American still don't know who Roger Federer is?
- Thread starter Vlad
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Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Well I can only say that England probably only know Federer as he won the only tournament that the public watch.
The non tennis loving American public probably don't know Federer as well as their beloved Andy. If they did Federer would own the pole.
Federer has it in the bag, imo the only person to stop him was Henman as he had crowed support and the great record.
It's Fed's.
-Liam
The non tennis loving American public probably don't know Federer as well as their beloved Andy. If they did Federer would own the pole.
Federer has it in the bag, imo the only person to stop him was Henman as he had crowed support and the great record.
It's Fed's.
-Liam
a verrry large duck
Rookie
I highly doubt the non playing tennis public in united states, say 1 out of 10 would know federer. I would guess maybe 6 or 7 out of 10 would know roddick. In the tennis world, it would probably be 9.7 out of 10. and on this messageboard there's actually two roddicks, one roddick that 5/10 knows and rod-dick which the other 5/10 would know 
Kevin Patrick
Hall of Fame
Before the French this year USA Today had a nice article about Federer & a picture. Unfortunately the picture was of Coria(but the caption said it was Fed)
In the US, outside of tennis fans, I'd be shocked if more than 1 out of 10 know who Hewitt, Safin, Moya,Fed, or Ferrero is.
And people only know Roddick beacuse he dated Mandy Moore.
In the US, outside of tennis fans, I'd be shocked if more than 1 out of 10 know who Hewitt, Safin, Moya,Fed, or Ferrero is.
And people only know Roddick beacuse he dated Mandy Moore.
Datacipher
Banned
a verrry large duck said:I highly doubt the non playing tennis public in united states, say 1 out of 10 would know federer. I would guess maybe 6 or 7 out of 10 would know roddick. In the tennis world, it would probably be 9.7 out of 10. and on this messageboard there's actually two roddicks, one roddick that 5/10 knows and rod-dick which the other 5/10 would know
I think your numbers are too high Duck. Think about it....I have run into a lot of people who don't know Agassi! Let alone Sampras...
I'd say in North America 1 out of 30 might know Roddick. 1 out of 50 might know Federer.
Your numbers might be closer for the general sports fan who watches sports news and might watch tennis a couple times a year...even then they might recognize the name, but wouldn't recognize the face....
Datacipher
Banned
Kevin Patrick said:
Just what I was thinking Kevin. Sad but true.
bigserving
Hall of Fame
It does seem like an issue to the game of tennis given the rare talent that we tennis fans recognize Federer to be. I think that this issue goes hand in hand with the reason behind the matches that we see broadcast on TV.
All that being said, does anyone have an opinion about how to rectify the "problem," or is it a problem at all?
All that being said, does anyone have an opinion about how to rectify the "problem," or is it a problem at all?
dennis1188
Semi-Pro
Sounds like 'Florida style' ballot logic .
If u count it, it will come true. ..Not!
If u count it, it will come true. ..Not!
a verrry large duck
Rookie
bigserving:
It does seem like an issue to the game of tennis given the rare talent that we tennis fans recognize Federer to be. I think that this issue goes hand in hand with the reason behind the matches that we see broadcast on TV.
All that being said, does anyone have an opinion about how to rectify the "problem," or is it a problem at all?
Well for that question, I think there's something else more fundamental, as in do the powerful traditional portions of tennis playing members WANT more members. I mean I've walked into a country club with a friend that doesn't "look" acceptable and they get the icy reception if you know what I mean. When you think tennis, for your non-playing potential tennis player, they have a certain exclusive aura around it, and it's not all lights and smoke. For tennis to become more well known you've got to get more run of the mill people playing it.
It does seem like an issue to the game of tennis given the rare talent that we tennis fans recognize Federer to be. I think that this issue goes hand in hand with the reason behind the matches that we see broadcast on TV.
All that being said, does anyone have an opinion about how to rectify the "problem," or is it a problem at all?
Well for that question, I think there's something else more fundamental, as in do the powerful traditional portions of tennis playing members WANT more members. I mean I've walked into a country club with a friend that doesn't "look" acceptable and they get the icy reception if you know what I mean. When you think tennis, for your non-playing potential tennis player, they have a certain exclusive aura around it, and it's not all lights and smoke. For tennis to become more well known you've got to get more run of the mill people playing it.
bigserving
Hall of Fame
a verrry large duck said:
It does seem to me that the tennis establishment has been very slow to warm to idea that this is the X-games, Hip-Hop, generation.
