Tennis is heading into a dark and unforeseen future

AC_AO · Jun 3, 2015

... with unparalleled period of uncertainty.

So, the semi-finals of the 2015 FO are lined up, and the guys going to duke it out are all in their late 20s, at a time when the young guns should have smashed them into oblivion.

Tennis is slowly but surely dying a slow and agonizing death.

Are there no young guns out there—with balls of steel—who can bring back tennis from the impending pit of doom it is falling into? What way is tennis heading? Who will save tennis?

Netspirit · Jun 3, 2015

Federer will play into his 50s. To save tennis.

Atherton2003 · Jun 3, 2015

tennis will be very boring without Nadal and Fed. I loved when they were number 1 and 2 for 10+ years....spectacular rivalry. Don't see that happening ever again - just mediocre players winning here and there - nobody young will dominate the way Nadal and Fed did

Mainad · Jun 3, 2015

AC_AO said:
... with unparalleled period of uncertainty.

So, the semi-finals of the 2015 FO are lined up, and the guys going to duke it out are all in their late 20s, at a time when the young guns should have smashed them into oblivion.

Tennis is slowly but surely dying a slow and agonizing death.

Are there no young guns out there—with balls of steel—who can bring back tennis from the impending pit of doom it is falling into? What way is tennis heading? Who will save tennis?

I see where you're coming from but what an ageist diatribe! :twisted:

Have you got something against guys playing tennis in their late 20s or something?

helterskelter · Jun 3, 2015

It's happening in other sports, too.

For example, look at snooker (hardly a major world-wide sport, but there you go). Almost all the players are 30+ now. It might seem that that's predictable, as it's a less athletic game and so experience would matter. However, the top player of the 1980s and the top player of the 1990s both fell from the top spot at around the age of 30. Ronnie O'Sullivan is still the perennial favorite even though he plays part time and is nearly 40.

G A S · Jun 3, 2015

AC_AO said:
... with unparalleled period of uncertainty.

So, the semi-finals of the 2015 FO are lined up, and the guys going to duke it out are all in their late 20s, at a time when the young guns should have smashed them into oblivion.

Tennis is slowly but surely dying a slow and agonizing death.

Are there no young guns out there—with balls of steel—who can bring back tennis from the impending pit of doom it is falling into? What way is tennis heading? Who will save tennis?

hardly new, in the past many worried about the end of borg and the past champions. What would be of tennis then? who would come and become the next champion?
what is new is that the players are staying longer on the tour, but even this is somehow contested as in the past there were also players who stayed for a long time in the tour.

beltsman · Jun 3, 2015

Bull will be back. And soon. Don't worry OP.

MarcusInKensington · Jun 3, 2015

There could become a time in the near(ish) future where wimmins tennis becomes more interesting. Of course, that would require Serena to retire in order to give some other people a chance...

There's a weak era coming up, and having the likes of Kyrgios, Raonic and Dimitrov as potential slam champs in the future devalues the whole thing.

JRAJ1988 · Jun 3, 2015

ScentOfDefeat · Jun 3, 2015

AC_AO said:
... with unparalleled period of uncertainty.

So, the semi-finals of the 2015 FO are lined up, and the guys going to duke it out are all in their late 20s, at a time when the young guns should have smashed them into oblivion.

Tennis is slowly but surely dying a slow and agonizing death.

Are there no young guns out there—with balls of steel—who can bring back tennis from the impending pit of doom it is falling into? What way is tennis heading? Who will save tennis?

There will be, by default. It's the first time in history that no one is taking over the game through results, but by simple default or old age of the top players.

TheMusicLover · Jun 3, 2015

ScentOfDefeat said:
There will be, by default. It's the first time in history that no one is taking over the game through results, but by simple default or old age of the top players.

Well noted.
It's merely due to the matter of a lack of youngsters managing to step it up that we still see players pushing their 30'-ies (or even way beyond that) ruling the sport.

It *will* change though, and I cannot see why that would be a 'dark and unforeseen future'. Rather the contrary.

heninfan99 · Jun 3, 2015

Well it was a loooooooooooong time since they found a decent replacement for Jeremy Brett and it's still not as good.

Fed retiring is like Henin retiring in the WTA. Beautiful timing and movement will be lost.

We already know what it's like without Rafa and it sucks. Kyrgios Tomic and Theim are nothing in terms of void fill.

JRAJ1988 said:

Backhanded Compliment · Jun 3, 2015

JRAJ1988 said:

win.

having a Zardoz icon image doesnt hurt either... I salute you JRAJ!

