Edberg - The Emperor of Volleying

Wimbledon 1988 Semi Final – Mecir vs Edberg The first men’s singles semifinal at Wimbledon’s Center Court was played between the Slovakian Miloslav Mecir and the Swede Stefan Edberg. Mecir was an unexpected semifinalist at Wimbledon that year. On his way to the semis, Mecir had defeated Wally Masur, the conqueror of McEnroe, and Mats Wilander, the iconic Swede who looked well on his way to winning the third consecutive Grand Slam of 1988. Mecir had routed Wilander in straight sets in the quarters and dashed the Swede’s hopes of achieving a rare Calendar Grand Slam. On the other hand, Mecir’s opponent namely Stefan Edberg, another Swede, had fought his way to reach the semis that year. Edberg, the 1988 Queen’s Club finalist, had overcome tough opponents like Guy Forget and Patrick Kuhnen to reach the semis without much fanfare. Edberg’s quarterfinal against Kuhnen was difficult. Edberg was relieved to have won against Kuhnen, the vanquisher of the larger than life Jimmy Connors. In the Edberg-Mecir battles leading up to the semifinal, the Swede had a definite edge over the Slovak. Edberg lost some of their early encounters. This continued up to the year 1986. The year 1987 was a turning point in their head to head encounters. This was when Edberg started getting the better of Mecir. This pattern continued in 1988 too. Even in their last encounter in 1988, Edberg was victorious. In Grand Slam matches before the Wimbledon 1988 semifinal, the two players had met twice. The score was level at 1-1. In their last Grand Slam encounter at the 1987 Australian Open quarterfinal, Edberg had disposed of Mecir in straight sets on his way to winning the trophy. Nevertheless, in their first Grand Slam encounter, Mecir had prevailed over Edberg in straight sets. The first Grand Slam encounter between these two took place two years ago in 1986 at Wimbledon. The match took place in the third round at Wimbledon 1986 where Mecir upset Edberg. Mecir was a surprise winner that day with tremendous service returns and passing shots that left Edberg clueless. Mecir also served and volleyed well that day in 1986. Edberg’s performance was lackluster that day. Edberg’s service returns and passing shots lacked sting that day. Nonetheless, that was two years ago. Edberg had dramatically improved as a player since then. Mecir had also improved by leaps and bounds as a player in two years though throughout that year he had been beset with chronic back problems. All through the tournament he had been wearing a metallic back brace. The back brace kept his back problems at bay. The match lacked hype in the build-up. Every one was waiting with baited breath for the second semifinal between Becker and Lendl. They were in for a surprise. The match between Edberg and Mecir would be voted as the match of the tournament. The first set began with Edberg serving first. Edberg won his service game quite easily. The first eight games of the set went with serve. In those games, Edberg comfortably held on to his serves. Edberg served and volleyed very well. Miloslav’s returns could not make a dent in Edberg’s classic serve and volley technique. On the other hand, Miloslav held on to his serve through sheer grit and determination as Edberg’s service returns, approach shots, lobs and passing shots were very good. Mecir also saved some breakpoints on his serve and doggedly denied Edberg a deserved service break. In the ninth game of the set, Mecir simply unleashed a barrage of scorching service returns to break Edberg. In the next game of the set, Mecir comfortably held on to his serve to take the first set 6-4. Like their previous encounter at Wimbledon two years before, Mecir had taken a one set to love lead at this Wimbledon also. In the first set, Mecir had hit 6 successful service returns off Edberg’s strong first serve. 4 of them had come in the ninth game of the first set. Notwithstanding the fact that Mecir clinched a close first set, Edberg had hit more successful service returns. Mecir just played better on the crucial points in the first set to take the lead in the match. In the second set, Edberg had a disastrous start. In the first game of the second set, Mecir broke Edberg’s serve. Edberg served well but Mecir’s service returns and lob were unplayable. Mecir had taken a crucial 1-0 lead in the second set against Edberg. Mecir had the first set in his pocket and with an early service break in the second set was looking to be a menace for Edberg. In the next game, Mecir was looking to consolidate his hold iver the second set. He was in for a surprise as Edberg immediately broke back. Edberg broke back with two bullet backhands and three formidable forehands. Both backhands struck by Edberg were stunning passing shots to