It is tough to conclude with certainty who was the superior tennis player of all time between Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver. Both are regarded as some of the greatest players of all time. Laver earned 11 Grand Slam championships over his career in the 1960s and 1970s, while Borg won 11 Grand Slam singles titles in the 1970s. Being one of just two players in history to win two Grand Slams in the same calendar year, Laver also has this distinction. Each player has a distinct style of play, and various elements have contributed to their success. In the end, the argument over which player was superior is purely subjective and may rely on personal tastes and unique perspectives on their respective careers.
Should Bjorn Borg have retired from tennis earlier, would commentators have ranked him on par with Roger Federer?
Okay. Borg dominated the French Open as well as Wimbledon. In all, he won five titles. This is really remarkable.
This is highly unusual to completely dominate both, like no other, because clay and grass play very differently from one another.
Large serves, volleys, and movement to the net are preferred in grass. Athleticism and a one-handed volley are essential.
Clay loves a two-handed backhand, extremely consistent strokes, and tenacious returners. It’s essential to have mental toughness.
Sampras, Federer, Laver, Borg, Navratilova, Williams sisters, and Graf are the legendary grasscourt players.
The legendary claycourt players: Seles, Henin, Graf, Nadal, Muster, Wilander, Evert, and Borg.
The only player who is a man on both lists is Borg. This puts him in excellent company. Given that Borg retired at the age of 26, you could make a strong case for him as the greatest of all time. Despite my youth, I hardly recall his play, yet his achievements are unmatched.
While dominating one surface makes sense, nothing compares to Borg’s ability to control both clay and grass courts.
