American Tennis

[Stevo Karlovic]

Top 10 problems in no particular order:

1. Everything right with the Spanish Tennis Program is what's wrong with the Americans. The players, the coaches, the fans, you name it. I'd advise the USTA to send officers/board members on sabbatical over to Spain to learn about modern tennis as a whole.

2. Andy Roddick's decision to sport the horrible no-show socks. Sweet dude... did ya shave your legs RIGHT before the match tonight?? Lookin good bud. Brooklyn might stick around with you a few more months now.

3. Jim Courier??? Really?? He makes Isaiah Thomas look good. Though they both look great in their suits, nobody's fooled. He better be sporting a track suit when the Americans get eliminated 3-1 Sunday.

4. Where the F was Mardy Fish after his match?? Lopez returned to courtside (see #1 on this list)

5. Who in God's name were those stiffs representing the American team courtside? Were they Sam(Querrey)urai's? They looked like a High School Chess team. Made me proud to be a tennis fan born and living in America.

6. Justin Gimelstob. I know its sort of unrelated, but his face is a fist-magnet. Awful American ex-player. He can shoulder some of the current problems blame.

7. The fans attending this Davis Cup event are seemingly no different than any other American Tour level event. They are all great people I'm sure. But, 90% of them are soccer moms. They create quite a raucous atmosphere let me tell you.

8. Where on earth is the only American male pro tennis player with actual blood running through his veins, Mr. John Isner?? Oh yeah, he's up in New England on the verge of 250 standings points. Good for him.

9. Ryan Harrison. I pray to God every single day now that the USTA has someone high up enough on their structure who is on the level enough to see that this brat represents the exact same culture that is hurting American tennis and is NOT the answer to any of our prayers. Someone should remind this kid that he's 19 years old and doesn't know jacksh*t about anything in this blessed world. I can't believe the arrogance (nevermind confidence) of this kid.

10. No Rock Stars. We need up and comers of American Tennis too be a realistic representation of our modern culture. We DO NOT need kids who who are trying to fool everybody of that. Stop stifling the development of players who don't fit the traditional mold of what the elder statesmen say it ought to be. We need some badas5es out there for the love of all that is holy. Maybe some weirdos too. Am I wrong?? We have fallen so far behind. I miss Agassi and McEnroe and Connors and Sampras.


Also, just a reminder that Justin Gimelstob is a human punching bag. :twisted:

 

[Sid_Vicious]

Cool story, bro.

 

[cucio]

Top 10 problems in no particular order:

1. Everything right with the Spanish Tennis Program is what's wrong with the Americans. The players, the coaches, the fans, you name it. I'd advise the USTA to send officers/board members on sabbatical over to Spain to learn about modern tennis as a whole.

Didn't read the rest after this one. There is no such thing as a Spanish Tennis Program, but a Spanish Fluke Golden Generation. There are no top Spanish players younger than Nadal. As things are looking now, in 5 years Spain will probably be lucky to be like the US is now, or like Spain was 7-8 years ago, 4-6 top 100, maybe 1-2 occasional top 10.

 

[dirtballer]

You mentioned Ryan Harrison. I saw him do his bag check on Tennis Channel and something bothered me. He pulled out a computer printout of his workout schedule. It just reminded me of a manufactured clone.

 

[Quikj]

I once saw Justin Gimelstob at a challenger in norcal, circa 2004. I was 15 at the time and this ******bag refuses to sign autographs for me or any of the other campers.

Michael Chang was on his comeback/farewell tour. Even in defeat, Chang stayed for hours after his match to sign autographs for all of us.

Seriously though, Justin Gimelstob's a tool. He's pompous, obnoxious, and has an undeserved sense of entitlement.

 

[AM95]

this is more like a rant then what is wrong with american tennis (minus your first point of course).

IMO. American tennis has become more of a business than a sport. Playing tennis year around in a local "academy" can cost up to 10k. Thats absurd money when you think about it, especially since most of the coaches at these academies dont care about their players. Also, coaches work more with kids who already have results. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but they ignore kids who may have talent but dont YET have the results to back it up.

