Bjorn Borg -- In Perspective

I just watched Bjorn Borg present the champion's trophy to Rafael Nadal for winning this year's French Open. This was Nadal's 4th consecutive victory at Roland Garros, an achievement last accomplished by ... Bjorn Borg in 1978-1981.

Last year, I watched Bjorn Borg present the champion's trophy to Roger Federer for winning Wimbledon for the 5th consecutive time, an achievement last accomplished by ... Bjorn Borg in 1976-1980.


It seems to me like these recent accomplishments by two of our current eras best tennis players only serve to highlight even more the phenomenal level of dominance that Borg exhibited in his prime. After all, it has taken TWO players to pull off what he accomplished by himself.


I fully realize that Federer has also won four consecutive U.S. Open championships, which no one else has achieved during the Open era. However, I believe that the slow red clay of Paris followed just a few weeks later by the fast green grass of England makes Borg's 1-2 punch just that much more incredible.