On June 10, 1984, Ivan Lendl overcame John McEnroe's dominant play to secure his first Grand Slam title, changing the narrative of his career forever.
June 10, 1984, marks a pivotal moment in tennis history as Ivan Lendl emerged victorious in a dramatic comeback at the Roland-Garros final. Facing off against John McEnroe, Lendl made history by recovering from two sets down to secure his inaugural Grand Slam title, forever altering his reputation from perennial runner-up to champion.
This final is often regarded as one of the most unforgettable matches in French Open history, characterized not only by its thrilling climax but also by the contrasting playing styles of the competitors. Lendl, who had previously succumbed in all four Grand Slam finals he had contested, finally shook off the tag of 'always the bridesmaid.'
Interestingly, this match also marked the onset of a so-called 'French Open curse,' which would trouble numerous attacking players, including the likes of McEnroe, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, and Pete Sampras, all of whom failed to win the French Open during their illustrious careers.
The Players: Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe
- Ivan Lendl: The Relentless Challenger
Born in 1960, by May 1984, Ivan Lendl was ranked No. 2 in the world, just behind his rival McEnroe. Lendl turned professional in 1978 and quickly established himself among tennis greats like Björn Borg, McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors. Despite clinching 39 ATP titles, including the prestigious Grand Prix Masters in 1981, he had yet to honor the Grand Slam stage with a victory.
His previous Grand Slam heartbreaks included losses to Borg in the 1981 Roland-Garros final, and two defeats by Connors in the 1982 and 1983 US Open finals, along with a loss to Mats Wilander in the 1983 Australian Open. This left him with a notable 26 weeks ranked No. 1 in 1983 and 1984, yet still without a Slam title.
Lendl revolutionized baseline tennis with his powerful topspin forehand and relentless consistency, emphasizing fitness and diet in a sport that was only beginning to recognize their importance.
- John McEnroe: The Maverick
Conversely, John McEnroe, born in 1959, was the reigning world No. 1, showcasing his genius on the court since his debut in 1977. The left-handed player from New York was known for his incredible talent, marked by an exceptional serve-volley game complemented with precision and flair.
By 1984, McEnroe had amassed five Grand Slam titles that included three US Open and two Wimbledon victories. His iconic run at the 1980 Wimbledon final against Borg is still discussed among tennis fanatics, especially his dramatic tiebreak victory. He arrived at Roland-Garros undefeated in 1984, with six titles and a winning streak of 33 matches behind him.
The Venue: Roland-Garros, Paris
The 1984 final played at Roland-Garros had greater significance. Established in 1928, the French Open is renowned as the only Grand Slam event contested on clay, making it the most physically demanding tournament. McEnroe’s serve-and-volley technique had never made him a threat in the clay courts of Paris, where he had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals.
Lendl, on the other hand, boasted a game suited for the slow court, as evidenced by his previous struggle against Borg in the 1981 final. His relentless consistency, coupled with his exceptional physical conditioning, made him a formidable opponent on clay.
The Match Facts
As the final commenced on that sunny June day, McEnroe was the undisputed favourite, having previously defeated Lendl in four matches that season without losing a set. With a failure to drop a set throughout the tournament until the finals — save for a single set against José Higueras in the fourth round — McEnroe’s performance set high expectations.
Meanwhile, Lendl’s journey had also been productive, him losing only one set on his way to the final against the 1982 champion, Mats Wilander. The clash of styles between the two was stark: McEnroe’s artistic creativity against Lendl’s robotic precision.
Initially, McEnroe’s mastery was evident as he took control, winning the first two sets relatively comfortably, 6-3, 6-2. At this point, the outcome seemed predetermined as Lendl appeared slow and outmatched. However, a transformation occurred after Lendl claimed the third set, 6-4, reinvigorating both himself and the crowd.
This pivotal moment changed the match's momentum. McEnroe, visibly agitated and flagging, allowed Lendl’s groundstrokes to compound his difficulties. Over four hours and eight minutes, Lendl fought through to secure a remarkable comeback victory, winning the final set 7-5 after wresting control of the match.
McEnroe, staggering from the defeat, showed signs of devastation, refusing to participate in the post-match celebrations and facing criticism from spectators. In his wake, the emotional intensity of his loss reverberated throughout his career, casting a long shadow over his illustrious achievements.
Aftermath: Career Implications
In the immediate aftermath, McEnroe faced a personal crisis, grappling with the significance of this defeat which he described as the most painful of his career. Over time, while he would go on to have a stellar year — claiming both Wimbledon and the US Open later that season — he would struggle to replicate the same form, never stumbling upon another Grand Slam title.
For Lendl, this victory paved the way for an illustrious career progression. He reclaimed his No. 1 ranking in 1985 and secured three French Open titles over his career, alongside several other Grand Slam accolades. However, the grass of Wimbledon was elusive, with his best finishes being runner-up slots in 1986 and 1987.
As their careers unfolded, Lendl and McEnroe would battle each other 36 times, with Lendl emerging as the victor 21 times, showcasing his ability to overcome challenges as he solidified a remarkable legacy in the sport with 94 ATP titles and a career total of 270 weeks at No. 1.
The 1984 Roland-Garros final remains a landmark in tennis, encapsulating the drama and emotional depth that defines the sport, marking the dawn of new legacies for both Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe.
