Fed says the US Open is the 2nd most important event on tour

[Moose Malloy]

Thought this was an interesting comment, since there is so much debate here on which slams are the most prestigious/significant, etc.

"For me, US Open is the second biggest one we have on tour. To have won those two, you know, the most times, it's just incredible for me."

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2007-09-09/200709091189387326218.html

 

[vkartikv]

For his style of play (when he first came on) and considering his idols, Wimbledon will obviously be his first choice, what's so interesting about that? Or are you surprised the french is not second since he has never won it?

 

[Moose Malloy]

many on here think the french is more important than the us, or that all the slams are equal after wimbledon. I just thought what he said was interesting in terms of historical discussions when comparing players.

 

[boojay]

I get the vibe that Wimbledon has the most prestige associated with it. The US Open is the most electric. French is least understood. And Aussie is just there.

These are all Western views, of course.

 

[natasha_nana]

Why wimbledon is THE grand slam in his mind requires no explanation...many other players have said the same repeatedly for much the same reason.


As for why Roger thinks USO is number 2 - I suspect it is because he feels that it is the hardest to win...and thus worth more than winning the FO or AO.
You have to contend with: the weather...the day-night matches...semis and finals back to back...the crazy US crowd...arthur ashe stadium etc.

Also if you look at the contenders to the GOAT title...they are generally players who either dominated Wimbledon or the USO or both.
So this may add to their standing in GS prestige I guess.

 

[2 Cent]

ofcourse Wimbledon is #1 for all tennis players.
i would think actually #2 might be the French Open, then #3 the US Open, #4 is obviously the Australian Open.

 

[vkartikv]

many on here think the french is more important than the us, or that all the slams are equal after wimbledon. I just thought what he said was interesting in terms of historical discussions when comparing players.

If you read the entire interview, he says it became special after he beat Agassi in 05. But yes, once he wins the french that will be come his 2nd or may be even 1st!

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

#2 definitely the US Open.

Hardcourts. US. Most players come out guns ablazing (or haven't you noticed the awesome matches that happened the past 2 weeks?)

 

[natasha_nana]

once he wins the french that will be come his 2nd or may be even 1st!

no way.

wimbledon will always remain the most important for him. that is obvious when one looks as roger and the things he values most.

and i doubt winning the french once will suddenly make it number 2 in his mind either.
It may be his 2nd most important win after his first or fifth wimbledon...but I doubt the tournament itself will take precedence over the USO in his mind.

 

[psamp14]

the us open is the most electrifying slam.....clearly its the #2 slam of the 4

 

[superman1]

In terms of history, I definitely think it is #2. So many great matches have been played there, maybe even more than have been played at Wimbledon when you think about it. The US Open is the most entertaining Slam, I have always felt, maybe because it's a perfect surface and it's the last Slam of the year and everyone puts all of their energy into it.

 

[illkhiboy]

The US Open definitely is the Slam where the legends have performed consistently.

Sampras - won it 5 times, 3 other finals
Lendl - 8 Consecutive Finals
Connors - 4 Time Champion, few other finals
Federer - 4 Consecutive Wins
McEnroe - 3 or 4? Wins
Agassi - 2 Wins, 4 other Finals
Hewitt - Rarely lost before the Quarters, 1 Wins
Roddick - Won once, rarely lost before QF
Borg - Made a couple finals but no win

 

[fastdunn]

$ 2.5 million prize money

 

[Naomi]

Wimbledon will always be #1 but the USO is a solid #2. The night matches here are absolutely spectacular. They always seem to bring out the best in players. Well except for Kuznetsova

 

[tennispro11]

Thought this was an interesting comment, since there is so much debate here on which slams are the most prestigious/significant, etc.

"For me, US Open is the second biggest one we have on tour. To have won those two, you know, the most times, it's just incredible for me."

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2007-09-09/200709091189387326218.html

Not surprising considering he just pocketed a nice 2.4 million dollars. But yeah I would agree with him. The FO is boring to watch because it is sooooo slow and the guys that usually do well are one hit wonders.

