An epic match from the golden era of grand slam tennis. Middle school geeks like me and my friend were all into these guys-- we had the shoes Mac wore, he had the shirt, I later got into Lendl and Edberg, and I'd score gear from a local Las Vegas Discount Golf and Tennis. We's spend summer afternoons at the local park living out our fantasies. As a lefty, I tried to mock Mac's serve. Great times. Thanks for sharing this classic-- we sat glued in front of his 27" Sony Trinitron watching live in the day eating hot dogs and nachos. Just saw that Nike plans to re-issue the MacAttacks next year, so you know I'm going to do whatever to find myself a pair.
Tennis shirt was popular around that time, l even remember having one when I was small , it was the Cyndi lauper, Madonna, , hair , Miami vice, moonlighting was just starting with the cochet and tub's look and music of Jan hammer
It all boils down to this..after the early 80's Mcenroe's sucess started to wane somewhat and getting tangled up in celebrety status, partying, getting mixed up with Tatum O'neil, and playing guitar part time in a band, he went into a suttle slow decline hereafter and losing that small but crucial half a foot speed step at the net, and slacking off on training. On the same hand at about this time Lendl went into a vigourus training regimen, more tactful shot selection, volleying drills, foot work improvement, and a strict diet regimine, SOULY to turn the tables on his nemisis Mcenroe to win more matches. Thats all there is to it, and its its no mystery at all if you were in the know/in the day...Robert at 67.
Mad to think Mcenroe didn’t win big after age of 25. And as you say Lendl was opposite and had more longevity and a better career winning more titles and more slams. It always saddened me watching Lendl lose those Wimbledon matches.
Totally agree about the lifestyle and loss of a step. Ill go to my grave saying Mac is 5-10 pounds heavier here than in 84, and even that small amount can have an affect on a players speed and quickness, and when you factor equipment getting more advanced and powerful, that one step lost, can change EVERYTHING for a serve and volleyer. I always felt that the change from mostly wood to graphite composites, hurt John McEnroe more than any other player. Anyone playing with wooden racquets, and the smaller heads that came on them knows how they were SO much more difficult to consistently hit with power and accuracy. To me, its the biggest reason that serve and volleyers were for the most part, the most common playing style until the late 80s.
It all boils down to this..after the early 80's Mcenroe's sucess started to wane somewhat and getting tangled up in celebrety status, partying, getting mixed up with Tatum O'neil, and playing guitar part time in a band, he went into a suttle slow decline hereafter and losing that small but crucial half a foot speed step at the net, and slacking off on training. On the same hand at about this time Lendl went into a vigourus training regimen, more tactful shot selection, volleying drills, foot work improvement, and a strict diet regimine, SOULY to turn the tables on his nemisis Mcenroe to win more matches. Thats all there is to it, and its its no mystery at all if you were in the know/in the day...Robert at 67. mac also took off half the year in 86...never the same player
There is some truth, and I conclude, that what we saw was a fantastic player struggling with something and on the other hand another player coped better. With age I let go of the notion of they owe any spectator something. Tennis business is hard, and I am thankful for the player’s effort to entertain us as long as possible. All struggle: Sampras, Agassi, Becker, Borg, Seles, Hingis, and so on. Health is important for everybody.
As well as it can be said great analysis. McEnroe really screwed himself. The 1984 US Open final really showed what McEnroe could do against Lendl on his best day using all of his magnificent talent. Lendl simply had no chance. Winning based on talent is a dangerous thing. The appreciation for what's being accomplished isn't as profound as it would be from someone who succeeds based on a strong work ethic. Lendl appreciated his success more because he had to almost kill himself to achieve it. Whereas McEnroe needed to be forever 24/25 where he could just roll out of bed and beat everyone. One could argue that McEnroe was a better doubles than singles player simply because doubles didn't require him to have to work as hard to be successful. If McEnroe would have buckled down and not gone the way you so accurately described he would have been untouchable into the late 1980's at least.
He was regal on court especially 1987 onwards..looked No 1 player in the world as soon as he stepped on court..had a major fan following in India as well.
McEnroe played a really tough semi against Wilander and in his autobiography said he had no more gas in the tank after going behind in the first set here. The next two sets went Lendl's way with little resistance from McEnroe. By this time Lendl had McEnroe's number. He would continue to beat him repeatedly over the next four years.
Im in no way calling Mac fat here, but to me, he looks 5-10 pounds heavier here than in 1984. Your points as to why Mac lost this match are probably more to do with why he lost this match, but John looked skinnier in 84, and anyone who knows about tennis, and especially serve and volley tennis, knows that every little bit of speed and quickness lost, can be a big deal when it comes to how tight to the net you get off of the serve, as well as on your approach shots. Idk your opinion on that, but id be glad to hear it.
Lendl was moving so well which set up his passing shots. In the 2nd set mcenroe tried to rally more which Lendl ate up because mcenroe doesn't have the game to play defense.
Mac knew how to beat Borg and Connors, but as the new wave of Euro players, esp from countries like Czechoslovakia, Germany and Sweden with their emphasis on power and precision, Mac eventually lost the war
This court was fast. The US open court in 2017 was unbelievably slow, and the bounces were over head high. Its good to see this 1985 type of tennis again, refreshing.
@@diegovvv4422 I dont think so. If these guys had today's racquets, they'd be just as fast or faster. Just watch some of the recent videos of Edberg on the senior tour for example. His shots have the same or better pop as in his pro days
@@fhdowntheline1825 to be honest, i dont know. There is just a tendency to think, modern sportmen are strong and faster than before due technology and new ways of physical training. That allegedly fact has allow tennis players can play even in their thirties.
Ivan was a great player who unfortunately came along when Borg, McEnroe, and Connors were in the game everyone loved those 3 players and because Ivan was new to this country and spoke fractured English and had a fierce appearance audiences did not warm up to him. He was a sportsman, and conducted himself as a gentleman. He should’ve been treated better . Even cbs rushed through the awards ceremony, travertine cutting him off with a short interview and coverage ended as he was given the trophy. Had it been McEnroe winning they would’ve stayed ten more minutes showing him holding the trophy high.
Lendl won H2H over McEnroe by 7:0 in 1981-82, which were McEnroe's prime years. But Lendl lost GS finals to 2 McEnroe's rivals (Connors, Borg) in these 2 years.
It was the Cold War, and he was from the "enemy" country, Czechoslovakia, and that's how McEnroe described him and that's how many people saw him, a "Communist". Never mind that he actually became an American citizen.
He didn't have a fierce appearance at all. The media just said he did....and people believe whatever the media tells them (as we all sit in our houses due to a medical hoax, or exaggeration, at best). He was a little shy in front of the camera until he had his teeth fixed. I lived near him, and met him once, back in '92 when he was practicing at my club for the French open, since we had some red clay. He was the most friendly, gracious, guy, and had that reputation in the area. The media never gave him a break because they were somehow trying to keep the stupid "them against us" thing going between Eastern European and Americans....it was like when Rocky fought the Russian fighter. They also said Ivan's game was "robotic', whatever the hell that means...he had a beautiful game, a mix of power and touch, and he moved well around the court. You are certainly correct in saying that the media did not treat him well. BTW, i also got to chat with McEnroe once, and he was also friendly and nice, until I said something that annoyed him (unintentionally) and he walked away in a huff (he was working on anger management at the time).
Otelio Garcia That McEnroe comment was very narrow minded,as even coming Ivan from ,, communist"Czechoslovakia doesnt meant ,he has been commie himself, as many people were never joining commie party.
