Sudacafan
Bionic Poster
It certainly was.
Laver Cup, exhibition or not?
- Thread starter davced1
- Start date
davced1
Hall of Fame
Or you meant the event?
Sudacafan
Bionic Poster
Both
davced1
Hall of Fame
Fascinating.
Sudacafan
Bionic Poster
Indeed
Ann
Hall of Fame
Time you enjoy wasting, is never wasted. Has there ever been a tennis match or any sporting event (or posting on a message board) that wasn't a loss of time?. Frankly I go out of my way to enjoy wasting time every day since I gave up finding a cure for cancer.
justasport
Professional
Got to attend the day session yesterday and the day session today. The match today between Federer and Isner was maybe the most electric atmosphere I have ever been apart of at a tennis event!! No words to describe it!! Between the Federer vs Isner match and the Zverev vs Anderson match the place went dead just because everybody was worn out from how epic that match was!! Isner had it, but Roger pulled off some of the most clutch shots I have ever seen him pull off!! He's serving great again and hitting his forehand much better again except for a few moments where he got tight. I expect a good rivalry between Roger and Nole down the stretch in Asia and Europe this year!!
Tshooter
G.O.A.T.
19 more for the list, so far. 
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3078562/n...tists-use-suckers-list-database/#.W6hZtC-ZPXQ
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3078562/n...tists-use-suckers-list-database/#.W6hZtC-ZPXQ
PMChambers
Hall of Fame
EXO. Not sure how it can be considered anything else but an EXO. It the definition of an EXO .
Anyway, generally I'm apposed to EXOs because they used to detract from the main tour and a Tour concept is very important for tennis. Still have very mixed feelings about EXO even given I was a recipient of them for many years and found the level of play generally higher than Major level as stresses removed and environment is better suited to lose aggressive play. Decent $ prize money also assists in effort and given they're played to appear it's a win / win for the select few.
However, players should not complain about long season and over playing nor the large diffential in pay ladder if they participate.
Anyway, generally I'm apposed to EXOs because they used to detract from the main tour and a Tour concept is very important for tennis. Still have very mixed feelings about EXO even given I was a recipient of them for many years and found the level of play generally higher than Major level as stresses removed and environment is better suited to lose aggressive play. Decent $ prize money also assists in effort and given they're played to appear it's a win / win for the select few.
However, players should not complain about long season and over playing nor the large diffential in pay ladder if they participate.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
It's such a joke seeing all these clowns pumped up during their matches and on the sidelines. They don't even get this fired up in real matches. But they pretend as if this is some amazing event. It's all one big, pathetic, transparent farce. I kind of respect Fed, Nadal, Djokovic for giving their time, because at this stage in their career they have better things to do (although the $$ is nice). But lol at the other guys providing more emotion than in slams. Sock is one of the cringiest.
Isner seems to have his head on straight though.
Isner seems to have his head on straight though.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Federer tried this hard for an exo but can't be bothered for half of the ATP tour? Hmmmmm
You are 100% spot on. No way that was an EXO. Players were more pumped up than in slams. Federer has shown that he is the best player in the world. He will now sweep China, win WTF and get back to No1.
PMChambers
Hall of Fame
What's your definition of an EXO? Being pumped up is not what defines a EXO.
Gary Duane
G.O.A.T.
Actually it is. That won't change until the ATP gives them points.
This does not mean that they're not trying very hard to win.
oldmanfan
Legend
Actually it is. That won't change until the ATP gives them points.
This does not mean that they're not trying very hard to win.
Accurate.
Imagine if ATP awards 100pts for each of the 12 main players, with 50pts for the 2 reserve players. Totals 1300 pts making LC above a masters but below WTF (compared to the winners). Then the hype to be selected would be real. LC would be a mini-YEC (selection rankings would be as of end of USO instead of race points).
Badabing888
Hall of Fame
Actually it is. That won't change until the ATP gives them points.
This does not mean that they're not trying very hard to win.
Neither does the Olympics now or Davis Cup. Are those two competitions also Exhibitions?
The concept reminds me a little bit of the British and Irish Lions in rugby. Rivals coming together and putting aside their differences to play as one team. Unique in that what other chances to Rafa, Roger and Novak have a chance to play on the same team? None as other team events are delineated based on countries. IPTL was too fragmented.
The only thing Laver Cup is lacking right now is a history. But that takes at least 10-20 years to build. It takes time to build and I think and hope long term it will be a success. It may be that it morphs into a biennial event rather than every year, like the Ryder Cup is, which would help players and fans look forward to it IMO.
