When it comes to tennis all-rounders - players who are equally good at doubles as they are at singles - John McEnroe sets the standard in every way. A collection of 76 and 69 doubles crowns tell their own story for the American, but Anders Jarryd is wonderfully accomplished at both disciplines.
In 1985, the Swede was the No.5 player in the world in singles, and also ranked No.1 at doubles. In that special year, he very nearly changed the course of Wimbledon history. Facing Boris Becker in the semi-finals, Jarryd won the first set 6-2 and was just points from a two-sets-to-love lead when Becker fired back to win the second set on a tie-break. Thereafter the German accelerated away, but it was mightily close for a while.
Later that same year he registered big wins over former world No.1âs and compatriots Stefan Edberg and Mats Wilander, and ultimately qualified for the season-ending Masters at New Yorkâs Madison Square Gardens.
In doubles he was one of the few players to have won titles at every single Grand Slam event, and he topped the World Rankings for a total of 106 weeks. With exceptional reflexes and volleys, he seemed un-passable at times, and at 44, he plays and looks just as he did 20 years ago. Sporting spectacles off the court, Jarryd carries the look of a professor, but once on court he is as aggressive as they come.
My Favourite....
Film: The Lord of the Rings
Book: The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
Song: Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
Meal: Italian Dishes
Luxury Item: Toothbrush, contact lenses and tennis rackets
My Ideal Dinner Guests
Julia Roberts
Sara Woolland
Patrick Carr
Bjorn Borg
Annika Sorenstam
Freddie Ljunberg
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