Lendl won 94 ATP singles titles in his career time. 1985 US Open was his 2nd GS titles, also 48th singles titles (1st of 2nd half of his ATP career singles titles). It was also the turning point of McEnroe-Lendl rivalry career. Lendl end McEnroe's domination of ATP in 1st half of 1980s and created his own era in 2nd half of 1980s.
dm lat he took 6 months after this, that was his downfall, the racquet technology developments worked for power players like Lendl and brought the sudden rise of the likes of Becker
Les deux meilleurs joueurs de la décennie 80 ,l un exerce sa domination de 80 à 85 et l autre ,le Tchèque,de 85 à début 90...évidemment y a Wilander,Becker et Edberg mais ce n est pas pareil au niveau palmarès et régularité de résultats
What a pair of wonderful players. The tennis's history in his summit. Both are incredible. I could spent hours and hours watching them. (Btw, what a difference from the really small current players like Nadal, Djokovic and so on).
McEnroe was up 5-2 and had a set point on on a second serve on Lendl's serve. McEnroe took the second serve early, came to the net, and got passed easily by Lendl. The was the moment McEnroe's Grand Slam tournament winning days ended.
Being a big fan of McEnroe over Lendl I got to be objective here. McEnroe had been lucky to break Lendl early in the first set as Ivan started really slow. But from the start you could feel Ivan was way above that day. McEnroe was also very tense from the start. Level wise he was no longer #1 from early '85. This final just made that fact apparent.
Lendl still played with the same mechanics from previous years but it's obvious his fitness was at amazing level from 1985 on. You can see how quick he ran down balls. It was mentioned somewhere that Lendl hired a track coach, a left-handed training partner, and a nutritionist to help improve his fitness. I believe he might have hired a sport psychologist as well to help with him mental game. Ivan is truly the father of modern day tennis. He might not be considered the GOAT but his impact on the game is still greater than any other player in modern tennis history.
@@a.k.4486 Could McEnroe have been tense because he could feel the heat and agression of the No.2 breathing down his neck? Lendl could smell blood and opportunity in this match. McEnroe is like a swimmer wondering where the great white shark is! That's gotta make you feel very tense!
So, so true ! They complimented each other well and the viewer got something from each. I especially loved the late great gentleman, Pat Summerall. The U.S. OPEN of Tennis, the NFL on Sunday on CBS, THE MASTERS were all enhanced by his presence, his easy to listen to voice.
These three commentators were way more entertaining and informative than anybody we got today. And also Virginia Wade was great too. Mary Carillo has really gone down the tubes in the past 10 years. Thank goodness we still got McEnroe in the booth (if we're lucky)
McEnroe is just 1 year older than Lendl. However, McEnroe dominated ATP in the first half of 1980s while Lendl dominated ATP in the second half of 1980s.
Interesting how that works sometimes. McEnroe I believe moved on from tennis in his personal life, marriage & kids. And for some, unless continually focused that last bit of empty minded devotion is the difference between succeeding or not. It's called life happening to you, maybe...???
Imagine telling each guy before the match, McEnroe: this will be the last Grand Slam final your career. Lendl, you will reach 10 more Grand Slam finals and win 6 of the 11.
GMiltown the truth is that the game of mc enroe needed of much energy and selfcontrol! !! For this , to winner one slam at 26-27 years, was much hard for mcjesus! !! One example? If the Roland Garros 84 was 2 set on 3 , mcjesus haved winned the match vs Lendl 2 set at 0 !!!
Don't forget his Grand Slam doubles titles in later years. When you add up his singles and doubles titles, he is unsurpassed in history. Lendl, of course, did continue to improve his game whereas Mac was fading, or at least not improving. The game was changing and Lendl got to the elite level in fitness and shot making through hard work. Shaloha, Sifu Slim author of The Aging Athlete TheAgingAthlete.com
I love how Lendl didn’t panic after losing 10 of the first 12 points. He just stuck to his tactics and trusted it would work. Seems like the game plan was just to hit right through mcenroe! Agassi would use the same gameplay 7 years later at Wimbledon
Lendl came out tight as a drum in this match. After the first 3 games, it seemed like Mac would win in the biggest rout in Grand Slam history. But Lendl loosened up after breaking back in the first set and then started hitting his topspin backhand well, especially on the return. It was like night and day. That same backhand return he hit to win the first set might've ended up in the stands had he taken the same swing in the first game.
Except he would never win a Wimbledon. Honestly speaking....no one cares outside of the tennis world what the remaining grand slams are. It's one and only The Championship 🏆 That's the only time people tune in. Kinda like US tunes in to watch the soccer world Cup.
@@andreasmissiroliAgreed. While the Australian Open wasnt as big of a deal in 85 as the other three, the French and ESPECIALLY the US Open, were HUGE and prestigious tournaments. Such a dumb statement to say only Wimbledon mattered.
McEnroe did nothing after this final , at 26 and a half you have just seen this man at his peak between us open 79 to us open 85 , 20 to 26 and retired at us open 92 aged 33 and a half
it is amazing how well he did, tho the game (and the rackets) now are so much more advanced. Tho that style is still very effective up to the higher levels of play (and against older / slower people). So he (still) competes NOW very well against younger bigger hitter that now are much younger than him, but older (50's) losing the sharpness to effectively use the hard hitting style.
Yes that loss really got to him. I think he saw the writing on the wall. He immediately quit, came back 6 months later , but never again reached another grand slam, let alone win one . It was the changing of the guard . That old style of play was done .
I remember this vividly! It was the day the unsavory jerk - who got away with so much because of his unique innate talent - got beat by the pragmatic worker who was a good man (albeit not a ‘charmer’, which doesn’t necessarily make a person better). At 22:05 it was set point for McEnroe on Lendl’s second serve: a rifling forehand passing shot changed the course, a point from which McEnroe got owned the rest of the match. A great day for Ivan!
@@HankFinkle11 John McEnroe once claimed a WCT event by winning match point hitting a ball through the gap in the net! That's the kind of sportsmanship John McEnroe displays. That really says it all.
While their 1984 RG final was more dramatic, exciting and memorable, this match was more important and significant. McEnroe outclassed Lendl twice in Montreal and Stratton Mountain in the build-up to this, and was the clear favourite to win. And he made a strong start in the opening set, but the difference was that this time unlike in his previous US Open finals Lendl looked to maintain a more positive mindset. Also I think he admitted himself that as his fitness improved during the 90s, so did his mental strength as well.
Also I suspect McEnroe was quite fatigued from playing Wilander in the semis for 5 sets during a 116 degree (46 C) heatwave the day before, whereas Lendl had an easy victory against Connors in the night match semi-final. Nevertheless, Lendl played well in the final and the win gave him confidence and he dominated McEnroe in almost all of their matches thereafter.
@@magisterequitum Fatigued my behind. Mac was a serve and volleyer. Points usually ends in under 4 strokes for him. Up to that point, Connors owned Lendl, and came into the SF as an 8 time grand slam champion. Connors was ranked #3 in 1985 so no excuse, he was still capable of winning slams. Lendl simply worked harder and perfected his game that year and came into the US Open a more fitter player. He never looked back, and dominated Mac and Connors the rest of the way.
@@magisterequitum Lendl had to figured out how to beat left handed players because there weren't that many of them including the junior circuit. Being left handed has its advantages in many non individual sports. Everything comes at you backward. Lendl hired a sprinting coach to train him to accelerate quicker. This was evident by how quickly he chased down Mac's cross court volleys and hit passing shots for winners.
this was when everyone watched tennis. there were only a few stations to watch in 1985. Tennis was prime time sports back then. Tennis courts in the 1980's accross the USA were packed with people because of people like Mcenroe, Lendl and many others from that time. I would watch this over any current tennis match.
The numbers don't lie. Tennis viewership and participation was MUCH higher in 1985 than now. The players all didn't hit hard from the baseline like robots with the same playing style. There were distinct styles and the average amateur player was a fan too because he/she could relate to the strokes and could actually see a wide variety of stroke production. It is hard to relate to the superpower of today's pros.
