Denny Crane Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 The sudden explosion in Stich's form was remarkable, and a complete one-off in his case, as it was with Krajicek five years later. Both had huge serves, and perfect games for grass; but both simply caught lightning in a bottle for a few days, and never really repeated it. Krajicek I'll give you to an extent but Stich did go onto reach the final of both the US and French Opens and had a career high ranking of 2nd gained after beating Sampras in the ATP World Championship in 1993 so it is a bit harsh to dismiss his record as a one-off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victorian Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 It's called "oh no, Steve Rider's buggered off to ITV after 20 years of us taking him for granted! So it's either Tony Gubba... or the boy Lineacre!" they're no real. they've also had mark bright (i think) doing golf and now they have john parrot doing horse racing. is vlad maybe picking the presentation teams at the beeb? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun.lawson Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 Krajicek I'll give you to an extent but Stich did go onto reach the final of both the US and French Opens and had a career high ranking of 2nd gained after beating Sampras in the ATP World Championship in 1993 so it is a bit harsh to dismiss his record as a one-off. Maybe a bit harsh. But the way he played at Wimbledon 1991, he clearly had the game to win further Grand Slams, but didn't. Krajicek was a better natural player though, so underachieved to an even greater extent. Not that either should be bothered. There's two kinds of tennis player: those who've won a major, and those who haven't. Krajicek has Daphne Dekkers for a wife too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denny Crane Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 Maybe a bit harsh. But the way he played at Wimbledon 1991, he clearly had the game to win further Grand Slams, but didn't. Krajicek was a better natural player though, so underachieved to an even greater extent. Not that either should be bothered. There's two kinds of tennis player: those who've won a major, and those who haven't. Krajicek has Daphne Dekkers for a wife too! There was some heavy duty competition in Stich's era. Today we talk about Federer & Nadal and only really consider Murray and Djokovic as players who could topple them. When Stich played there was him, Becker, Edberg, Courier, Sampras, Agassi, Ivanesevic, Brugera, Muster, Krajicek and Kafelnikov. All bar Ivanesevic (who of course had his moment in 2001) won grandslams prior to Stich's retirement in 1997. Plus, during Stich's era there were some dangerous young floaters like Rafter, Phillipoussis, Feirreira, Medvedev and Martin biting at the ankles of the big guns (although Rafter was the only one to go on and join them) so he did well to achieve what he did. Where's the depth in the men's game now? It's just two legends and two young pretenders. Stich had to face five legends in his era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victorian Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 watching the querrey vs cilic match, 2 sets all now. it's like they're firing RPGs at each other. murray will have a tough time against either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun.lawson Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 There was some heavy duty competition in Stich's era. Today we talk about Federer & Nadal and only really consider Murray and Djokovic as players who could topple them. When Stich played there was him, Becker, Edberg, Courier, Sampras, Agassi, Ivanesevic, Brugera, Muster, Krajicek and Kafelnikov. All bar Ivanesevic (who of course had his moment in 2001) won grandslams prior to Stich's retirement in 1997. Plus, during Stich's era there were some dangerous young floaters like Rafter, Phillipoussis, Feirreira, Medvedev and Martin biting at the ankles of the big guns (although Rafter was the only one to go on and join them) so he did well to achieve what he did. Where's the depth in the men's game now? It's just two legends and two young pretenders. Stich had to face five legends in his era. Oh, I definitely agree with that. Federer's claims to being the Greatest suffered for some considerable time because this is a weaker era. With the level of his game right now, it's highly doubtful Murray would've got to number three while tennis was at its strongest - though there was an interregnum period between the end of Sampras' era and the beginning of Federer's dominance which was probably weaker than now overall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 I agree. Personally, I don't think the LTA are as elitist and out of touch as they once were. The problem lies in the culture of the sport here. Tennis just isn't important in Britain in the way it is in France or Spain; and the recent rush of players emerging in Eastern Europe and Russia seems to have happened through parents who viewed it as a route out of poverty for their child. How many parents would have a similar fear of poverty in the UK? Given we'll surely never reach the point when tennis becomes as important as the major sports in Britain - or even played in schools as often as those major sports - I'm starting to think it's all just pot luck. Henman and Murray didn't emerge because of the British 'system'; neither has Laura Robson. Murray and Robson had very clever mothers driving them on; Henman had grasscourt tennis in his bloodline. All three are middle class too - the question remains as to how much access to decent facilities working class kids get. Definitely a lot of it comes from the desire of the parents. You only have to look at the players on tour (particularly the women's) where half of the parents are just mental. As you say in Eastern Europe, it's simply a way of improving their life and they'll do pretty much anything to achieve it. A big part of the problem over here is there just isn't enough facilities. There's not enough courts and considering the weather over here, there's barely any indoor courts which makes it worse. Plus there's the whole status system over here. Too many people see it as a social thing rather than anything serious. At clubs there's a huge fascination for playing doubles (which I'm sure a lot of countries don't bother with) and at certain times, youngsters get kicked off courts because it's the time for 'senior' folk and their doubles. That's just a few things but when you consider these things, no wonder the country doesn't produce players. Plus there's the cost aspect which turns a lot of people away. It's made worse when you get the LTA spending ?30m odd on some national centre which very very few people get to use! