McEnroe was the American. I always rooted for him and liked him better than Connors.
Connors was wildly.popular with the guys who worked in the clubhouse at the US Open, most of whom were hs and college kids. This was just before he became a fan favorite in ny. I realized years later that it was because Connors came off the public courts in illinois, a poor kid never comfortable among the country club set. He was always really friendly to the workers.
Beast, really enjoyed your insider comments on Tennis as it was, back in the Day. Your mentioning Connors and the classiness he presented to the Tournament Staff and Workers isn't likely know by many as Jimbo came off as ruthless on the Court. Not as much of a pain in the Ass as McInroe but, still a volatile guy.
Liked your comments about Borg too.. I remember Bud Collins , a great Tennis Announcer , saying after a Semi Final at Wimbeldon, that now Borg, the Archangel of DEATH at Center Court, would be the opponent. That was when Borg won Wimbeldon every year lik 6 times, I Think.
Federer/ Nadal was in that mode too.. Great Tennis. How old were you , if you remember Rosewall, Laver, Orantes, etc?
Thanks so much for yoyr comments. I was 20 and an Sju student when a friend asked me if id like a job as a security guard at the US Open. I took the job and the first day, the director of security scanned this sea of security guards outside the stadium and sent me to the lockerroom. I did as told and endorced the rules like i was guarding the President so they kept me there every day for 2 years of US open tournaments.
Orantes was coming off his prior US open sin on clay - didnt speak any english but we communicated with warm smiles and hellos. Like many tennis pkayers, a gentleman, and a terror on clay. I think he whipped Mcenroe at the open in 77 (if memory serves correctly) and Mac came back to the locker room in awe of how Orantes schooled him with different pace and topspin (open was on vkay then)
Laver was fading as a player but revered as the rocket.
Rosewall was still seeded at 42 or so.
Ashe was a soft spoken gentleman respected by all players and it had nothing to do with race and everything to do with class and intellect.
Connors would in a friendly way taunt his opposition before a big match. "You played really well so far but today I'm gonna kick your ass"
Nastase was insane on the court but a clown off it and well liked. He got along well with Connors and Borg.
Anyways lots of great stories and if i get a chance to meet you i will share some in person