Roland Garros used to be the slam of chaos, it is just a return to form... I realize that by that "logic" Tsonga will win. Which just doesnt seem possible. I want a Wawrinka v Murray final. That would be chaos too.

Dave1982 · Jun 3, 2015

Let's just wait and see what happens at Wimbledon and whether such comments are still valid.

Needless to say there will be increased expectation this year on the likes of Raonic (said he skipped FO as to ensure he's 100% for grass court season), Dimitriov, Kyrgios (possible injury cloud), Sock, Tomic etc.

Hopefully we can see some strong performances from these names as otherwise further questions will inevitably asked!

West Coast Ace · Jun 3, 2015

^^^^ I'm with you. Too soon to declare the end is near. Doesn't look great right now - but who knows come September?

The Big 4 obviously sell a lot of tickets to the casual fan and the game will take a hit. But there are plenty of hardcore fans to see the game through any temporary trough.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Tennis will be fine after Nadal losing RG what we need is for the young guns get their act together and develop some mental strength. They need to find a fifth gear and elevate their mentality.

Raonic-stop being a servebot and develop a personality.
Dimitrov--stop trying to be like Federer and develop your own game
Kei--develop your stamina and conditioning
Jack Sock-develop your fitness, and mentally start self believing

It is funny the the guys who started peaking at RG are the mental midgets on the ATP and they just turned 30.

I guess we need to current young guns to turn 30 so there can be a golden era.

VexlanderPrime · Jun 3, 2015

AC_AO said:
... with unparalleled period of uncertainty.

So, the semi-finals of the 2015 FO are lined up, and the guys going to duke it out are all in their late 20s, at a time when the young guns should have smashed them into oblivion.

Tennis is slowly but surely dying a slow and agonizing death.

Are there no young guns out there—with balls of steel—who can bring back tennis from the impending pit of doom it is falling into? What way is tennis heading? Who will save tennis?

Guess you missed Coric and Kok playing in FO15....

LapsedNoob · Jun 3, 2015

1 of 4 has fallen and 1 of 4 has returned to the pack. 2 of 4 whomare not that old are still winning.

Dark age? No.

doobiedoodoo · Jun 3, 2015

Really weak era in tennis right now.

When Federer was 28, there was Nadal 23, Djokovic, Murray 22.
There is nobody at at 22, 23 for Djokovic.

HRB · Jun 3, 2015

AC_AO said:
... with unparalleled period of uncertainty.

So, the semi-finals of the 2015 FO are lined up, and the guys going to duke it out are all in their late 20s, at a time when the young guns should have smashed them into oblivion.

Tennis is slowly but surely dying a slow and agonizing death.

Are there no young guns out there—with balls of steel—who can bring back tennis from the impending pit of doom it is falling into? What way is tennis heading? Who will save tennis?

Tennis is simply shifted "older" because fitness and nutrition are superior today, and therefore experience and patience pays off. There are plenty of young guns who'll start to peak between age 24-28 (the Aussie Boys, Coric, Pop and Raonic, Sock, etc.).

Change is GOOD!

Deleted member 307496 · Jun 3, 2015

HRB said:
Tennis is simply shifted "older" because fitness and nutrition is superior today, and now experience and patience pays off. There are plenty of young guns who'll start to peak between age 24-28 (the Aussie Boys, Coric, Pop and Raonic, Sock, etc.).

Change is GOOD!

Djokovic winning everything isn't change.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

doobiedoodoo said:
Really weak era in tennis right now.

When Federer was 28, there was Nadal 23, Djokovic, Murray 22.
There is nobody at at 22, 23 for Djokovic.

Nick Kyrgios has the skills but not the discipline or the fitness yet.

Deleted member 307496 · Jun 3, 2015

Elektra said:
Nick Kyrgios has the skills but not the discipline or the fitness yet.

Murray, Djokovic, Nadal and Federer were ranked ahead of Kyrgios at the same age.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Sabratha said:
Murray, Djokovic, Nadal and Federer were ranked ahead of Kyrgios at the same age.

First Nadal, Murray and Djokovic came in the weak era of tennis and Roger Federer was at his peak and Andy Roddick was conisdered his greatest opposition.

Nowadays Hard to accomplish when the Big Four are still dominant, and Murray, Rafa and Novak are still in their primes. They are not old, they are still in their twenties.

Deleted member 307496 · Jun 3, 2015

Elektra said:
First Nadal, Murray and Djokovic came in the weak era of tennis and Roger Federer was at his peak and Andy Roddick was conisdered his greatest opposition.

