Thoughts on Kafelnikov

[wyutani]

isnt kafelnikov no.1 in russia.?

[scootad.]

Originally Posted by 35ft6

Sure, doubles should help volleys, but I don't think playing doubles is good practice/preparation for singles. Even if he hated practicing so much he said doubles was his form of practice for singles, I don't really buy it...but I personally think he could have done better in singles if he just concentrated on singles...I just think there's something to be said for concentrating on one single goal.

I agree with this. I really got the feeling Kafelnikov was spreading himself too thin; but purposefully. I guess he figured this was the way he could collect the most cash. To get to the top of game you really have to devote 100% to tennis - both in terms of oncourt and off court training habits. He just didn't have that kind of dedication necessarily. He was talented enough to put in about 75% effort and get to the QFs of most tournaments. This satisfied him - collect the check and off to the next tournament. But this is not how to get to number 1 and stay there.

[grafselesfan]

Originally Posted by wyutani

isnt kafelnikov no.1 in russia.?

You mean all time? I would say no. Safin and Kafelnikov both have 2 slams. Safin has more slam finals and slam semis. Safin had MUCH bigger wins to win his slams than Kafelnikov who lucked out with dream draws both times. Kafelnikov didnt even win a Masters title, Safin won 5 of them. Safin is also by far the more talented player of the two, and both had problems mentally. In the main player thread there is a thread on Kafelnikov vs Davydenko and I picked Kafelnikov atleast unless Davydenko wins a slam. However Safin vs Kafelnikov it is clearly Safin.
Greatest Russian players in recent memory I would rank:

1. Safin
2. Kafelnikov
3. Davydenko
4. Chesnokov
5. No idea, maybe Youzhny, maybe Volkov