which Mecir had no answer. The three classic continental forehand winning shots by Edberg proved to be a surprise, as everyone knew that the forehand return was Edberg’s Achilles Heel. Two of these forehands were solid service returns. This break was important for Edberg as at 1-1 in the second set, it was back on serve. Edberg had neutralized Mecir’s early advantage in the second set by breaking back immediately. The third game in the second set was a struggle in which Mecir edged out Edberg. Mecir’s thunderous service returns were simply too good for Edberg. Mecir had once again broken Edberg and regained the momentum in the second set. Mecir was leading 2-1 with a break up in the second set. Mecir served and volleyed well in the next game to hold on to his serve easily and lead 3-1 in the second set. Edberg was under pressure in the fifth game. Mecir had unleashed a couple of blistering backhand service returns to go up 0-30. Edberg won the next two points as he intelligently served to Mecir’s forehand. It was 30-30. Mecir won the next point with a running down the line backhand passing shot return, which clipped the net to disrupt Edberg’s forehand volley. Mecir was slightly fortunate to win this point. Edberg was now down a break point and in danger of going two breaks down to Mecir, who had already won the first set. Edberg could not handle the pressure as he served a double fault. Edberg had once again cracked under pressure. At 4-1, Mecir was serving with two breaks up and was looking in complete control of the match. Mecir won the next game easily with a combination of very good serves and volleys and passing shots. Mecir led 5-1 now and was within one game of going two sets to love up against Edberg. Edberg had been broken in all his service games in the second set. At 1-5, Edberg served to save the second set. The trend of Mecir’s wicked service returns continued but Edberg saved a set point and doggedly held on to his serve. This was the first time in the second set that Edberg had held on to his serve. Edberg had survived this service game by the skin of his teeth. In the next game, Mecir served and volleyed to perfection to take the second set by the scruff of the neck. In this game he had also smashed well. Mecir was now two sets up against Edberg. Mecir had hit fourteen successful service returns in the second set. Things were looking ominous for Edberg as Mecir was simply coasting along towards an easy victory in the semis. This match between these two players had so far borne some resemblance to their previous encounter at Wimbledon in 1986. It seemed like Mecir would dispatch Edberg out of Wimbledon in straight sets in a nonchalant manner, like he had done to another Swede Mats Wilander in the quarters. It looked like Mecir, whose previous best at Wimbledon was reaching the quarters in 1986, was all set on his way to reaching his first Wimbledon final. Mecir had the rub off the green in the first two sets but no one could take any credit away from the incredibly insouciant and languid manner in which he unveiled his array of spectacular strokes. Mecir’s service returns, passing shots and court coverage had been a treat to watch for the audience. Edberg was looking clueless against a barrage of razor sharp service returns and piercing passing shots. Edberg had served and volleyed well but Mecir was just too good for him. Edberg’s returns were good but were simply no patch on Mecir. Edberg was a facing an uphill task but being the silent, stoic fighter had decided to grit it out. The match was certainly not over. Edberg served first again in the third set. He managed to hold on to his service again in spite of the swiftness and ingenuity of Mecir’s returns. Edberg was now 1-0 up in the third set. Mecir held on to his service game with some delectable volleys and half volleys to make it 1-1. In the next game it looked like Mecir would break Edberg’s serve. Mecir’s ferocious service returns and dexterous passing shots made Edberg look a bit bemused. Nevertheless, Edberg scraped through his service games. Edberg saved three break points on his serve. Edberg won his service game purely on his serving and volleying prowess, especially the latter. Edberg was up 2-1 in the third set. There were no breaks of service yet in the third set. The next game oscillated back and forth between the two players. Initially, Mecir served and volleyed well to move up to a commanding 40-0 lead. Then, all of a sudden, Edberg unfurled four terrific service returns to get a break point against Mecir’s serve. Mecir saved the breakpoint with a down the line backhand return winner. It was deuce. Two erroneous service returns by Edberg at that point of time gave Mecir the game. It was 2-2. Edberg won the next game easily on his serve