They hit just as hard back then but it was solid and smarter. Note how they kept the ball low to the opponent at the net and the smart use of the lob. You look at this match then then watch Djokovic and gang, what you see is how much more professional past players were.

@@emin7540 The 1980's was the golden era. It's now naive spoiled millennials thinking they know how to play when in fact its the rackets and strings that are doing all the work for them. In regards to speed, it was slower then but that's the way it should be, power doesn't mean better, more interesting, more exciting, more athletic, it's actually quite the opposite, the numbers of shots today is maybe two or three, baseline rally, power serve, in the 80's there were a dozen different shots in a given game.

@@TimTheMusicMan Couldn't agree more. It's actually sad how much better players were back in the day. Each time I see a modern player (attempt to) volley, I feel embarrassed on their behalf. They play as if the 1960s, 70s or 80s never happened. It's laughable.

@@fundhund62 exactly. You would not believe how many modern players don’t even understand or realize what you said. They have no idea how to really play the game. My opinion many of them can’t really play the real game. They use the technology to play for them from the baseline. I also know for a fact that many pros today would not even be on the tour if they had to play 80’s style. This doesn’t occur in other sports.

@@TimTheMusicMan Yeah. I don't get the mindset, though. Why would someone be a tennis professional and not even attempt to become a complete player? If you don't have the natural touch, why not practice your net game until you become at least a decent volleyer? Today's one-dimensional baseline only game is a pain to watch, but I don't actually imagine it being much fun to play, either. Why not add a little variety and spice it up for everybody involved? 🤔

talented but still a punk

makes doubles today unwatchable

Exactly. Todays constant high5ing is completely moronic

@@us-Bahn high 5, racket tap, butt slap, every point, won or lost point and it has carried to the amateur level, our level... a Turn Off

@@user-jv9qz2bu1r and don’t forget the winning fist pumps, shrieks, primal screams, and slumping over in tears after the big loss. A generation of brats.

@@us-Bahn I am glad I am not the only one annoyed by the unsportsmanlike antics - the next target of my wrath are the new group of announcers, mostly from the UK, who specialize in Hyperbole: "that was unbelievable ... het out of here ... just genius ... master class shot..." etc and all the other inane comments meant to pass for wit

Totally agree with you; his ability to play at the highest level in singles and doubles, at the same time, should rank him as the one of the all-time greats. He also won a GS playing mixed doubles as well.

Agreed. As well as no annoying fist pumps and looking at their box for daddy's (or coaches) approval. Much more enjoyable then.

@@Jdav8899 Right - those annoying glances or long looks to their box - Kyrgios and Djokovic must be the biggest offenders.

@@user-jv9qz2bu1r well now they can go right over and have a big long advice/counselling session, and some do! Sad.

@@Jdav8899 Oh and no long toilet stops.

That's because players today hardly go to the net because the courts are slower now. Running down shots are easier now, so it would be harder to volley for winners.

USTA had nothing to do with it. My video. Thank me.

Si seulement le Tennis etait tres Populace en Afrique.

Best volleys in the history of the game.

1979 is my favorite McEnroe year. Knee bend on server not too deep so you can really see the hip/shoulder axial tension. The heft of the Wilson Kramer gave his strokes a controlled power. He seems to grip the ball

@@davidphelan5607 I tend to agree. He got sloppier over time, especially with graphite in his hands. He tended to rely on touch more than control, which made for some exciting tennis ('84), but didn't serve him well in the long run.

not one two-handed backhand either

iconic adidas Stan Smith pure white tennis shoes

Well spotted

Is that a graphite?

He was #1 in singles and doubles at the same time. It was said that the best doubles team in the world was McEnroe and anyone