And players didn't GRUNT back then like they do now. We got rid of Sharapova only to be replaced by one loud grunter after another -- Sabalenka, Azarenka, etc. you name it
Much like the USOPEN81 ended Borg this was it for Mac...never made another grand slam final and just 3 semi finals where he quickly bowed out... the technology was changing the game and Macs style would struggle with the new baseline power of Lendl to Agassi.
I think John McEnroe's career was screwed over by technology more than anyone in tennis history. I dont mean screwed in a sense that he was wronged in any way, but had racquets stayed wooden, I dont think that any player would have been able to generate the pace and accuracy from the baseline to keep him off the net, and winning. Graphite and oversized heads changed that. Obviously McEnroe would have aged and lost a step at some point regardless of technology, but I think theres a good chance he would have won four or more slams had things stayed the same as they were in the early 80s when almost all used wood. I will also say this. I think its a testament to McEnroes game that he was able to still be a top 20 or higher player up until 1992. He clearly didnt have the ammunition on his groundies to threaten enough to win a slam, but winning some lesser tournaments and reaching 2 semis in the 90s is pretty damn impressive.
@@chocolatetownforever7537 I agree...the new rackets made it easier to return his can opener serve on the ad side...watching him push the ball in the late 80s and early 90s is rough. Kevin Curran blew Mc out in the 85 Wimbledon QF with the new rackets after Mac had the 2 most lopsided Champion final scores in 83 and 84.....
If only McEnroe had been fitter. If only he had been a professional in his approach to tennis, and had done the strength and conditioning work necessary to maximize his talents. To start as well as he did and then utterly collapse reflects how exhausted he was on the day of this match.
What a difference a year makes. The year prior to this (1984), McEnroe beat Lendl in the final of the same tournament (US Open) in straight sets. Here we are a year later (1985) and Lendl beats McEnroe in straight sets.
handful of CBS stations (WKBN-TV, Youngstown, Ohio included) that had NFL on CBS (San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings) joined the 1985 U.S. Open Tennis Men's Singles Finals in-progress with McEnroe leading Lendl 3-0 in the first set.
Just so the U.S. haters don't make too much of nationality... hell, I'm American and it was a pleasure to watch McEnroe get beat here. He was a jackass and a bully who got by on raw talent (which he had plenty of) and questionable tactics involving distracting, delaying, and f*cking with his opponents (which he used when he couldn't win on talent). Whereas Lendl was a hard-working, calm, stoic champ who showed he was the better all-around player here, and later.
I love Ivan Lendl and would never belittle him. But Matt’s Wilander had so much to do with the outcome of this match. He and Mac went a full 5 sets on the Saturday before you can c the effects on Mac the longer the match went.
McEnroe, what a jerk! He could have received every point he challenged and a bonus point and still would have lost in straight sets. He was even outplayed at the net. But the most surprising statistic in the broadcast is at 1:17:10- Detroit Lions 28, Atlanta Falcons 27
If you think you can win 10 grand slams (or whatever Ivan has) and become ranked #1 in the world with hard work you are living in fantasy land. Ivan had loads of talent. Mac had a unique style and amazing net play, but arguable no more “talent” than Ivan. Mac’s groundstrokes look like shit compared to Ivan. Each world class player has strengths and weaknesses, “talent” in different aspects, etc.
Les "pro" McEnroe diront qu'il était cramé après son match contre Mats en demi alors qu'Ivan a dominé Connors tres facilement ça fait partie du jeu et ça enlève rien au mérite d'Ivan
Nice to hear McEnroe congratulate Ivan, and saying he deserved to win, because they did not like each other. The exchanges at the net were just a simple 🤝. But now you see guys embracing all the time.
After the first 3 games in the first set of the 1985 U.S. Open Men's Final, McEnroe had nothing left energy-wise because of his exhausting, physically draining match the previous day in 117 degree heat against Wilander.
Le résultat peut paraitre surprenant car, Mc Enroe avait très bien joué. Lendl a été très performant en passing et a surpris Mc Enroe en montant souvent au filet. 1985 a été l'année des tchécoslovaques à l'US OPEN (3 en finale). La surface était très rapide, plus qu'aujourd'hui. Elle avait été choisie pour empêcher Borg dans sa quête du grand chelem.
je pense surtout que Mac n'a pas récupérer de son match contre Wilander en demi (victoire en 5 sets sous la chaleur et de son coté Lendl bat Connors relativement facilement en soirée)
It is a mystery to me why Lendl never turned on the power between 81 and 84 . It's very strange watching the complete transition from 85 onwards where he won so many grand slams once he upped the tempo. Maybe bad coaching, who knows.
@@seteetlemonde7656 l’art du champion n’est-il pas la capacité de produire son meilleur dans toutes situations ? Malgré son immense talent McEnroe a toujours été fragile mentalement facilement distrait par les incontournables et incontrôlables de la vie. Son marriage avec Tatum n’est-il pas le reflet de son attirance pour le monde artistique incompatible alors à la vie sportive de haut niveau ?
@@fhdowntheline1825 I love Mac, he is the reason I follow Tennis, the us open match between him and Connors was my start point. The serve and volley was fantastic brain candy for my ADHD brain. Edberg was a beautifully smooth players as well but Roger can do it all, he can volley, he can power you, he can baseline you, and he doesn't sweat. :)
@@mikemichaelmas4251 True, he has one of the most elegant yet effective strokes. Nadal/Djokovic sometimes appear ungainly during their shot making. But I will daresay that both Mac and Edberg volleyed better than Federer, also courtesy their significant doubles exposure. If only Mac had adopted the training regimen of Lendl, he would have been unbeatable till the late eighties.
Lendl's rematch against McEnroe, after losing the 1984 final. From the beginning, Lendl plays differently, serving & striking the ball with pace and accuracy. This is excellent play, but why did he not hit this effectively or aggressively in his previous US Open finals, in 1982, 1983, 1984? The contrast is stark.
Tennis players are not robots- even professional ones. Lendl improved his fitness and consequently his footwork was better and he was in better position more often, getting ready earlier and the ball more cleanly more often. He kept working on his game and this is about when his peak started. He started losing more in the 90s- why didn't he keep hitting like he did in 85? Because he is not a robot.
@@dmichael100 You say fitness and footwork were the difference? Later in his career, you are certainly correct, as by the 1990 US Open he no longer had the speed and power to get into position and out-hit Becker, Sampras and a few others. Since Lendl was also famous for fitness in his peak years, perhaps there's something to what you're saying. However, there were many points in those 3 previous USO finals when he was indeed in position to strike the ball, yet failed to do so effectively, especially in the '82-'83 finals against Connors. If you watch those 82-83 finals, the impression given is of Lendl not playing up to his potential, at a time he was already a great ball striker. This explanation sounds good because of our memories of Lendl's legendary fitness, but it does not actually seem to be correct as far as the 1982-4 finals are concerned. He was there in time, and he was already strong enough by 1981 when he could hit well against the likes of Borg and Connors.
Lendl would never have won this match if Mc-Enroe had had his level of the 1984 final. That day, Lendl plays very well but he can do it because Mc-Enroe physically collapses at the end of the 1st set. His match against Wilander in 5 sets and in full heat on Saturday “killed” him. Meanwhile, Lendl played in the evening and won in 3 sets against Connors. The final was therefore decided on the physical side. Do not forget also that what screwed up the end of Mc-Enroe's career was his meeting with Tatum O Neal. She was a toxic woman who pushed Mc-Enroe into taking cocaine and it soon showed in 1985 from the summer that Mc-Enroe had lost his speed and that's not normal at just 25 years. If Mc-Enroe had kept his level of 1984, even if tennis has changed with more power, he would have dominated for several more years.
Lendl had the fitness to overwhelm McEnroe. But the introduction of Luxilon's Big Banger string was still 6 years out. That kept things respectable. I really think Lendl, born later, could have given Novak, Fed, and Rafa a run for their money. He would have been Wawrinka on steroids.
I think Lendl is taking time between points a bit too much I would have been cold in the next point and find it difficult to carry over my momentum to the next point.
