Facing Guillermo Vilas

[John Yandell]

Let's discuss Scoop Malinowski's article, "Facing Guillermo Vilas"

[stotty]

I like the excerpts by McEnroe and Cash, particularly McEnroe's. The other excerpts are more about the players elevating themselves rather than Vilas. Most unusual for Borg.

[John Yandell]

I thought the Borg quotes were very revealing about his motivation. Hate!

[stotty]

I thought the Borg quotes were very revealing about his motivation. Hate!

Yes, I was surprised at that one. I didn't think Borg had that side to him. Stubborn and tough as nails, yes, but not hate. I guess these emotions reside in all of us somewhere.

[John Yandell]

Ice on the outside hate on the inside!

[don_budge]

Let's discuss Scoop Malinowski's article, "Facing Guillermo Vilas"

Vilas vs. Borg...5-17

Vilas vs. Cash...0-1

Vilas vs. Kriek...0-1

Vilas vs. Connors...4-5

Vilas vs. Lendl...5-10

Vilas vs. McEnroe...6-8

One tough hombre. Guillermo Vilas. Don Budge loved his backhand. He told me so back in 1973 at the old Washington Star tournament. Vilas was just hitting the ground. Here's an interesting hypothetical...Vilas vs. Nadal using traditional equipment on traditional surfaces. Any thoughts on that one?

It doesn't surprise me that Borg had to channel the inner "hate" against his opponents. I remember getting ready for my opponents. Bjorn couldn't take Vilas for granted even though he had a lopsided record against him. He had to psyche himself up as Guillermo was formidable.

[don_budge]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AlKouQzyA4

Ilie Nastase versus Guillermo Vilas...Dunlop Maxply Fort vs. Jack Kramer Autograph. Really? Does it get any better than this?

[stotty]

Nice find. I could watch the gifted one all day. Gliding around effortlessly and stroking the ball like a wizard. Loved the finish. The level of celebration was about right and the congratulations shown by the loser genuine and perfectly conveyed. Perhaps Nasty wasn't so nasty after all.

[doctorhl]

Nasty’s fh approach chip slice often took off the pace of his opponent’s shot, but he had the quick first 3 steps to close behind the shot and cut off the opponent’s return with an angled volley.....a shot even more effective in doubles. But you have to have those kind of feet to make that type of approach shot effective.