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 though there was an interregnum period between the end of Sampras' era and the beginning of Federer's dominance which was probably weaker than now overall. Backed up by the fact that you had guys finishing the year in the top ten over a couple of year period like Novak, Costa, Philippoussis, Schuettler and Gaudio. All good solid players but five-ten years earlier they would have never got anywhere near the top ten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 There was some heavy duty competition in Stich's era. Today we talk about Federer & Nadal and only really consider Murray and Djokovic as players who could topple them. When Stich played there was him, Becker, Edberg, Courier, Sampras, Agassi, Ivanesevic, Brugera, Muster, Krajicek and Kafelnikov. All bar Ivanesevic (who of course had his moment in 2001) won grandslams prior to Stich's retirement in 1997. Plus, during Stich's era there were some dangerous young floaters like Rafter, Phillipoussis, Feirreira, Medvedev and Martin biting at the ankles of the big guns (although Rafter was the only one to go on and join them) so he did well to achieve what he did. Where's the depth in the men's game now? It's just two legends and two young pretenders. Stich had to face five legends in his era. Is there not a possible argument that Murray, Djoko, JMDP and the like are every bit as good as Edberg, Stich etc but that Nadal and Federer just head and shoulders above anything we've seen in such a long time? Sure, the 'depth' you talk of may only come when there are a half dozen or so of similar quality milling around the latter stages of each tourney. Whatever it is, I'd say that we're seeing a far greater level of skill and excitement in matches throughout the last 16 rounds - even earlier - of most of the recent Masters Series & Grand Slams. I think the depth is there but there's a bit of an exceptional pairing who're the ones we're likely to see in the finals every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denny Crane Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Is there not a possible argument that Murray, Djoko, JMDP and the like are every bit as good as Edberg, Stich etc but that Nadal and Federer just head and shoulders above anything we've seen in such a long time? Sure, the 'depth' you talk of may only come when there are a half dozen or so of similar quality milling around the latter stages of each tourney. Whatever it is, I'd say that we're seeing a far greater level of skill and excitement in matches throughout the last 16 rounds - even earlier - of most of the recent Masters Series & Grand Slams. I think the depth is there but there's a bit of an exceptional pairing who're the ones we're likely to see in the finals every time. As a Stich? Yes. As an Edberg? Not yet. Edberg managed to break the Lendl/Wilander hegemony (and set one up with Becker as well as fend off Sampras/Courier/Agassi until the inevitable happened). Murray and Djokovic are some way off to be bracketed alongside Stefan and Boris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sexton Hardcastle Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Kirilenko is second on center court today. Will make some good early afternoon viewing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheile Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 To raise the intellectual standard of this thread; Sue Barker - would you ? With a few extra pounds here and there on her, I would. Natural blonde too, so the collar and cuffs will match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Merse Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Kirilenko is second on center court today. Will make some good early afternoon viewing. I text my mate earlier this morning saying the same thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sexton Hardcastle Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 It would be rude to note have some pre Kireilenko posts. Keep them comin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samster Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Aye, aye. http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/01/16/kirilenko_gallery__288x400,0.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Not a bad day at all on Centre Court. This Del Potro-Hewitt should be a really good one, you've got Murray's match and you've got Kirilenko-Wozniacki which basically who cares what the tennis is like. Can't complain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moriarty Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusk_Till_Dawn Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 When's the Hobo on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moriarty Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 When's the Hobo on? 5pm approx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusk_Till_Dawn Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 5pm approx. Cool, I'll make my way down to Hobo Hill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimus Prime Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 http://www.sporcle.com/games/wimbledon.php 82/98 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Say What Again Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Merse Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Del Potro in trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavsy Van Gaverson Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Del Potro in trouble. Good. Hope the lanky streak of pish loses in 3 sets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Say What Again Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Hewitt serving for the match in straight sets versus Del Potro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Say What Again Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Del Potro breaks Hewitts serve to stay in the match then promptly loses his own. Hewitt serving for the match again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Gosling Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Roddick just had an excellent second set against Kunitsyn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Say What Again Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Del Porto oot Here comes Kirilenko!