On a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, tennis legend Bobby Riggs made a special appearance and gave Johnny Carson a tennis lesson like no other. The transcript of the conversation between the two is filled with humor, banter, and of course, valuable tennis tips.
Carson, known for his quick wit and comedic timing, wasted no time in poking fun at Riggs’ various tennis handicaps throughout his career. From playing with boxing gloves to carrying a pail of water, Riggs had done it all. Carson even jokingly suggested playing with an elephant, although logistics proved to be a challenge.
But amidst the jokes, Riggs shared some valuable insights into the game of tennis. He revealed that the most important stroke in tennis is the serve, and proceeded to demonstrate different types of serves using a backhand grip. He showcased the side spin serve, the American twist serve, and the straight forward cannibal serve. Riggs explained that these different serves can help players take their opponents off the court and gain an advantage.
As the lesson progressed, Riggs mentioned that women often have a harder time with the backhand stroke, although it should be just as easy as the forehand. He attributed this difficulty to a lack of practice throwing a ball, a skill that comes naturally to men due to their experience playing softball and baseball.
Carson enthusiastically attempted to emulate Riggs’ strokes, demonstrating his willingness to learn. Despite not being as skilled as Riggs, Carson showed promise in his forehand shots. Riggs then introduced Carson to some backhand shots, including little chops and slices. He explained the technique behind each shot, emphasizing the importance of catching the ball out in front and hitting it with the right spin.
Throughout the lesson, Riggs and Carson engaged in playful banter, showcasing their unique chemistry. Carson’s charm and ability to generate laughs mixed with Riggs’ expertise made for an entertaining segment on The Tonight Show.
The lesson continued with Carson attempting to hit shots from a ball machine, and Riggs offering guidance and support. Although Carson struggled at times, he managed to hit some impressive shots with Riggs’ guidance. The duo showcased their skills and entertained the audience with their camaraderie.
Overall, the tennis lesson between Bobby Riggs and Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a delightful mix of comedy and sportsmanship. Riggs’ expertise combined with Carson’s willingness to learn provided an entertaining segment for the audience. It was yet another example of the incredible moments that occur on this beloved talk show.
