Top 10 Biggest Pet Peeves At A Tournament

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

I'm surprised there isn't a thread about this. Anyways, I wanted to ask y'all what are the things that irritate you the most that going at a tournament?

1. Losing matches against players that I shouldn't be losing to because of not being mentally tough enough (I'm still training to get over this).
2. Cheaters and/or playes who call obviously in balls out.
3. Players with cheap Walmart/Sporting Goods racquets.
4. Players wearing anything but proper tennis shoes (I've actually seen someone wear Jordans to a tournament once).
5. Playing in slow matches.
6. Any girl's doubles matches that aren't at least '9.0'. Honestly, most of these matches are boring because most of the matches I would see at tournaments are very slow and both teams literally 'junkballing' an entire match.
7. Inconsistent grunters
8. Rallying with players who can't hit the ball but can during an actual match..

9. (This should be higher) Seeing people cheering for another player's errors. Usually, these people are youngsters or individauls who don't know much about courtesy in tennis.
10. Going to tournaments where there is no cover from the sun when it's bright (to stay cool for a match instead of staying in the heat to prevent overheating and such). I would bring a sleeping bag/cover combo to nullify this.

USS Tang · Mar 15, 2013

(1) Crumby scheduling of matches by an inexperienced tournament director.
(2) Night-time matches only, so that club members can use the indoor courts during the day

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

USS Tang said:
(1) Crumby scheduling of matches by an inexperienced tournament director.
(2) Night-time matches only, so that club members can use the indoor courts during the day

I never had this done to me before. I have seen matches at night, but I never thought that..

OrangePower · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive said:
I'm surprised there isn't a thread about this. Anyways, I wanted to ask y'all what are the things that irritate you the most that going at a tournament?

1. Losing matches against players that I shouldn't be losing to because of not being mentally tough enough (I'm still training to get over this).
2. Cheaters and/or playes who call obviously in balls out.
3. Players with cheap Walmart/Sporting Goods racquets.
4. Players wearing anything but proper tennis shoes (I've actually seen someone wear Jordans to a tournament once).
5. Playing in slow matches.
6. Any girl's doubles matches that aren't at last '9.0'. Honestly, most of these matches are boring because most of the matches I would see at tournaments are very slow and both teams literally 'junkballing' an entire match.
7. Inconsistent grunters
8. Rallying with players who can't hit the ball but can during an actual match..
9. (This should be higher) Seeing people cheering for another player's errors. Usually, these people are youngsters or individauls who don't know much about courtesy in tennis.
10. Going to tournaments where there is no cover from the sun when it's bright ( I would bring a sleeping bag/cover combo to nullify this).

With that attitude, one wonders why you bother playing tournaments at all :-?

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

OrangePower said:
With that attitude, one wonders why you bother playing tournaments at all :-?

To win of course and gain knowledge from other players. It doesn't hurt to meet people and begin some relationships with coaches and players.

I'm not whining about this (and I'm not necessarily irritated), it's just something that is just an annoyance for me.

I don't understand why you say that because I know there are some things at tournaments that are a pet peeve to you.

goober · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive said:
I'm surprised there isn't a thread about this. Anyways, I wanted to ask y'all what are the things that irritate you the most that going at a tournament?

1. Losing matches against players that I shouldn't be losing to because of not being mentally tough enough (I'm still training to get over this).
2. Cheaters and/or playes who call obviously in balls out.
3. Players with cheap Walmart/Sporting Goods racquets.
4. Players wearing anything but proper tennis shoes (I've actually seen someone wear Jordans to a tournament once).
5. Playing in slow matches.
6. Any girl's doubles matches that aren't at least '9.0'. Honestly, most of these matches are boring because most of the matches I would see at tournaments are very slow and both teams literally 'junkballing' an entire match.
7. Inconsistent grunters
8. Rallying with players who can't hit the ball but can during an actual match..
9. (This should be higher) Seeing people cheering for another player's errors. Usually, these people are youngsters or individauls who don't know much about courtesy in tennis.
10. Going to tournaments where there is no cover from the sun when it's bright (to stay cool for a match instead of staying in the heat to prevent overheating and such). I would bring a sleeping bag/cover combo to nullify this.

