Analysis of Commentators, Best and Worst- Sending to ESPN

M

Milan

Rookie
I am going to send this message board to ESPN so they can get an honest, subjective opinion of Tennis Commentators.

Best 3

Martina Navratilova- One of the best commentators. Great insight, good stories, right balance of critique and praise, understands the game as good as any woman in the world. perhaps GOAT women's tennis player.

Jason Goodall- Excellent Commentator. Knows so much about tennis. Why don't they use him for the French????

Robbie Koenig- Tennis Channel during 1000 series events. Excellent South African commentator. Great insight and play by play. Perhaps the Best.

Worst 3

Dick Enberg- Way past his time. Perhaps good in the 1960's but way to simplistic, general, and ignorant of tennis. Tries to overly dramatize the matches and uses the same 3 phrases. Does not know ANYTHING about tennis and cannot play off the analyst's comments. Should be retired or used for horse racing or spelling B contests.

Mary Carillo- Obsessed with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Constantly tries to build up women's tennis in an insecure way. Very awkward personality and talks too much. No insight into technical or tactical tennis. Not famous for her tennis but instead being obsessed with Serena Williams. Was helped to her job by John and Pat McEnroe and should be fired immediately.

Chris Fowler- Also knows NOTHING about tennis. Makes knocks at Brad Gilbert who is perhaps one of the Greatest Tennis Coaches and also makes knocks at non-Americans. Very biased to Americans and should stay in College Football.



Guys who I would rate as acceptable would be Pat McEnroe, Brad Gilbert, Cliff Drysdale. However, the crew Tennis Channel has (South African and British commentators) during their 1000 events are fabulous.

Why can't Tennis Channel own rights to everything???? ESPN is showing Williams match twice over Del Potro..what a joke.
 
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we've been calling for carillo's head for years i have no idea how she still has her job, i think your a little hard on fowler though, like whop would you really replace him with?

Who I like:
McEnroes
Cahill
Gilbert
Navratilova
Fernandez

Who I dislike:
Carillo
Barry McKay

Everyone else is just ok...
 
Milan said:
Chris Fowler- Also knows NOTHING about tennis. Makes knocks at Brad Gilbert who is perhaps one of the Greatest Tennis Coaches and also makes knocks at non-Americans. Very biased to Americans and should stay in College Football.
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I think Fowler's good for a non-player. He's not an analyst by any means, but he's pretty good at "coordinating" coverage and being more of an anchorman. I find him insufferable when he's alongside Gilbert though - there's too much of a frat-boy vibe.

I have to ask, though, why would you be sending commentary on TTC's coverage to ESPN? ESPN has had their basic team for quite some time. Recently, the only changes I can think of have been Fowler (who was already pretty well-known) and Cahill (probably the best find ESPN has made recently). I can't see them changing it up too much.
 
Doug Adler is the American right? I think I prefer Jason Goodall, particularly when he's paired with Robbie. They're a good combination.

I actually like Fowler quite a bit. I think he's very clever and is good when paired with a good ex-pro. He knows tennis pretty well for a football guy, and I actually like him alongside Gilbert, contrary to some.

Both McEnroes are good but if I her JMac talk about "new strings and these lighter racquets" again I'll vomit, especially when he refers to Federer's racquet as "lighter".
 
stormholloway said:
Doug Adler is the American right? I think I prefer Jason Goodall, particularly when he's paired with Robbie. They're a good combination.

I actually like Fowler quite a bit. I think he's very clever and is good when paired with a good ex-pro. He knows tennis pretty well for a football guy, and I actually like him alongside Gilbert, contrary to some.
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yeah a lot of people have a problem with fowler idk why maybe because hes not a tennis guy, but they have to realize thats not his roll, hes there to ancor the coverage, give a solid interview, and transition between coverage all while having basic tennis knowledge, which he does well
 
Was helped to her job by John and Pat McEnroe and should be fired immediately.
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Carillo has been doing commentary since the early 80s, she was hardly 'helped to her job' by the McEnroes. And she's a former player.
I think the first major final she called was the '87 USO men's final(on CBS)
And has done every one since. At this point, she probably has her job for life(like Drysdale) Get used to it.
 
she was not in ESPN..

but I liked Lindsey Davenport (on mic) very much. It was my first time to appreciate tennis commentary.
 
Mary Carillo has been very loud and annoying as of late. PMAC does not add anything to the "knowlegde base".
 
