Why are you telling me to calm down, do I seem agitated to you, "mate?" And, why don't you reel off a list of the "many" other players who have gone "through quite a lot of coaches as well." Besides, even if it were true, is that an indication that things are going well? How many of them booted the coach after one tournament, btw?
Connors and Sharapova : it's over...
- Thread starter hugobosstachini
- Start date
Why are you telling me to calm down, do I seem agitated to you, "mate?" And, why don't you reel off a list of the "many" other players who have gone "through quite a lot of coaches as well." Besides, even if it were true, is that an indication that things are going well? How many of them booted the coach after one tournament, btw?
Mick
Legend
Maybe Sharapova's boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov convinced her to give him this job.
Easy money for him and they can spend more time together.
beneficial for both
THUNDERVOLLEY
G.O.A.T.
Amusing how you believe anyone could be jealous of mediocrity.
Says much about your off-centered perceptions.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Seriously, do you make these absurd statements just to get a rise out of people? Roddick's did not have a career was ruined at all. Just because Andy had a difficult time getting past Roger the GOAT does not mean his career was ruined. Andy was in the top 10 in the recent past longer than any other player except for the GOAT. ARod made it to 5 slams finals and 10 slam SFs or better. This is hardly the resume of a ruined career.
AR had dropped out of the top 10 prior to looking up with JC. With JC a his coach he ended up 2006 at #6 and hovered around #3/#4 for a while in 2007. In a short year and a half together, AR reached QF or better 4x -- SF at 2007 AO and Final at USO 2006. Did extremely well in Davis Cup play as well. Hardly a ruined career (particularly considering the guy that usually stopped him).
Maria played 1 match with JC as a coach. And you are saying he ruined her career? Got a good chuckle out of that one.
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Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
According to rumors he was trying to be too bossy in the car radio department and she was already getting annoyed at sharing the ar with him AND Dimitrov. One of them had to go.
basil J
Hall of Fame
I actually thought this was going to be an intertesting relationship, though I was expecting some high drama down the road, I am dissapointed Maria cut him loose so quickly.
I actually think there are some interesting parrallels bewteen the games of Connors and Sharpova:
Both hit relatively flat and hard( based on their era.)
1.Connors better mover and all courter, Sharapova better at hitting outright winners.
2.Both have good focus and never give up until the last ball. (Conners more outspoken and Sharapova more quiet and internal). Both have big egos.
3.Both from what I have heard and read have excellent work ethics, and aside from Maria's shoulder injury, had long relatively injury free careers, ( we will see how long sharapova lasts but there is nothing happening to say she can't play into her 30's)
So the Big difference IMO: Connors better mover, better thinker and more effective from all areas of the court. Some of this could be taught, in time. At the begginning of this year. Maria was working hard on her movement and it was paying dividends. That appears to have diminshed a bit in her last couple of tourneys, where her movement was not so great.
So from a coaching perspective, where do you spend the time with a player Like Sharapova?
She is only 26 so she can still modify her game a bit.
I was hoping that Connors was going to bring:
A focus on side to side and all court movement. All pros and rec players that improve movement and fitness improve overall as players. some physical benefits ,some confidence and mental benefits.
2. Teach her how to close in on the net and finish points with a volley. At 6'.2" she should be coming in 20-30 times a match. It would be a transition in style, but she hits big enough to get the short balls and floater returns enough to do it. She needs a plan "B". Just my thoughts. Reserve you bashing if you disagree. I just feel like Maria's ego and stubborness may be sabbotaging her own career and maybe a tough jerk like Connors was just what she need. but now we will never know.
I actually think there are some interesting parrallels bewteen the games of Connors and Sharpova:
Both hit relatively flat and hard( based on their era.)
1.Connors better mover and all courter, Sharapova better at hitting outright winners.
2.Both have good focus and never give up until the last ball. (Conners more outspoken and Sharapova more quiet and internal). Both have big egos.
3.Both from what I have heard and read have excellent work ethics, and aside from Maria's shoulder injury, had long relatively injury free careers, ( we will see how long sharapova lasts but there is nothing happening to say she can't play into her 30's)
So the Big difference IMO: Connors better mover, better thinker and more effective from all areas of the court. Some of this could be taught, in time. At the begginning of this year. Maria was working hard on her movement and it was paying dividends. That appears to have diminshed a bit in her last couple of tourneys, where her movement was not so great.