Who is in your opinion is the best of all time player? Firstable it is difficult compare..I think launching the network was brilliant move. There are times and times again, movement is so much bigger weapon. Federer and SerenaW will do right but their time are passing too. I think the best player is still the game itself there are no alternatives you need to expose and make them brilliant returns.
Screw the racquet handle tight in the hand, roll two balls across the chest a couple of times and make an attempt to disjoint the lower jaw before the POW! Only Rafa has a more OCD serve routine. 😅 Love them both but especially Ivan.
McEnroe était encore à son meilleur niveau, en 1985...il pouvait encore tirer son épingle du jeu lors de cette finale, surtout au premier set où il mène 5 jeux à 2..s'il avait pu remporter cette manche, cette finale se serait transformé en un magnifique combat à l'issue totalement incertaine
Oh please. McEnroe wouldn't make it into anybody's top 5 list and would struggle to be in an impartial top 10. If you want to create a top 5 serve and volley list then McEnroe would be there, otherwise he's not much more than a self-promoting, boorish twat who, in the words of Brad Gilbert, lost the respect of virtually everyone he ever played against. Cheers!
McEnroe joueait pourtant bien surtout en début de match. ..lendl lui n'était pas encore réglé. ..après le tchécoslovaque balaya le génial américain. ..
McEnroe and Lendl clearly hated each other. That can explain Lendl fist-pumping when McEnroe double faulted. McEnroe didn't even shake the umpire's hand after the match.
Lendl was able to adapt his game to the new age of power tennis that started around this time. McEnroe was not, even though he hit the weights to get stronger. He just didn't have the strength or athleticism to keep up with guys like Lendl, Becker, Agassi, Sampras, and Edberg.
Just remember, the year before this McEnroe humiliated Lendl on same court, straight sets, lasted only an hour and 16 minutes. Certainly McEnroe's most dominating performance of his career. Total and utter domination.
purveyoroffinefoods laszlo dont forget Macs destruction of connors in the 84 Wimbledon final. I would put that slightly ahead of his us open win over lendl.
@@lawrencegarrison3792 Lendl had a near walkover semis against a gimpy Connors. McEnroe had a 5 set war in the heat against Wilander. They played the Finals the day after the semis then. I realize Lendl improved, but the conditions for this match weren't fair.
yes but in the preveious 1984 US Open final against McEnroe, Lendl was flat too from the 5 set marathon semi-finals with Pat Cash. What's good for the goose is good for the gander,
Don Johnson .... 'Lendl was flat too from the 5 set marathon semi-finals with Pat Cash. What's good for the goose is good for the gander' Yeah but don't forget that Mcenroe had a long 4 hour + match in his semi's also against Connors.So McEnroe didn't have the 'leg up' in the final as both had been somewhat tired from their earlier match.
An epic match from the golden era of grand slam tennis. Middle school geeks like me and my friend were all into these guys-- we had the shoes Mac wore, he had the shirt, I later got into Lendl and Edberg, and I'd score gear from a local Las Vegas Discount Golf and Tennis. We's spend summer afternoons at the local park living out our fantasies. As a lefty, I tried to mock Mac's serve. Great times. Thanks for sharing this classic-- we sat glued in front of his 27" Sony Trinitron watching live in the day eating hot dogs and nachos. Just saw that Nike plans to re-issue the MacAttacks next year, so you know I'm going to do whatever to find myself a pair.
Tennis shirt was popular around that time, l even remember having one when I was small , it was the Cyndi lauper, Madonna, , hair , Miami vice, moonlighting was just starting with the cochet and tub's look and music of Jan hammer
Thank for load this wonderfull ¨movie of tennis¨ days´s glory of Mc Enroe and Ivan.
It all boils down to this..after the early 80's Mcenroe's sucess started to wane somewhat and getting tangled up in celebrety status, partying, getting mixed up with Tatum O'neil, and playing guitar part time in a band, he went into a suttle slow decline hereafter and losing that small but crucial half a foot speed step at the net, and slacking off on training. On the same hand at about this time Lendl went into a vigourus training regimen, more tactful shot selection, volleying drills, foot work improvement, and a strict diet regimine, SOULY to turn the tables on his nemisis Mcenroe to win more matches. Thats all there is to it, and its its no mystery at all if you were in the know/in the day...Robert at 67.
Mad to think Mcenroe didn’t win big after age of 25. And as you say Lendl was opposite and had more longevity and a better career winning more titles and more slams. It always saddened me watching Lendl lose those Wimbledon matches.
Totally agree about the lifestyle and loss of a step. Ill go to my grave saying Mac is 5-10 pounds heavier here than in 84, and even that small amount can have an affect on a players speed and quickness, and when you factor equipment getting more advanced and powerful, that one step lost, can change EVERYTHING for a serve and volleyer.
I always felt that the change from mostly wood to graphite composites, hurt John McEnroe more than any other player.
Anyone playing with wooden racquets, and the smaller heads that came on them knows how they were SO much more difficult to consistently hit with power and accuracy. To me, its the biggest reason that serve and volleyers were for the most part, the most common playing style until the late 80s.
It all boils down to this..after the early 80's Mcenroe's sucess started to wane somewhat and getting tangled up in celebrety status, partying, getting mixed up with Tatum O'neil, and playing guitar part time in a band, he went into a suttle slow decline hereafter and losing that small but crucial half a foot speed step at the net, and slacking off on training. On the same hand at about this time Lendl went into a vigourus training regimen, more tactful shot selection, volleying drills, foot work improvement, and a strict diet regimine, SOULY to turn the tables on his nemisis Mcenroe to win more matches. Thats all there is to it, and its its no mystery at all if you were in the know/in the day...Robert at 67.
mac also took off half the year in 86...never the same player
There is some truth, and I conclude, that what we saw was a fantastic player struggling with something and on the other hand another player coped better.
With age I let go of the notion of they owe any spectator something. Tennis business is hard, and I am thankful for the player’s effort to entertain us as long as possible.
All struggle: Sampras, Agassi, Becker, Borg, Seles, Hingis, and so on. Health is important for everybody.
As well as it can be said great analysis. McEnroe really screwed himself. The 1984 US Open final really showed what McEnroe could do against Lendl on his best day using all of his magnificent talent. Lendl simply had no chance. Winning based on talent is a dangerous thing. The appreciation for what's being accomplished isn't as profound as it would be from someone who succeeds based on a strong work ethic. Lendl appreciated his success more because he had to almost kill himself to achieve it. Whereas McEnroe needed to be forever 24/25 where he could just roll out of bed and beat everyone. One could argue that McEnroe was a better doubles than singles player simply because doubles didn't require him to have to work as hard to be successful.
If McEnroe would have buckled down and not gone the way you so accurately described he would have been untouchable into the late 1980's at least.
I was 11 at the time of this match, I had a massive crush on Lendl, & I’m 45 today & still do lol! He was also an amazing tennis player 😍
You are sick. If you had a crush on even a guy like McEnroe I would be surprised, but lendl 😱
He was regal on court especially 1987 onwards..looked No 1 player in the world as soon as he stepped on court..had a major fan following in India as well.
@@avinashrae6203McEnrow was something incredible (I can appreciate today better than before). But I was a big fan of Lendl too. Definitely.
McEnroe played a really tough semi against Wilander and in his autobiography said he had no more gas in the tank after going behind in the first set here. The next two sets went Lendl's way with little resistance from McEnroe. By this time Lendl had McEnroe's number. He would continue to beat him repeatedly over the next four years.
Im in no way calling Mac fat here, but to me, he looks 5-10 pounds heavier here than in 1984. Your points as to why Mac lost this match are probably more to do with why he lost this match, but John looked skinnier in 84, and anyone who knows about tennis, and especially serve and volley tennis, knows that every little bit of speed and quickness lost, can be a big deal when it comes to how tight to the net you get off of the serve, as well as on your approach shots.