On a scale of 1 to 10:

Patrick McEnroe - Cheers way too much for American players, has clear preferences in every match. Must learn to be more neutral. Otherwise, I appreciate his knowledge of the players. 7

Brad Gilbert - Knows his stuff, some entertaining, funny, colorful commentary and inside information. Unfortunately, talks too much about unnecessary subjects. Must learn to stick to the action of the match and not start rambling about random stuff. But still one of the best. 8

Cliff Drysdale - Offers good insight during matches, is very unbiased. Very balanced analysis of the players and match most of the time. Tends to repeat himself too much. 7

Darren Cahill - The best from the ESPN crew, wonderful commentary and analysis. Never boring, always alert to what's going on. Knows how to make even dull matches seem interesting. 9

Dick Enberg - Knows almost nothing about tennis. Commentary is general, false, and boring, portrays tennis in a dull way. Repeats himself too much. I'll give him an extra point for trying, though. 2

Mary Carillo - EXTREMELY annoying, laughs for no apparent reason, overall strange character. Offers absolutely no insight into the match, and makes fun of things that she shouldn't. Really needs to be more professional. Interesting comments by her are rare. 3

Chris Fowler - Goes off-topic frequently, doesn't know much about tennis, although he seems to be improving a bit lately. Like P-Mac, is biased against all non-Americans. Decent for the front desk to keep viewers up to date on results, but definitely should not be commentating matches. 4

Mary Jo Fernandez - Overall OK, sticks to the match at hand and provides some valuable info. Could learn to bring more excitement and flavor to her commentary. 7

Pam Shriver - Talks too much, doesn't offer much insight into matches. Most of her jokes are terrible and poorly timed. Needs to learn when to stop talking and how to capture the viewers' attention. 5

Commentators who I would rate a 9 or 10: Jason Goodall, Robbie Koenig, Doug Adler, John McEnroe.
 
Carillo is the only real journalist in the lot.

Cahill is my second favorite, with Patrick McEnroe and Brad Gilbert as close thirds.
 
Martina is the most knowledgeable of all the commentators, but she needs to stop talking! she talks over points, over the other announcers etc.

Justin Gimmelstob needs to learn how to pronounce names (marin Cilic) and yeah i know he's TTC.

I agree, Darren Cahill rocks.
 
Who is that one british commentator that in the Miami final said "Oh yeah baby" after Murray hit a winner. Whoever he is he drives me nuts.

Also that one french commentator at FO is hard to understand, and a little biased towards french people but has very good insight on the game
 
dincuss said:
Who is that one british commentator that in the Miami final said "Oh yeah baby" after Murray hit a winner. Whoever he is he drives me nuts.

Also that one french commentator at FO is hard to understand, and a little biased towards french people but has very good insight on the game
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LMAO!!!!!!!


Are you sure he was watching tennis? :wink:
 
Absolutely hate Martina and her non stop talking. She'll tell us what we just saw, over and over and over again.

Mary Carillo is too ego manical.

I think Chris Fowler is very good. Love the others.

As for rooting for Americans, I like that, because it's an American channel. I don't see the problem there...
 
I think every country tends to favor their players...When I was watching the feed of the Federer/Monfils match today their was a French guy commentating along with the two Brits who kept talking up Monfils over and over. He shut up quite a bit once Monfils lost the first and got bludgeoned in the second.

As for the ESPN crew, I think Darren Cahill is fantastic, and I wish they would stop putting him courtside and let him call a match. Cahill and Cliffy in the booth (or P. McEnroe) with Gilbert courtside. That's a good combo for me.

Side note: I'm pretty sure it was US Open 07 when they had Agassi in the booth for a Federer/Roddick match. Agassi was easily the best commentator I had ever heard. Incredibly bright and thoughtful, didn't talk during points and he really used his experience on the tour to shed light on situations that players from the 80s just can't do. I hope that at some point, Agassi comes to the booth on a part time basis and does some work in big TV events.
 
This doesn't fit into the category of contemporary commentators, but when I was a kid, Bud Collins used to call matches. Jeeze, that guy sucked. He still bothers me as an "analysist" today.
 
i love watching old matches on ttc that have bud collins commentators. he has a tendency to whisper during points when a player makes a good shot. i dont think he even realizes it.

back to the topic, i think both mcenroes r great, but pmac seems a little biased towards americans, as others have said, and talks up federer a lot.

the only one i really cant stand is carillo. she sounds like a maniac.
 
like:
Mcenroes
cahill
navratilova
fernandez

don't like:
Carillo
Carillo
Carillo
Carillo
Gilbert
Gimelstob
 
On a scale of 1 to 10:

Patrick McEnroe -Too biased. Pretends the Amercians chances exist way beyond the realm of possibility. He isn't as gossipy though and does offer decent insight into the players games. 6

Brad Gilbert -Fairest of them all. But, also has Americanitis and former pupilitis. He's also going on about Andre and Andy as if he gave them their talent. Can be funny, but also talks too much. 7

Cliff Drysdale - Instigates too much. Too gossipy for me. Always pretending he didn't play tennis himself. "So, why do they..." as if he doesn't have or is incapable of forming his own thoughts. 4

Darren Cahill - Too biased and pretentious. I used to like him, but the more I hear him the less respect I have for him. Seems oily to me. Remembered how he was dogging his former pupil out and giving out trade secrets. Until, they obviously made up. Decent commentary and analysis though, but feel like he's doing whatever he has to to keep getting perks. 6

Dick Enberg - Needs to be put out to pasture. Comes off and out of touch. Uses too many corny phrases and offers little in the way of commentary.1

Mary Carillo - Snidely clever. Wishy washy. Goes back and forth with her own opinion several times during a match. Too interested in gossip and what's going on in the players' personal life. Does write good essays, though. Unprofessional. 3

Chris Fowler - Doesn't seem to know that much about tennis, but holds his own with the others, which isn't saying much. Kind of likes to keep drama going. Kind of funny. 4

Mary Jo Fernandez - Boring. Biased. And talks about Sharapova and Federer too much. Which I think is a conflict considering her husband manages (both of them?) him, for sure. Should not be allowed into the booth. Does sometimes offer valuable information and isn't as inclined to gossip. 5

Pam Shriver - Extremely rude. Seems jealous of every player on tour. And is usually the first one to trash talk them when they go down. Insensitive. 3

Corina Morariau- You'd think she attained the level of these women on tour. Not! Seems jealous and petty and doesn't mind letting you know who she's rooting for, rather than calling the match. Biased.

Especially don't like the British (?) contingent. All too full of themselves and extremely biased.

Johhny Mac- the most powerful of them all. Whatever he says becomes golden. He seesaws between being really good and getting his agenda out there for the world. Sometimes he's fair, but usually leads and allows others to carry on his mantra. Something too shrewd about him for me. 6

Commentators I would rate a 10:

Katrina Adams- sticks to the match at hand. Offers game related information. Doesn't gossip. Is objective and shows no particular bias. Simply analyzes the match and leaves the gossip out of it. 10

Lindsay and Andre for their brief times on the mic. 10
 
If Gilbert got paid on the accuracy of his predictions, he would be poor. How can a so called expert, continually be wrong. Pmac is Andy Roddicks personal one man fan club. Fowler at least has some common sense, but little tennis savey. Drysdale has trouble remembering what day it is, let alone what is happening in a match. Mary, I hate shot spot, Carillo is just a pain in the ass. Enberg should have been left at home years ago where he can talk abour baseball, boxing and every other sport except tennis. Jmac & Cahill are the only possibilities for half way decent commentators.
 
Milan said:
I am going to send this message board to ESPN so they can get an honest, subjective opinion of Tennis Commentators.

Best 3

Martina Navratilova- One of the best commentators. Great insight, good stories, right balance of critique and praise, understands the game as good as any woman in the world. perhaps GOAT women's tennis player.
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Are you kidding me? I hate her commentary... She just talks crap!
 
If I hear Johnny Mac talk about how "Synthetic Gut" has "Drastically changed the game" one more time, I'm gonna throw a Krammer Pro Staff at the TV.

. . . Bud
 
In Sweden we have a commentator who say something wrong all the time. He said that the final will be played tomorrow (saturday) and he said that the last swede who was in the final was Wilander (Magnus Norman lost the final to Guga in 2000). He also says that you should always ht a smash in the middle of the court and that no player is better than their second serve. Last but not least he tells the viewers that there is clean and not clean aces. A not clean ace is when the returner hits the ball but it does not go forward it goes backwards or parallell to where he is standing.
 
rosen88 said:
In Sweden we have a commentator who say something wrong all the time. He said that the final will be played tomorrow (saturday) and he said that the last swede who was in the final was Wilander (Magnus Norman lost the final to Guga in 2000). He also says that you should always ht a smash in the middle of the court and that no player is better than their second serve. Last but not least he tells the viewers that there is clean and not clean aces. A not clean ace is when the returner hits the ball but it does not go forward it goes backwards or parallell to where he is standing.
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Yeah, in America we have about 10 of them.
 