3. Why would you care what they play with? Do you get bothered if someone beats you with a Walmart racquet or is their gear not good enough to be on the courts ?
4. Why would care what they wear. Unless they are marking up the courts with their shoes, I hardly ever notice.
6. What are you doing watching mixed doubles matches? I never watch other matches unless I am scouting an opponent or occasionally I will watch an Open level match to see good tennis. I don't the problem with having low level matches going on around me. It is not like you are being forced to watch them.

8. lol- favorite ploy of some players. Don't give anything away in the warmup.

Power Player · Mar 15, 2013

1. Players who don't bring overgrips to the tournament, then whine and complain when given one for free because it was not leather.

Turbo-87 · Mar 15, 2013

Power Player said:
1. Players who don't bring overgrips to the tournament, then whine and complain when given one for free because it was not leather.

I see what you did there. Nice one.

As far as the list goes, I don't have any to add. Everyone plays and dresses with their own style. We can't all be cookie cutter players with a rules manual in one pocket and "The Code" in the other.

OrangePower · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive said:
To win of course and gain knowledge from other players. It doesn't hurt to meet people and begin some relationships with coaches and players.

I'm not whining about this (and I'm not necessarily irritated), it's just something that is just an annoyance for me.

I don't understand why you say that because I know there are some things at tournaments that are a pet peeve to you.

There is nothing at tournaments that are pet peeves for me, since I don't play tournaments

If I did, my peeve would be having to potentially play 4 matches in one weekend. Which I cannot do. Which is why I don't play tournaments. See how it goes?

It does seem that you're whining. I don't see threads from you about for example "top 10 things I enjoy most about tournaments".

Tennis is supposed to be fun, not an annoyance.

tenniscasey · Mar 15, 2013

Power Player said:
1. Players who don't bring overgrips to the tournament, then whine and complain when given one for free because it was not leather.

You win the thread.

struggle · Mar 15, 2013

well played. ^^^

the cake has been taken.

SpitFire · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive said:
2. Cheaters and/or playes who call obviously in balls out.

Turn this to your advantage. Threaten (and follow through) to get a line-judge on court. It puts them at a mental disadvantage. Spin it like this..."I don't feel like we're getting good calls here, if there's another call that's you or I don't feel is quite right, I'm getting a line-judge. This is for your benefit and mine, so we don't feel cheated and we know whoever wins, wins legitimately".

Overdrive said:
3. Players with cheap Walmart/Sporting Goods racquets.

That's not cool yo...Come to my hood, and I'll beat ya 6-0; 6-0 with my daughter's $20 dollah Dora the Explora racquet. Seriously though...not cool.

Overdrive said:
4. Players wearing anything but proper tennis shoes (I've actually seen someone wear Jordans to a tournament once).

Not everyone can afford "proper" attire. get over it. Judge a player by their play, not their gear. Actions speak louder than gear.

Overdrive said:
5. Playing in slow matches.

To some, it's a legitimate play style. Not one that I like persay, but one you need to know how to play against. The FYB site has a vid on how to play against this type of play.

Overdrive said:
6. Any girl's doubles matches that aren't at least '9.0'. Honestly, most of these matches are boring because most of the matches I would see at tournaments are very slow and both teams literally 'junkballing' an entire match.

Don't like it? Don't watch it.

Overdrive said:
7. Inconsistent grunters

Okay, I'll agree with you on that one.

Overdrive said:
8. Rallying with players who can't hit the ball but can during an actual match..

I'm often one of these players, I don't really have an "off" button...I mean, I can't really tune it down. Instinct kicks in and I hit it away from my opponent. Sorry.

Overdrive said:
9. (This should be higher) Seeing people cheering for another player's errors. Usually, these people are youngsters or individauls who don't know much about courtesy in tennis.

Agreed. Whole-heartedly. When spectators do this to me, it really makes my blood boil. :evil:

Overdrive said:
10. Going to tournaments where there is no cover from the sun when it's bright (to stay cool for a match instead of staying in the heat to prevent overheating and such). I would bring a sleeping bag/cover combo to nullify this.

