MONTREAL — Jimmy Connors vowed to beat him. Ivan Lendl said he’s going to try to prove Connors wrong.

And so the opening act to the feature match between Andre Agassi and Michael Chang at the inaugural Montreal Rendez Vous — a night of legends tennis at the Bell Centre March 2 — will have a little spice to it, even if the two combatants are long past the point of proving themselves to anyone, including each other.

The 51-year-old Lendl was 22-13 during his competitive career against Connors, now 59.

It was a tale of two primes: when Connors was in his, he led the rivalry 11-3. Once Lendl came into his prime, the Czech-born American won their last 17 encounters

The two played each other over 14 seasons, from 1979 to 1992. Given their eight-year age difference, that’s something almost unimaginable these days, when the game has become so physical and careers so much shorter.

“There are some great players in this generation, and the depth of men’s tennis is much stronger than it was when we played, 25 or whatever years ago,” Lendl said on a conference call Tuesday. “In our times, the first two or three matches were relatively easy, so it wasn’t as physically and mentally demanding. They probably play a little bit lower number (of matches), the top guys, than we did. But those first few matches have changed dramatically.”

Lendl has seen modern tennis first hand. As the new coach of Scotland’s Andy Murray, the world No. 4-ranked player, he’s been watching, discussing and scouting opponents. He hasn’t, however, practised with Murray to keep sharp for his exhibition matches.

“Maybe it’s surprising, but he’s a lot better than me right now,” said Lendl, whose dry, sarcastic sense of humour is legendary. “My ball is way too slow compared to what he sees on the (ATP) Tour. It wouldn’t be right for him.”

Lendl has been hitting a lot of tennis balls. While in Miami working with Murray between tournaments, he’ll practise while Murray is eating lunch or having a massage between their two daily training sessions.

“I play quite a bit — more than I ever thought I would,” Lendl said. “I have played five or six times a week for a long time now.”

During the two weeks of the Australian Open, Lendl said he played seven or eight times.

“I’m not terribly worried about hurting myself these days,” he said. “I have played exhibitions now for almost two years, and at every single one people always come and say, ‘I can’t believe you guys still play so well.’

“I think it’s going to be good (at the Bell Centre), and I think people will have fun as well.”

Montreal Gazette

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