Bjorn Borg Clone Rafael Nadal Doomed to Defeat in the Big Apple?

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 9, 2010

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Put them in a line up, shoulder to shoulder.  At first glance, these two men appear to have nothing in common.  Swede Bjorn Borg—the legendary clay court artist of the 70s and 80s—possessed rock star looks that made him a fan favorite enhanced by long blond hair, deep blue eyes, and an icy-cool demeanor.  

In contrast, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, the current clay court king, is blessed with swarthy good looks, bulging muscles, and a heart-melting smile countered by a fiery, pugilistic demeanor on the tennis court.

On the surface they clash like Fire and Ice .

The differences are easy to gauge. Additionally, Nadal stands taller by two inches. Nadal plays left-handed, Borg, right-handed. One speaks Spanish and the other Swedish.  

But both play an unyielding style of tennis that effectively employs a deceptive serve as well as a deadly two-handed backhand. To say that their careers have followed similar paths is understating the obvious.

From 1973-81, Borg played in eight French Open Championships, winning six finals—four consecutively. He skipped the event in 1977. The Swede remains 6-for-8 in attempts on the red clay at Stade Roland Garros. His winning percentage there is 96.08 (49-2). Borg was 25 when he played in his last French Open. 

To date, Nadal has played in six consecutive French Open Championships, 2005-2010, winning five of them, four consecutively. His winning percentage is 97.44 [38-1] at Stade Roland Garros.  Nadal just turned 24 during the finals of the 2010 French Open.

At Wimbledon, Borg won five consecutive championships from 1976-80, losing his last match at the All-England Club in 1981 to John McEnroe. The Swede played at Wimbledon for nine consecutive years, from 1973-81 winning 5-of-9 with a winning percentage of 92.73 (51-4). Borg won back-to-back French Open/ Wimbledon titles from 1978-80 for three consecutive ye...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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