So from a coaching perspective, where do you spend the time with a player Like Sharapova?
She is only 26 so she can still modify her game a bit.
I was hoping that Connors was going to bring:
A focus on side to side and all court movement. All pros and rec players that improve movement and fitness improve overall as players. some physical benefits ,some confidence and mental benefits.
2. Teach her how to close in on the net and finish points with a volley. At 6'.2" she should be coming in 20-30 times a match. It would be a transition in style, but she hits big enough to get the short balls and floater returns enough to do it. She needs a plan "B". Just my thoughts. Reserve you bashing if you disagree. I just feel like Maria's ego and stubborness may be sabbotaging her own career and maybe a tough jerk like Connors was just what she need. but now we will never know.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Lets admit it Connors doesn't know Coaching. Lendl does.
Mustard
Bionic Poster
What? Connors did well enough with Roddick. Even Roddick's backhand became a much better shot.
marc45
G.O.A.T.
interesting story here from Matt Cronin about Maria's dad's role https://twitter.com/TennisReporters/status/368789919503618049
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
I think she should steal Carlos Rodriguez from Li.
Or maybe she should hire Carlos Danger instead.
Seriously, Carlos Rodriguez or Larry Stefanki.
Stefanki encouraged Roddick to get fitter and faster. He also encouraged Roddick to get to net and taught him how to volley better, 'cause Roddick does not have natural volley gifts. These changes helped Roddick almost get that second slam.
Also, remember that young Roddick relied on a big serve and big FH to blast everyone off the court. When that stopped working, he needed a new identity. Stefanki found it for him.
I think Maria should pay Stefanki whatever it takes to rework her game.
Or just retire and have done with it.
Or maybe she should hire Carlos Danger instead.
Seriously, Carlos Rodriguez or Larry Stefanki.
Stefanki encouraged Roddick to get fitter and faster. He also encouraged Roddick to get to net and taught him how to volley better, 'cause Roddick does not have natural volley gifts. These changes helped Roddick almost get that second slam.
Also, remember that young Roddick relied on a big serve and big FH to blast everyone off the court. When that stopped working, he needed a new identity. Stefanki found it for him.
I think Maria should pay Stefanki whatever it takes to rework her game.
Or just retire and have done with it.
NikeWilson
Semi-Pro
Sloan Stephens is a good player tho.
Carlos the Jackal? Great choice, one cheater hooking up with another. Btw, I haven't noticed any great results from Li Na since that scum started coaching her.
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bluegrasser
Hall of Fame
Ruined,?? Connors had Roddick playing better IMO & he brings alot to the table, the guy made the semi of the USO at age 40 for crying out loud, he understands how to win, one of the toughest players mentally. Sharapova was hitting forehand after forehand into the net + had a long layoff - so is that Connors fault ? Give it a rest..
TheTruth
G.O.A.T.
I agree. One match cannot be an indicator of future results. It seems many coaches wouldn't even want to bother with her at this point.
So it was daddy's idea. Or it may just be gossip.
I wonder if she's going to miss Hogsted?
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skiracer55
Hall of Fame
So that's $8000 a month...
...or right around $1 mil per year. That's chump change to Sharapova...
...or right around $1 mil per year. That's chump change to Sharapova...
It's not just Serena, the only women's player I dislike more than Pova is Henin, but some people act like the two were close in accomplishments, and they aren't, despite Just Lying's lack of a career Slam. 4 Slams despite all those years on the tour(and a suspiciously large number of easy draws), she's overhyped no matter WHO else is being talked about.
THUNDERVOLLEY
G.O.A.T.
Agreed. For all of the unwarranted hype, you would think she was damn near Graf or Serena-like levels in her generation.
She can try this or that coach. She can fire them at will, but in the end, SHE is the problem, and unwilling to change her game to make herself relevant next to her competition.
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granddog29
Banned
Marias career is on a rapid descent from here I fear. She has already done amazingly in the sense of longevity in that she has now had 10 years of playing top level slam contending tennis. Given that her strength is clearly all ball striking and competitive ability, and her lack of anything more than moderate athletic ability there is no way she could realistically match the Graf or Navratilova longevity of 12 years of top level tennis. So barring something very unlikely we should see her dropping out of the top 5 (possibly top 10) and ceasing to be a contender to win slams from here onwards.
