federberg said:
haha! for a second I thought this thread was about me!
In terms of backhand, I think it's a no brainer. Edbergs was better by a mile. I don't think Roger would dispute that. Edbergs backhand was his better side. He had core confidence in that shot. His forehand was almost an embarrassment to be honest. Roger can do a lot with his backhand I grant you, but when it comes to believing in the mechanics of a shot, Edbergs is by far superior. I don't believe it was attackable. I would bet that if Edberg was playing Rafa, Rafa would be attacking the forehand. I mean... why wouldn't you. Edberg could do almost nothing with that shot.
As for volleying.. for me... McEnroe, Edberg were better than the rest. But Cash and Rafter not far behind. Controversial opinion maybe, but Sampras was a slightly different type of animal when volleying. He was exceptional of course, but it wasn't a core part of his game in the way it was for particularly Edberg and possibly Rafter. Put it this way.. if his serve wasn't as effective would he have been as dominant as Stefan was at the net, personally I doubt it
Good points, but I would still take Feds. He can hit it with extreme topspin, slice, or drive it flat.
Eddys was not as powerful or versatile IMO.
His forehand was deplorable. Probably the worst of any no.1 player. But he could manage it and use his athleticism, serve, and approach shots to win.