The Stories That Would Have Been: The 1978 U.S. Open

Side note: the photo of Chris is from 1982, not 1978.

40 years, wow! I was 11 and heartbroken that Borg lost, and so meekly, after finally seeming to have solved Connors in 1978, leading up to the Open. I’m still bummed because I always wanted him to get at least one title and then possibly a calendar year grand slam. Forever a bridesmaid in NYC. I found the women much more interesting that year, besides the huge bummer of my all time favorite Evonne Goolagong (the other 4 time bridesmaid) being injured. Martina finally grew into her talent and was expected to make the final, but Shriver swooped in, all gangly arms & 16 year old legs, and nearly stole the entire show! I thought her final with Chris was going to be a blow out but luckily it was a hard fought, exciting match befitting the new massive stadium. I expected Shriver to win a title or two in the coming years and have a thrilling rivalry with the ‘little twerp’, but Austin’s injuries and Pam’s lack of top flight fight pretty much prevented that. But great memories, all in all. It was a pretty exciting introduction to flushing meadows! Now, if CBS had just televised the women’s semis.... I had to wait until 1981 for that!

Chrissie was always my idol so thank you for this article. That woman has so much class.

Thanks for two great articles! We'd been waiting 40 years. The tidbits about Chris Evert and Pam Shriver will make it more fun to see them on the broadcasts in the next two weeks, sometimes together but usually (now I know why) separated.

Only slightly off topic - my wedding announcement didn't appear in the Times, also because of the strike. We just celebrated our 40th anniversary - so I guess it had no long-term consequences. :)

Which is the more suffocating bore? Tennis, golf or bowling?

As an 18-year-old, I took NJ Transit and the #7 subway train to Flushing Meadow for the finals. I was happy Chrissie won the women's final but being in love with Bjorn, I was terribly disappointed by the men's final. Even so, what fun to relive that day by reading this. Thanks very much.

Well written commentary. Bravo!

Louis Armstrong is as good as it gets. My friend's father gave him his first serious gig, she was born when he was already old enough for Social Security. But this is the national shrine to tennis in the United States. Chris Evert needs a court named after her. Jimmy Connors too. I grew up watching in the 1970s and played at a high level, but I'm not overly familiar with American tennis players before my time. Sampras would be on the list next. The Williams sisters, with a rule that you have to be retired before receiving such an honor. All won more Grand Slam tournaments than Arthur Ashe. Plenty of other players who fit the very good, but not quite an all-time great category. Do they name things in jazz clubs after tennis players? Are courts at the French and Australian Opens and Wimbledon named after musicians?

I remember the strike. 88 days of it. I also remember that the good union job my Dad had as a Stereotyper bought a house, cars when needed and put four kids through college including two of us at Ivies. Granted my parents were big savers and my Mom worked as well but it is amazing what a good union job will do for a family.

Connors and Evert. Those were the glory days.

Marvelous revisiting of that Open from 40 years ago! Remember the players well. Good write-up... It'd be fun to add a “Where are they now?” coda to the piece!