What do you hate about the top 4?

[tennisaddict]

Originally Posted by Mainad

I don't of course hate ANY of the top 4. What's to hate about any of them? They're all great players and, as far as I'm concerned, their matches are always fun to watch.

I will say that as a long-standing Federer and Murray fan, I am frustrated when they both fail to win when they should do, eg.

Federer's 2010 and 2011 AO semi-finals v Djokovic.

Murray's 2011 Rome semi v Djokovic and, most recently, his 2012 Tokyo semi v Raonic and now his 2012 Shanghai final v Djokovic.

Of the top 4, Federer and Murray both seem to be the ones who more often squander chances to win matches.

That is because Fed puts himself under winning positions so many times. It appears they are not clutch, based on the few losses they have had,but to be fair a better indicator is an overall win-loss %.

[tennisaddict]

Fed praises the top 3 much more than what we think. He has 17 majors, the other 3 put together have that much. Yet, we want him to say that the other 3 are great players ?

He believes off-court confidence translates into on-court performance, Hence he will be the one to say 'It is my match to win or lose' , rather than say 'I will have to put up one of my best performances to have a chance'.

He praises the top 4 a lot. After the loss to Murray yesterday he didnt say he played badly.. "I think he's playing really well now since a long time, not just six months. He's been playing well for years now. He's in his prime right now, so you assume he's playing his absolute best at this very moment".

[Towser83]

Federer - Careless comments sometimes, could be a better loser sometimes, habbit of blowing matches when he hits the panic button. Terrible challenges with hawkeye. Can get tetchy on court when things are not going his way.

Nadal - Slow between points and takes his own sweet time in coming to the net to start match etc which is disrespectful. Game can be boring, constantly brings up injuries but insists on playing as much as possible, gets tetchy on court when the going gets tough and bullies officials sometimes. Makes clay season uninteresting

Djokovic - Too much chest beating. Has become toomuch of a grinder. Takes too long between points. Ruined his own serve.

Murray - Attitude, personality, game.. ahh too much to list

[Danny_G13]

Federer: brattish arrogance about him, expects everything to be set up for him, that disgusting jacket at Wimbledon when he beat Roddick and rubbed his nose in it. Smug. His supporters who wear RF garments all over the place.

Nadal: Not a lot actually. I object to his choice of commercial endorsements but he's not a player I hate much about.

Djokovic: His refusal to ever know he's beaten!

Murray: his desire to berate himself so loudly - too hard on himself and demands too much perfection. He's only human.

In terms of all the personalities, the only one I can genuinely say I am not overly keen on is Federer. The other 3 have their moments but none seem intrinsically dislikable. To me anyway.

[Steve0904]

Federer (my favourite player): I would say that I sometimes hate it when it doesn't look like he's trying even though I know he is ex: Wimb 2011 against Tsonga. I can also see where some would say he's a little arrogant, but I like his honesty. He's said before, something like, why should I pretend that I'm not the favourite going into some matches when everybody knows I am? (i.e he's not Nadal.) I feel like I'm lieing to the fans, and it doesn't make sense. That jacket was also not his fault. A better example could be used, like say, his 2011 USO SF press conference after his loss to Novak.

Nadal: I would say I don't like his style of play. On top of this I've questioned a fair few of his MTO's, and he even went as far as to go to the bathroom when Federer served for the match in IW this year. I also grow tired of the endless injury excuses from his fans, but I guess I shouldn't take take this out on Rafa himself although he's not exactly clear of it either.

Djokovic: Djokovic is hard to get a grasp on because it's almost as if there are 2 versions of him. I don't like the fact that he gives up sometimes when he's down in a match. Ex: Cincy and DC last year, as well as Wimbledon 07, MC 08, and AO 09. He sometimes overdoes it on the celebrations too.

Murray: I was happy for him when he won his first slam, but I'd like it if everyone from now on would stop feeling sorry for the guy. Never liked his on court attitude. He's got a pretty dry sense of humour, but I think you'd have to get to know him. Gets down on himself way too easily, even to the point of shouting at different people like his coaches box or himself. I swear a lot, I'll be the first to admit that, but it's not that cool on national television. He should probably stop that. Especially hate the way he grabs at body parts whenever he loses a point, and then he's fine all of a sudden when things are going good.

That's pretty much it.

[veroniquem]

I'd rather focus on what I like:
- Fed: not much, his records I guess.
- Djoko: his game, the way he smiles and claps for opponents during matches, his emotional reactions and his humor off the court
- Nadal: pretty much everything (his game, his personality, his physicality and his intensity/ passion on the court)
- Murray: his game on hard court when he's not too defensive, his low key/laidback attitude after a win or a loss.

[tennisaddict]

What i hate

Fed - Zilch

Nadal - Moonballing, 'It is going to be a difficult match, no ?'

Nole - Endless grindfest with Nadal and Murray, when he clearly has the game to end the rally. Hate him for the 2 USO semi finals against Fed, more so 2011.