As to all of this Spanish tennis bs..i dont buy it. Federer, djokovic, monfils, soderling, berdych do not play this "grinding style of play" (maybe djokovic grinds a bit, but most of the time he is agressive). just because the spanish are suddenly breaking into the top 100 doesn't mean quick strike tennis is dead.

 

[Raistlin]

LOL I keep hearing everyone talking about Justin Gimelstob some years ago as a commentator, but he has done absolutely nothing of worth in Tennis....

 

[SoBad]

2. Andy Roddick's decision to sport the horrible no-show socks. Sweet dude... did ya shave your legs RIGHT before the match tonight?? Lookin good bud. Brooklyn might stick around with you a few more months now.

Roddick may not be the top national player anymore, but if he is serious about filling the niche of a shaved-legs no-socks neurotic American journeyman, he needs to do more. How about a beer gut or a k-swiss headband?

 

[number1]

first of all you are a d!ck

second of all: i thought this was going to be a thread bashing how american tennis is played

 

[atatu]

Regarding No. 5 and No. 7...were you there ? No, you were eating a Philly Cheese Steak and preparing for your 3.5 doubles match today, right ?

 

[Pkcourt]

Top 10 problems in no particular order:

1. Everything right with the Spanish Tennis Program is what's wrong with the Americans. The players, the coaches, the fans, you name it. I'd advise the USTA to send officers/board members on sabbatical over to Spain to learn about modern tennis as a whole.

2. Andy Roddick's decision to sport the horrible no-show socks. Sweet dude... did ya shave your legs RIGHT before the match tonight?? Lookin good bud. Brooklyn might stick around with you a few more months now.

3. Jim Courier??? Really?? He makes Isaiah Thomas look good. Though they both look great in their suits, nobody's fooled. He better be sporting a track suit when the Americans get eliminated 3-1 Sunday.

4. Where the F was Mardy Fish after his match?? Lopez returned to courtside (see #1 on this list)

5. Who in God's name were those stiffs representing the American team courtside? Were they Sam(Querrey)urai's? They looked like a High School Chess team. Made me proud to be a tennis fan born and living in America.

6. Justin Gimelstob. I know its sort of unrelated, but his face is a fist-magnet. Awful American ex-player. He can shoulder some of the current problems blame.

7. The fans attending this Davis Cup event are seemingly no different than any other American Tour level event. They are all great people I'm sure. But, 90% of them are soccer moms. They create quite a raucous atmosphere let me tell you.

8. Where on earth is the only American male pro tennis player with actual blood running through his veins, Mr. John Isner?? Oh yeah, he's up in New England on the verge of 250 standings points. Good for him.

9. Ryan Harrison. I pray to God every single day now that the USTA has someone high up enough on their structure who is on the level enough to see that this brat represents the exact same culture that is hurting American tennis and is NOT the answer to any of our prayers. Someone should remind this kid that he's 19 years old and doesn't know jacksh*t about anything in this blessed world. I can't believe the arrogance (nevermind confidence) of this kid.

10. No Rock Stars. We need up and comers of American Tennis too be a realistic representation of our modern culture. We DO NOT need kids who who are trying to fool everybody of that. Stop stifling the development of players who don't fit the traditional mold of what the elder statesmen say it ought to be. We need some badas5es out there for the love of all that is holy. Maybe some weirdos too. Am I wrong?? We have fallen so far behind. I miss Agassi and McEnroe and Connors and Sampras.


Also, just a reminder that Justin Gimelstob is a human punching bag. :twisted:

The problem is the USta is control of american tennis, they are almost as bad is the ncaa.

 

[Stevo Karlovic]

Regarding No. 5 and No. 7...were you there ? No, you were eating a Philly Cheese Steak and preparing for your 3.5 doubles match today, right ?

Friend, Philadelphia is the 5th largest city in the U.S. We do more than eat cheesesteaks. You sound worldly.

As far as my "3.5 doubles match", it was way more exciting than what USTA Austin gave us this weekend. And I wasn't tooling it out like Rod-D!ck either.