I have a mobile recovery chamber that I bring with me to tournaments. It's climate controlled and has a built in recliner, shade, and is very private. It's called my car.

mikeler · Mar 15, 2013

Power Player said:
1. Players who don't bring overgrips to the tournament, then whine and complain when given one for free because it was not leather.

I played a guy in a league match once where the home player pays for court time and balls while the visitor is responsible for showing up at the home court. This particular court was over a half hour away from me. The guys says "You got balls?". Not a big deal. I ask him "What court are we on?". He says that he did not reserve one. So we wait a few minutes and one opens up. Then after the first set we get moved to another court. I heard later he was complaining about me not setting up a court time in advance. Sore loser.

TennisDawg · Mar 15, 2013

All those factors listed go with playing tournaments. I could respond to each one but it all boils down to being "tournament tough". Either you accept that's what it is or else just play Sunday afternoon doubles, hitting and giggling. I haven't played tournaments in quite sometime but when I did I realized that's what you deal with in competition. You also have the wind at times and the sun, heat, poor courts, bad low hanging nets, poor lighting, stupid spectators, you name it. It's like that in other sports too!

texacali · Mar 15, 2013

Sort of an elitist rant or attempt at humor? The racket a person brings to the court or shoes they wear may not be dictated completely by choice but by income (we can't all afford top of the line Babolat or Nikes etc.). Maybe next all tournaments have to be played at a private club? Maybe if we focused on the play instead of what the player is wearing we may win some of those matches Some of those bullets are a bit insulting.

bluetrain4 · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive said:
I'm surprised there isn't a thread about this. Anyways, I wanted to ask y'all what are the things that irritate you the most that going at a tournament?

1. Losing matches against players that I shouldn't be losing to because of not being mentally tough enough (I'm still training to get over this).
2. Cheaters and/or playes who call obviously in balls out.
3. Players with cheap Walmart/Sporting Goods racquets.
4. Players wearing anything but proper tennis shoes (I've actually seen someone wear Jordans to a tournament once).
5. Playing in slow matches.
6. Any girl's doubles matches that aren't at least '9.0'. Honestly, most of these matches are boring because most of the matches I would see at tournaments are very slow and both teams literally 'junkballing' an entire match.
7. Inconsistent grunters
8. Rallying with players who can't hit the ball but can during an actual match..
9. (This should be higher) Seeing people cheering for another player's errors. Usually, these people are youngsters or individauls who don't know much about courtesy in tennis.
10. Going to tournaments where there is no cover from the sun when it's bright (to stay cool for a match instead of staying in the heat to prevent overheating and such). I would bring a sleeping bag/cover combo to nullify this.

Why do the cheap racquets bother you? I mean, I get that you may not want to use them (nor would I), but what difference does it make if anyone else does?

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

Power Player said:
1. Players who don't bring overgrips to the tournament, then whine and complain when given one for free because it was not leather.

I'm not surprised someone tried to be 'cool' and post something non-related to this.

Hey genius, replacement grips aren't overgrips.

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

goober said:
3. Why would you care what they play with? Do you get bothered if someone beats you with a Walmart racquet or is their gear not good enough to be on the courts ?
4. Why would care what they wear. Unless they are marking up the courts with their shoes, I hardly ever notice.
6. What are you doing watching mixed doubles matches? I never watch other matches unless I am scouting an opponent or occasionally I will watch an Open level match to see good tennis. I don't the problem with having low level matches going on around me. It is not like you are being forced to watch them.

8. lol- favorite ploy of some players. Don't give anything away in the warmup.

4.I don't care about what they wear, it's just saying that I can't get decent attire.
6. Girls Doubles*. I know someone who plays doubles and she and her partner are always put in the draw against players who aren't very good. I know I'm not being forced to watch them, but it is pretty painful to watch. That's why I stopped watching.
8. Yes, I've played against decent players who do this and they end up losing because they were 'jamming' around...

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

IA-SteveB said:
I see what you did there. Nice one.

As far as the list goes, I don't have any to add. Everyone plays and dresses with their own style. We can't all be cookie cutter players with a rules manual in one pocket and "The Code" in the other.

That's a 'Get out of Jail Free Card' statement right there.

I'm not anal about the code or the rules manual as others, but I am aware on what is right and wrong when playing.