as Mecir made a couple of unforced errors. Edberg once again served and volleyed very well. In this game, Edberg played a delectable backhand half volley. This shot was a feast for the eyes. At 2-3, it was now Mecir’s turn to serve. There had been no breaks so far in the third set. It was still on serve. Mecir leveled the scores at 3-3 by winning his game with supreme ease. Mecir conceded just one point in that game. Mecir’s magical volleys were a highlight of that game. In the next game, Edberg faced three terrific forehand service returns and was quickly down 0-40. Mecir had three breakpoints to go up 4-3 in the third set. Edberg was in danger of losing his serve and subsequently the set and match to Mecir. It is at this point that Edberg defied his detractors by saving three breakpoints with cunning serves and reflex volleys. It was deuce. Even the genteel English crowd applauded Edberg’s effort in saving the breakpoints. Edberg was tossing the ball slightly lower on his serves than previously in the match. Edberg won the next point doggedly with his volleying skills. It was now advantage Edberg. Edberg had won four points in a row. Mecir had made a few needless unforced errors. Mecir won the next point with a classic crosscourt forehand service return, which Edberg was unable to volley. The score was back to deuce. Edberg won the next point with a good serve that Mecir was unable to return. It was once again advantage Edberg. Edberg won the next point and consequently his service game with a superb serve and closed out the point with a punchy volley. Edberg had once again survived an assault on his serve in the third set. He was hanging by a thread. Nonetheless, it was still on serve in the third set with Edberg leading 4-3. Mecir served and volleyed with consummate ease in the next game to level the score at 4-4. Edberg’s returns were not much of a threat to Mecir so far in the third set. Edberg conceded only two points to Mecir in the next game and held on to his serve. Edberg was serving and volleying much better now than before. Mecir made unnecessary unforced errors in this game. Edberg was leading 5-4 and there were no breaks yet in the third set. Mecir now had to serve to stay in the third set. At 4-5, Mecir began the tenth game with an inauspicious double fault. It was 0-15. In the next point, Edberg hit a crosscourt backhand service return approach shot and closed the point with a topspin forehand volley. It was now 0-30. Edberg was suddenly two points away from winning the third set. At 0-30, Edberg hit a bullet service return off Mecir’s serve. The service return was quick and low. Mecir missed the difficult low backhand volley and all of a sudden it was 0-40. Mecir was under pressure as Edberg had instantaneously turned the tables on him. Edberg had three set points to clinch the third set. Edberg closed out the third set with a classy crosscourt forehand service return that left Mecir in shock. A string of errors by Mecir and inspired play by Edberg had delayed the inevitable. It was ironic that Edberg, whose serve was under siege in the third set, had survived multiple breakpoints and barely hung on to dear life had in the blink of an eye pulled the rug under Mecir’s feet in the last game to usurp the third set. It was now two sets to one in favor of Mecir. Mecir still had the upper hand in the contest. However, everybody on Center Court knew that Mecir should have wrapped up the match in straight sets by now. Edberg began the fourth set strongly by holding on to his service game. He cracked stylish serves and venomous volleys. Edberg went up 1-0 in the fourth set. He was growing in confidence. Mecir too won his service game easily with decent serves, good passing shots and confident shot play from the net. It was 1-1. The next game was a thrilling one where Edberg’s serves and volleys were pitted against Mecir’s service returns and passing shots. Mecir hit blitzkrieg service returns and caressed dainty passing shots to threaten Edberg’s serve. Mecir even had a breakpoint off Edberg’s serve but failed to capitalize. The turning point in this game had been Edberg’s outstanding net coverage. Edberg’s elegant volleys off both wings, forehand and backhand, once again came to his rescue when it seemed like Mecir would get an early break in the fourth set. Edberg had precariously held on to his serve. Edberg was leading 2-1 in the fourth set but it was still on serve. The next game was a piece of cake for Mecir as he held on to his serve without any fuss. Mecir’s volleys, half volleys and lobs from the net were good enough to confound Edberg. It was now 2-2. Mecir was definitely looking much stronger at this point of time. It was now the Swede’s turn to serve. In the fifth game of the fourth set, Edberg