Sweet trip down memory lane

The memories come flooding back, Wimbledon 1980 and a five-set thriller, arguably the greatest ever final at the All England club. Twelve months later and the combatants would meet again, for one the end of an era, for the other a confirmation that behind the facade of outrageous behaviour lay a unique talent.

Yesterday on court number one at Roland Garros, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, now members of the senior tour, stood on opposing sides of the net. Borg, 43 next Monday, partnering former French Open champion Ecuador's Andreas Gomez (39) against McEnroe (40) and colourful French star Henri Leconte (35) in an over-35 competition appropriately titled "Trophee des Legendes."

While the emotional and physical intensity of days gone by might have been absent, it was clear that both combinations wanted to win. McEnroe limited himself to the occasional good-natured outburst and Leconte, now a television commentator, took his microphone and earpiece on court to provide a commentary. In contrast, and as if conforming to legend, Borg's face was largely devoid of emotion, the occasional fleeting smile betraying his enjoyment. This was definitely a handicap match. Leconte's sheer power and artistry suggested that he could probably have acquitted himself well in the main draw. McEnroe's trademark serve still works and he still has an exquisite touch with his volleys and the occasional groundstroke. It was a little disconcerting, however, to watch Borg play at the net and witness a one-handed backhand, the double-fisted pile-driver consigned to archive footage.

Leconte and McEnroe won 6-3, 62, yet it was hard to look at these legends in the context of the present day. Far better to recall those wonderful contests of yesteryear.