I love the majors but it's so frustrating to be 16 hours behind with play each day not starting on the east coast until 6:00p. I'd love to be able to watch the Tsonga v. Warwrinka match tonight but it will be just too late. If the men's final winds up being Nadal v. Federer and the women's final winds up being Serena v. Venus, it will feel downright nostalgic!
just saw when Djokovic got bounced, was that even a 5 setter? So weird.
Djok usually plays with an exceptionally high energy/effort level. He didn't play remotely close to that in the match he lost. I've never seen him not even attempt to chase down balls as often as he did in that match.
I'm happy for Nadal and Federer, but Nishikori and Monfils were extremely disappointing in those matches.
who is an avid tennis fan. A neighbor/friend of mine is an executive at the USTA. At dinner the other night, we were discussing the state of American tennis and he asked me why I thought it was that tennis had taken such a big downturn in participation and popularity, especially for young people. He also asked me what I thought they could due to turn it around.
I told him that IMO the lack of really top ranked American men over time had hurt and that the growing popularity of golf was a factor as well. I said the advent of video games, computers, etc. did not help either. I know that probably applies to participation in all sports. I also told him that the lack of serve and volley play, especially in the men's game, had made the game boring for me. I told him they should have a tournament, maybe an exhibition to start, where the players had to serve and volley on all first serves. He laughed at that one and I said: "See, that reaction is your problem. You need to think outside the box."
I was an avid tennis fan and player growing up. My mother was a ranked amateur back in the day, so I grew up on the courts. I can remember the times when all the public courts were full and you were restricted to playing only for an hour because there was a line of people waiting to play. Now I hardly ever see anyone on the public courts. As I have gotten older, I have just about stopped playing/watching tennis and have become a big golf fan/golfer. A lot less pounding on the joints.
If anyone has any thoughts on the state of American tennis and what could be done to popularize it again please let me know and I will pass them on to him. I know that he was being sincere and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
I think racquet and string tech is the main reason
With the tremendous topspin and resultant ball speed you can hit from even beyond the baseline, it's practically eliminated volleying. The tactical game of when to come in, trying to pass a guy who came in or lob over him, etc has largely gone from the game. It's now two guys standing at the baseline whaling the ball back and forth. I don't personally find the game interesting anymore.
The fact that most of the great American players were built on the serve and volley game is probably why you don't see many top American men anymore. Which has further dulled interest among American viewers.
RE: I think racquet and string tech is the main reason
With the tremendous topspin and resultant ball speed you can hit from even beyond the baseline, it's practically eliminated volleying. The tactical game of when to come in, trying to pass a guy who came in or lob over him, etc has largely gone from the game. It's now two guys standing at the baseline whaling the ball back and forth. I don't personally find the game interesting anymore.
The fact that most of the great American players were built on the serve and volley game is probably why you don't see many top American men anymore. Which has further dulled interest among American viewers.
Jim, those are really good points. That is my problem with the game also. All this baseline play is boring. My friend did say that he thought, obviously, that equipment technology had dramatically effected the way the game is played in general. They are having trouble understanding why more kids are not picking up the game....
I think that Nadal beating Raonic helps him. While Nadal presents an awful match-up for Federer (lefty with insanely heavy top-spin), he hasn't been the same player lately. He's a tad slower. Raonic just seems to bomb Federer with his serve.
That said, Wawrinka has been the superior player lately, so it will be a huge test to even make it to Sunday.
I just want to see Fed get one more. This may be his best shot.
I think that Nadal beating Raonic helps him. While Nadal presents an awful match-up for Federer (lefty with insanely heavy top-spin), he hasn't been the same player lately. He's a tad slower. Raonic just seems to bomb Federer with his serve.
That said, Wawrinka has been the superior player lately, so it will be a huge test to even make it to Sunday.
I just want to see Fed get one more. This may be his best shot.
Nadal is 100% the better matchup for Fed.
Seems weird to say with Nadal being his kryptonite and all. BEL18VE.
Also, I'll add that Wawrinka has never beaten Federer on a hard court.
Both are one match away. nadal dominated Raonic. Would be a really cool final to see.
What is this, 2005?? Talk about a retro Major. I think Nadal will advance to the final. If he does, both finals will be huge rating draws and I will be one of them (though I would have watched the finals anyway).