Idk your opinion on that, but id be glad to hear it.
Lendl was moving so well which set up his passing shots. In the 2nd set mcenroe tried to rally more which Lendl ate up because mcenroe doesn't have the game to play defense.
Mac knew how to beat Borg and Connors, but as the new wave of Euro players, esp from countries like Czechoslovakia, Germany and Sweden with their emphasis on power and precision, Mac eventually lost the war
The passing shots of Ivan were so powerful
The final handshake of the tournament, and the airhead editor choses the cameraman pointing to some random punter in the crowd
I have DESPERATELY wanted to watch this match again but EVERY video was poor until I came across theis. so thank you
This court was fast. The US open court in 2017 was unbelievably slow, and the bounces were over head high. Its good to see this 1985 type of tennis again, refreshing.
However shots were notoriously slower and weaker than nowedays.
Maybe to you, but not to me. I like longer points. More honest now. You have to earn it.
Yes, they had to slow down courts to compensate for the new racquets.
@@diegovvv4422 I dont think so. If these guys had today's racquets, they'd be just as fast or faster. Just watch some of the recent videos of Edberg on the senior tour for example. His shots have the same or better pop as in his pro days
@@fhdowntheline1825 to be honest, i dont know. There is just a tendency to think, modern sportmen are strong and faster than before due technology and new ways of physical training. That allegedly fact has allow tennis players can play even in their thirties.
Ivan was a great player who unfortunately came along when Borg, McEnroe, and Connors were in the game everyone loved those 3 players and because Ivan was new to this country and spoke fractured English and had a fierce appearance audiences did not warm up to him. He was a sportsman, and conducted himself as a gentleman. He should’ve been treated better . Even cbs rushed through the awards ceremony, travertine cutting him off with a short interview and coverage ended as he was given the trophy. Had it been McEnroe winning they would’ve stayed ten more minutes showing him holding the trophy high.
Very true. Jimbo and John were bigger personalities, and Borg was the rock star, so Lendl was overlooked. But he had a great game.
Lendl won H2H over McEnroe by 7:0 in 1981-82, which were McEnroe's prime years. But Lendl lost GS finals to 2 McEnroe's rivals (Connors, Borg) in these 2 years.
It was the Cold War, and he was from the "enemy" country, Czechoslovakia, and that's how McEnroe described him and that's how many people saw him, a "Communist". Never mind that he actually became an American citizen.
He didn't have a fierce appearance at all. The media just said he did....and people believe whatever the media tells them (as we all sit in our houses due to a medical hoax, or exaggeration, at best). He was a little shy in front of the camera until he had his teeth fixed. I lived near him, and met him once, back in '92 when he was practicing at my club for the French open, since we had some red clay. He was the most friendly, gracious, guy, and had that reputation in the area. The media never gave him a break because they were somehow trying to keep the stupid "them against us" thing going between Eastern European and Americans....it was like when Rocky fought the Russian fighter. They also said Ivan's game was "robotic', whatever the hell that means...he had a beautiful game, a mix of power and touch, and he moved well around the court. You are certainly correct in saying that the media did not treat him well. BTW, i also got to chat with McEnroe once, and he was also friendly and nice, until I said something that annoyed him (unintentionally) and he walked away in a huff (he was working on anger management at the time).
Otelio Garcia That McEnroe comment was very narrow minded,as even coming Ivan from ,, communist"Czechoslovakia doesnt meant ,he has been commie himself, as many people were never joining commie party.
Lendl won 94 ATP singles titles in his career time. 1985 US Open was his 2nd GS titles, also 48th singles titles (1st of 2nd half of his ATP career singles titles). It was also the turning point of McEnroe-Lendl rivalry career. Lendl end McEnroe's domination of ATP in 1st half of 1980s and created his own era in 2nd half of 1980s.
@ O-Ne-Mg White Dwarf. Lendl won 93 total singles titles in his pro tennis career not 94.
@hongkongsmartboy Cool Nazi flag.
Mac never recovered from this loss. Wasn't the same after.
Well in the 2007 Amex commercial he went to Klaus Umlat's (supposedly the umpire) house to apologize for his tantrum.
84 was his last great year Lendl seemed to have his no after that ...
dm lat he took 6 months after this, that was his downfall, the racquet technology developments worked for power players like Lendl and brought the sudden rise of the likes of Becker
1985 he married a nutcase enough said.
I think it was more that the new crop of players just were better and even bigger servers than he had been
Les deux meilleurs joueurs de la décennie 80 ,l un exerce sa domination de 80 à 85 et l autre ,le Tchèque,de 85 à début 90...évidemment y a Wilander,Becker et Edberg mais ce n est pas pareil au niveau palmarès et régularité de résultats
What a pair of wonderful players. The tennis's history in his summit. Both are incredible. I could spent hours and hours watching them. (Btw, what a difference from the really small current players like Nadal, Djokovic and so on).
McEnroe was up 5-2 and had a set point on on a second serve on Lendl's serve. McEnroe took the second serve early, came to the net, and got passed easily by Lendl. The was the moment McEnroe's Grand Slam tournament winning days ended.
Being a big fan of McEnroe over Lendl I got to be objective here. McEnroe had been lucky to break Lendl early in the first set as Ivan started really slow. But from the start you could feel Ivan was way above that day. McEnroe was also very tense from the start. Level wise he was no longer #1 from early '85. This final just made that fact apparent.
Lendl still played with the same mechanics from previous years but it's obvious his fitness was at amazing level from 1985 on. You can see how quick he ran down balls. It was mentioned somewhere that Lendl hired a track coach, a left-handed training partner, and a nutritionist to help improve his fitness. I believe he might have hired a sport psychologist as well to help with him mental game. Ivan is truly the father of modern day tennis. He might not be considered the GOAT but his impact on the game is still greater than any other player in modern tennis history.
@@donjohnson8120 well said, don....
@@a.k.4486 Could McEnroe have been tense because he could feel the heat and agression of the No.2 breathing down his neck? Lendl could smell blood and opportunity in this match. McEnroe is like a swimmer wondering where the great white shark is! That's gotta make you feel very tense!
McEnroe really got slaughtered in this match. There's not more to say. Lendl just played with so much more conviction.
Pat Summerall, Tony Trabert and John Newcombe....how I used to love listening to them do the US Open back in the day!
So, so true ! They complimented each other well and the viewer got something from each. I especially loved the late great gentleman, Pat Summerall. The U.S. OPEN of Tennis, the NFL on Sunday on CBS, THE MASTERS were all enhanced by his presence, his easy to listen to voice.
@@LordofDublin4 Yes, Summerall was the best of all time in my opinion! A man of few words usually, he let the action tell the story.
Super Saturdays were the best.
These three commentators were way more entertaining and informative than anybody we got today.
And also Virginia Wade was great too.
Mary Carillo has really gone down the tubes in the past 10 years.
Thank goodness we still got McEnroe in the booth (if we're lucky)
McEnroe is just 1 year older than Lendl. However, McEnroe dominated ATP in the first half of 1980s while Lendl dominated ATP in the second half of 1980s.
Wilander dominated 89. He won 3 majors. Beat Lendl twice
Interesting how that works sometimes. McEnroe I believe moved on from tennis in his personal life, marriage & kids. And for some, unless continually focused that last bit of empty minded devotion is the difference between succeeding or not. It's called life happening to you, maybe...???
He never won at Wimbledon though. Was runner-up a few times. Fond memories of watching the games as a kid. Loved the shirt designs in the 80's aswell.
@@iggypopisgod9 1988
@@iggypopisgod9 1988
Imagine telling each guy before the match, McEnroe: this will be the last Grand Slam final your career. Lendl, you will reach 10 more Grand Slam finals and win 6 of the 11.
