Cronin:"Inferior players masquerade as doubles specialists"

[Deuce]

I think the recent attention given to doubles will be very short-lived. It is a product of the dispute over the changes to doubles, pure and simple. The ATP came off as being the big, bad bullies, and they want to artificially 'clear the air' by way of providing more promotional opportunities to doubles players.

The McEnroe thing is merely a novelty - nothing more. And such novelties are bound to attract attention (and everyone knows that McEnroe adores attention). Whether McEnroe 'worked with' the ATP towards this 'comeback' of his is unknown. I do find it quite interesting, however, that Mac the Mouth had very little - if anything - to say about the changes the ATP announced for doubles. One would think that McEnroe's voice would be the first - and loudest - objection heard. But that wasn't at all the case, interestingly. And now, he suddenly returns to the tour as a doubles player. Hmmm...

Just watch - all the recent doubles promotion is just a smokescreen. It's the ATP saying "see, we love doubles - that's why we want to protect it with these new rules". Pure BS. The ATP just doesn't want to be perceived as the 'bad guys'. Believe it - the love fest with doubles won't last.

[VamosRafa]

Originally Posted by Deuce

I think the recent attention given to doubles will be very short-lived. It is a product of the dispute over the changes to doubles, pure and simple. The ATP came off as being the big, bad bullies, and they want to artificially 'clear the air' by way of providing more promotional opportunities to doubles players.

The McEnroe thing is merely a novelty - nothing more. And such novelties are bound to attract attention (and everyone knows that McEnroe adores attention). Whether McEnroe 'worked with' the ATP towards this 'comeback' of his is unknown. I do find it quite interesting, however, that Mac the Mouth had very little - if anything - to say about the changes the ATP announced for doubles. One would think that McEnroe's voice would be the first - and loudest - objection heard. But that wasn't at all the case, interestingly. And now, he suddenly returns to the tour as a doubles player. Hmmm...

Just watch - all the recent doubles promotion is just a smokescreen. It's the ATP saying "see, we love doubles - that's why we want to protect it with these new rules". Pure BS. The ATP just doesn't want to be perceived as the 'bad guys'. Believe it - the love fest with doubles won't last.

Well, that's a positive view of things. *lol* But I love doubles, and I think that with the Bryans behind us, the US can win the Davis Cup this year.

[Kaptain Karl]

Deuce - I pray your POV just turns out to be "cynicism" when we look back on things next year. (But a big part of me is afraid your are correct....)

- KK

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Deuce

I do find it quite interesting, however, that Mac the Mouth had very little - if anything - to say about the changes the ATP announced for doubles. One would think that McEnroe's voice would be the first - and loudest - objection heard. But that wasn't at all the case, interestingly. And now, he suddenly returns to the tour as a doubles player. Hmmm...

Actually, McEnroe had plenty to say about doubles. A few years ago, he came out saying that the tours should split. He said that doubles should be forced to make it on its own. McEnroe went on to say that doubles could be successful, but it would take a shift in how it was presented.

Regarding the new format of doubles, McEnroe opposed the format when it was adopted by the Senior Tour some years ago. After playing and winning under it, he rethought his objections. McEnroe was interviewed during the SAP Open and had some comments regarding as well. He said that the new format suited him at his age because he couldn't commit mentally or physically to longer venues such as Grand Slams.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Actually, McEnroe had plenty to say about doubles. A few years ago, he came out saying that the tours should split. He said that doubles should be forced to make it on its own. McEnroe went on to say that doubles could be successful, but it would take a shift in how it was presented.

I wasn't aware of that. I suppose my attempts to 'tune him out' have been more successful than I'd realized.

But I was referring more to his comments on the recent changes to doubles on the ATP tour. McEnroe is known as someone who claims to want to protect the game, and as somewhat of a traditionalist(wanting a return to wood racquets, his complimentary view of the 'good ol' days', his admiration of Laver, etc.) - one would think that he'd certainly object very loudly to this messing with the doubles game. But that wasn't the case.

Regarding the new format of doubles, McEnroe opposed the format when it was adopted by the Senior Tour some years ago. After playing and winning under it, he rethought his objections. McEnroe was interviewed during the SAP Open and had some comments regarding as well. He said that the new format suited him at his age because he couldn't commit mentally or physically to longer venues such as Grand Slams.

This isn't surprising. McEnroe's always been this way - he loves to 'talk the talk', but won't 'walk the walk'. In the end, he's not concerned about what's best for the game, as he so often claims is his concern - he's concerned about what's best for John McEnroe.

[Moose Malloy]

"Inferior" as singles players possibly--but why don't you watch Roddick play doubles and try to volley and tell me what player would look "inferior."

Roddick has 2 or 3 doubles titles to his credit. I doubt Fisher/Phillips or the Bryans will ever get anywhere near a singles finals. I have no prob with the game of doubles, but the specialization does bother me. This wasn't the case in the 80s, most of the best doubles teams were decent singles players. Look at the Woodies, both had good singles careers in addition to their doubles. The Bryans don't even try to play singles, which is sad.

Regarding the new format of doubles, McEnroe opposed the format when it was adopted by the Senior Tour some years ago.

The senior tour doesn't play no-ad.

[Max G.]

Originally Posted by Moose Malloy

Roddick has 2 or 3 doubles titles to his credit. I doubt Fisher/Phillips or the Bryans will ever get anywhere near a singles finals.

One of them already has. Facts are a good thing to check before making assertions like that

[Moose Malloy]

One of them already has. Facts are a good thing to check before making assertions like that

Which one has? None according to atptennis.com
Unless you are counting challengers/futures which obviously don't count.

[norcal]

A Bryan made the final of Newport if I remember correctly.

[alienhamster]

Originally Posted by norcal

A Bryan made the final of Newport if I remember correctly.

Yeah, Bob did a couple of years ago. I saw part of the match.

[Moose Malloy]

No, he made the semis of Newport '03.

[Max G.]

Originally Posted by Moose Malloy

No, he made the semis of Newport '03.

Oh, it was only the semis?

...****, I really need to get my facts straight...

sorry 'bout that.

[norcal]

You could argue reaching the semis is getting 'near' a final.