Nowadays Hard to accomplish when the Big Four are still dominant, and Murray, Rafa and Novak are still in their primes. They are not old, they are still in their twenties.

Today is the weakest tennis has been since 2002.

skip1969 · Jun 3, 2015

why is it that when the players someone doesn't want to win (or keep winning) keep on winning, then the era sucks or the sport is doomed?

sport is fluid. no one stays on top forever. and when they fall, someone else fills the void. and life goes on.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Sabratha said:
Today is the weakest tennis has been since 2002.

it is subjective thing to say to some people they think that they is changing of the guard era or era where there is more depth of men's tennis players.

Deleted member 307496 · Jun 3, 2015

Elektra said:
it is subjective thing to say to some people they think that they is changing of the guard era or era where there is more depth of men's tennis players.

I believe today is a transitional era.

The difference is, Djokovic is here to pick up the pieces whereas in 2002, there wasn't anybody else around to do so.

AnotherTennisProdigy · Jun 3, 2015

We'll see, I'm counting on the next generation because it's clear that the Dimitrov/Raonic generation is overshadowed by the current. It took a while but Fed eventually lost dominance with the coming of the younger generation, but the same isn't happening to Djokovic and co (Nadal doesn't count, he's degrading regardless of the competition).

Dave1982 · Jun 3, 2015

We've undoubtedly been spoilt over the past decade by having without question 3 (possibly 4) all time greats playing at the same time, their dominance over the slams has been unique and certainly made it incredibly difficult for others to get a look in.

I think it's safe to assume that the overall dominance of Fed and Nadal is starting to now subside and whilst Novak and Murray are still in their prime and will likely still take lions share of slam titles, only having 2 dominate instead of 4 does open up opportunity for others. Whether it's one or two players who rise to fill such space is yet to be seen...I suspect in coming years we will see greater movement at the top...or at least in the spaces from 3 -6 than we have perhaps seen over past decade or so...

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Sabratha said:
I believe today is a transitional era.

The difference is, Djokovic is here to pick up the pieces whereas in 2002, there wasn't anybody else around to do so.

Transitional period yes

Don't rush into any conclusions after the US Open, the season is not over yet. People thought that it was the end of the Big Four last year when Stan won over Rafa last year at AO.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Dave1982 said:
We've undoubtedly been spoilt over the past decade by having without question 3 (possibly 4) all time greats playing at the same time, their dominance over the slams has been unique and certainly made it incredibly difficult for others to get a look in.

I think it's safe to assume that the overall dominance of Fed and Nadal is starting to now subside and whilst Novak and Murray are still in their prime and will likely still take lions share of slam titles, only having 2 dominate instead of 4 does open up opportunity for others. Whether it's one or two players who rise to fill such space is yet to be seen...I suspect in coming years we will see greater movement at the top...or at least in the spaces from 3 -6 than we have perhaps seen over past decade or so...

If that happens then it give better upward mobility for Raonic, Dimitrov etc because Novak and Murray are not as intimidating as Fed and Rafa.

Deleted member 307496 · Jun 3, 2015

Elektra said:
Transitional period yes

Don't rush into any conclusions after the US Open, the season is not over yet. People thought that it was the end of the Big Four last year when Stan won over Rafa last year at AO.

I know Murray is going to mount a challenge at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Federer may have a good run of form also.

We'll see. Right now it's looking like it is out with the old and in with the new, with one of the old (Novak) leading the pack.

Dave1982 · Jun 3, 2015

Sabratha said:
I know Murray is going to mount a challenge at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Federer may have a good run of form also.

We'll see. Right now it's looking like it is out with the old and in with the new, with one of the old (Novak) leading the pack.

Definitely out with the old in regards to Fed and Nadal...no matter what anyone says we will not be seeing either of them dominate the tour in ways they previously have. Nadal will continue to be a very solid contender and is every chance of still adding a couple of slams to his tally...I just don't think we will see sustained consistency from him over a whole season.

Is only a matter of time until Murray claims number 2 position on rankings and from there I see both him and Djokovic remaining 1 & 2 (in no particular order) for at least next 18 months to 2 years. Nadal should bounce back to top 5 by end of the year provided he remains fit and possibly gets some favorable draws as lot of points on offer for him post Wimbledon.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Sabratha said:
I know Murray is going to mount a challenge at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Federer may have a good run of form also.