won the first two points easily to go up 30-0. Edberg’s sizzling serves put him ahead. Nonetheless, Mecir was a great counterpuncher. Mecir hit back with a trio of piercing down the line service returns that left Edberg bemused. Mecir, who had hit 7 passing shot winning returns in the third set, was back to his best form. Edberg’s lead in the game had fizzled out and Mecir suddenly had a breakpoint. At 30-40, Edberg was once again staring down the barrel of the gun. Once again, Mecir’s returns were like lightning but Edberg again used every ounce of his willpower to survive his service game. Edberg’s incisive volleys and fine overheads once again came to his rescue. Edberg was hanging on by the skin of his teeth against Mecir’s battery of assaults. It was 3-2 in favor of Edberg with Mecir’s turn to serve. The sixth game was interesting. For the first time in the fourth set, Edberg challenged Mecir’s serve. Mecir missed his first serve. On Mecir’s second serve, Edberg used the chip and charge strategy. Despite Edberg rushing to the net, Mecir hit a beautiful, angular crosscourt backhand passing shot return winner. Edberg had no answer to this. In the next point, Mecir volleyed on his first serve but Edberg’s crosscourt forehand passing shot was just too good for him. It was 15-15. Edberg won the next point as Mecir messed up a high backhand volley. It was 15-30. Mecir served one into the corner to Edberg’s backhand to which Edberg had no clue. It was 30-30. At 30-30, Mecir missed the first serve. On his second serve, Edberg rallied for a while and then hit an approach shot. After rushing to the net, Edberg hit a deep backhand volley, which was lobbed by Mecir. Mecir missed the topspin backhand lob to concede a breakpoint to Edberg. This was Edberg’s first breakpoint in the fourth set. He had a chance to break Mecir and go up 4-2. Mecir fought back to deny Edberg a break. The Slovakian star punched a difficult high backhand volley to bring the game back to deuce. At deuce, Mecir hit a tough forehand smash to seize the advantage. However, at advantage Mecir, the Slovak once again missed his first serve. On his second serve, Mecir volleyed in vain. Edberg’s service return was a classic down the line slice backhand approach shot. Mecir barely half volleyed that shot when Edberg hit a spectacular backhand volley to send the game back to deuce. Mecir proceeded to gain the advantage by winning the next point easily as Edberg’s service return was very poor. Mecir once again had a game point. Mecir hit a good first serve to Edberg. Edberg’s high crosscourt backhand service return was good but not good enough as Mecir hit a crisp high backhand volley to win the game. Mecir had survived a scare. The score was level at 3-3 in the fourth set. In the next game, Edberg’s expertise in volleying, quiet courage and indomitable fighting spirit saved him from being broken. Mecir’s service returns resembled missiles being hurled at the enemy in war. Mecir’s service returns were devastating off either wing, forehand or backhand. Mecir’s bazooka returns were hit with power and precision, either side, down the line or crosscourt. Edberg faced four breakpoints on his serve but came unscathed as his superlative volleying skills helped him hold on to his serve. Edberg finally smashed Mecir’s lob to go up 4-3. Edberg was doggedly hanging in there despite all odds. In the process, the Swede was growing in confidence. On the other hand, Mecir appeared slightly apprehensive and dejected. At 3-4, Mecir served to Edberg’s forehand, the Swede’s weaker wing. Edberg hit a good crosscourt forehand service return to Mecir. The Slovak missed an easy, low forehand volley. It was 0-15. Mecir won the next point via an excellent serve to Edberg’s backhand, which the latter returned to the net. It was 15-15. An excellent down the line forehand service return by Edberg to Mecir’s backhand gave the former the next point as the latter missed a tough, low backhand volley. It was 15-30. Mecir served to Edberg’s backhand. An excellent crosscourt service return by Edberg called for an extremely difficult backhand volley by the server. Nevertheless, the bearded Slovak was up to the task as he hit a dainty backhand half volley. Edberg rushed to the net to hit a very good down the line forehand passing shot. Nonetheless, Mecir’s quick hands intercepted the passing shot. Mecir hit an excellent backhand reflex volley to make it 30-30. Edberg won the next point when his accurate backhand service return led to an erroneous forehand volley by Mecir. Edberg had a breakpoint to go up 5-3 in the fourth set. At this crucial moment, Mecir served to Edberg’s backhand. Edberg’s bullet service return was dead on target. It was aimed at Mecir’s body. Mecir hit an inside-out forehand