Murray - his on-court demeanor, boring game (getting better though this year) as compared to Fed and Nole

[Zarfot Z]

Originally Posted by veroniquem

I'd rather focus on what I like:
- Fed: not much, his records I guess.
- Djoko: his game, the way he smiles and claps for opponents during matches, his emotional reactions and his humor off the court
- Nadal: pretty much everything (his game, his personality, his physicality and his intensity/ passion on the court)
- Murray: his game on hard court when he's not too defensive, his low key/laidback attitude after a win or a loss.

This thread isn't about that. If you want to praise your idols, post another thread.

[El Nino]

@Merwy. I see what you mean with djokovic's FH and BH. Although he's hitting unbelievable spin and power,I dont feel the force of his shots when he's playing but his racket head speed is pretty amazing but now with brute force like DelPo or Tsonga.

[Metalica]

Fed: he's aging and I want him to stay forever
Nadal: Takes too long for serve, bottles arrangement, toilet breaks, injury break (did I forget anything?). And it's hard to keep up with what he says in interview (that getting better tho i think)
Djokovic: also long serve routine. try hard comedian although he ocasionally gives some nice laughs. Also wins too much
Murray: I like him, which makes his on court tantrum and final losses all the more irritating. Also jealous of his hot girlfriend

[Rozroz]

Fed is old, unsharp and with no real winning spirit.
Djoko has too many lazy downfalls to his 1.0/1.5 forms.
Murray is still immature on court and not too interesting.
Nadal? don't remember.

[batz]

Roger - his general lack of self confidence and unwillingness to talk about himself. C'mon Sexi - maybe just a few words?

Rafa - the way he rushes between points and unwillingness to adjust himself. C'mon Humble Golden Bull, maybe just a little tug on the solomons?

Novak - his lack of national pride and unwillingness to show emotion when winning things. C'mon Serbinator, maybe just a little fist pump or adje?

Murray - his inability to display the effects of his injuries and his 'iceman' refusal to display his negative emotions on court. C'mon New Fang, maybe just a bit more heart on sleeve?

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by Zarfot Z

Djokovic - Frequently smashes rackets and swears in Serbian. Bad habit of quitting a losing match by faking heatstrokes. Very loud and awful sounding grunt.

Odd, as this is one of the things that I find endearing in Djokovic. I like them to show their emotion on the court, especially when they lose a key point as he did this past weekend.

For me, it goes:

Federer - Doesn't show much emotion on the court. He can be winning in straights or losing in straights and you really cannot tell. Sure, on occasion he gives a fist pump, but I'd like to see more.

Nadal - As mentioned before me, the butt-picking and the 35-40 seconds between points. Speed it up a little.

Djokovic - At present, nothing. I used to dislike him the most of any top 10 player, but I've come to appreciate and enjoy his athleticism and fight/determination over the last 2 years. Maybe the 30 bounces of the ball before serving, but he seems to have cut that down as well.

Murray - Choking. Yes, he finally won two big matches this summer (Olympics & US), but I'm still not convinced. I like to see a final where the outcome is still up in the air. You know with the other 3, they can all play their best, and it's still a '?' in the win column. With Murray, not so much. But he's improving...

[Alchemy-Z]

Hate...hmm

FED: when he looks like he doesn't care and goes into super shank mode. Blames poor play for loss.
NOVAK: Get annoyed with the crowd lets outside things bother him to frustration. Fakes injury
MURRAY: Looks as if he has given up Fakes Injury
NADAL: Loses confidence in his serve and puff balls it...winces in agonizing Pain when he loses a point.

but then again I guess being the top four is never mentally letting yourself know you lost a match playing 100%....

and maybe that's key?

[tennis_pro]

Nadal - everything about him

Federer - sounds arrogant at times (but has improved in the last years), going from GOATmode to crap mode after his opponent shows some fightint spirit (Ferrer excluded), too up and down (see above - even if his opponent DOESN'T show any fighting spirit)

Djokovic - wants to please the crowd too much, has become too much of a grinder but is a pleasure to watch when in "aggressive" mode

Murray - screaming and shouting after he losses every point, then if he wins he shows no emotion (like he expected himself to win)

[merwy]

Originally Posted by Evan77

Fed has the ugliest nose on this planet plus his body hair is so fugly.
Muzza teeth are gross.
Nadal has no brain.
Djoko is perfect.

there you go.

Perfect in what way? I guess that I do understand what you mean in that he sometimes seems to hit every ball in and not make any mistakes at all. But outside of tennis I don't think he's that perfect. Federer feels way more perfect to me. Djokovic shows a lot of emotion, gets angry often. I also think he has a very fragile looking body, but this goes maybe even more for Federer. Why don't they work out a bit more to get a strong body like Murray?

[batz]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Odd, as this is one of the things that I find endearing in Djokovic. I like them to show their emotion on the court, especially when they lose a key point as he did this past weekend.