I just don't think that the broadcasters of tennis pay enough attention to the best players in the world. In America, the sports have association with being on the national level only. Look at baseball, football, nascars, indy, hockey (even though most of the players are Canadians and Europeans). Look at Europe's top sports: Soccer (very international sport), Formula 1 (with drivers all over the world) and tennis. In US there seems to be no interest in international competition. Not many people really care.
Also, ESPN shows American players as superstars while I haven't seen them call Federer a superstar. The show his matches very casually. Roddick is portrayed in a completely different view.
Also, ESPN shows American players as superstars while I haven't seen them call Federer a superstar. The show his matches very casually. Roddick is portrayed in a completely different view.
Unfortunately the only people who are interested in a rare talent in tennis are those who already recognize & care about talent in tennis & the general public isn't interested in rare talent of any kind. And I would even bet that a quicki survey of any sociial tennis club anywhere would show that surprisingly few players could name 3 of the top ten players and could recognize only Roddick or Agassi in the top 50. with this in mind, it's no wonder they show Roddick and the Williams over and over again as it's easier to watch who you already know, let along have to deal with all those foreign people with strange names. And Rog is not the best looking guy, and in an age of good looks and nonsense, Roger is too serious and dull looking to be marketable.
bigserving
Hall of Fame
Good point Cat. Who's responsibility is it however, to market the game and its players? Lots of people on this board seem to want to blame the broadcast companies for not showing the matches that they want to see.
I don't think that the broadcasters are the ones responsible for making the game and it's players popular.
Many other sports are growing and doing well. Baseball, NFL, PGA, NBA, NASCAR are all doing well. This year, over 1.5 million LeBron James jerseys were sold. Eighteen months ago, no one had even heard of the guy. He is not even recognized as the best player in the NBA.
In tennis, our best player is almost completely unknown to the general public. Is this an issue with the ATP, USTA, ITF, WTA or is it someone else's responsibility?
I don't think that the broadcasters are the ones responsible for making the game and it's players popular.
Many other sports are growing and doing well. Baseball, NFL, PGA, NBA, NASCAR are all doing well. This year, over 1.5 million LeBron James jerseys were sold. Eighteen months ago, no one had even heard of the guy. He is not even recognized as the best player in the NBA.
In tennis, our best player is almost completely unknown to the general public. Is this an issue with the ATP, USTA, ITF, WTA or is it someone else's responsibility?
a verrry large duck
Rookie
pound cat:
And Rog is not the best looking guy, and in an age of good looks and nonsense, Roger is too serious and dull looking to be marketable.
Really?? I kind of think he's a good looking guy isn't he? I mean he even looks smooth on the tennis court, kind of like a james bond except on a tennis court.
And Rog is not the best looking guy, and in an age of good looks and nonsense, Roger is too serious and dull looking to be marketable.
Really?? I kind of think he's a good looking guy isn't he? I mean he even looks smooth on the tennis court, kind of like a james bond except on a tennis court.
dozu
Banned
when I came to America 12 years ago, I was shocked by Americans' short-sightedness in such a open society. Nothing but slum murders and fires in the evening news, the general public knows very little about what's going on in the world. and play off winners call themselves "world champions".
For the public's lack of interest in ATP, a product 100x more better than the WTA, I don't know what the answer is. It's not the TV's fault, they have to make a buck. It's not the audience fault..... I think the ATP needs a better management to promote the product better. This years US open series will be a good start.
Sometimes the natural beauty of the sport will take over the public. e.g. soccer gaining popularity, while baseball is dying. Because soccer is natural, just look at how much fun toddlers are having on the soccer field. Baseball is unatural, look how bored the toddlers are on the baseball field.
Going off topic a little bit... but the bottom line is, after a while people become numb, and after all, this is the greatest country in the world, so why do you need to worry about the rest of the world after all.
For the public's lack of interest in ATP, a product 100x more better than the WTA, I don't know what the answer is. It's not the TV's fault, they have to make a buck. It's not the audience fault..... I think the ATP needs a better management to promote the product better. This years US open series will be a good start.