 

[Colin]

Top 10 problems in no particular order:

1. Everything right with the Spanish Tennis Program is what's wrong with the Americans. The players, the coaches, the fans, you name it. I'd advise the USTA to send officers/board members on sabbatical over to Spain to learn about modern tennis as a whole.

2. Andy Roddick's decision to sport the horrible no-show socks. Sweet dude... did ya shave your legs RIGHT before the match tonight?? Lookin good bud. Brooklyn might stick around with you a few more months now.

3. Jim Courier??? Really?? He makes Isaiah Thomas look good. Though they both look great in their suits, nobody's fooled. He better be sporting a track suit when the Americans get eliminated 3-1 Sunday.

4. Where the F was Mardy Fish after his match?? Lopez returned to courtside (see #1 on this list)

5. Who in God's name were those stiffs representing the American team courtside? Were they Sam(Querrey)urai's? They looked like a High School Chess team. Made me proud to be a tennis fan born and living in America.

6. Justin Gimelstob. I know its sort of unrelated, but his face is a fist-magnet. Awful American ex-player. He can shoulder some of the current problems blame.

7. The fans attending this Davis Cup event are seemingly no different than any other American Tour level event. They are all great people I'm sure. But, 90% of them are soccer moms. They create quite a raucous atmosphere let me tell you.

8. Where on earth is the only American male pro tennis player with actual blood running through his veins, Mr. John Isner?? Oh yeah, he's up in New England on the verge of 250 standings points. Good for him.

9. Ryan Harrison. I pray to God every single day now that the USTA has someone high up enough on their structure who is on the level enough to see that this brat represents the exact same culture that is hurting American tennis and is NOT the answer to any of our prayers. Someone should remind this kid that he's 19 years old and doesn't know jacksh*t about anything in this blessed world. I can't believe the arrogance (nevermind confidence) of this kid.

10. No Rock Stars. We need up and comers of American Tennis too be a realistic representation of our modern culture. We DO NOT need kids who who are trying to fool everybody of that. Stop stifling the development of players who don't fit the traditional mold of what the elder statesmen say it ought to be. We need some badas5es out there for the love of all that is holy. Maybe some weirdos too. Am I wrong?? We have fallen so far behind. I miss Agassi and McEnroe and Connors and Sampras.


Also, just a reminder that Justin Gimelstob is a human punching bag. :twisted:

Not as pithy as a Letterman list, but a few fair points are raised — especially the part about Gimelstob. Listening to his commentary during the Davis Cup inspired kind feelings, for the very first time I assure you, for the relative clarity and wit of the likes of Mary Carillo, Dick Edberg and the brothers McEnroe! Think about that and shudder.

In fact, I think the major factor is TV coverage. In the parlance of our times, it really sucks, man. The networks make it hard to be a tennis fan in the United States. They try to run coverage of the majors, but they end up delaying it or pre-empting it for morning shows or soap operas or reruns of infomercials.

But I can't take much issue with Ryan Harrison. Sure, he's passionate. He'll break a racket like Vera Zvonareva on her best day (or worst, depending on your point of view); but he shows something. What? Grit, determination, a desire to win. Take another look at his matches at Wimbledon. Watch him compete with a fighter like Ferrer for five sets. Can the same be said lately of characters like Isner and Querrey? For a decade, Andy Roddick has had to keep alive the hopes of U.S. tennis by being the only American with real game and personality. I hope Ryan can fill that role in the future.

I'm not ready to write Andy's obit, however, despite tough times. I think he will rise again — with short socks or long or, most controversially, with no socks at all. As to his legs and whether there's hair there, perhaps he's following in the footsteps of a very victorious metrosexual named Novak Djokovic. Some choose to emulate Novak's diet, but Roddick knows those lovely limbs are the key to the Joker's success. And you don't think Nole would get into character in Shakira drag for his Nadal video satire or walk down the runway in a decency law-defying swimsuit without confidently smooth legs, do you?

