Rod Laver vs. Jimmy Connors

Comments · 927

• DN

  @DNA2000-8bit · 3 years ago

  Laver was so damn good. This is 1975. This is him at 37 with a wood racquet throwing down smoke, win or lose. Actual GOAT stuff.

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• SU

  @surfshack2 · 5 years ago (edited)

  First time seeing Laver play. I understand now why he's considered the greatest tennis player of all time. An absolute pleasure to watch.

  98

• GR

  @Gregoryt700 · 11 years ago

  Can't believe how quick Laver is here in his mid-30s.  Wow

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• TI

  @TimwongTimwong · 2 years ago

  Hard to believe an old short man with ancient small racquet could play tremendous serve and volley

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• FR

  @fritzlange7934 · 1 year ago

  We’re so fortunate to have footage of Laver playing both Connors and Borg (and giving both of them a run for their money at 37).

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• VI

  @visibilitypointcorp · 7 years ago

  Holy cow!  Rod Laver was magnificent.

  81

• MD

  @mddistribution30 · 10 years ago

  This really surprised me. Laver was a bit before my time and I've never really watched him play. I really surprised at the pace and the power of the tennis in this footage. And this was when Laver was near the end of his career as well. One thing's for certain, if he'd had the benefit of today's equipment Laver would have definitely been just as successful in today's game.

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• BI

  @billzbub · 18 years ago

  I think the pace at which they are hitting the ball is amazing. It makes you wonder how well both of them would day today with unbelievably better equipment.

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• OP

  @opencurtin · 11 years ago

  Pete Sampras said that Rod Laver was his hero and he modeled his game on him.

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• SP

  @spreckrosekrans667 · 1 year ago

  I saw Laver play up close in Berkeley 1970 or so. Phenomenal power.

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• JA

  @jackkitchen737 · 10 years ago

  As great as Connors was, and one can easily see how his power was so effective against anybody at this time...WOW it's so evident that Laver, even a couple years past his prime, could compete against anybody in the world. He had every shot in the book and in my opinion, was the greatest player that ever lived. Not just by winning two grand slams 8 years apart, but then being able to compete at this level against the terrifying Connors at this stage of his career. Incredible.

  105

• AR

  @arnoldjr200040 · 10 years ago

  You can see here that even well pass his prime why many still consider Rod Laver to be the greatest male tennis play ever. The fact that at this age he can hang with a young Connors is incredible.

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