Tennis Players That Changed The Game: Ivan Lendl

Saturday, September 06 2008

This series will highlight present and former tennis players who changed the way the game is played.

Whether it is a style, attitude, or a signature move, it will be discussed. Many of these individuals paved the way for the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, and many others like them.

My second installment looks at the career of Ivan Lendl, the finest player to come out of the former Czechoslovakia. Today, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are separate countries, but no male player from either has come close to matching Lendl's success.

During his career, Ivan won eight Grand Slam singles titles (three French Opens, three U.S Opens, and two Australian Opens). He took part in 19 Grand Slam finals over his career, an incredible record for male players. For 11 straight years, the Czech reached the finals of a major, another record for males.

Lendl's style revolved around power. He'd be able to hit a running...
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