Playing into the Sunset: Part 1: Ready Set, Go Slow

Ken Rosewall reached the U.S. Open final in 1974 at the age of 40. It's 1974 at Forest Hills and an aging Ken Rosewall is on center court playing for his third championship eighteen years later after his first win. He's up against a new young stud, who hits groundstrokes like never before. The age discrepancy is highlighted by the fact that this young challenger, Jimmy Connors was born, September 6, 1952, the same week Ken played in his first U.S. Championship event at Forest Hills reaching the quarterfinals at 17 years of age. It becomes a lopsided final, but nonetheless, the crowd before, during and after the match endears themselves to the modest Australian, not because he is the underdog, but because he is nearly 40 years old. Ironically, nearly 20 years later the shoe is on the other foot and it's a young Jimmy Connors who is nearly 40 years of age and putting together a run up to the semi-finals, a run that might be one of the most memorable weeks in tennis history. Again, a senior player steals the show and endears the hearts and minds of the tennis world. There is a definite affinity for...