Tennease
Legend
Actually it is. That won't change until the ATP gives them points.
This does not mean that they're not trying very hard to win.
Mugs & pigeons trying very hard to win against Fedr Goat Team. So Unfair LOL.
Sentinel
Bionic Poster
Then the US Open is not legit either (due to 5th set TB) ???
Sentinel
Bionic Poster
Also my Nadal is not playing, so exho. And very cheesy one at that.
Just like WTF.
Gary Duane
G.O.A.T.
I would love it.
Tennis is more and more a servers' game. Percentage of service games won keeps going up.
Check out 1991:
https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/stats/service-games-won/1991/all/all/
Now 2018:
https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/stats/service-games-won/2018/all/all/
Tiebreakers are interesting because every point counts. The modern world is very fast. This format is likely to attract a lot of new fans.
And the bottom line is this: young casual fans will get bored by five hour matches. For them tennis needs a reboot.
Gary Duane
G.O.A.T.
oldmanfan
Legend
Gary Duane
G.O.A.T.
Let me get this straight: are you comparing them?
The Olympics and Davis Cup both have very long traditions. The Laver cup is almost brand new.
In my opinion the Olympics should award points, also Davis cup, if the ATP is intelligent it will award points to the Laver cup in the future.
I agree.
Good point.
Last edited:
Sentinel
Bionic Poster
Frankly I've never been one for TB's, even fifth set ones (even though i often find TB's to be the most exciting part of a set). It's too chancy, and a bad way of deciding a winner.
However, a super TB in the 3rd means two things: 1. you can predict the duration of a match and therefore set the schedules better. 2. Exertion levels are also roughly the same.
It's a bit odd though, you have a 7 point TB in the second set and then go on to a 10 point TB. Two TB's in a row.
Sentinel
Bionic Poster
Who decides the participants for this ? If it is open to all players (within some ranking) then it's okay. But Federer selects who plays then ATP can't give points, can they ?
Badabing888
Hall of Fame
Well the DC has long tradition. Now even that has to reform to survive.
Tennis has no place in the Olympics imo. It’s been tacked on. I know it started off as a sport there until what the 1920s and then only started again in 1988. For me that is not a long tradition like the Slams and DC.
I am not against awarding points at any of Olympics, DC and LC. But not awarding them doesn’t make the events any less special to those who enjoy them.
oldmanfan
Legend
Agreed. I'm watching a replay of the Z/KAndy match, and the commentators have a point. To the fans, regardless of which day's tickets they buy, they are basically guaranteed high octane matches and that this will be the brand of tennis they can expect from LC moving forward.
Gary Duane
G.O.A.T.
Good points...
Out of the box - the tiebreaker is about as long as two games. Right?
Supposing a set was six tiebreakers: each tiebreaker would be about the same length as two games. Only one set would last about the same amount time.
It ain't gonna happen, but I would like it. The service advantage would still exist, and also that of the return, but the race to seven would keep things competitive at all times.
4 players are chosen based on ranking (post Wimbledon and I think) and two are captains pick (same like in DC and ATP awarded DC points in past, so no real problem with it).
Tennis_Hands
Banned
Fedforever
Hall of Fame
tennis4me
Hall of Fame
Happened to checked flashscore.com a few days ago and noticed that they listed Laver Cup with the word 'Exhibition' preceding it.
Didn't watch any of the matches, but I'm curious whether anyone was serious enough to break any racquet during the match. My guess is not. The real telling (half joking) is if Zverev smashed his racquet or not.
Didn't watch any of the matches, but I'm curious whether anyone was serious enough to break any racquet during the match. My guess is not. The real telling (half joking) is if Zverev smashed his racquet or not.
icedevil0289
G.O.A.T.
it is an exho in the sense that after that no points are awarded, it doesn't matter for h2h, etc but I don't think it is a bad thing. I don't know why people care so much to prove it is an exho and why people care so much to prove it it is not. exhos can still be meaningful and entertaining. obviously there is a difference between this and perhaps your regular exho.
oldmanfan
Legend
He tossed his racquet in both of his singles matches I think. So not an exo nor a slam.
This is confirmed bc there were many other racquet tosses from other players too.
Slowly but surely, LC is headed to ranking-points-hood.
boredone3456
G.O.A.T.
Its like the All Star game in most American Sports...a fun glorified Exhibition.
