the compelling within the sport’s historical past.
Fast ahead 42 years from their final assembly and each will battle for bragging rights once more this weekend on the Laver Cup in Vancouver, Canada, the place Borg captains Team Europe and McEnroe leads Team World.
Borg and McEnroe have helped spearhead the Laver Cup since its formation in 2017, captaining the groups in any respect 5 of the earlier editions. Team Europe captain Borg has overseen 4 victories previously, whereas McEnroe was on the helm for Team World in 2022 after they triumphed.
The pair had been in a relaxed temper on Wednesday forward of the most recent occasion, sharing jokes with Australian nice Rod Laver.
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Ahead of the sixth version of the Laver Cup, ATPTour.com seems again at every of Borg and McEnroe’s careers.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BORG
Wimbledon Record Breaker
Borg was the primary man since 1886 to compete in six consecutive Wimbledon finals. He lifted the trophy in 1976, ‘77, ‘78, ‘79 and ’80 and misplaced within the last in 1981 towards McEnroe. This was a report that was finally surpassed by Roger Federer’s seven consecutive title matches at SW19 from 2003-09.
Swedish Star
Borg is the one Swede, male or feminine, to win over 10 majors. Alongside his 5 Wimbledon triumphs, he lifted the trophy at Roland Garros six instances, holding an ideal report in finals on the clay-court Slam.
Borg The ‘Ice Man’
Borg’s nickname, “Ice Man”, mirrored his perspective on the court docket: he appeared to have his feelings underneath management always. His recreation model, which concerned heavy topspin and a two-handed backhand, was revolutionary and could be copied all all over the world.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MCENROE
Singles & Doubles Specialist
McEnroe is the one participant in historical past to carry the No. 1 Pepperstone ATP Ranking in singles and doubles on the identical time. Stefan Edberg additionally attained No. 1 in each singles and doubles, however not concurrently.
Nitto ATP Finals Success
The American gained the Nitto ATP Finals singles crown 3 times (1978, ’83, 84). He holds a 19-11 report on the prestigious year-end occasion, leaving him ninth within the all-time match wins leaders. He additionally gained the doubles title a report seven instances, triumphing alongside Peter Fleming in 1978, 79’, 80’, 81’, 82’, 83’ and 84’.
Fourth Youngest World No. 1
McEnroe is the fourth youngest participant to rise to No. 1 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. The American was aged 21 years and 16 days when he rose to prime spot for the primary time in March 1980. Only Carlos Alcaraz, Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin have climbed to the highest youthful.
Source web site: www.atptour.com