Sometimes the natural beauty of the sport will take over the public. e.g. soccer gaining popularity, while baseball is dying. Because soccer is natural, just look at how much fun toddlers are having on the soccer field. Baseball is unatural, look how bored the toddlers are on the baseball field.
Going off topic a little bit... but the bottom line is, after a while people become numb, and after all, this is the greatest country in the world, so why do you need to worry about the rest of the world after all.
The Franchise
Rookie
Baseball is dying? What the hell are you talking about dude? If anything, it's making a huge comeback from the '94 strike. Don't even get me started on this game.
The Franchise
Rookie
Awwww man, you just got me started. Baseball is un-natural? WTF? I like both soccer and baseball, but to say that one is more natural than the other? Once again, WTF? Each sport has its own flow and rhythm my friend. And I see toddlers sleeping at both soccer and baseball games. Okay, I need to stop and step outside for a breath of fresh air before I go postal on this topic.
JohnThomas1
Professional
The one thing here is that Federer has not yet won. Maybe the odds are against it, but we must consider that these 60% of people may end up right.
Kevin T
Hall of Fame
Hey, buddy, you can come on this board and bash our president, way of life, religion, etc. but we draw the line on bashing baseball!
Repeat after me...Soccer will never be a major sport in the US. It's a very popular intramural and kiddie sport but interest dies after high school. Interest in baseball has picked up the last few years. It will probably never overtake football and basketball again but it will always be a "Big 3" sport. Concerning Federer, he will NEVER be popular with the general sporting public here in the US. Sampras is the greatest American player ever, likely the greatest period, and no one cared about him either. When's the last time you were in a bar and struck up a conversation about Wimbledon?
Or demanded the barkeep turn off that Reds v. Cubs game for a glimpse at the Henman/Ancic quarter? Unless you hang out at the Yale Club, probably never. Sad but true. And lay off baseball.
Repeat after me...Soccer will never be a major sport in the US. It's a very popular intramural and kiddie sport but interest dies after high school. Interest in baseball has picked up the last few years. It will probably never overtake football and basketball again but it will always be a "Big 3" sport. Concerning Federer, he will NEVER be popular with the general sporting public here in the US. Sampras is the greatest American player ever, likely the greatest period, and no one cared about him either. When's the last time you were in a bar and struck up a conversation about Wimbledon?
Or demanded the barkeep turn off that Reds v. Cubs game for a glimpse at the Henman/Ancic quarter? Unless you hang out at the Yale Club, probably never. Sad but true. And lay off baseball.
F
Free_Martha
Guest
Perhaps some people are choosing Roddick because Roddick actually has a chance of winning Wimbledon, even if it's against the Great Unbeatable Tennis God Roger "orgasm" Federer.
I think Federer would become far more popular in the US if he got a personality of some sort. Being a great player isn't enough. Americans like strong personalities: Borg, Becker, Rafter, McEnroe, Agassi. It doesn't matter to them if you're not American; just show some personality, have some fun on the court, and they'll love you.
I think Federer would become far more popular in the US if he got a personality of some sort. Being a great player isn't enough. Americans like strong personalities: Borg, Becker, Rafter, McEnroe, Agassi. It doesn't matter to them if you're not American; just show some personality, have some fun on the court, and they'll love you.
Datacipher
Banned
mlee2 said:
This doesn't make sense. Why do you think they would feel foolish if you yourself "highly doubt it"?
Since you all agree that Federer is the favorite....
Federer
I think all tennis fans in the U.S. know who Federer is. Anyone who watches Wimbledon knows.
I really don't understand the logic in how the networks decide that we only want to see American players. People who don't follow tennis don't usually watch regardless of who is playing. People who do follow tennis usually want to see Federer more than Roddick. In fact other pro players gather to watch Federer.
However, I don't think Federer should be worrying about increasing his recognition. He gets plenty of recognition from the rest of the world. Besides the more celebrity type appearances he would have to give the less time he'd have to concentrate on tennis and staying in shape.
I'd say at some point more people in the US will know who Federer is just because of how many times he will win majors.
I think all tennis fans in the U.S. know who Federer is. Anyone who watches Wimbledon knows.