I was there too!! That Fed/Isner was so stressful for me. My husband was rooting for Isner and I was for Fed. When Fed saved that MP after that shank return of an Isner bullet serve—— OMG!!!! The atmosphere of the whole tournament was amazing. I attend the Miami Open every year and I’ve been to Wimbledon and the vibe of the crowd at Laver Cup was so much more positive. The shortened format and the fact that it’s only 3 days really adds to the pressure and intensity.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
There is way too much doubt at the current time wether this is Legitimate event or not and wether players are really trying to win or play a Scripted match..... Roger Federer and brain trust of this even Must put an End to this doubt for this potentially Great event to become Really great.
How can Federer and brain trust of this event Erase all doubt wether this event is scripted Exo ??????? Ideas ??
1. I think for one there must be real ATP tour points to the winner, not just money.
2. ITF must recognize it as legit event.
3. I think this event replacing the Tour ending final in November is not a bad idea. Top players play in it anyway. And those Doubles specialist guys don't need the tour ending final, Nobody cares about Doubles specialist guys in the tour ending final. Fans only care about the Top singles guys when all is said and done.
How can Federer and brain trust of this event Erase all doubt wether this event is scripted Exo ??????? Ideas ??
1. I think for one there must be real ATP tour points to the winner, not just money.
2. ITF must recognize it as legit event.
3. I think this event replacing the Tour ending final in November is not a bad idea. Top players play in it anyway. And those Doubles specialist guys don't need the tour ending final, Nobody cares about Doubles specialist guys in the tour ending final. Fans only care about the Top singles guys when all is said and done.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Another question is "Does Federer want this to be just a ALL STAR event, and nothing more just like MLB and NBA ?" you know they have all star games in the middle of the season that show cases best players but doesn't count.
I don't think so cause JP Macenroe had said that they want this to be legit event that really counts with points. and he said they are really trying for that, Rome wasn't built in one day, Mac said. Plus I don't think Tennis All star game would work. Tennis is a individual sport and there would be too much doubt as to the player is really trying or just clowning around and faking it.
I don't think so cause JP Macenroe had said that they want this to be legit event that really counts with points. and he said they are really trying for that, Rome wasn't built in one day, Mac said. Plus I don't think Tennis All star game would work. Tennis is a individual sport and there would be too much doubt as to the player is really trying or just clowning around and faking it.
dunlop_fort_knox
Professional
yes if you worship at the alter of atp. but clearly you can get entertaining and highly competitive tennis without the ATP sticking their nose into things correct? and that is not lost on RF.
my point stands. i have watched exo's where they don't even try. they tried just as hard as GS match play in the LC. they left it all out on the court. ymmv.
my point stands. i have watched exo's where they don't even try. they tried just as hard as GS match play in the LC. they left it all out on the court. ymmv.
Actually it is. That won't change until the ATP gives them points.
This does not mean that they're not trying very hard to win.
dunlop_fort_knox
Professional
you can't script fed saving match point with that return and backhand pass. you just can't. saying this is scripted is like saying 9 1 1 was an "inside job"...
Fedforever
Hall of Fame
It's the infestation of post truth politics even into sport. It's almost funny - it was all "Zverev will lose deliberately so we get a final decider" then when Zverev won it was "Proves it was scripted because they wouldn't make it too obvious"
The comparison with WWE doesn't allow for the fact that the wrestlers are effectively performers/actors - they're doing their job. Tennis players would have no idea how to fake it so convincingly.
So like the Olympics?
tennisfan2015
Hall of Fame
Just to see how the UK had to insert itself in the Cup with no Murray around is disgusting. But hey, they (the elite nation LOL) had to be there even when they do not have a good player. Kyle who?
I attended Sunday's session. At first I felt the price was pretty prohibitive, but the amount of tennis you get to see and the level of players out there, it is a pretty good deal. Living locally, I can't be guaranteed to get to see those type of match-ups. If I was to travel to a tournament I'd probably have to drop twice as much money, if not more to see all those guys play in a day.
I was worried that it would have an EXO feeling of play--joking around, goof shots etc. (which can be fun but still leaves you a little hungry for real tennis). But, it did not, Isner fought for every point possible. I didn't realize how hard he hustles for every point. Fed looked pretty genuine getting fired up with converting break points and snarling when down break points (so give him an Oscar if he's acting). Anderson and Zverev were knocking the crud out of the ball. I think the team format makes them want to play hard and not just goof around EXO style. Yes, it is an EXO, but they were able to make players fight for it.