 

[Overheadsmash]

Too many other sports / activities to choose from these days. That's the problem with tennis. It's not on the radar. There really is not a lot more the USTA can do. My 12 year old is 5 foot 5 and 125 lbs. Long arms and legs and very fast. He would be a great tennis player and when he does play, he has a naturally long fluid stroke. We belong to a club with har tru courts that are in prefect condition and are just awesome to play on. Problem? He loves football, has a black belt in tae kwon do, and loves xbox. Not interested in tennis. All of his friends, many of whom would be great tennis players, also play football. None of them even own a racquet probably.

My father in law is from Phoenixville btw. Great athlete played basketball for Pitt.

 

[Overheadsmash]

Not as pithy as a Letterman list, but a few fair points are raised — especially the part about Gimelstob. Listening to his commentary during the Davis Cup inspired kind feelings, for the very first time I assure you, for the relative clarity and wit of the likes of Mary Carillo, Dick Edberg and the brothers McEnroe! Think about that and shudder.

In fact, I think the major factor is TV coverage. In the parlance of our times, it really sucks, man. The networks make it hard to be a tennis fan in the United States. They try to run coverage of the majors, but they end up delaying it or pre-empting it for morning shows or soap operas or reruns of infomercials.

But I can't take much issue with Ryan Harrison. Sure, he's passionate. He'll break a racket like Vera Zvonareva on her best day (or worst, depending on your point of view); but he shows something. What? Grit, determination, a desire to win. Take another look at his matches at Wimbledon. Watch him compete with a fighter like Ferrer for five sets. Can the same be said lately of characters like Isner and Querrey? For a decade, Andy Roddick has had to keep alive the hopes of U.S. tennis by being the only American with real game and personality. I hope Ryan can fill that role in the future.

I'm not ready to write Andy's obit, however, despite tough times. I think he will rise again — with short socks or long or, most controversially, with no socks at all. As to his legs and whether there's hair there, perhaps he's following in the footsteps of a very victorious metrosexual named Novak Djokovic. Some choose to emulate Novak's diet, but Roddick knows those lovely limbs are the key to the Joker's success. And you don't think Nole would get into character in Shakira drag for his Nadal video satire or walk down the runway in a decency law-defying swimsuit without confidently smooth legs, do you?

Ryan is just young - typical for that age - he'll mature. I remember Djokovic breaking his sticks and generally acting like an A-Hole and look at him now.

 

[jakemcclain32]

We simply need a McEnroe or Connors.

Forget how they acted. Put them two sets down and they REFUSED to quit. Down 5-2 in the third set? Screw you, it's going to be tied.

Most kids down 5-2 now have no heart. That's the problem with American tennis. They can know all the great groundstrokes and the greatest serves in the world, but there's that heart and determination you must have when you have a bad day, and that's missing right now.

 

[tennis_fan_182]

Who cares about Ryan Harrison's attitude or talent or lack thereof.

He's not tall enough to be a tennis player. Or at least a GS winning one (and if you can't win slams what's the point of being a tennis player).

Don't bring up Agassi, we're in 2011 now. And Ferrer doesn't win slams.

 

[sillymonkey]

lol, especially the Gimeslob references.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

Regarding No. 5 and No. 7...were you there ? No, you were eating a Philly Cheese Steak and preparing for your 3.5 doubles match today, right ?

What's wrong with Philly Cheese steak? ****'s ****ing delicious bro.

I'll be damned if I'm going to sit here and let you bash cheese steak.

 

[dcdoorknob]

As far as my "3.5 doubles match", it was way more exciting than what USTA Austin gave us this weekend. And I wasn't tooling it out like Rod-D!ck either.

Well you where making that post, so actually you pretty much were.

 

[slice bh compliment]

Top 10 problems in no particular order:

1. Everything right with the Spanish Tennis Program is what's wrong with the Americans. T...

2. Andy Roddick's decision to sport the horrible no-show socks. S....

3. Jim Courier??? ...He better be sporting a track suit when the Americans get eliminated 3-1 Sunday.

4. Where the F was Mardy Fish after his match?? Lopez returned to courtside (see #1 on this list)

5. ...
6. ... Gimel.... ...