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

SpitFire said:
Turn this to your advantage. Threaten (and follow through) to get a line-judge on court. It puts them at a mental disadvantage. Spin it like this..."I don't feel like we're getting good calls here, if there's another call that's you or I don't feel is quite right, I'm getting a line-judge. This is for your benefit and mine, so we don't feel cheated and we know whoever wins, wins legitimately".

That's not cool yo...Come to my hood, and I'll beat ya 6-0; 6-0 with my daughter's $20 dollah Dora the Explora racquet. Seriously though...not cool.

Not everyone can afford "proper" attire. get over it. Judge a player by their play, not their gear. Actions speak louder than gear.

To some, it's a legitimate play style. Not one that I like persay, but one you need to know how to play against. The FYB site has a vid on how to play against this type of play.

Don't like it? Don't watch it.

Okay, I'll agree with you on that one.

I'm often one of these players, I don't really have an "off" button...I mean, I can't really tune it down. Instinct kicks in and I hit it away from my opponent. Sorry.

Agreed. Whole-heartedly. When spectators do this to me, it really makes my blood boil. :evil:

I have a mobile recovery chamber that I bring with me to tournaments. It's climate controlled and has a built in recliner, shade, and is very private. It's called my car.

Dissecting my statements eh? Fine, two can play that game.

1. Um.. what are you talking about? Everyone I know who once started tennis played with cheap racquets. I was one of them. When I became better, I conducted my expedition to find the racquet that best suited for me. However, seeing good players with cheap racquets is just asinine. Bottom line.
2. I'm not judging by their gear. And the people who wear these usually lose when I would watch them play due to it's incompatibility on a tennis court..
3. Yeah, I'm practicing against these types of players.
4. I stopped watching them.. except the ones by friend plays. I told her about this and she hates slow matches too.
5. It'll be humorous when you lose a match by default for not arriving to the front to begin your match while you 'relax' in the car.

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

texacali said:
Sort of an elitist rant or attempt at humor? The racket a person brings to the court or shoes they wear may not be dictated completely by choice but by income (we can't all afford top of the line Babolat or Nikes etc.). Maybe next all tournaments have to be played at a private club? Maybe if we focused on the play instead of what the player is wearing we may win some of those matches Some of those bullets are a bit insulting.

It's not a rant. I've seen a thread about this about the ATP and WTA. But it's considered one because it's by someone who is not a pro eh? Not surprised here. I'm saying to buy an overpriced racquet, find the one that suits you best and it's all it matters. Seeing great players with these it's just baffling to me. I remember watching an excellent match between two doubles teams. They played with Walmart racquets. They also won the tournament as well because the other teams weren't very good.
There's no private clubs where I live. I didn't say that. Generalizations aren't working well for you mate.
I'm not concerned about appearance when playing an opponent. It just doesn't make sense because that you can get injured by wearing improper shoes.

I'm not surprised you are insulted. After all, you do have a signature about playing with Walmart racquets.

I should've posted a 'Captain Obvious' Image, but oh well..

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

bluetrain4 said:
Why do the cheap racquets bother you? I mean, I get that you may not want to use them (nor would I), but what difference does it make if anyone else does?

Read my latest posts.

gameboy · Mar 15, 2013

My biggest pet peeve: playing a guy who is delusional and takes himself WAY too seriously and not realize that this is just rec tennis.

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

gameboy said:
My biggest pet peeve: playing a guy who is delusional and takes himself WAY too seriously and not realize that this is just rec tennis.

Never played against those players before.
Oh wait, I think one time against some kid who knows some pro in the ATP (I think he was in the 700's or something) and his friends and family where booing me when I made a winner. Ha, it was funny and I maintained my composure and won 6-1, 6-3.

He didn't shake my hand either. Oh well.

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

Oh, I need to replace #4 with:

- Players placing one or more dampeners or incorrectly placing them on the racquet. When I had to default my mixed match because my partner became ill, this guy had on a equalizer and a dampener at the bottom and top crosses...

OrangePower · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive said:
Oh, I need to replace #4 with:

- Players placing one or more dampeners or incorrectly placing them on the racquet. When I had to default my mixed match because my partner became ill, this guy had on a equalizer and a dampener at the bottom and top crosses...

