Overdrive
Legend
Article from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...yan-mike-bryan-atp-world-tour-finals/3484247/
Excerpts from the article:
"Despite packed crowds at London's indoor 02 Arena this week -- perhaps the best showcase for doubles across the entire tour – the Bryans expressed worry that doubles continues to decline professionally, even if recreational players overwhelmingly choose it over singles. Their concerns include the abundance of baseline playing styles, a trend where doubles finals are scheduled too far in advance of singles finals (that result in half-empty stadiums) and a lack of stars-in-the-making. "
(The text in bold is my commentary)
Yes, I agree. That is why I created a thread a few weeks ago proposing the top 10 players to play doubles. Honestly, the ATP singles competition is broken. Literally, only FOUR men are capable of winning a major or an M1000!
They said scheduling is also sometimes a problem, especially when singles stars like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic suit up but are relegated to outside courts while center courts with singles matches remain far from full."Obviously the ATP can do a better job," Bob said, who believes doubles needs a commissioner. "We need a guy we can go talk to, that fights for doubles rights at all times."
According to the consensus of TW, doubles sucks and the likes of Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer are the only reasons why 80% of the users here watch tennis.
Not everyone agrees.
"Doubles is looking really good at the moment," said Indian star Leander Paes, citing increases in prize money and exposure. He noted that more singles players were competing in doubles, such as former top-10 player Verdasco of Spain, who qualified here.
What a load of crap. It's bad enough that not a lot of people know who is Leander Paes is (except real tennis fans). One of the reasons why Verdasco is playing doubles because the playing field in the ATP singles tour is broken.
The Bryans admit they have not exercised their doubles bully pulpit enough."We're so focused on our career and playing we haven't had the chance to get into the political side of the game and do a lot for doubles behind the scenes," acknowledged Bob. "That might be something we can do when we retire."But he said the game needs more "TLC," especially after the TV-friendly move a few years ago to substitute a third set with a super tiebreak."Over time it's been pushed to the backburner," said Bob. "The whole thing about the shortened format was to get more doubles matches on center courts, but they're slowly starting to put less doubles matches out there."The slowing pipeline of talent is another issue. Most of the top doubles players are over 30, or in the case of 25th-ranked Daniel Nestor, past 40.
It sure has. Since players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer aren't playing, who cares right? :roll:
"It's thin because doubles is a game you need years and years to get comfortable and find a partner you can stick with for a long time," said Mike. "You're not going to see any hotshot 20 year olds being a good doubles player because they don't play enough in the juniors. It's tough to break in."
I don't believe it is the fault of the juniors. The coaches, parents, and other supporters can be the blame for this.
Excerpts from the article:
"Despite packed crowds at London's indoor 02 Arena this week -- perhaps the best showcase for doubles across the entire tour – the Bryans expressed worry that doubles continues to decline professionally, even if recreational players overwhelmingly choose it over singles. Their concerns include the abundance of baseline playing styles, a trend where doubles finals are scheduled too far in advance of singles finals (that result in half-empty stadiums) and a lack of stars-in-the-making. "
(The text in bold is my commentary)
Yes, I agree. That is why I created a thread a few weeks ago proposing the top 10 players to play doubles. Honestly, the ATP singles competition is broken. Literally, only FOUR men are capable of winning a major or an M1000!
They said scheduling is also sometimes a problem, especially when singles stars like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic suit up but are relegated to outside courts while center courts with singles matches remain far from full."Obviously the ATP can do a better job," Bob said, who believes doubles needs a commissioner. "We need a guy we can go talk to, that fights for doubles rights at all times."
According to the consensus of TW, doubles sucks and the likes of Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer are the only reasons why 80% of the users here watch tennis.
Not everyone agrees.
"Doubles is looking really good at the moment," said Indian star Leander Paes, citing increases in prize money and exposure. He noted that more singles players were competing in doubles, such as former top-10 player Verdasco of Spain, who qualified here.
What a load of crap. It's bad enough that not a lot of people know who is Leander Paes is (except real tennis fans). One of the reasons why Verdasco is playing doubles because the playing field in the ATP singles tour is broken.
The Bryans admit they have not exercised their doubles bully pulpit enough."We're so focused on our career and playing we haven't had the chance to get into the political side of the game and do a lot for doubles behind the scenes," acknowledged Bob. "That might be something we can do when we retire."But he said the game needs more "TLC," especially after the TV-friendly move a few years ago to substitute a third set with a super tiebreak."Over time it's been pushed to the backburner," said Bob. "The whole thing about the shortened format was to get more doubles matches on center courts, but they're slowly starting to put less doubles matches out there."The slowing pipeline of talent is another issue. Most of the top doubles players are over 30, or in the case of 25th-ranked Daniel Nestor, past 40.
It sure has. Since players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer aren't playing, who cares right? :roll:
"It's thin because doubles is a game you need years and years to get comfortable and find a partner you can stick with for a long time," said Mike. "You're not going to see any hotshot 20 year olds being a good doubles player because they don't play enough in the juniors. It's tough to break in."
I don't believe it is the fault of the juniors. The coaches, parents, and other supporters can be the blame for this.