 

[Moose Malloy]

Sampras - won it 5 times, 3 other finals
Lendl - 8 Consecutive Finals
Connors - 4 Time Champion, few other finals
Federer - 4 Consecutive Wins
McEnroe - 3 or 4? Wins
Agassi - 2 Wins, 4 other Finals
Hewitt - Rarely lost before the Quarters, 1 Wins
Roddick - Won once, rarely lost before QF
Borg - Made a couple finals but no win

Connors won it 5 times, made 2 other finals. Mac won it 4 times, 1 other final. Borg was in 4 finals.

 

[BluBarry]

I've never been to Wimbledon, Roland Garros or the Aussy Open but I have been to the USO several times and I gotta say, I can't think of anything more exciting than a Night match in Ashe Stadium. The energy there is enough to light a small city. It's got a Davis Cup type vibe to it and when they play music during change overs, everybody gets crazy. People are singing and dancing and it Rocks. Wimbledon (I'm guessing) doesn't even come close to that. I wonder if any of the other Slams play music during change overs?

 

[tennispro11]

I've never been to Wimbledon, Roland Garros or the Aussy Open but I have been to the USO several times and I gotta say, I can't think of anything more exciting than a Night match in Ashe Stadium. The energy there is enough to light a small city. It's got a Davis Cup type vibe to it and when they play music during change overs, everybody gets crazy. People are singing and dancing and it Rocks. Wimbledon (I'm guessing) doesn't even come close to that. I wonder if any of the other Slams play music during change overs?

The AO does play music for the record. I have heard that the AO is close or better than the USO for craziness and people having a good time.

 

[shutupova]

maybe it is because it pays him alot?
i mean he just won $2.4 million!

but back in his mind, i think roland garros remains to be the MOST important title
to go after.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

They're all equally important. Fed is just blowing off the French Open because he can't win it. lol

 

[Pete Semper]

Fed need to win FO before judging. It just depends where you live...FO will be number 2 for Europeans of the south and maybe for Latin America...I prefer USO than FO but FO is so cool and so prestigious, Wimbly and USO make legends, FO use to break them. (McEnroe, Edberg, Becker, Sampras, and for now Federer).

 

[dh003i]

His assessment seems accurate. In terms of absolute importance, and historical importance, it is 1st Wimbledon, 2nd USO, 3rd FO, 4th AO.

However, I think in terms of achievements, Borg's 5 Wimbledon's and 6 FO's are more impressive than Federer's 5 Wimbledon's and 4 USO's (and would be more impressive than an 5-6 or 6-5 Wimby/USO combination), because of how different the surfaces are.

And of course, for Federer, in terms of career completeness, the FO is the most important slam. It would arguably be better for him next year to win just the FO than all of the other slams combined. (not that it would be more impressive in that particular year; just in terms of his career).

 

[superman1]

The US Open is better than Wimbledon, actually, but Wimby will always have that fake prestige due to the all whites. I'm certain that the American audiences are more knowledgeable than the British audiences who think that tennis is played on grass all year long and just can't figure out why Henman keeps losing to these "nobodies". He's only in his thirties, it's not like he's old! And now he's retiring? What a loser! Compare that to when some people in the audience had tears in their eyes when Agassi retired.

 

[BluBarry]

The US Open is better than Wimbledon, actually, but Wimby will always have that fake prestige due to the all whites. I'm certain that the American audiences are more knowledgeable than the British audiences who think that tennis is played on grass all year long and just can't figure out why Henman keeps losing to these "nobodies". He's only in his thirties, it's not like he's old! And now he's retiring? What a loser! Compare that to when some people in the audience had tears in their eyes when Agassi retired.

Wow this Post is all over the place in terms of credence. Let's not forget Federer wasn't the first 2B asked this question. Sampras, Agassi, Lendl, Becker and Edberg were all asked at one time to name the Slams in order of popularity amongst the Players and in order of prestige.