Overdrive
Legend
tennisconsultcom
Rookie
Opinion of Robert Lansdorp:
"MARIA SHARAPOVA FIRES JIMMY CONNORS What a surprise ???? Not to me, but if you listened to the commentators on T.V. like Pam Shriver, Cahill, Patrick Mc Enroe & Fernandez, we are all so surprised. Give me a break. I told you it was a disaster to happen. Any way, I think Maria should call her dad Yuri to help her out. She needs more than her dad right now, but it is a great start. I forgot who the guy was before Hogstedt, just know he did a lousy job and Maria got hurt a lot the next guy, Hogstedt, I think had her put more top spin on the ball. Crazy advice if he did, but that’s what it looked like. And then of course, the great Jimmy Connors. Have no idea what he told Maria to do, BUT 63 unforced errors. You must be kidding me and about 30 backhands. Maria hardly ever misses backhands’ so no wonder Maria got rid of Jimbo. Maria call your dad, and have him come and help you. Just tell him to behave. I talk to Yuri all the time and he is a nice guy. You came to me because your dad wanted you to hit like Davenport. You DID, even better and you have to go back to that. But do it soon, before it is too late. I don’t want you to lose confidence."
"MARIA SHARAPOVA FIRES JIMMY CONNORS What a surprise ???? Not to me, but if you listened to the commentators on T.V. like Pam Shriver, Cahill, Patrick Mc Enroe & Fernandez, we are all so surprised. Give me a break. I told you it was a disaster to happen. Any way, I think Maria should call her dad Yuri to help her out. She needs more than her dad right now, but it is a great start. I forgot who the guy was before Hogstedt, just know he did a lousy job and Maria got hurt a lot the next guy, Hogstedt, I think had her put more top spin on the ball. Crazy advice if he did, but that’s what it looked like. And then of course, the great Jimmy Connors. Have no idea what he told Maria to do, BUT 63 unforced errors. You must be kidding me and about 30 backhands. Maria hardly ever misses backhands’ so no wonder Maria got rid of Jimbo. Maria call your dad, and have him come and help you. Just tell him to behave. I talk to Yuri all the time and he is a nice guy. You came to me because your dad wanted you to hit like Davenport. You DID, even better and you have to go back to that. But do it soon, before it is too late. I don’t want you to lose confidence."
Spin Doctor
Professional
Do you really think she is unwilling? IMO, it doesn't matter whether she is willing or not. She is incapable of making a change. She simply isn't an athlete and will always have inherent limitations because of it. She HAS to hit the ball hard. That is her only talent. Her movement is **** and she has no finesse at all. She is a one-note player and always will be.
granddog29 said:
Exactly, except I dispute your assessment of her athletic ability as "moderate". Other than incredible hand-eye co-ordination and the genetic blessing of being 6'2", she has zero athleticism.
I agree with this.
Adding to what you said, she's an immature baby who is now realizing that her aura is gone and she has to work to win.
Spin Doctor
Professional
...and yet she has a career slam...which makes me nauseous. When her one-note is working, it works big time.
Hmmm
I wonder how Jimmy feels. Giving it only a one match go, seems incredibly short-sighted. However, we don't know what has gone on behind the scenes. My sympathy though is with Connors. It taken months to make changes and impact to a top level player. To only give it one match......well it is strange.
Again though I don't know what happened behind the scenes - maybe it was a personality clash.
I wonder how Jimmy feels. Giving it only a one match go, seems incredibly short-sighted. However, we don't know what has gone on behind the scenes. My sympathy though is with Connors. It taken months to make changes and impact to a top level player. To only give it one match......well it is strange.
Again though I don't know what happened behind the scenes - maybe it was a personality clash.
rodrigoamaral
Hall of Fame
i called it when it was announced.. Yuri is the one to blame here
They had been working together for weeks prior to the W&S tournament so it was more than just 1 match. Clearly Maria realized she made a mistake. And I have no sympathy for Connors...
THUNDERVOLLEY
G.O.A.T.
While everything you say is true about Sharapova, if one is not even willing to do whatever it takes, everything else--including musical coaches--is just show. From the start, she was made to feel she was the Second Coming and too special to criticize or change. As a result, even a legend like Connors could not help her, yet she marches around courts with a nasty, entitled attitude.