Well, placing dampener(s) within the area of crossed strings is against the rules. So that's not a pet peeve, it's a rule violation.

But nothing wrong with having multiple dampeners; it is perfectly legal to have one or more at the bottom, plus one or more at the top, etc, as long as they are outside the area where strings cross. So why would this peeve you?

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

OrangePower said:
Well, placing dampener(s) within the area of crossed strings is against the rules. So that's not a pet peeve, it's a rule violation.

But nothing wrong with having multiple dampeners; it is perfectly legal to have one or more at the bottom, plus one or more at the top, etc, as long as they are outside the area where strings cross. So why would this peeve you?

Yes, I know the rules. But at one tournament, this guy got away with it.

Because it's honestly Busch League to me..

aznhippos · Mar 15, 2013

Biggest pet peeve?

One who doesn't know how to call balls in or out and doesn't know basic tournament rules

dcdoorknob · Mar 15, 2013

My biggest pet pieve is probably those people who complain about every little thing, even those that have nothing to do with them like what racquet or shoes other people are using.

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

gavna said:
3. It's LOSING to players with cheap sticks that's the issue.

8. Oldest trick in the tennis playbook........freaking Bobby Riggs made a living on this kind of ploy for 50+ years

My killer is the guy who hits like Federer or Nadal in warm ups but can't keep a ball in play in a match! :twisted:

3. The last time I lost to a Walmart/ Sporting Goods user was when I was around 15. Those racquets have absolutely no stability at all. Playing with a woodie would be better!

8. Riggs? Is there any interviews after he lost to Billie Jean King? I know a Bobby Briggs by the way.

I can agree with the last one as well. I was playing great during a warm-up and lost to someone that I shouldn't have.It was drizzling to so that didn't help much either.

joe sch · Mar 15, 2013

Players who use gamesmanship as a tactic

Power Player · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive - the Clarky21 of the Adult League forum.

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

Coming from that, I take it as a compliment.

Seriously, stop with the petty and immature insults and just ignore me if you think I'm that bad.

And your probably some middle aged man too..

Ridiculous..

matchmaker · Mar 15, 2013

Overdrive said:
8. Rallying with players who can't hit the ball but can during an actual match..

I have rather seen the opposite, players who hit like pros in the warming up. Well, they hit hard and do make lots of UEs, but you would think that this is their game style. However, in a match they turn out to be pushers and couldn't hit a winner to save their lives. It just goes to show that they actually have no control. When there is no pressure they can hit out. But when the pressure is on, their technique is not good enough to hit with pace and placement, so they resort to moonballing.

I know a lot of these guys. And the strange thing is that in training sessions they will always hit hard, never addressing their technique issues. Train like you play a match, would be a good adagio for them. By hitting slower in practice they would actually be able to hit harder in matches, but that never dawns on them.

texacali · Mar 15, 2013

Actually, my signature says "discounted Prince rackets", not Walmart. Bought them at sporting good store, but still rackets you can by on the TW website brand new. Not great, but not a budget buster either.

Overdrive said:
It's not a rant. I've seen a thread about this about the ATP and WTA. But it's considered one because it's by someone who is not a pro eh? Not surprised here. I'm saying to buy an overpriced racquet, find the one that suits you best and it's all it matters. Seeing great players with these it's just baffling to me. I remember watching an excellent match between two doubles teams. They played with Walmart racquets. They also won the tournament as well because the other teams weren't very good.
There's no private clubs where I live. I didn't say that. Generalizations aren't working well for you mate.
I'm not concerned about appearance when playing an opponent. It just doesn't make sense because that you can get injured by wearing improper shoes.

I'm not surprised you are insulted. After all, you do have a signature about playing with Walmart racquets.

I should've posted a 'Captain Obvious' Image, but oh well..

Overdrive · Mar 15, 2013

matchmaker said:
I have rather seen the opposite, players who hit like pros in the warming up. Well, they hit hard and do make lots of UEs, but you would think that this is their game style. However, in a match they turn out to be pushers and couldn't hit a winner to save their lives. It just goes to show that they actually have no control. When there is no pressure they can hit out. But when the pressure is on, their technique is not good enough to hit with pace and placement, so they resort to moonballing.