I thought having Jack Sock there was going to be a let down, but seeing him there totally changed my opinion. I think he was chosen for his doubles skills (not sure why he played singles) because he helped World earn most of their points. If he wasn't there, they might have had to rig the thing to have matches for Sunday. He had great hands and knew the doubles geometry well. Plus the 112 mph forehand winner. I was impressed. He and Nick really got into the team thing and for those guys who are cruising the tour alone for most of the year, it has to be fun to have a team to play with/for.
I feel bad for Tiafoe (who is built like a beast), Goffin, Schwartzman and Edmund. Cool to have them there, but would be nice if they could have played more tennis.
I really had a great time and would gladly go again. Despite all the talent there, it appears to be a Roger driven event. I think all the crazy Fed-o-philes that live in the ******* who haven't journeyed to Cincy or the US Open came for him. After his singles match, the stadium emptied out for a while before it started to fill up again after 4-5 games in the first set. In 4-8 years when he retires completely from tennis (he could probably do this for 2 years post ATP retirement and another 2 years in dubs), will the event still have its draw? I think the upcoming stars will have to get behind this to keep it going.
It might also have to fight a bomb year--say if Europe wins all the matches on Day 1 and Day 2 going into Day 3 with 12 points and then winning the first match.
I think turning this into an ATP event would be a bad idea and take some of the spirit out of it. I'd keep the points out of it and keep as an EXO with special meaning. Continue to show case it in cities without major ATP events (250 or higher).
On a side note, it seemed to me there were not a lot of young people there say under 40. That makes me worry about the future of tennis.
When fans came down at the end to get autographs from Fed, a large portion were middle-aged women. Hardly any kids (maybe due to price--I didn't want to bring my daughters knowing they wouldn't want to be there all day).
I think the condensed format was great to see a lot of players and action. But for kids who are not totally in love with tennis, how do get them interested so they can fall in love with tennis?
Again great event.
I was worried that it would have an EXO feeling of play--joking around, goof shots etc. (which can be fun but still leaves you a little hungry for real tennis). But, it did not, Isner fought for every point possible. I didn't realize how hard he hustles for every point. Fed looked pretty genuine getting fired up with converting break points and snarling when down break points (so give him an Oscar if he's acting). Anderson and Zverev were knocking the crud out of the ball. I think the team format makes them want to play hard and not just goof around EXO style. Yes, it is an EXO, but they were able to make players fight for it.
I thought having Jack Sock there was going to be a let down, but seeing him there totally changed my opinion. I think he was chosen for his doubles skills (not sure why he played singles) because he helped World earn most of their points. If he wasn't there, they might have had to rig the thing to have matches for Sunday. He had great hands and knew the doubles geometry well. Plus the 112 mph forehand winner. I was impressed. He and Nick really got into the team thing and for those guys who are cruising the tour alone for most of the year, it has to be fun to have a team to play with/for.
I feel bad for Tiafoe (who is built like a beast), Goffin, Schwartzman and Edmund. Cool to have them there, but would be nice if they could have played more tennis.
I really had a great time and would gladly go again. Despite all the talent there, it appears to be a Roger driven event. I think all the crazy Fed-o-philes that live in the ******* who haven't journeyed to Cincy or the US Open came for him. After his singles match, the stadium emptied out for a while before it started to fill up again after 4-5 games in the first set. In 4-8 years when he retires completely from tennis (he could probably do this for 2 years post ATP retirement and another 2 years in dubs), will the event still have its draw? I think the upcoming stars will have to get behind this to keep it going.
It might also have to fight a bomb year--say if Europe wins all the matches on Day 1 and Day 2 going into Day 3 with 12 points and then winning the first match.
I think turning this into an ATP event would be a bad idea and take some of the spirit out of it. I'd keep the points out of it and keep as an EXO with special meaning. Continue to show case it in cities without major ATP events (250 or higher).
On a side note, it seemed to me there were not a lot of young people there say under 40. That makes me worry about the future of tennis.
When fans came down at the end to get autographs from Fed, a large portion were middle-aged women. Hardly any kids (maybe due to price--I didn't want to bring my daughters knowing they wouldn't want to be there all day).
I think the condensed format was great to see a lot of players and action. But for kids who are not totally in love with tennis, how do get them interested so they can fall in love with tennis?
Again great event.
Similar threads