Musical coaches? She was with Joyce for many years and then with Hogstedt for many years as well. It's clear she does not hire and fire coaches on a whim--like many other WTA players do. It could just be that Connors is out of touch with the modern game--which is why no one else from his generation is actively coaching on tour.
I think it's kind of embarrassing. Who holds the record for having to coach the least number of matches before getting fire? I'm afraid it's Connors, not an appealing story to be documented in the record book.
granddog29
Banned
Connors has nothing to feel ashamed of. This speaks far worse to Maria than it does to him. Right now the tennis World is laughing at her, as she is clearly a confused and lost soul at the moment. Nobody will take this as a knock against Connors, it is impossible to screw that much up in just one week.
granddog29
Banned
bluetrain4;It's amazing that she's only 26. What does TW think. Is Sharapova a player where age is going to matter that much if she still has the desire? She was never a good mover said:
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Hold on a minute there. It was not that long ago at all that Federer and other top ATP and WTA players enlisted Tony Roche as a coach. Roche is some 7-8 years older than Connors. Roche stopped competing in '79 whereas Connors played til '96. Not sure but there could be other coaches from Tony's or Jimmy's era that have coached tour players in the recent past or present.
THUNDERVOLLEY
G.O.A.T.
Of course. Connors remains a legend. A poor client does nothing to tarnish his legendary status. Meanwhile, Sharapova's arrogance blows up in her face again and again, and only the most desperate of her defenders see her as the one coming out of this on a positive note.
Agreed.
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
if Connors could coach, Roddick would have won wimbledon
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
This is crazy talk. This is not proof of JC's shortcomings as a coach. If Federer was not around to stop ARod time after time, Andy would have undoubtedly reached more finals and won more slams. ARod fared well with JC even tho' he only reached one slam final during their year & a half together.
Likewise, Nadal has been Federer's Achille's heel.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Andy Murray beat the best after Lendl took over to win his 1st major
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
So what. Andy M is possibly a more complete player than Andy R. Or, perhaps he just started to reach his peak last year and may continue to do so for a few more. ARod had already peaked (2003-05) prior to hooking up with JC in mid-2006. Even if Lendl had coached Andy R, it is doubtful that he would have done much better against RF. Roger, particularly at his peak, was just a superior player to ARod regardless of who was coaching Andy. There were a few times that ARod outplayed Federer (Wimby 2009?) but did not have the talent to do so on a consistent basis.
Andy M is now dealing with an RF who is past his prime.
THUNDERVOLLEY
G.O.A.T.
That is an important point: Murray has more natural gifts than Roddick could dream of, so it was not any failing on Connors' part as Roddick's coach, but Roddick being a painfully one-dimensional, flat-footed player who was not going to transform into a "Federer-killer" no matter who coached him.
Connors is without fault in two cases of players--Roddick and Sharapova--who were not blessed with great tennis insight, talent, or any other gifts. As a result, they could not absorb all of Connors' knowledge.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Bet you if Roddick had Lendl as the coach, he would have won one more major.
granddog29
Banned
Dean Goldfine is the coach who ruined Roddicks career, along with John Roddick to a degree. After Goldfine Roddick never got his forehand back to quite the same level no matter how he tried. Connors was in the middle Connors was in no way his best coach. That was Brad Gilbert by far, and probably Larry Stefanki 2nd. However he was far form his worst too. He was the one who made Roddick a contender again, which people forget by early 2006 he wasnt anymore.
THUNDERVOLLEY
G.O.A.T.
Based on what? Roddick and Murray are not pieces fitting the same slot--in other words, Lendl would get far different results as Murray and Roddick are not the same. Roddick--like Sharapova--are one-dimensional players. Murray is not, hence the changes Lendl was able to make from Murray's original type of game.
Connors was not Sharapova's problem. He has a wealth of powerful insight to offer, but it cannot go anywhere on a simpleminded player with their greatest asset is "hit hard, or hit harder." That was Roddick. That IS Sharapova.
THUNDERVOLLEY
G.O.A.T.
BeGreat, let's BeSerious: women's tennis of the past decade+ has witnessed more entertaining tennis than just the Williams sisters, and few have been of the runway and/or fashionista set, no matter how hard some tried.
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