I really don't understand the logic in how the networks decide that we only want to see American players. People who don't follow tennis don't usually watch regardless of who is playing. People who do follow tennis usually want to see Federer more than Roddick. In fact other pro players gather to watch Federer.
However, I don't think Federer should be worrying about increasing his recognition. He gets plenty of recognition from the rest of the world. Besides the more celebrity type appearances he would have to give the less time he'd have to concentrate on tennis and staying in shape.
I'd say at some point more people in the US will know who Federer is just because of how many times he will win majors.
Brian Purdie
Semi-Pro
I think it's better that people not know who Federer is. It keeps him out of the spotlight and focused on #1, not interviews and tv shows. Sampras and Lendl were both #1's who shunned the spotlight (relatively speaking, of course). It's hard to be the #1 player in the world and focus on only tennis when everyone wants a part of you. Roger doesn't offer that to the US public, and let's face it: you can be a star on one continent, but until you're a star by the right of the media in the US, you're small potatoes.
JohnThomas1
Professional
Actuall FM i remember how long it took Lendl to be accepted and perhaps even embraced in the US due to his veiled dour personality. In the early stages Lendl was worse than Federer tho, he didn't even hide the fact he had no time for the media etc. Federer has no probs with the media, but is seen by some as boring on the court. His shots sure aren't tho. Another problem is that he has no GREAT matchups or rivalries at present, in the vein of Mac-Borg, Borg-Connors, Sampras-Agassi etc. Borg was the most boring personality you could ever see on court, but he sure was popular and heralded, almost a cult figure actually. If someone could come thru and go shot for shot with Federer and actually make for some great matches i am sure the interest level in him would hit the sky in no time. Particularly if this player was outgoing and passionate. Maybe, just MAYBE Roddick can hit his straps and form a good rivalry with him, especially on hard courts. Here's to hoping.
TahoeTennis
Legend
I think a few more peeps know who Fed is now. And also that SPanish kid.
War is over, Fedal united!
War is over, Fedal united!
Backspin1183
Talk Tennis Guru
Mr Feeny
Hall of Fame
I think a few more peeps know who Fed is now. And also that SPanish kid.
War is over, Fedal united!
That might seem crazy but I remember a Charlie Rose interview with Federer back then. Charlie didn't seem to have a clue about tennis and he and is audience didn't seem to know who the greatest player in the sport was.
Tennis isn't as popular as we might think it is. To us tennis fans, it might seem unfathomable, but the sad fact is that - for one reason or another - the sport isn't that big.
There's a reason there hasn't been a tennis game on PS4 until 2018, 4 years after the console's release. They don't sell. Most people wouldn't buy a tennis game because they barely know the rules. I've lost count of the number of people I've met who has me how the scoring system works.
It's sad, but I don't think the sport is as popular as it should be.
Im(moral) Winner
G.O.A.T.
Well yeah nobody cares about tennis
Plamen1234
Hall of Fame
Probably the sport is not so popular because Americans dont dominate it anymore.Back in the days you had Sampras,Aggasi,McEnroe.
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
Uh, no. Sampras could have walked thru any mall and rarely been noticed. Agassi may have - at least version 1 because the hair and ‘image is everything’ commercials.
Laughing at all the Euros and other foreigners from 2nd rate countries who come here - to an AMERICAN - site to get little digs in. Why didn’t anyone in your countries create a tennis message board if you’re all so knowledgeable and interested in the sport? And if you were smart you’d also know Tennis ranks way down the sports ladder in the US.
Zetty
Hall of Fame
LeBron would probably dominate the sport bro.
Im(moral) Winner
G.O.A.T.
Probably Lendl tier with the same type of lost finals conversation rate.
C
Chadillac
Guest
Espn doesnt exactly cater to tennis fans now (demograph). More of a nba channel now. I could see it. I'll bet if you asked them if serena could beat fed, 95% would say yes
Backspin1183
Talk Tennis Guru
Dude, that's Roger Ferrer, not Roja Federer who is from Switzerland or Serbia.
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
C
Chadillac
Guest
Didnt he cramp up after 35mins because the ac wasnt on?
Tennis wouldnt give him 3 serves and let the ball bounce twice, they enforce the rules, unlike the nba.
Zetty
Hall of Fame
Nadal would beg to differ
