CAMELOT FANTASIES

Fabulous analysis, Emma, spot on in every regard.

1. Yes, I definitely noticed that with Sampras. Pete was very well aware of what situation he was facing, and he thrived on the big moment and didn't worry as much about lower opponents. I think a lot of that had to do with his mindset. Pete was very confident in his abilities and comfortable with himself. He pretty much did what he wanted to do and didn't care what others thought about it. That's why I liked that.

2. I agree with everything you said about Andy, too. The thing with Andy though, to me, is that he's a laid back character who happens to be supremely talented. and he's in an era with the three showoffs. Can he beat them? Yeah, does he care to? Sometimes, it depends on his motivation. I doubt he would've won Wimbledon if the press hadn't gotten on his nerves so bad. Andy just seems to want to enjoy life, not necessarily be the second coming. This puts him in a quandary. He knows he should be vying for all these titles like a dervish, but he also isn't sure he wants to.

To me, Federer and Nole play for glory. Rafa plays for passion, and Andy plays because he can, and he enjoys it. He's in the Big 4 because of his incredible skill set, but I'm not always sure he wants to be there.

What do you think?

I do think you are quite right in that regard (highlighted part). While I'd agree that both Federer and Nole mostly play for glory I do feel they also love the sport and are passionate about it. I'd probably distribute it 70% glory and 30% passion (lol). And while I do think Nadal is very passionate I do feel he enjoys the glory as well but quietly. Perhaps the percentage would be the opposite in this case mostly based on his on court persona where not only he shows passion but he also shows enjoying the glory a bit.

Andy has always been an enigma.  He seems to be rather laid back, yes and perhaps you are right about the media. He probably loves the criticism who knows and it probably ignites the fire in him, but I do know he absolutely loves playing for his country. I do take it as a hold back. Federer has yet to win the Olympics and given his long history in tennis, it makes no sense or rather shows a lack for his country maybe, but he has almost broken every record out there. And that's not a personal glory only as it's contributed to the country as well even indirectly so.

I'd say Andy mostly plays because he can and only sometimes he enjoys it. His on court attitude is very telling in this regard. You don't often see him enjoying playing tennis. He looks much happier off court in fact.