GMiltown the truth is that the game of mc enroe needed of much energy and selfcontrol! !! For this , to winner one slam at 26-27 years, was much hard for mcjesus! !! One example? If the Roland Garros 84 was 2 set on 3 , mcjesus haved winned the match vs Lendl 2 set at 0 !!!
I actually told both of them before the match but neither believed me.
Uncle Tony ????
Don't forget his Grand Slam doubles titles in later years. When you add up his singles and doubles titles, he is unsurpassed in history. Lendl, of course, did continue to improve his game whereas Mac was fading, or at least not improving. The game was changing and Lendl got to the elite level in fitness and shot making through hard work.
Shaloha,
Sifu Slim
author of The Aging Athlete
TheAgingAthlete.com
Sifu Slim for me, Lendl is the greatest of the all times.
I'm a Mac fan but you gotta hand it to Lendl , he stepped up his game and kicked some ass!
one of the great rivalries in all of sports...
I love how Lendl didn’t panic after losing 10 of the first 12 points. He just stuck to his tactics and trusted it would work. Seems like the game plan was just to hit right through mcenroe! Agassi would use the same gameplay 7 years later at Wimbledon
Lendl came out tight as a drum in this match. After the first 3 games, it seemed like Mac would win in the biggest rout in Grand Slam history. But Lendl loosened up after breaking back in the first set and then started hitting his topspin backhand well, especially on the return. It was like night and day. That same backhand return he hit to win the first set might've ended up in the stands had he taken the same swing in the first game.
McEnroe was not a good match against power players, but he knew how to beat Borg and Connors
This is the match that started Lendl’s run of dominance and ended MacEnroe’s. Too much power from Lendl.
Yes everything improved his return of serve, his groundstrokes, volleys, serves. Result of his fitness.
Except he would never win a Wimbledon. Honestly speaking....no one cares outside of the tennis world what the remaining grand slams are. It's one and only The Championship 🏆 That's the only time people tune in. Kinda like US tunes in to watch the soccer world Cup.
@@radiohead2206 big bullshit from an incompetent
@@andreasmissiroliAgreed. While the Australian Open wasnt as big of a deal in 85 as the other three, the French and ESPECIALLY the US Open, were HUGE and prestigious tournaments.
Such a dumb statement to say only Wimbledon mattered.
Nowadays all FOUR grand slam tournaments are important and players try to play all four.
Back then that wasn't the case
McEnroe did nothing after this final , at 26 and a half you have just seen this man at his peak between us open 79 to us open 85 , 20 to 26 and retired at us open 92 aged 33 and a half
Mick Wallace, He did a lot of partying and chicks...
@@juandi2570 Don't forget Frosty the Snowman
i dont remember Lendl coming to the net outside of Wimbledon as he did here. Played a great tie breaker.
Lendl wins - and the camera shows the audience...
CBS cutting to a crowd shot just as they were about shake hands was an interesting call ...
This ushered in the Lendl era : 85-88
Lendl was a machine
Mac's continental grip finally just couldn't keep with the pace. Tennis, in the form of new era Lendl, just blew the old style away.
it is amazing how well he did, tho the game (and the rackets) now are so much more advanced. Tho that style is still very effective up to the higher levels of play (and against older / slower people). So he (still) competes NOW very well against younger bigger hitter that now are much younger than him, but older (50's) losing the sharpness to effectively use the hard hitting style.
Yes that loss really got to him. I think he saw the writing on the wall. He immediately quit, came back 6 months later , but never again reached another grand slam, let alone win one .
It was the changing of the guard . That old style of play was done .
Yup. Sports are always evolving.
Lendl ended McEnroe Dynasty in 1985 US Open!
he extirp a tumor
I remember this vividly! It was the day the unsavory jerk - who got away with so much because of his unique innate talent - got beat by the pragmatic worker who was a good man (albeit not a ‘charmer’, which doesn’t necessarily make a person better). At 22:05 it was set point for McEnroe on Lendl’s second serve: a rifling forehand passing shot changed the course, a point from which McEnroe got owned the rest of the match. A great day for Ivan!
James MacKinnon Lendl is a horses butt.
@@HankFinkle11 No mate, Lendl is a galloping horse who kicked BUTT! John McEmroe's butt!
@@HankFinkle11 John McEnroe once claimed a WCT event by winning match point hitting a ball through the gap in the net! That's the kind of sportsmanship John McEnroe displays. That really says it all.
Lendl certainly put up with a lot fron McEnroe & Conners, but overcame.
You don't just "get away with" winning 7 slams.
While their 1984 RG final was more dramatic, exciting and memorable, this match was more important and significant. McEnroe outclassed Lendl twice in Montreal and Stratton Mountain in the build-up to this, and was the clear favourite to win. And he made a strong start in the opening set, but the difference was that this time unlike in his previous US Open finals Lendl looked to maintain a more positive mindset. Also I think he admitted himself that as his fitness improved during the 90s, so did his mental strength as well.
Also I suspect McEnroe was quite fatigued from playing Wilander in the semis for 5 sets during a 116 degree (46 C) heatwave the day before, whereas Lendl had an easy victory against Connors in the night match semi-final. Nevertheless, Lendl played well in the final and the win gave him confidence and he dominated McEnroe in almost all of their matches thereafter.
Mac not taking advantage of the set point at 5-2 or closing out on serve 5-3 basically turned the match too
@@magisterequitum Fatigued my behind. Mac was a serve and volleyer. Points usually ends in under 4 strokes for him. Up to that point, Connors owned Lendl, and came into the SF as an 8 time grand slam champion. Connors was ranked #3 in 1985 so no excuse, he was still capable of winning slams. Lendl simply worked harder and perfected his game that year and came into the US Open a more fitter player. He never looked back, and dominated Mac and Connors the rest of the way.
@@magisterequitum Lendl had to figured out how to beat left handed players because there weren't that many of them including the junior circuit. Being left handed has its advantages in many non individual sports. Everything comes at you backward. Lendl hired a sprinting coach to train him to accelerate quicker. This was evident by how quickly he chased down Mac's cross court volleys and hit passing shots for winners.
@@jcpenny3606try serving and sprinting to the net. See how long you last.
this was when everyone watched tennis. there were only a few stations to watch in 1985. Tennis was prime time sports back then. Tennis courts in the 1980's accross the USA were packed with people because of people like Mcenroe, Lendl and many others from that time. I would watch this over any current tennis match.
The numbers don't lie. Tennis viewership and participation was MUCH higher in 1985 than now. The players all didn't hit hard from the baseline like robots with the same playing style. There were distinct styles and the average amateur player was a fan too because he/she could relate to the strokes and could actually see a wide variety of stroke production. It is hard to relate to the superpower of today's pros.
And players didn't GRUNT back then like they do now.
We got rid of Sharapova only to be replaced by one loud grunter after another -- Sabalenka, Azarenka, etc. you name it
Much like the USOPEN81 ended Borg this was it for Mac...never made another grand slam final and just 3 semi finals where he quickly bowed out... the technology was changing the game and Macs style would struggle with the new baseline power of Lendl to Agassi.
Right, but I also think, McEnroe played better in 1984, maybe he didnt train enough later.
I think John McEnroe's career was screwed over by technology more than anyone in tennis history. I dont mean screwed in a sense that he was wronged in any way, but had racquets stayed wooden, I dont think that any player would have been able to generate the pace and accuracy from the baseline to keep him off the net, and winning. Graphite and oversized heads changed that.
Obviously McEnroe would have aged and lost a step at some point regardless of technology, but I think theres a good chance he would have won four or more slams had things stayed the same as they were in the early 80s when almost all used wood.
I will also say this. I think its a testament to McEnroes game that he was able to still be a top 20 or higher player up until 1992. He clearly didnt have the ammunition on his groundies to threaten enough to win a slam, but winning some lesser tournaments and reaching 2 semis in the 90s is pretty damn impressive.