volley, which was short. Mecir’s vapid volley landed to Edberg’s backhand. Edberg hit an offensive backhand lob to which Mecir had no answer. Edberg had broken Mecir at a pivotal moment in the fourth set. At 5-3, Edberg would try to serve out the fourth set. Edberg won his service game at love. Strong serves and impeccable net play by Edberg helped him win the game. Edberg had won the fourth set and leveled the match. Edberg’s confidence had soared with the passage of time. He was quite upbeat about his chances now. On the other hand, Mecir appeared to be depressed and despondent. The fifth set would begin with Mecir opening the proceedings. Mecir started the fifth set well. He hit strong and accurate serves to win his service game at love. Mecir led 1-0 in the fifth set. As Mecir was serving first in the fifth set, he had a slight edge. Besides, leveling the match at two sets all from being two sets down although laudable was a far cry from Edberg having won the match. The proposition of Edberg coming back from two sets down to win a five setter was a completely different ball game. At 0-1, Edberg served with power and placement. Typically, robust serves and penetrating volleys by Edberg sealed the game for him comfortably. It was 1-1 in the fifth set. In the third game, Mecir initially missed his first serve. On his second serve, Mecir stayed back while Edberg hit an approach shot. Edberg rushed to the net but was passed by Mecir’s stunning down the line backhand passing shot. It was 15-0. Edberg won the next point with a crosscourt under spin backhand service return. Edberg’s under spin service return was a joy to watch and it was 15-15. Mecir’s next serve was down the middle to Edberg’s backhand. Edberg missed the return. At 30-15, Mecir easily won the next two points courtesy of two faulty lobs by Edberg. At 2-1 in favor of Mecir, it was still on serve. In the next game, a battering ram of down the line and crosscourt forehand and backhand service returns by Mecir cost Edberg his service game. Finally, after narrowly failing to break Edberg’s service in sets three and four, Mecir had at long last redeemed himself by breaking Edberg’s service early in the fifth set. At 3-1, Mecir definitely had his nose in front. Mecir was pumped up but Edberg would certainly not throw in the towel. Edberg’s body language was positive. Earlier in March of that year in a Davis Cup encounter, Edberg had come back from a break down and trailing 1-4 in the fifth set to defeat Mecir and eliminate Czechoslovakia. Edberg had this previous encounter in his mind and it provided him with reassurance. Mecir missed his first serve. On his second serve, the players rallied for a while. After a while, Mecir hit an under spin crosscourt backhand approach shot to Edberg’s backhand. Edberg hit his trademark crosscourt backhand passing shot that stunned Mecir. It was 0-15. The next two points were won by Edberg with rocket-like backhand service returns to which Mecir was simply a spectator. These spectacular returns gave Edberg three vital break points. Mecir was now wary of Edberg’s backhand return of serve. He served to Edberg’s forehand. A crosscourt forehand approach shot was Edberg’s answer. Nonetheless, the lithe Slovak hit a running angular crosscourt backhand passing shot that was intercepted by the Swede. Edberg punched a good backhand volley. The light-footed Slovak was up to the task and hit a running down the line forehand passing shot that would have passed most players but not Edberg, who was the world’s foremost volleyer in the game. Edberg hit a lightning quick reflex crosscourt backhand volley that was even beyond the reach of the lanky Slovak. Edberg had sprung right back. The score was now 2-3 on serve as Edberg had broken Mecir at love. Edberg easily won his service game without conceding a point to Mecir. The Swede’s unbelievable volleys blunted Mecir’s powerful service returns. Mecir simply tried in vain to penetrate through Edberg’s impenetrable net play. It was now 3-3. At this point of time the match was on an even keel. The result could go either way and it was now purely a battle of willpower and nerves. Mecir won the first point of the seventh game as Edberg made an unforced error. It was 15-0. Edberg won the next point. It was 15-15. Mecir smartly served wide into Edberg’s unreliable forehand and induced an error by the Swede. It was 30-15. Mecir was just two points away from winning the game and going up 4-3 in the fifth set. At 30-15, Mecir served deep into the corner. The service was directed towards Edberg’s backhand. Edberg’s scythe-like service return was just too good for Mecir. Mecir missed the low forehand volley by a mile. It was 30-30. Now, even Edberg was two points away from going up 4-3. At 30-30, Mecir served