Notice that McEnroe in 1978 had not yet adopted his altered "sideways" service motion. That would become his greatest overall enhancement to his game, as it made it so difficult for his opponent to "read" where he would serve. Originally, i had concluded that he did it specifically for that reason, but later, i read that actually the alteration was because of a back problem he had developed.
Tony Trabert, Newcombe commentary, and Pat Summerall commentary. Pat was an NFL commentator and didn’t know tennis at all! One of my friends was a pro in ‘78 and hit w Mac!
@@TENNISPROHISTORY Wasn't televised in the US. That much I remember for sure. Back in 1975, CBS was on for maybe 3 hours the secomd Saturday, not 7 or 8. They were really on the air to televise the woman's final. Anything else was gravy. The Vilas match was played after the woman's final and they weren't going to stay on air to televise iy.
Colin Dowdeswell, A British guy by way of south africa, I think he was a stock broker and in 1984 he became president of the Monday club losing 15 consecutive first round matches. He did get to the 22 in the world at one point if my memory serves me well.
@@capricornmagic63 had a more successful doubles career (Wimbledon finalist) than singles and retired at 31 and became an International Banker. He clearly made a lot of money as he ended up a resident of Monaco where he raised his family.
@@uncletony6210 I know they're tied in head to head encounters, but McEnroe beat him in two US open finals and a Wimbledon, and barely lost to him in another Wimbledon.
He changed the service motion due to a back problem in '78. The serve was a little different in the Grand Prix Masters which was played in Jan '79. It proceeded to get more sideways over time.
What a beautiful, and lethal, tennis player Mac was. One of the three most talented players I've ever seen.
Who are the other 2?
@@seveglider8406Nastase & Federer.
Fantastic! 🙏🙏🙏 The very first McEnroe, still serving from a different posture. So rare!
Thank you for sharing this incredible footage, otherwise forgotten. Awesome!
Wonderful video, thanks!
I love these videos with forgotten players!!
Notice that McEnroe in 1978 had not yet adopted his altered "sideways" service motion. That would become his greatest overall enhancement to his game, as it made it so difficult for his opponent to "read" where he would serve. Originally, i had concluded that he did it specifically for that reason, but later, i read that actually the alteration was because of a back problem he had developed.
i love how handsome Dowdswell is and how he accepts his situation. he is facing a " next generation " player - and a star at that.
Tony Trabert, Newcombe commentary, and Pat Summerall commentary. Pat was an NFL commentator and didn’t know tennis at all!
One of my friends was a pro in ‘78 and hit w Mac!
Great, and what for image quality !
I would love to see the 75 Vilas-Orantes semifinal, if you have it. Thank you for posting these awesome videos!
Probably It didnt exist
@@TENNISPROHISTORY Wasn't televised in the US. That much I remember for sure.
Back in 1975, CBS was on for maybe 3 hours the secomd Saturday, not 7 or 8. They were really on the air to televise the woman's final. Anything else was gravy. The Vilas match was played after the woman's final and they weren't going to stay on air to televise iy.
Slow motion tennis was very elegant
Very nice coverage, well done. Don't know the other guy, assume he is a footnote in tennis history.
Colin Dowdeswell, A British guy by way of south africa, I think he was a stock broker and in 1984 he became president of the Monday club losing 15 consecutive first round matches. He did get to the 22 in the world at one point if my memory serves me well.
@@capricornmagic63 had a more successful doubles career (Wimbledon finalist) than singles and retired at 31 and became an International Banker. He clearly made a lot of money as he ended up a resident of Monaco where he raised his family.
This is a rare find! Thank you. Any chance you have the Mac/Lendl 1980 US Open QF? Never seen any footage.
Might not exist
Great upload. Pre monkey business Mac is the best Mac.
84' is the best Mac. Check the stats!
After this tournament, was when McEnroe began to dominate men's tennis.
except for BB.
@uncletony6210 After this tournament, McEnroe destroyed Borg in straight sets - in Stockholm!
@@theoriginalthinker9199 yeah but BB won 4 of their next 6 encounters.
@@uncletony6210 I know they're tied in head to head encounters, but McEnroe beat him in two US open finals and a Wimbledon, and barely lost to him in another Wimbledon.
@@theoriginalthinker9199 I'd say he dominated from 9-80 through 12-81 and again from 3-83 through 11-84.
Would love to see the Vilas-Walts match as well.
Connors against Panatta would be awesome too
Not televised in the US, but if the footage exists, beyond the nightly highlight show, I'd like to see it.
a few points only...
Thanks
I didn't know it was used like that at first.
He changed the service motion due to a back problem in '78. The serve was a little different in the Grand Prix Masters which was played in Jan '79. It proceeded to get more sideways over time.
@ thanks.
His old serve!
Negli anni 77/78 Mac batteva ancora non coi piedi paralleli
who TF is Dowdswell ?? looked like he didn't even wanna be there...
reached 31 in the world in 1983..
He reached a Wimbledon doubles final, became an International Banker and lives the high life in tax free Monaco with his family, THAT’S who TF he is 😂
Played in grand slam
@@gerardmackay8909 wow, someone is really following this guy's career. Did he give you a woodie? I mean a racquet of course.