I know a lot of these guys. And the strange thing is that in training sessions they will always hit hard, never addressing their technique issues. Train like you play a match, would be a good adagio for them. By hitting slower in practice they would actually be able to hit harder in matches, but that never dawns on them.

I don't know why this happens. I believe it's a psychological thing right there. Around three weeks ago, I did the same thing. I stumbled and lost to someone whom I know I should've beaten in straights. But oh well, you win some and lose some.

stapletonj · Mar 16, 2013

You bring a sleeping bag to a match b/c it was too hot/bright?

huh?

not trolling, but huh?

Overdrive · Mar 16, 2013

stapletonj said:
You bring a sleeping bag to a match b/c it was too hot/bright?

huh?

not trolling, but huh?

Poor choice of words of mine.

When it's very windy, I bring that and a large cover to cover myself from the annoying wind.

Angle Queen · Mar 16, 2013

Why limit these "peeves" merely to tournaments? There's not a one of them (except maybe the last) that is exclusive to tournaments.

Granted, I don't play a lot of tournaments. The ones I play generally fall into two categories: charity/fund-raisers or season-ending affairs your team must earn its way into.

I've very few complaints with the former category, but plenty for the latter. The charity tournaments usually have organized, helpful directors with plenty of thought given to the players' overall experience. It's things like: making sure the balls on adjacent courts are numbered differently, plenty of on-court water and a "call" system that's loud enough or personal (SMS). Player Socials (before or during) and potluck happy hours or dinners.

It's the USTA season-enders that drive me crazy with my biggest peeve being a format different from the "qualifying" season. While we play 2S/3D all season with best of 3 (using a 3rd set 10-pt TB)....they'll "decide" to go with a pro-set and no-ad. Really? I can't even begin to imagine what this might mean for the leagues that are doing 1S/2D season but going to the full 2S/3D in playoffs. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

But there are other flaky things too like having just one ill-placed tournament "desk" with one poorly powered hand-held bullhorn to "call" teams on-deck and only one set of un-airconditioned bathrooms (with 3 teeny stalls). There's no on-court water or ice. No locker rooms to change or other places to escape the heat of a hot, hot July afternoon. They're also slow to update tennislink (often waiting until days end and all matches are complete). Finally, it's the overall decision to keep having the tournament in the same bad location year after year. There are no nearby (respectable) hotels and it's in one corner of the state, neither centrally located nor moved on occasion to spread around the home-court advantage of being able to sleep in one's own bed, so-to-speak.

As to the actual players/opponents, I've noticed no difference from regular league (be it USTA or others) play. There are the same idiosyncrasies and peculiarities that make it all fun somehow even if it's frustrating in the moment. What a dull place the world would be...if we were all the same.

Overdrive · Mar 16, 2013

Angle Queen said:
Why limit these "peeves" merely to tournaments? There's not a one of them (except maybe the last) that is exclusive to tournaments.

Granted, I don't play a lot of tournaments. The ones I play generally fall into two categories: charity/fund-raisers or season-ending affairs your team must earn its way into.

I've very few complaints with the former category, but plenty for the latter. The charity tournaments usually have organized, helpful directors with plenty of thought given to the players' overall experience. It's things like: making sure the balls on adjacent courts are numbered differently, plenty of on-court water and a "call" system that's loud enough or personal (SMS). Player Socials (before or during) and potluck happy hours or dinners.

It's the USTA season-enders that drive me crazy with my biggest peeve being a format different from the "qualifying" season. While we play 2S/3D all season with best of 3 (using a 3rd set 10-pt TB)....they'll "decide" to go with a pro-set and no-ad. Really? I can't even begin to imagine what this might mean for the leagues that are doing 1S/2D season but going to the full 2S/3D in playoffs. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

But there are other flaky things too like having just one ill-placed tournament "desk" with one poorly powered hand-held bullhorn to "call" teams on-deck and only one set of un-airconditioned bathrooms (with 3 teeny stalls). There's no on-court water or ice. No locker rooms to change or other places to escape the heat of a hot, hot July afternoon. They're also slow to update tennislink (often waiting until days end and all matches are complete). Finally, it's the overall decision to keep having the tournament in the same bad location year after year. There are no nearby (respectable) hotels and it's in one corner of the state, neither centrally located nor moved on occasion to spread around the home-court advantage of being able to sleep in one's own bed, so-to-speak.

