CAMELOT FANTASIES

Quote from: thetruth on September 22, 2014, 06:48:55 am

That was a pathetic display from Monfils, an experienced player, and an insult to the sport. The gushing was over the top. I don't understand that. If I am going to compete in anything I'm not going to do it just for kicks. If I put the time in I expect results, and when it comes time to compete I'm going to do my best. That doesn't mean that I have to win or be number one, but I have to feel good about my effort, and I have no respect for anyone who goes out there and is lackadaisical about their job.

Monfils is a disgrace to the sport, IMO. He followed up that pitiful performance by showcasing a similarly lukewarm performance against Joao Sousa. I think I'll pass on his matches from now on, he'll only make me angry.

The reason I felt that Woz wouldn't do much in that match was due to the emotional aspects. Although she had played Serena well, this wasn't a regular tour event, this was the big one, a major; a place she hadn't been in a long time. Her results before she went on her big run had been tepid at best, but once the Rory thing was over she was getting herself back together. Still, I think it was too soon to be tested in a match of this proportion. There was so much on the line, not to mention that Rory had won golf's equivalent of the USO recently, and I think that may have put undue pressure on her as well.

Sharapova? Most of her comebacks come against inexperienced players. Caroline finally wised up to having to play her aggressively and allowing her to self-destruct. If you keep getting the ball back Maria will keep trying to hit it harder, which in turn causes her to commit more errors. Serena has more variety, more skills, more tenacity, and more athleticism than Maria, so I wasn't surprised that Caroline beat Maria, I expected it.

True. The ATP and its affiliates focused entirely upon Federer for years; to the exclusion of the other players. But, Nadal, even without their prompting was able to garner a lion's share of fans around the world. So much so, that even they took notice. Now, many journalists are getting on board and finally giving Nadal his due. He's earned it, whether one is a fan or not. For years they have disadvantaged both Nadal and Djokovic and IMO this has weakened the tour rather than strengthened it. There are four recognizable stars in the world who have fans all over the globe and to put all of their eggs in one basket was foolish, and it's biting in the butt now, but I believe they wanted Federer to stand alone at the top of the heap, when in reality it should have been concerted effort to showcase all of their stars. It backfired.

AW MAN. THIS IS MY ORIGINAL POST WHICH I TRIED TO ABBREVIATE, LOL! NO POINT IN WASTING KEYSTROKES.

ALERT!ALERT! DUPLICATE!

Ha ha TT, tell us how you really feel about Monifls. 

Anyway, I agree. He's a bit of a disgrace or maybe a lot. He had the match in his hand and could have had one of  his biggest wins and yet he squandered it. Quite unfortunately though, this is the case with most players of this era. They are all more or less mental midgets. This is exactly what makes the era a very weak one. It was to Nadal's full credit that he made a place for himself and later Nole. Otherwise I can't imagine what the tennis world would have been like with Federer still winning everything in sight and all the forums being possessed by Federer fans. It's the likes of Nadal, Nole, Murray that keep the interest alive for fans like myself and a few others.

Monfils could have easily had this win by now had he not worshiped Federer so much. Of course the support Federer gets from his fans is always a difficult thing for his opponents to overcome but the likes of Nadal, Nole, Murray and now Nishikori, Cilic and even Berdych and Tsonga to lesser extent have no difficulty with it, clearly. And that's how it should be. While rest of the players do have more than enough talent, they really lack the mental strength of it. Nothing is conquered without it.

Re: Woz - I do agree that it was too soon for her after the Rory break-up and had she not faced Serena in the final, perhaps she could have won the title too but it was not meant to be, alas. I did support her with all my heart as I've always been a great fan of Woz.

And while I am not really a fan of Serena, I do agree she's far more complete than Sharapova. But all that H2H and other related stuff aside, surely Serena getting her #18 would have been a much bigger deal to the Americans; therefore, the rating should have been higher? Somehow I am fairly sure that would have the case for Federer had he made the final. I don't think we would have heard the end of it any time soon or ever.

I hate to bash players, but he gets on my nerves so much. What bothers me most is his weak mind. He is, IMO, every bit as talented as Federer, so why is he worshiping him? Anyway, I'll let up on him as it only wreaks havoc on my own high blood pressure.

Agree here too. Before Nadal, Federer was sleepwalking through the tour. Partly because of his incredible skills, but partly because of the reverence being thrust upon him. The media deified this guy to the point where many felt it was OK to lose against him.

In the early years Federer never even had to get out of first gear. Thanks goodness for Nadal, Nole, and Andy, who showed that Federer the player, was also human.

Had those pathetic displays continued I surely would have given up tennis, as I am not into non-competitiveness in sports. That's how I let my own aggression out, so they need to give me something to root about.

I must say to Federer's credit, that he did rise to the challenge and find another gear. Nadal was good for him because it showed him that he wasn't infallible, and they have given us some great battles over the years, so good on him for still fighting.

Tennis is not that huge in America. You'd be hard pressed to find many who watch it, know it, and follow it like forumites do. Practically no one in my circle watches it, or knows what's going on. Plus, much depends on which TV station you watch and whether or not the USO is advertised. Most of my comrades who do watch it, say they happen to catch it when it's on.

In America the focus is on MLB, Football, Golf, Nascar, and the NBA. Tennis, on media outlets is listed as Other. So, I'm not surprised by the ratings since it's viewed more as a niche sport.

I like Woz too and think she is headed in the right direction. For the first time I think she may win a major title. If she does it will be great for tennis.