cher@ihlpm.UUCP (Mike Cherepov) (11/15/85)
Well, far-fetched as it seemed I did see Bjorn Borg play McEnroe in Milwaukee. The key was Borg, whom I wanted to see because my previous viewing if his matches occurred before my becoming a certifiable tennis nut and watching players, rather then the ball. Anyway, the organizers of the show (McEnroe over America) injected some air of pageantry into it. Instead of the main thing straight up there was "future stars" pro set (one of those sets that end at 8-6), a very annoying auction, Borg's racquet and picture with highest bidder going for ~$1000, McEnroe's for (gasp) $1300. Then, the lights went out, some music started to play (friends of mine were saying that it was a song called "Money for nothing and the chicks are free..."), and a thundering voice hysterically listed the numbers of Wimbledons, French and US Opens the two won combined. "..And here they are, the two greatest players in the history of tennis...". My friends twitched, thinking that it was corny, I thought that it was not bad. History of Open Era tennis, Connors might have a claim too, but nice nevertheless. Then the two walked out in the spotlight, waved, the place was illuminated again. The agitated atmosphere never left. People were trying to applaud during warm-ups!!?? As the play began there were shouts of "c'mon John" and "c'mon Borg" almost on any point. But the play was well worth it. I tend to suspect exhibitions: the players are pre-paid, no computer points are at stake, and they are supposed to give the public the ticket's price worth of tennis. Reportedly oftentimes they decide to split the first two sets and just play for the third. True or not that made me look suspiciously, especially because McEnroe did not take off his vest 'till the middle of the 2nd set. There were more the enough reasons to cheer. Borg won the first set 6-4, ran down some volleys hitting Borg-like passing shots, and hit an incredible lob when he got to an ethereal drop volley by Mac, who seemed rather lethargic, and not too eager to attack. Borg's game was troubled by volley errors (strangely enough later he hit two very nice drop volleys) and especially serve in the third set (well under 50%). He also hit quite a few sort-of-one-handed soft backhand slices. I do not remember its being on of his frequent shots. Well, all the usual topspin that Mac was chipping back off his chin, it seems. McEnroe won next two sets 6-3,6-3, after picking up his game quite a bit. I suppose that Borg, if he wanted, could very quickly lodge himself in the top 5. A result from their Minnesota match which he won 6-4,7-5 would support this view. In conclusion: it's always nice seeing Borg perform. Awesome record and stuff aside, there is great look to his strokes and gait. Kind of makes me want to switch to two-handed backhand. Mike Cherepov P.S. Despite of 9(!) linesmen officiating sucked (late calls...) -- Mike Cherepov