down the line to Edberg’s fiery backhand. Edberg replied with a thundering service return off his backhand that was aimed at Mecir’s body. Mecir hit a forehand volley. Edberg hit a devastating backhand down the line pass. Mecir swiftly replied with a well-placed high crosscourt forehand volley. Nevertheless, the Swede had feet of quicksilver and sealed the point with a quick down the line forehand passing shot winner. Edberg now had a breakpoint at 30-40. Mecir was under pressure now. It remained to be seen whether Mecir would wilt under pressure or rise to the occasion. Mecir again decided to serve to Edberg’s vaunted backhand. Edberg’s bullet-like service return off the backhand clipped the net cord and fortunately landed in Mecir’s court. Mecir hit an effete forehand half volley to Edberg’s backhand again. Edberg half-volleyed the passing shot to Mecir’s forehand. Mecir responded with a decent forehand volley once again to Edberg’s backhand side. Edberg wisely decided not to play the passing shot. Instead he hit a high and deep defensive crosscourt backhand lob. Mecir ran back diagonally and played a beautiful behind the back, backhand, crosscourt passing shot. The canny Swede was once again at the net to hit a classic backhand stretch volley down the line winner. Edberg had once again broken Mecir to take a pivotal 4-3 lead in the last set. Edberg was now walking on air while Mecir was in the bottomless abyss of despair. It would be curtains for Mecir unless he put his thinking cap on and broke back Edberg immediately. At 4-3, a buoyant Edberg served. He wanted to go for the jugular and go off to the dressing room in a jiffy. It would be remarkable for the Swede if he could just hold his serve and cruise to a dream win. It would be akin to snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Whether or not this win would materialize was indeed the million-dollar question, as Mecir would not quit in the face of adversity. Edberg won his service game at love as Mecir botched a couple of service returns. In addition Edberg’s impeccable net play blunted Mecir’s sharp returns. Edberg led 5-3 and was just a game away from a memorable victory. Only some time later would the mystery unfold that is whether Edberg could secure an improbable victory. If Edberg could manage to hold on to his serve he would clinch an incredible and inspired victory against all odds. An hour ago nobody in the audience had given the Swede a ghost of a chance of pulling off a heroic victory. Now a Edberg victory was on the cards and the phlegmatic English crowd was rooting for the stoic and staid Swede. At 3-5, Mecir served down the line to Edberg’s backhand. Edberg hit a slice service return on his backhand. Mecir made a precise backhand volley that Edberg lobbed defensively. Edberg’s lob was off the mark. Mecir had won the first point. He won the second point too to move to a 30-0 lead. A great service return by Edberg and an inaccurate forehand half volley by Mecir made it 30-15. The score went up to 40-15 when Edberg made a bad service return. Mecir then closed out his service game with an average serve, blocked forehand volley and a great forehand smash. Mecir was hanging on to dear life. Edberg, leading at 5-4, was about to serve for the match and a place in the Wimbledon final. He immediately raced to a 30-0 lead courtesy of his prowess at the net. Mecir made a last ditch effort when he hit a forehand service return winner. At 30-15 Edberg served an ace down the middle to get two matchpoints. At 40-15, Edberg served down the middle to Mecir’s backhand. Mecir’s return was mediocre and got the treatment it deserved when Edberg hit a deep forehand volley to Mecir’s forehand. Mecir barely reached the ball. His long limbs were instrumental in him half-volleying a defensive crosscourt forehand lob. Edberg ran back in the nick of time to hit a forehand passing shot that Mecir netted. The match was over. Edberg had made the impossible possible. Edberg’s epic win would be indelibly recorded in the annals of Wimbledon. This victory was for the history books. This unlikely victory seemed surreal. It was so surreal that this legendary match has seamlessly been woven into tennis folklore. This was the stuff of legend. Even though more than twenty-five years has passed and we are in a new century, this glorious match of yesteryear seems like yesterday. A trip down the memory lane of tennis always brings this memorable match to mind. It is still as fresh in my mind as the sweet sunrise and the chirping of birds this morning. P.S. - I thought I might add a nugget of information. Despite losing such a heartbreaking match, Mecir won more points in the match than Edberg. Perhaps the tennis gods were on Edberg’s side that cloudy day of the English summer.