McEnroe-Lendl legend

McEnroe-Lendl

Gran Slam tournaments

The pair McEnroe-Lendl played more finals than the pair Agassi-Sampras (24 to 23). But they only won 13 of them compared to the 20 of Agassi-Sampras. This is a very poor final winning percentage due to Lendl's multiple finals failures. Surprisingly they share exactly the same number of defeats than Agassi-Sampras (51), but are slightly behind in victories (291 to 303). Having to face stronger competition than Agassi-Sampras played against them. In the early 80s they faced Connors and Borg. And later in this decade, Wilander, Edberg and Becker.

Ranked: 4 (last)

Year-End Championship

If they are at the bottom in Gran Slams, they are first in the Master. Both did very well here. And despite Federer holding the record in this tournament, they manage to leave the pair Federer-Nadal behind. Fast indoor hard courts are Nadal's worst surface, and last tournament of the year is when Nadal physic is not responding as well as earlier in the season. So thanks Nadal!

Ranked: 1

National Representation

Tennis became an Olympic sport in 1988. So we only consider the Davis Cup here. McEnroe was a specialist of the Davis Cup, playing both single and double. Lendl managed to win it too. But it was not enough against Nadal and Spain outrageous domination in the 2000s (3 wins to 4). This time Nadal makes a difference in a more positive way.

Ranked: 2

ATP Masters 1000

They were the two best players in this category with 19 (McEnroe) and 22 (Lendl) wins during their entire career. It was before the arrival of the current Big 4 era that left them behind, with Djokovic, Nadal and Federer overtaking them. See Connors-Borg description for the draw explanation.

Ranked: 2 (draw)

Career statistics

This pair holds the record for finals played, but not for the wins. See Connors-Borg description for the draw explanation. See Federer-Nadal description for the losing explanation.

Ranked: 2 (draw)

Conclusion:

They do very well in general except in Gran Slam tournaments were they are at the bottom. But this is the most important category. In NBA it would be the NBA Final, in soccer it would be the World Cup, or the Champions League (club level). And you really cannot afford to do poorly in the most important and prestigious competition. And when you compare the greatest in a sport, it's just what you focus on. So they did poorly where they shouldn't, too bad. They finish behind Connors-Borg as number 3.

Ranked: 3