Connors v Lendl, Edberg, Becker and Laver

Connors rivalry with Borg and McEnroe is well known but these players are 4 and 7 years younger than him so it's hardly surprising that his wins against these two players tailed off after he aged. I wondered how he fared against even younger rivals for example Lendl, Edberg and Becker (8,14 and 15 years his junior). He was dominant against both Lendl and Edberg until he hit 32-33 but the 15 year age difference between him and Becker was perhaps a step too far and he never got a win against him.

I then wondered how Connors did when he was younger and faced an old pro. I found this interesting video of him playing Laver in an exhibition in 1975. I reckon Connors was 22 and Laver 36. Unlike many old tennis videos this one makes the match look like fun to watch
Connors won 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SptdffCeVmM

That's the Ceasar's Palace match. It was promoted as a winner takes all match ($1 million maybe?) but behind the scenes both players got paid handsomely. At that point Connors was public enemy No. 1 and strode to the court shouting obscenities at the crowd - although from his point of view this was just part of the hype. Better to have them hate you than not care about you, was his way of thinking.

Saw that match. Very fond memories despite all of Connors antics. There is very famous Connors quote... "Get me Laver!" associated with this promotion/exhibition.

Incredible skills. Can never get enough of watching Laver strut his stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-VeBIal8TU

Three of my favorites on this clip. Laver, Borg and Pancho on the microphone. This still gives me goosebumps.