Fed was absolutely on the ropes in the beginning of the 5th set. Somehow pulled it together and then Stan gifted him a break. What a match.
Roger was rather candid afterward, saying that he is in effect playing with house money as he never expected to get this far to begin with, and that helped him regroup and hang on.
the weight Nadal lost? Its been a while since I've seen him play but it looks like he trimmed down a ton which I assume is to alleviate his knee problems. He looks a good 10 pounds lighter than he did in his prime.
Tennis just got a rejuvenation that last 24 hours with the 4 finalists. Hopefully both matches go the distance.
be fun to see them throw it back at the finals, but I don't like Fed's chances either. Nadal is Fed's kryptonite. I'd love to see Fed win another one, but I don't love the odds at his age. I hope I'm wrong.
I hope we get that finals, would make it a must watch event.
Djok usually plays with an exceptionally high energy/effort level. He didn't play remotely close to that in the match he lost. I've never seen him not even attempt to chase down balls as often as he did in that match.
I'm happy for Nadal and Federer, but Nishikori and Monfils were extremely disappointing in those matches.
I told him that IMO the lack of really top ranked American men over time had hurt and that the growing popularity of golf was a factor as well. I said the advent of video games, computers, etc. did not help either. I know that probably applies to participation in all sports. I also told him that the lack of serve and volley play, especially in the men's game, had made the game boring for me. I told him they should have a tournament, maybe an exhibition to start, where the players had to serve and volley on all first serves. He laughed at that one and I said: "See, that reaction is your problem. You need to think outside the box."
I was an avid tennis fan and player growing up. My mother was a ranked amateur back in the day, so I grew up on the courts. I can remember the times when all the public courts were full and you were restricted to playing only for an hour because there was a line of people waiting to play. Now I hardly ever see anyone on the public courts. As I have gotten older, I have just about stopped playing/watching tennis and have become a big golf fan/golfer. A lot less pounding on the joints.
If anyone has any thoughts on the state of American tennis and what could be done to popularize it again please let me know and I will pass them on to him. I know that he was being sincere and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
The fact that most of the great American players were built on the serve and volley game is probably why you don't see many top American men anymore. Which has further dulled interest among American viewers.
The fact that most of the great American players were built on the serve and volley game is probably why you don't see many top American men anymore. Which has further dulled interest among American viewers.
Jim, those are really good points. That is my problem with the game also. All this baseline play is boring. My friend did say that he thought, obviously, that equipment technology had dramatically effected the way the game is played in general. They are having trouble understanding why more kids are not picking up the game....
Both are one match away. nadal dominated Raonic. Would be a really cool final to see.
Really think Djokovic is starting to decline
That said, Wawrinka has been the superior player lately, so it will be a huge test to even make it to Sunday.
I just want to see Fed get one more. This may be his best shot.
That said, Wawrinka has been the superior player lately, so it will be a huge test to even make it to Sunday.
I just want to see Fed get one more. This may be his best shot.
Nadal is 100% the better matchup for Fed.
Seems weird to say with Nadal being his kryptonite and all. BEL18VE.
He has beaten him 3 times on clay.
Also, very lucky to be the first semi and have two days off if he were to win because this could be a long one.
At his age, after knee surgery? Just the model of consistency and excellence. I really hope he has three more winning sets in him.
Both are one match away. nadal dominated Raonic. Would be a really cool final to see.
What is this, 2005?? Talk about a retro Major. I think Nadal will advance to the final. If he does, both finals will be huge rating draws and I will be one of them (though I would have watched the finals anyway).
Roger was rather candid afterward, saying that he is in effect playing with house money as he never expected to get this far to begin with, and that helped him regroup and hang on.
Nadal's serve has been amazing. Nadal is feeling it.
WOW! I didn't think it would still be on but turned it on when I read your comment. What an amazing match!
If Nadal serves like he did tonight, I dont like Federer's chances.
Tennis just got a rejuvenation that last 24 hours with the 4 finalists. Hopefully both matches go the distance.
It really is very exciting to see these four great champions back in the finals of a major. Wow, just wow.
Looking forward to watching a final I'd thought I'd never see again.