7. ... soccer moms. ...

8. ...

9. ...

10. ...Stop stifling the development of players ... We need some badas5es out there for the love of all that is holy. ...I miss ...McEnroe and Connors and Sampras.


...

Damn, you are good. I just got back from the tie in Texas. I'm seeing red, too.

 

[Mikael Kolesaw]

I think Robert Kendrick is the future of american tennis,if only he could train at Nick Bollietieri's for a few weeks,he will be a top contender for the US Open 2011.

Ryan Harrison still has a long way to go.But he is damn good as well.

 

[Tshooter]

"That's the problem with tennis. It's not on the radar. There really is not a lot more the USTA can do."

Tennis went from a hot sport in the 70s to a not today. You're right, it simply isn't on anyone's radar.

During the same period the US Open, the USTA's premier event and major money maker (approximately $165 million in revenue last I checked), went from arguably a second rate sporting event to a premier sporting event that sells tickets at upwards of $800 a pop and sells them out.

So despite the USTA charter, maybe their actual priorities have gotten a bit mixed up. $8 million golden parachute for an ex-CEO of a non-profit whose mission is to promote the game of tennis ? That could have paid for a lot of grassroot programs promoting the game.

On the other hand, the kids day draws 25,000 + each year so maybe there is a future champion of two in there.

"Most kids down 5-2 now have no heart."

Harrison has heart. I don't think he's a major talent but he does have heart.

 

[Jonny S&V]

Who cares about Ryan Harrison's attitude or talent or lack thereof.

He's not tall enough to be a tennis player. Or at least a GS winning one (and if you can't win slams what's the point of being a tennis player).

Don't bring up Agassi, we're in 2011 now. And Ferrer doesn't win slams.

Umm, how tall do you think Ryan is? Last I checked, he's 6'1", same height as Federer, Nadal, and Sampras....

 

[SandV]

Who cares about Ryan Harrison's attitude or talent or lack thereof.

He's not tall enough to be a tennis player. Or at least a GS winning one (and if you can't win slams what's the point of being a tennis player).

Don't bring up Agassi, we're in 2011 now. And Ferrer doesn't win slams.

Ryan just hit 6' 1", same height as Federer and Nadal. (Unless youre suggesting that their generation is passe now.)

 

[jokinla]

I think Robert Kendrick is the future of american tennis,if only he could train at Nick Bollietieri's for a few weeks,he will be a top contender for the US Open 2011.

Ryan Harrison still has a long way to go.But he is damn good as well.

This Robert Kendrick prediction must be a joke, unless you are related to him, and then I get the family confidence, but otherwise, seriously, come on.

 

[ClarkC]

The main problem with American tennis is that it is produced in a superficial, materialistic culture that focuses on what kind of socks someone is wearing and whether our players are "rock stars" rather than how to develop championship level technique, footwork, etc. In other words, the original poster is the poster boy for what is wrong with American tennis.

 

[slice bh compliment]

The main problem with American tennis is that it is produced in a superficial, materialistic culture that focuses on what kind of socks someone is wearing and whether our players are "rock stars" rather than how to develop championship level technique, footwork, etc. In other words, the original poster is the poster boy for what is wrong with American tennis.

Great post. Yes, it's called irony, and it's the new religion over here in America. Irony and all of its trappings -- keeping us unabashedly not humble, and ensuring our lack of success in tennis and otherwise. Oh, yeah, that and hot dog eating contests.

And the culture of ironic kickball, ironic adult hide & seek leagues.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go to my Duck Duck Goose league practice.

 

[Herios]

Umm, how tall do you think Ryan is? Last I checked, he's 6'1", same height as Federer, Nadal, and Sampras....

He is still listed at 6' on the ATP site, but never mind the heigth, what is more imporant is his skill set. Way to go. He will be a good player, but great? I doubt it, at least for now.
One of the many, lingering around the top 10-40 for many years to come when he matures.

And mind you, that is not BAD comparig what has come out of USA in the last 5-6 years or so.