Favorite Carillo moment--1991 Lipton Quarterfinal, Sabatini vs. Coetzer. Carillo has her mike off or muffled so no-one hears, but another mike picks up her whispering:

"The only interesting thing about this match is that both of these women have large breasts. We should do a chest-size comparison for the next changeover."
 
Glad to see that I'm not the only one who thinks that Goodall and Koenig are the best team. JMac is also good.
 
ahhhh!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates Mary Carrillo. :) I tell ya she puts me to sleep. I've always liked Bud Collins-don't know if he's still around.
 
I don't know who the best is but I know the worst. The old British man on Eurosport. He he just so boring, so biased and a real pain in the ass.
 
What do you guys think about Ted Robinson? I like the pairing of him and John McEnroe, but he does seem to try to create drama and I feel he loves Rafa too much. But I'd rather hear him over some of the ESPN play-by-play dudes.
 
John McEnroe with his lack of knowledge of any of the rules. Comments like today "I think that umpire is reading from a different rulebook." Those just have to stop. He is dead wrong on almost all of the rules he quotes or says.
 
RealityPolice said:
Favorite Carillo moment--1991 Lipton Quarterfinal, Sabatini vs. Coetzer. Carillo has her mike off or muffled so no-one hears, but another mike picks up her whispering:

"The only interesting thing about this match is that both of these women have large breasts. We should do a chest-size comparison for the next changeover."
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:lol: :lol: :lol:
 
I think Robbie Koenig is by far the best commentator. I really think he knows what he is talking about and makes great comments. Sometimes he even says things that are very funny but true. I really appreciate his insight and it feels good to be listening to someone who actually knows what they are saying. He is part of the reason I enjoy masters series events so much and I think he needs a promotion.
 
koning/adler/goodall are the best. they offer actual analysis and not the general "needs to be more aggressive....blah blah blah". my question is why does the tennis channel not use them for the grand slams? they're only used for the tennis masters series events. anybody know?
 
rod99 said:
koning/adler/goodall are the best. they offer actual analysis and not the general "needs to be more aggressive....blah blah blah". my question is why does the tennis channel not use them for the grand slams? they're only used for the tennis masters series events. anybody know?
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I think they are hired by the ATP just for the Masters 1000 tournaments. The Tennis Channel just picks up the worldwide ATP feed.
 
Get rid of Carillo...she tries to create too many catchphrashes. Her, "Big babes on bricks!!!" attempt from last year's FO to describe women's tennis became increasingly annoying with every utterance. She's way too smug for my taste.
 
Uhh, ya, Mary Carillo definitely needs to be outta there. Just a little too sexist/feminist and she rarely gives, or has, any insight into tactical or technical tennis.

On the other end of things, I do think that Brad Gilbert is ok cause he is always pumped up and ready to go and I respect Darren Cahill very much. I look forward to his analysys of the players and their tendencies, weaknesses and strengths.

One of the best commentaries i've heard though was from Andre (Agassi) last year, I think, when he stopped in at the US Open. He was very insightful and his analysis of the players were spot on... I wish he could get a gig as a comentator. I'd def be watching/listening to that network.
 
FedEx23 said:
What do you guys think about Ted Robinson? I like the pairing of him and John McEnroe, but he does seem to try to create drama and I feel he loves Rafa too much. But I'd rather hear him over some of the ESPN play-by-play dudes.
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Robinson's commentary is pretty forgettable IMO, but his eyes are the real problem. Man, those things freak me out, like they're trying to escape from his head or something.
 
Milan said:
I am going to send this message board to ESPN so they can get an honest, subjective opinion of Tennis Commentators.

Best 3

Martina Navratilova- One of the best commentators. Great insight, good stories, right balance of critique and praise, understands the game as good as any woman in the world. perhaps GOAT women's tennis player.
Click to expand...

funny how this is so subjective, because I find Martina insufferable to listen to. She talks during points and goes off tangent so many times and most of those times are during points!!! LOL
 
vegeta SSJ4 said:
that was koenig, he's a ******.
.
i don't like goodall after he called roddick one-dimensional, fine coming from someone like jmac who has been there and done that, but goodall, FTW
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that's a dumb statement you just made. goodall knows the game and has every right to call roddick what he is. you don't have to be a grand slam champion to be able to see that.
 
rod99 said:
that's a dumb statement you just made. goodall knows the game and has every right to call roddick what he is. you don't have to be a grand slam champion to be able to see that.
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********, if goodall knows the game then he would know that roddick is not one-dimensional and probably have done better as a pro.

you shouldn't take the **** outta someone who has had a better career than themselves.
 
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