"Guys like John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and Stefan Edberg were also very good grass court players"

Richard Krajicek’s statement acknowledges the exceptional skills of John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, and Stefan Edberg on grass tennis courts, highlighting their prowess and distinctive contributions to the sport. Grass is a historically significant surface in tennis, notably used at Wimbledon, and it generally favors serve-and-volley players or those who possess quick reflexes and adaptability, due to its low bounce and fast pace. The athletes mentioned by Krajicek are not only champions but left indelible marks on the game, particularly with their performances on grass.

John McEnroe is renowned for his artistry at the net, deft touch, and keen tactical mind. His serve-and-volley game was ideally suited to the grass surface, allowing him to win multiple Wimbledon titles. McEnroe’s aggressive play, quick reactions, and ability to adapt his game on the fly made him a formidable grass court opponent, setting a standard for generations to follow.

Bjorn Borg stood out for his versatility, transitioning seamlessly from his baseline dominance on clay to remarkable success on grass. Borg’s groundbreaking ability to win on both clay and grass is immortalized in his five consecutive Wimbledon titles. His fitness, mental fortitude, and innovative use of topspin allowed him to break the mold of typical grass court play, demonstrating that athleticism and baseline consistency could also triumph on this surface.

Stefan Edberg exemplified classic serve-and-volley tennis, with fluid movement, a precise serve, and exemplary net skills. His technique was tailored for swift grass courts, where his elegant volleys and court awareness shone brightest. By winning Wimbledon twice and reaching multiple finals, Edberg affirmed the enduring value of attacking tennis on grass.

Through mentioning these players, Krajicek nods to a golden era when grass court mastery was defined by a blend of skill sets, from McEnroe’s creativity, Borg’s adaptability, to Edberg’s elegance, cementing their legacies among the game’s finest grass court competitors.