 

[SandV]

He is still listed at 6' on the ATP site, but never mind the heigth, what is more imporant is his skill set. Way to go. He will be a good player, but great? I doubt it, at least for now.
One of the many, lingering around the top 10-40 for many years to come when he matures.

And mind you, that is not BAD comparig what has come out of USA in the last 5-6 years or so.

He's 6' 1"...I'm a friend of the family.

 

[Tshooter]

"He's 6' 1"...I'm a friend of the family."

I've never once measured any of my friends. How do you open that topic.

 

[Federer>Djokovic>Nadal]

theres still hope, dogs. usta can pay djoker a dungload of money to become an american citizen and play for america.

 

[SandV]

"He's 6' 1"...I'm a friend of the family."

I've never once measured any of my friends. How do you open that topic.

I grew up with his father and talk to him frequently. He told me Ryan is 6' 1".

 

[Herios]

theres still hope, dogs. usta can pay djoker a dungload of money to become an american citizen and play for america.

He is way better off living in Monte Carlo, he doesn't need the USD which is doomed anyway

Not to speak about how proud serbian he is

 

[Tshooter]

Classic post.

Can't stand JGs lispy, weird random ENUNCIATION of words I guess he thinks we don't understand like FOREHAND or TENNIS BALL. And that's just the delivery.

 

[Tshooter]

"I grew up with his father and talk to him frequently. He told me Ryan is 6' 1"."

He seems like a nice kid -- off the court.

 

[SLD76]

I once saw Justin Gimelstob at a challenger in norcal, circa 2004. I was 15 at the time and this ******bag refuses to sign autographs for me or any of the other campers.

Michael Chang was on his comeback/farewell tour. Even in defeat, Chang stayed for hours after his match to sign autographs for all of us.

Seriously though, Justin Gimelstob's a tool. He's pompous, obnoxious, and has an undeserved sense of entitlement.

quoted for truth. can't stand him.

 

[Herios]

The american tennis is at a turning point I feel. The long reign of Andy Roddick is coming to an end, as it seems that his body is falling apart, beside the fact that he lost his edge in his game, he has only a serve these days, that is not enough to make him a serious threat anymore.

In the interim, until the yougsters are REALLY stepping up, Mardy Fish took over the baton, due to his new gained fitness. Too bad is coming so late in his career, nonetheless. deserves a lot of credit.

 

[West Coast Ace]

Hope the OP got back on his meds...

The US doom and gloom is amusing. Tennis players from most countries are products of their family (genetics, opportunity, encouragement), not some faceless 'National Program'. There will be more male tennis champions from the US - might be two yrs, might be 10, might be 20 - but it will happen.

 

[tacou]

You mentioned Ryan Harrison. I saw him do his bag check on Tennis Channel and something bothered me. He pulled out a computer printout of his workout schedule. It just reminded me of a manufactured clone.

yeah cause there's nothing robotic about playing the same sports 10 months a year, starting when you're 4-7, ending when you're 30-32.

Fish, Isner, Harrison, D-Young. American's MEN tennis looks good this summer. Andy Roddick has been phenomenal for 10 years. American tennis is as solid as almost any other country the last decade

 

[jokinla]

Gimelstob's commentating is annoying as hell, and when he is on camera but isn't speaking, he does have the most punchable grin frozen on his face.

 

[AlexDK09]

The American No. 1 has set his sights on the US Open, and hopes to continue his good form until the end of the year.

“The ultimate goal is to make the Masters Cup, which I've never done before,” he said. “I'm right in the mix, so that'll be the goal for sure.”

10char......

 

[Stevo Karlovic]

The main problem with American tennis is that it is produced in a superficial, materialistic culture that focuses on what kind of socks someone is wearing and whether our players are "rock stars" rather than how to develop championship level technique, footwork, etc. In other words, the original poster is the poster boy for what is wrong with American tennis.

You....are...wrong. Roddick, Isner, Querrey, Harrison, Fish, Sock. These are what you call rock stars?? I referenced McEnroe, Connors, Agassi (The young version.) Go read back on my post numbnuts.