The greats don't give enough...

[eric draven]

What I mean is that I have been a fan of tennis since the mid 80's. Obviously not as long as some but longer than others and the one thing that bothers me about some of the greatest players is that we don't see them around the sport after their playing careers. Some cases in point: Jimmy Connors, has the most titles in the open era and since his retirement from the Senior circuit has done very little involved with the sport. Ivan Lendl someone whom I admired greatly but has since moved as far away from the sport as you can. Possibly one of the greatest disappoinments has been Pete Sampras though. Since retiring from tennis has quit tennis "cold turkey". I couldn't believe my ears when during a Late Show interview with David Letterman he was asked if he'll continue doing anything related to tennis and said that he was done and quitting cold turkey. Now, obviously the other side is that these players gave so completely of themselves to the profession that they have nothing to prove and owe nothing to the public. Personally, I would love to see their influence and insight continue even though their competetive days are behind them. Just my own opinion.

[Max G.]

We'd all love to see them give back more.

But honestly - they've given their careers to tennis. If they just don't want to live and breathe tennis anymore - we can't ask them to. They don't need the money. They don't want the attention. They've had enough of the spotlight.

[joebedford]

I just have a hard time understanding why anyone wouldn't want to spend their whole life playing tennis! Then again, I am the only one of my tennis buddies who is a USTA lifetime member. :roll:

[eric draven]

Yeah, I understand that Max. I guess I'm just sorry to see such historical figures to the game go away. In a completely unrelated question to you though: Are you a Star Wars fan? More specifically a Star Wars novel fan? Just something about your personal quote that struck me... if you're not then don't worry about it.

[Deuce]

I was surprised when Connors said he was completely leaving tennis after his run on the senior tour. Here is a guy who was the epitome of passionate tennis; of heart-on-your-sleeve tennis. He certainly seemed to genuinely love the game.

But, who knows? Maybe he merely loved the fame and attention, and not the game itself. Perhaps the game was merely a means to an end. And so when the fame and attention is removed, he no longer finds a use for the game. If it is so, it's quite sad.

[Phil]

Eric - Connors gave over 20 years to the pro circuit and then founded and starred in the Seniors Tour. What else would you have him do; make house calls and sign your big Wilson tennis balls? Granted, he was never a very personable guy, but he still made a contribution to the sport. Most of these guys, including Sampras (also not exactly overflowing with enthusiasm for the fans), put in their time and they're entitled to enjoy the fruits of their labors without catering to your sorry butt. If I were in the same position as Lendl, Connors, etc., I would do it differently, but that's me...

It's GREAT that McEnroe, Evert and many of the Aussie players are still closely involved in tennis DECADES after they left the tour, but everyone is different and they genuinely love the game, whether or not they're active on the tour. Others prefer to do their own thing and they should be left in peace. They didn't sign a lifetime contract to please you.

[Max G.]

No, I'm not a star wars fan. I can kind of see your point though.

[Camilio Pascual]

I agree with Phil on this one. How many of us are going to do the same types of things when we retire or semi-retire? When I semi-retire, I'm going to work a random assortment of oddball jobs having little to do with my career job. Others will find something similar to what they used to do. No need for judgements or moralizing with these choices, just respect the individuals' choices. I don't like Connors for other reasons, but he put in his time and his heart far more than many.

[Reza]

what you need to realize is that some people (sampras especially) saw tennis as a profession, not as a game they played. Therefore, when they retired, they were ready to leave their profession. This is not to say that they didn't love playing the game, or their job, but that once they have retired, they have had enough, and are ready for the next thing in their life eg. sampras and family, lendl and golf