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sexton Hardcastle Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Yay! Wheres HD when you need it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3inaBednar Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 come on anybody playing against andy murray, pump that hobo mickey weir loving tramp right out the tourny!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sexton Hardcastle Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Not looking good for hot stuff. Maybe she should sack the tennis and make a few blue movies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serge Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Del Porto oot Here comes Kirilenko!! It's a shame she's rubbish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavsy Van Gaverson Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 It's a shame she's rubbish Only from the point of view that the longer she's in the tournament, the more I can perve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun.lawson Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 http://www.sporcle.com/games/wimbledon.php 82/98 94. Happy with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun.lawson Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 On that evidence, it's not difficult to see why Kirilenko's done a Kournikova and taken the easy way out. Wozniacki, on the other hand, is both very cute and has tremendous potential: I was rather taken with Gisela Dulko yesterday too: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Say What Again Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 http://www.sporcle.com/games/wimbledon.php 82/98 77 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victorian Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 just to digress from the perving for a sec... astonishing start from murray. brilliant stuff. ok splendid, let the pump fodder recommence... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeepers Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Shout of "C'mon Rafa" from the crowd. Hope the guy got a nice big laugh from his mates. Very clever. Also, the wifey in the stand with the st george cross painted on her face. Someone should tell her Tim's not playing today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester copperpot Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Looks like another 5'er down the drain. Good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denny Crane Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 http://www.sporcle.com/games/wimbledon.php 82/98 Full marks with 1min 37sec left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigolo-Aunt Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Murray looking very good against Robin Friday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Romanov Saviour of HMFC Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 On what he's shown today, Murray's still learning - and by way of warning, Ernests Gulbis, who the winner of this match meets in the second round, is much more dangerous than Kendrick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Tolbooth Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Murray totally destroying him, he's not even breaking sweat yet and playing some great tennis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victorian Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 sub standard baltic state player IMO. dirty cheating lat. he'll probably dive in a minute and get a court violation from the ref... ump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester copperpot Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 sub standard baltic state player IMO. dirty cheating lat. he'll probably dive in a minute and get a court violation from the ref... ump. To think Murray is from the East of Scotland Tennis league aswell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Gosling Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Gulbis - master of the drop shot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun.lawson Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Oh, but he is more dangerous than Kendrick, in that he has way more potential. Unfortunately, he's also a lazy arse. Excellent from Murray today (almost as good as Chloe Chambers yesterday ): near flawless performance, and did exactly what you would expect of the number three in the world. The path to the quarters is now completely clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Romanov Saviour of HMFC Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 come on anybody playing against andy murray, pump that hobo mickey weir loving tramp right out the tourny!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victorian Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 To think Murray is from the East of Scotland Tennis league aswell? so that's why he's talking a good game in the interview. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victorian Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Oh, but he is more dangerous than Kendrick, in that he has way more potential. Unfortunately, he's also a lazy arse. Excellent from Murray today (almost as good as Chloe Chambers yesterday ): near flawless performance, and did exactly what you would expect of the number three in the world. The path to the quarters is now completely clear. imperious. 5 unforced errors in a grand slam match, surely unheard of. that form is plenty enough to get to the final, federer obviously being a whole different prospect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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