We'll see. Right now it's looking like it is out with the old and in with the new, with one of the old (Novak) leading the pack.

I think we are at an unpredictable period in tennis which is good for the sport. We need surprises here and there because if the same people dominate then people will still complain about their dominance.

Right now it is also about figuring out who can be the next big thing for men's tennis.

Federer is getting older and there seems to be a disconnect mainstream media has for Novak.

They need a young gun who they can groom and think can be the star for men's tennis.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Dave1982 said:
Definitely out with the old in regards to Fed and Nadal...no matter what anyone says we will not be seeing either of them dominate the tour in ways they previously have. Nadal will continue to be a very solid contender and is every chance of still adding a couple of slams to his tally...I just don't think we will see sustained consistency from him over a whole season.

Is only a matter of time until Murray claims number 2 position on rankings and from there I see both him and Djokovic remaining 1 & 2 (in no particular order) for at least next 18 months to 2 years. Nadal should bounce back to top 5 by end of the year provided he remains fit and possibly gets some favorable draws as lot of points on offer for him post Wimbledon.

Nadal has the US Open Series to get everything right and get all the points he needs.

AnotherTennisProdigy · Jun 3, 2015

Dave1982 said:
We've undoubtedly been spoilt over the past decade by having without question 3 (possibly 4) all time greats playing at the same time, their dominance over the slams has been unique and certainly made it incredibly difficult for others to get a look in.

I think it's safe to assume that the overall dominance of Fed and Nadal is starting to now subside and whilst Novak and Murray are still in their prime and will likely still take lions share of slam titles, only having 2 dominate instead of 4 does open up opportunity for others. Whether it's one or two players who rise to fill such space is yet to be seen...I suspect in coming years we will see greater movement at the top...or at least in the spaces from 3 -6 than we have perhaps seen over past decade or so...

I very much agree with this, which makes me sad because it feels like we've come to an end of a sort of golden era where several all time greats were born into the same generation. We often argue about "Who would win between Sampras and Federer" or "Who would win between Nadal and Borg on clay". But we often overlook the great rivalries of our own era. Nadal v Federer, Federer v Djokovic, Nadal v Djokovic, there have been plenty of battles between these three that brought tennis to its height. It sucks that some people are too blinded by fandom to respect that.

It's slightly depressing, but realistically it may be decades before we see talent of the same level as a Federer or Nadal.

gopokes · Jun 3, 2015

If we survived the era of Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, Carlos Costa Gaston Gaudio, and, Andy Roddick, then I think we'll be ok. Probably a similar transition era will transpire until the next dominant players emerge. But indeed, we're headed squarely into an era of relative mediocrity.

HRB · Jun 3, 2015

Sabratha said:
Djokovic winning everything isn't change.

I only stated they will START to Peak 24-28 years old...for the meantime, yes, it is the Joker Era.

BTW...you act as if there were not 4 different slam winners JUST LAST YEAR!!! There were.

Deleted member 307496 · Jun 3, 2015

HRB said:
I only stated they will START to Peak 24-28 years old...for the meantime, yes, it is the Joker Era.

BTW...you act as if there were not 4 different slam winners JUST LAST YEAR!!! There were.

Djoker allowed 4 different slam winners last year.

OrangePower · Jun 3, 2015

Semifinalists - age:
Djokovic - 28
Murray - 28
Wawrinka - 30
Tsonga - 30
Average of semifinalists = 29

Losing QFs:
Federer - 33
Nishikori - 25
Nadal - 29
Ferrer - 33
Average of quarterfinalists = 30

Can anyone think of such an old group of quarterfinalists in a major in the modern era?

When 7 out of 8 are 28 and above, you know tennis has a problem...
And Nishikori is no longer a spring chicken either.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

OrangePower said:
Semifinalists - age:
Djokovic - 28
Murray - 28
Wawrinka - 30
Tsonga - 30
Average of semifinalists = 29

Losing QFs:
Federer - 33
Nishikori - 25
Nadal - 29
Ferrer - 33
Average of quarterfinalists = 30

Can anyone think of such an old group of quarterfinalists in a major in the modern era?

When 7 out of 8 are 28 and above, you know tennis has a problem...
And Nishikori is no longer a spring chicken either.

With the advance science and nutrition nowadays 30 years old is considered 27 years old and most of these players had injuries or took extended breaks which does not have the wear and tear on their bodies unlike Federer who dominated so long.

Nishikori's 25 is really 21 years old he probably won't peak until he turns 27 years old.