@@chocolatetownforever7537 I agree...the new rackets made it easier to return his can opener serve on the ad side...watching him push the ball in the late 80s and early 90s is rough. Kevin Curran blew Mc out in the 85 Wimbledon QF with the new rackets after Mac had the 2 most lopsided Champion final scores in 83 and 84.....
@@chocolatetownforever7537 also...had Mac or Borg played the Australian each would have racked up 3 more slams
@@robbie192 Absolutely.
If only McEnroe had been fitter. If only he had been a professional in his approach to tennis, and had done the strength and conditioning work necessary to maximize his talents.
To start as well as he did and then utterly collapse reflects how exhausted he was on the day of this match.
He got blasted.
True. Lendl was a workaholic and it showed in his comebacks.
IVAN LENDL the best player ever !
Lendl au zénith. Un match époustouflant. Chapeau !
Oui lendl magnifique devant un pourtant bon McEnroe
@@leliondescavernes1747 oui enfin surtout un mac rincé aprés 5 sets par 40 degrés face à Wilander la veille.
Ivan lendl A tennis Warrior.. Magnific
This is so much better than tennis today, everyone's game is exactly the same,they're just a bunch of clones smashing topspins. Ugh.
Yes, I know. McEnroe had the most subtle strokes. It was like magic.
What a difference a year makes. The year prior to this (1984), McEnroe beat Lendl in the final of the same tournament (US Open) in straight sets. Here we are a year later (1985) and Lendl beats McEnroe in straight sets.
Yes but LENDL beat him in the French 84
With this match win, Lendl started his own domination of the U. S. Open for four years straight until he was stopped by Becker in the 89 final
@ 100:00 It was very classy of Mac to give the point to Lendl, because the linesman made a bad call against Ivan.
Lol ..It is like finding a pearl in a pool of shit (McEnroe's usual demeanor)
He’s an asshole, but he’s also a sportsman.
Lendl finally breaks through... beautiful
handful of CBS stations (WKBN-TV, Youngstown, Ohio included) that had NFL on CBS (San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings) joined the 1985 U.S. Open Tennis Men's Singles Finals in-progress with McEnroe leading Lendl 3-0 in the first set.
Just so the U.S. haters don't make too much of nationality... hell, I'm American and it was a pleasure to watch McEnroe get beat here. He was a jackass and a bully who got by on raw talent (which he had plenty of) and questionable tactics involving distracting, delaying, and f*cking with his opponents (which he used when he couldn't win on talent). Whereas Lendl was a hard-working, calm, stoic champ who showed he was the better all-around player here, and later.
This was the time when Lendl played amazing tennis. Too bad he never concered Wimbledon.
Yes but the courts were fast compared to these days.
I love Ivan Lendl and would never belittle him. But Matt’s Wilander had so much to do with the outcome of this match. He and Mac went a full 5 sets on the Saturday before you can c the effects on Mac the longer the match went.
McEnroe, what a jerk! He could have received every point he challenged and a bonus point and still would have lost in straight sets. He was even outplayed at the net. But the most surprising statistic in the broadcast is at 1:17:10- Detroit Lions 28, Atlanta Falcons 27
1985-87..Lendl ruled the US open.
This is proof hard work beats talent every time
If you think you can win 10 grand slams (or whatever Ivan has) and become ranked #1 in the world with hard work you are living in fantasy land. Ivan had loads of talent. Mac had a unique style and amazing net play, but arguable no more “talent” than Ivan. Mac’s groundstrokes look like shit compared to Ivan. Each world class player has strengths and weaknesses, “talent” in different aspects, etc.
qualité des retours de Lendl impressionnante sur ce match, c'est quand même McEnroe au service en face...un des meilleurs match d'Ivan le terrible...
Les "pro" McEnroe diront qu'il était cramé après son match contre Mats en demi alors qu'Ivan a dominé Connors tres facilement
ça fait partie du jeu et ça enlève rien au mérite d'Ivan
Nice to hear McEnroe congratulate Ivan, and saying he deserved to win, because they did not like each other. The exchanges at the net were just a simple 🤝. But now you see guys embracing all the time.
Surprised that Lendl did not say anything about Mac. Never have seen that.
Lendl...my all-time fave!
/spittake wha...huh; who ???
Goodness, how hard did Lendl hit that ball!
I just watched the first 3 games. McEnroe totally dominating, leading 3-0. How could he lose in straight sets? 😢
Because the first 3 games isn't the match?🤔
Siempre espere que llegará Lendel
After the first 3 games in the first set of the 1985 U.S. Open Men's Final, McEnroe had nothing left energy-wise because of his exhausting, physically draining match the previous day in 117 degree heat against Wilander.
Le résultat peut paraitre surprenant car, Mc Enroe avait très bien joué.
Lendl a été très performant en passing et a surpris Mc Enroe en montant souvent au filet.
1985 a été l'année des tchécoslovaques à l'US OPEN (3 en finale).
La surface était très rapide, plus qu'aujourd'hui.
Elle avait été choisie pour empêcher Borg dans sa quête du grand chelem.
je pense surtout que Mac n'a pas récupérer de son match contre Wilander en demi (victoire en 5 sets sous la chaleur et de son coté Lendl bat Connors relativement facilement en soirée)
Mandlikova would go on to win against Chris and Navratilova. 1985 turned out to be a great year for Tchec "underdogs".
Yeah, I always loved "Czeching" them out on tv.
It is a mystery to me why Lendl never turned on the power between 81 and 84 . It's very strange watching the complete transition from 85 onwards where he won so many grand slams once he upped the tempo. Maybe bad coaching, who knows.
Very true and yes the coaching was a bit random back then
Mcenroe était meilleur puis son mariage et la suite
@@seteetlemonde7656 l’art du champion n’est-il pas la capacité de produire son meilleur dans toutes situations ? Malgré son immense talent McEnroe a toujours été fragile mentalement facilement distrait par les incontournables et incontrôlables de la vie. Son marriage avec Tatum n’est-il pas le reflet de son attirance pour le monde artistique incompatible alors à la vie sportive de haut niveau ?
@@sebbytennis4298 oui c sur !
Beauty was with Mcenroe. No one since 1980 has played tennis as beautiful as John Mcenroe.
With Edberg and Federer coming since, I think it may not be very accurate. But that is just my opinion, just as it is yours ..cheers!
Have you seen Roger?
@@mikemichaelmas4251 Not in person, but almost all tournaments since he defeated Sampras in Wimbledon 2001.
@@fhdowntheline1825 I love Mac, he is the reason I follow Tennis, the us open match between him and Connors was my start point. The serve and volley was fantastic brain candy for my ADHD brain. Edberg was a beautifully smooth players as well but Roger can do it all, he can volley, he can power you, he can baseline you, and he doesn't sweat. :)
@@mikemichaelmas4251 True, he has one of the most elegant yet effective strokes. Nadal/Djokovic sometimes appear ungainly during their shot making. But I will daresay that both Mac and Edberg volleyed better than Federer, also courtesy their significant doubles exposure. If only Mac had adopted the training regimen of Lendl, he would have been unbeatable till the late eighties.
higher toss is better for topspin kick serve, look at Edberg, try yourself
Lendl's rematch against McEnroe, after losing the 1984 final. From the beginning, Lendl plays differently, serving & striking the ball with pace and accuracy. This is excellent play, but why did he not hit this effectively or aggressively in his previous US Open finals, in 1982, 1983, 1984? The contrast is stark.
Tennis players are not robots- even professional ones. Lendl improved his fitness and consequently his footwork was better and he was in better position more often, getting ready earlier and the ball more cleanly more often.
He kept working on his game and this is about when his peak started.
He started losing more in the 90s- why didn't he keep hitting like he did in 85? Because he is not a robot.
@@dmichael100 You say fitness and footwork were the difference? Later in his career, you are certainly correct, as by the 1990 US Open he no longer had the speed and power to get into position and out-hit Becker, Sampras and a few others.