For me, it goes:

Federer - Doesn't show much emotion on the court. He can be winning in straights or losing in straights and you really cannot tell. Sure, on occasion he gives a fist pump, but I'd like to see more.

Nadal - As mentioned before me, the butt-picking and the 35-40 seconds between points. Speed it up a little.

Djokovic - At present, nothing. I used to dislike him the most of any top 10 player, but I've come to appreciate and enjoy his athleticism and fight/determination over the last 2 years. Maybe the 30 bounces of the ball before serving, but he seems to have cut that down as well.

Murray - Choking. Yes, he finally won two big matches this summer (Olympics & US), but I'm still not convinced. I like to see a final where the outcome is still up in the air. You know with the other 3, they can all play their best, and it's still a '?' in the win column. With Murray, not so much. But he's improving...

Yep. We need to see him in a final that goes to 5, preferably with Murray having been 2 sets up. Let's see how he deals with that.

[Sentinel]

Originally Posted by batz

Roger - his general lack of self confidence and unwillingness to talk about himself. C'mon Sexi - maybe just a few words?

Rafa - the way he rushes between points and unwillingness to adjust himself. C'mon Humble Golden Bull, maybe just a little tug on the solomons?

Novak - his lack of national pride and unwillingness to show emotion when winning things. C'mon Serbinator, maybe just a little fist pump or adje?

Murray - his inability to display the effects of his injuries and his 'iceman' refusal to display his negative emotions on court. C'mon New Fang, maybe just a bit more heart on sleeve?

PMSL. I got the drift in the second para. I was about to do something on these lines but your was mucho better.

[merwy]

Originally Posted by Towser83

Federer - Careless comments sometimes, could be a better loser sometimes, habbit of blowing matches when he hits the panic button. Terrible challenges with hawkeye. Can get tetchy on court when things are not going his way.

Nadal - Slow between points and takes his own sweet time in coming to the net to start match etc which is disrespectful. Game can be boring, constantly brings up injuries but insists on playing as much as possible, gets tetchy on court when the going gets tough and bullies officials sometimes. Makes clay season uninteresting

Djokovic - Too much chest beating. Has become toomuch of a grinder. Takes too long between points. Ruined his own serve.

Murray - Attitude, personality, game.. ahh too much to list

Well he has made it a lot more accurate in exchange of power. He's like a machine now, as if he can literally hit it at the exact spot that he wants to hit it.

[merwy]

Originally Posted by Steve0904

Federer (my favourite player): I would say that I sometimes hate it when it doesn't look like he's trying even though I know he is ex: Wimb 2011 against Tsonga. I can also see where some would say he's a little arrogant, but I like his honesty. He's said before, something like, why should I pretend that I'm not the favourite going into some matches when everybody knows I am? (i.e he's not Nadal.) I feel like I'm lieing to the fans, and it doesn't make sense. That jacket was also not his fault. A better example could be used, like say, his 2011 USO SF press conference after his loss to Novak.

Nadal: I would say I don't like his style of play. On top of this I've questioned a fair few of his MTO's, and he even went as far as to go to the bathroom when Federer served for the match in IW this year. I also grow tired of the endless injury excuses from his fans, but I guess I shouldn't take take this out on Rafa himself although he's not exactly clear of it either.

Djokovic: Djokovic is hard to get a grasp on because it's almost as if there are 2 versions of him. I don't like the fact that he gives up sometimes when he's down in a match. Ex: Cincy and DC last year, as well as Wimbledon 07, MC 08, and AO 09. He sometimes overdoes it on the celebrations too.

Murray: I was happy for him when he won his first slam, but I'd like it if everyone from now on would stop feeling sorry for the guy. Never liked his on court attitude. He's got a pretty dry sense of humour, but I think you'd have to get to know him. Gets down on himself way too easily, even to the point of shouting at different people like his coaches box or himself. I swear a lot, I'll be the first to admit that, but it's not that cool on national television. He should probably stop that. Especially hate the way he grabs at body parts whenever he loses a point, and then he's fine all of a sudden when things are going good.

That's pretty much it.

His first set of the Cincy final was rubbish but I wouldn't say he gave up. How can you call it giving up when he was so close to taking that 2nd set? Obviously he put up a fight, he made the tiebreak go to 10-8 iirc. And are you talking about the DC match against Del Potro?? Umm.. wasn't he very injured there? I recall him having to stop and sort of having to be carried of the court by his teammates. Here, I found the vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR9H-4wVGLs&t=15m0s
Unless he faked all of that but.. why would he?

Originally Posted by veroniquem

I'd rather focus on what I like:
- Fed: not much, his records I guess.
- Djoko: his game, the way he smiles and claps for opponents during matches, his emotional reactions and his humor off the court
- Nadal: pretty much everything (his game, his personality, his physicality and his intensity/ passion on the court)
- Murray: his game on hard court when he's not too defensive, his low key/laidback attitude after a win or a loss.

So you like everyone's game except Federer's??? That's pretty funny since Federer has the most beautiful game known to mankind (this isn't even an hyperbole).