Dave1982 · Jun 3, 2015

gopokes said:
If we survived the era of Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, Carlos Costa Gaston Gaudio, and, Andy Roddick, then I think we'll be ok. Probably a similar transition era will transpire until the next dominant players emerge. But indeed, we're headed squarely into an era of relative mediocrity.

Why does it need to be considered mediocrity?
Such a comment is only due to the fact our expectations of the norm have been significantly raised due to the brilliance of Federer and Nadal, 2 players who in 100 years from now people will still consider legends of the game.

The players you listed were in no way mediocre, they were all exceptionally talented tennis players who whilst maybe not at the level of some other we've been lucky enough to experience are all still deserved champions.

I've said it previously, as Fed and Nadal's dominance subsides we will likley see Djokovic and Murray be near certainties for reaching at least the SF of Slams for next 2-3 years and that will allow others to rise and have their opportunity. Now whether anyone is able to seize such opportunity on a consistent basis is yet to be seen but overall we should relax and enjoy what I'm sure will be an exciting and competitive era in tennis.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Dave1982 said:
Why does it need to be considered mediocrity?
Such a comment is only due to the fact our expectations of the norm have been significantly raised due to the brilliance of Federer and Nadal, 2 players who in 100 years from now people will still consider legends of the game.

The players you listed were in no way mediocre, they were all exceptionally talented tennis players who whilst maybe not at the level of some other we've been lucky enough to experience are all still deserved champions.

I've said it previously, as Fed and Nadal's dominance subsides we will likley see Djokovic and Murray be near certainties for reaching at least the SF of Slams for next 2-3 years and that will allow others to rise and have their opportunity. Now whether anyone is able to seize such opportunity on a consistent basis is yet to be seen but overall we should relax and enjoy what I'm sure will be an exciting and competitive era in tennis.

Exactly because Novak and Murray are not as intimidating as Nadal and Federer.

Tony48 · Jun 3, 2015

Yep. Tennis is certainly headed into a dark future. The Era of Butthurt. Now that Djokovic is on top, doing what Federer couldn't, everyone is crying with their faux concern about who the "next great thing" is.

So much insecurity.

Elektra · Jun 3, 2015

Tony48 said:
Yep. Tennis is certainly headed into a dark future. The Era of Butthurt. Now that Djokovic is on top, doing what Federer couldn't, everyone is crying with their faux concern about who the "next great thing" is.

So much insecurity.

Mainstream media never warmed up to Novak, they had greatness morphing in front of them but since he does not have conventional mainstream look. He was often discounted and secondary for Federer and Rafa.

Gary Duane · Jun 3, 2015

There is another way to look at this, which is good for all of us who are over 30. People are aging slower. They stay near their peak longer. Medicine, diet keep people healthier. Numerous problems that used to end careers can be fixed with surgery.

A few decades ago someone with Murray's back injury would already be retired. But he is back playing better on clay than ever before.

People drink less alcohol, eat less fat, watch what they put into their bodies. Not all the things people are putting into their bodies now are illegal substances. You can't just say it is a weak era when you see Ferrer still fighting like a mad bulldog at his age.

reds17 · Jun 3, 2015

Purse winnings from finishing high are greater than ever, plus the endorsements that come with winning. Lots of money. That means those mid to late 20 something 'oldsters' have more incentive than ever to stay in top physical shape through the proper diet, exercise, and sleep. They're still in their prime and have the experience that comes with years of playing in the top tier. They're ready to take on and decisively whup all the young punks who want to contend.

chjtennis · Jun 3, 2015

If the OP is mourning about Novak's dominance, this is the good news for you: I think he will show clear sign of decline in 2016 and other players will start to beat him on more regular basis, especially the younger guys.

helterskelter · Jun 3, 2015

Gary Duane said:
There is another way to look at this, which is good for all of us who are over 30. People are aging slower. They stay near their peak longer. Medicine, diet keep people healthier. Numerous problems that used to end careers can be fixed with surgery.

A few decades ago someone with Murray's back injury would already be retired. But he is back playing better on clay than ever before.

People drink less alcohol, eat less fat, watch what they put into their bodies. Not all the things people are putting into their bodies now are illegal substances. You can't just say it is a weak era when you see Ferrer still fighting like a mad bulldog at his age.

Well said. People live longer than before. It's not that they are old for longer: the aging process is slowed down. When I compare how my 70-year-old parents look and act to how their then 70-year-old parents looked and acted 30 years ago, there's no comparison.

Tennis is heading into a dark and unforeseen future

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