Since Lendl was also famous for fitness in his peak years, perhaps there's something to what you're saying. However, there were many points in those 3 previous USO finals when he was indeed in position to strike the ball, yet failed to do so effectively, especially in the '82-'83 finals against Connors. If you watch those 82-83 finals, the impression given is of Lendl not playing up to his potential, at a time he was already a great ball striker. This explanation sounds good because of our memories of Lendl's legendary fitness, but it does not actually seem to be correct as far as the 1982-4 finals are concerned. He was there in time, and he was already strong enough by 1981 when he could hit well against the likes of Borg and Connors.
Lendl would never have won this match if Mc-Enroe had had his level of the 1984 final. That day, Lendl plays very well but he can do it because Mc-Enroe physically collapses at the end of the 1st set. His match against Wilander in 5 sets and in full heat on Saturday “killed” him. Meanwhile, Lendl played in the evening and won in 3 sets against Connors. The final was therefore decided on the physical side.
Do not forget also that what screwed up the end of Mc-Enroe's career was his meeting with Tatum O Neal. She was a toxic woman who pushed Mc-Enroe into taking cocaine and it soon showed in 1985 from the summer that Mc-Enroe had lost his speed and that's not normal at just 25 years.
If Mc-Enroe had kept his level of 1984, even if tennis has changed with more power, he would have dominated for several more years.
A ganar a marquenrroe, y se llegó ese día, un Lendel más maduro más fuerte, un gran campeón
McEnroe's forehand looks kinda like he's right-handed but forces himself to play with his left hand 😂
Lendl used to be so cute
Ahaaaa I thought the same too
Lendl had the fitness to overwhelm McEnroe. But the introduction of Luxilon's Big Banger string was still 6 years out. That kept things respectable. I really think Lendl, born later, could have given Novak, Fed, and Rafa a run for their money. He would have been Wawrinka on steroids.
was this during McEnroe's admitted cocaine use period?
I think Lendl is taking time between points a bit too much I would have been cold in the next point and find it difficult to carry over my momentum to the next point.
Mac always looked like he was having a root canal while playing. Miserable
Lol
Who is in your opinion is the best of all time player?
Firstable it is difficult compare..I think launching the network was brilliant move. There are times and times again, movement is so much bigger weapon.
Federer and SerenaW will do right but their time are passing too.
I think the best player is still the game itself there are no alternatives you need to expose and make them brilliant returns.
Please show the scoreboard from time to time.
Pluck out a couple of eyelashes, grab some sawdust, fiddle with the racquet strings, and...POW!
Screw the racquet handle tight in the hand, roll two balls across the chest a couple of times and make an attempt to disjoint the lower jaw before the POW!
Only Rafa has a more OCD serve routine. 😅
Love them both but especially Ivan.
McEnroe était encore à son meilleur niveau, en 1985...il pouvait encore tirer son épingle du jeu lors de cette finale, surtout au premier set où il mène 5 jeux à 2..s'il avait pu remporter cette manche, cette finale se serait transformé en un magnifique combat à l'issue totalement incertaine
Oui mais malheureusement il était rincé aprés un match de 5 sets la veille face à Wilander par plus de 40°.
@@miguel6440 OUI GROSSE CONNERIE AMERICAINE LEUR SUPER SATURDAY ET LA FINALE LE LENDEMAIN
Mac enroe moins fatigué aurait eu son 5ème us open..
14:30 only time i ever saw mcenroe follow throw on his backhand
exhausted Mc enroe in this match.
McEnroe bears a slight resemblance to Freddy Krueger (without the scars, and with a racket instead of knives).
Trabert made watching matches a pleasure. Summerall made it a chore.
Johnny Mac was the greatest tennis player of all time.
Oh please. McEnroe wouldn't make it into anybody's top 5 list and would struggle to be in an impartial top 10. If you want to create a top 5 serve and volley list then McEnroe would be there, otherwise he's not much more than a self-promoting, boorish twat who, in the words of Brad Gilbert, lost the respect of virtually everyone he ever played against. Cheers!
@@kw19193 Brad Gilbert really... Who is this guy ?? What has he done, come donne?
@@kw19193 Ignorant!
If he wasn't left handed he'd have been a losing quarter finalist in most Grand Slam tournaments.
nasedo3129
If Michael Jordan was a foot shorter he’d struggle to make the NBA.
Why do they cut away at the handshake?
Lendl even played better volleys than Mac. Mac only played sitters and hoped Lendl would miss the passing shot
McEnroe joueait pourtant bien surtout en début de match. ..lendl lui n'était pas encore réglé. ..après le tchécoslovaque balaya le génial américain. ..
Mcenroe rincé par un match de 5 sets la veille par 40° face à Wilander.
McEnroe and Lendl clearly hated each other. That can explain Lendl fist-pumping when McEnroe double faulted. McEnroe didn't even shake the umpire's hand after the match.
Was this the last time McEnroe made it to a Grand Slam Final?
I'm hearing a lot of noise - like interference - making it difficult to watch and listen to this match. Is it just at my end?
American TV was pretty poor quality signal-wise, in the '80's.
What happened to McEnroe after this match? He never reached a grand slam final again and didn’t win any big titles since.
He was only 26 years old.
Son mariage, il ne s'entraînait jamais
Lendl was able to adapt his game to the new age of power tennis that started around this time. McEnroe was not, even though he hit the weights to get stronger. He just didn't have the strength or athleticism to keep up with guys like Lendl, Becker, Agassi, Sampras, and Edberg.
Wrong, he did have the athleticism, his game just wasn't built for power and he was never able to adapt.
No hugging after the match point like today.
Thanks. When was this rebroadcast on Tennis Channel?
yes
The actual demise of Mcenroe is pictured at 36:01
you might be right...look how he looks while he is thanking her - 1:53:08
@@HorrorKidd88 she doesn't sit with his parents and brother either. She is/ was bad news
Lendl is one guy that could hang with today's guys. John, not so much
MCENROE THE GOAT
did mcenroe ever beat lendl again , after this match ? curious
yes only in Dallas in 1989
McEnroe looked like little kid whom they take away most popular toy away after the game.
素晴らしい🎵
Just remember, the year before this McEnroe humiliated Lendl on same court, straight sets, lasted only an hour and 16 minutes. Certainly McEnroe's most dominating performance of his career. Total and utter domination.
Yeah, and then Lendl improved his game and returned the favor. He owned Mac after that.
purveyoroffinefoods laszlo dont forget Macs destruction of connors in the 84 Wimbledon final. I would put that slightly ahead of his us open win over lendl.
Yeaaah , the final us open 1984 was the best match of John !
@@lawrencegarrison3792 Lendl had a near walkover semis against a gimpy Connors. McEnroe had a 5 set war in the heat against Wilander. They played the Finals the day after the semis then. I realize Lendl improved, but the conditions for this match weren't fair.
The year before McEnroe said he thought he'd lose until he saw Ivan could barely bend over his back was so bad.
court surface fast ,,, slow its the same for both players so dont sweat it
mac was tired after the wilander match! flat!
yes but in the preveious 1984 US Open final against McEnroe, Lendl was flat too from the 5 set marathon semi-finals with Pat Cash. What's good for the goose is good for the gander,
Don Johnson .... 'Lendl was flat too from the 5 set marathon semi-finals with Pat Cash. What's good for the goose is good for the gander'
Yeah but don't forget that Mcenroe had a long 4 hour + match in his semi's also against Connors.So McEnroe didn't have the 'leg up' in the final as both had been somewhat tired from their earlier match.
That's what happens when you don't train , McEnroe himself admits it. Lendl exact opposite. It showed
m k mac played wilander on a hot day previously not connors. That was another year!
Mc Enroe's error : Tatum. I think marriage changed everything...
You can tell the coverage has progressed. With these terrible camera angles you can't tell what's going on.
Also Lotta cable noise