As to the actual players/opponents, I've noticed no difference from regular league (be it USTA or others) play. There are the same idiosyncrasies and peculiarities that make it all fun somehow even if it's frustrating in the moment. What a dull place the world would be...if we were all the same.

I know these aren't exclusive, but I see this happen all of the time at tournaments. During matches against a team or something, the only thing I remember about those is bad calling, cheering at UEs, and using more than one dampener.

I don't face those poor-conditions such as the ones you had. Here, our tournaments are usually at clean high schools, good clubs, and respectable colleges. It's a shame this isn't everywhere though.

Switching scoring system? This happens all the time though. It does get annoying; especially with the 8 game pro-sets. It's worse if you're playing against a really good player and can't make alot of room for mistakes. I guess it's a mental conditioning thing eh?

eastbayliz · Mar 16, 2013

OrangePower said:
With that attitude, one wonders why you bother playing tournaments at all :-?

Apt observation. If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. :twisted:

eastbayliz · Mar 16, 2013

eastbayliz said:
Apt observation. If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. :twisted:

That being said I might be taking a little time out of the kitchen myself. On a 0-6 run playing 4.5 and then on level at 4.0. Losing in the first round is the toughest thing.

Overdrive · Mar 16, 2013

eastbayliz said:
Apt observation. If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. :twisted:

What are you talking about?

It would different if a pro stated the same things I did (when he played rec tennis in the past but turned pro later).

eastbayliz · Mar 16, 2013

Nothing personal-it just seems like you have many, many complaints big and small about the whole tournament experience. You don't get to have control over every little thing. If that many things drive you crazy about tournaments maybe they are not for you.

Overdrive · Mar 17, 2013

eastbayliz said:
Nothing personal-it just seems like you have many, many complaints big and small about the whole tournament experience. You don't get to have control over every little thing. If that many things drive you crazy about tournaments maybe they are not for you.

Oh okay, I guess I can't say anything that I don't like? Please.
I know that usually everyone has things (not just tennis) that irks them so spare me the lecture. I didn't say that. Please read the previous posts because you clearly didn't read what I typed before.

eastbayliz · Mar 17, 2013

Overdrive said:
Oh okay, I guess I can't say anything that I don't like? Please.
I know that usually everyone has things (not just tennis) that irks them so spare me the lecture. I didn't say that. Please read the previous posts because you clearly didn't read what I typed before.

Wow. Obviously my mistake. You are so right! Goodbye thread....hello ignore!

Overdrive · Mar 17, 2013

It is a mistake.

You don't play with the racquets or equipment I play with so I won't see you on the FS/T thread anyways. In business sense, I don't lose anything.

NLBwell · Mar 17, 2013

Only thing that can ruin a tournament is a cheater. Then you aren't having a tennis contest at all.

Overdrive · Mar 17, 2013

gunnd5000 said:
1. Playing on different surfaces in the same tournament, (Ive played on 4 at 1)
2. Oponents not warming up like a civilised human being and planting forhands on lines i usually warm up pre match anyway so its not even about hitting strokes, its just like its not intimidating me or impressing anyone watching so what the heck are you doing
3. Cheats
4. Snapping strings mid match
5. People that refuse to toss coin before warm up. I prefer when an official comes on and does it at the begining.
6. Oponents not sweeping courts after a match on clay or blaes, storming off in a mood or running in joy to give in score
7. Previous players not sweeping and leaving it for you to do at the start
8. Oponents shock flying off mid point then having them take a 10min break to find it -.-people should birng a spare tbh
9.
10.

edit thought of another

4 Surfaces at once? Wow. Let me guess: Grass, Clay, Hard, and Blaes?

Cool, I'm not the only one that does coin tosses.

Your a string breaker eh?

Overdrive · Mar 17, 2013

NLBwell said:
Only thing that can ruin a tournament is a cheater. Then you aren't having a tennis contest at all.

How about someone who is soft-spoken and doesn't call out the balls loud enough?

Top 10 Biggest Pet Peeves At A Tournament

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