Wimbledon has always come in 1st according to the Players and I've often wondered why is that since Agassi actually blew it off in the beginning because he wasn't into wearing white clothes. But I guess the fact that royalty would attend made it seem particularly special. The whole protocol issues regarding bowing upon entering (maybe) & exiting. I don't buy it at all. I think the Players rank these Slams by level of difficulty. Andre never thought he could stand a chance at winning there being a Baseliner. Taking out the ultimate S&V Player (JMac) in the Semis was a crowning achievement for Andre and had he lost in the finals, that alone would have been a milestone for him.

To say Roger will never win the French is absurd. Let's not forget for two straight years, Federer has met the best on Clay in the Finals, which tells me he's at least the 2nd best on Clay in the World which ain't all that bad. If Fed & Nadal continue to meet in the Finals of Roland Garros & Wimbledon, I believe Roger will beat Rafael at RG B4 Nadal beats him at Wimbledon.
* Just my opinion based upon no actual set of statistics.

Adding a French Crown to his collection is all that's missing and of course Roger Federer can not be seriously considered the GOAT if he fails to accomplish this.

Lastly, for anyone who is not an Andre Agassi Fan, maybe you can at least give him props for what is obviously an almost impossible accomplishment in winning a career Grand Slam with an Olympic Gold Medal to boot. Although Andre didn't amount the numbers that Pete did, Andre actually won a much more impressive array of titles than Pete or anybody in the Open Era has to date.

 

[psamp14]

if federer says the us open is the 2nd most important event on tour....then its the 2nd most important event on tour!!!!! end of discussion!!

 

[Fedexeon]

Wimbledon is special, its a dream of every tennis player to have the Wimbledon trophy. I think US Open is the 2nd most important slam, especially with hardcourt being the most common surface in the tour.

 

[Rhino]

if federer says the us open is the 2nd most important event on tour....then its the 2nd most important event on tour!!!!! end of discussion!!

Haha, well said. It's subjective. Different players will say different things but if Federer has an opinion, then it becomes a fact.

 

[rum02]

here's my opinion. aussie open is sort of the "fun" slam. french open is unique as (not now but in the past) almost anyone can win it. wimbledon is far and away the most important slam. us open is very exciting and famous for the night matches and that huge stadium.
My personal list of importance:
1.wimbledon
2.aussie open (i'm australian)
3.us open
4. French open
in general:
1.wimbledon
2. tie: french and u.s
4. australian

 

[keithchircop]

The US open has been prestigious since forever. It always got more respect than the French. This may be due to the fact that the US media is insanely powerful. During the US open the American media takes an interest in the sport. Americans who don't know squat about tennis take an interest. Walmart racquets sell much more. I'm sure De Niro, Hoffman, and Robin Williams had to be told who Djokovic was at the final.

Here in Europe though, the French is very popular. No comment on the Aussie open. Borg would only compete in the Aussie open if he'd win the other 3 slams in a row (to make a calendar grand slam), which he never did.

 

[phoony]

Fed still missing FO in his collections. Would he be another Sampras???

 

[seestern]

$ 2.5 million prize money

could not agree more. That is simple answer.
As Fed repeatedly say Wimledon is his most important GS, 2.4million USD just not enough for him to eat his words, but how about 5 million USD ?

 

[phoony]

could not agree more. That is simple answer.
As Fed repeatedly say Wimledon is his most important GS, 2.4million USD just not enough for him to eat his words, but how about 5 million USD ?

Of course Wimby important for him as the court really created for him to win else he wouldn't won 5th times in a row.

 

[tennis_hand]

it is all about the money. recognize the fact.
the day when USOPen plays the most money, it will be the most important.

 

[Scorch]

The US Open is better than Wimbledon, actually, but Wimby will always have that fake prestige due to the all whites. I'm certain that the American audiences are more knowledgeable than the British audiences who think that tennis is played on grass all year long and just can't figure out why Henman keeps losing to these "nobodies". He's only in his thirties, it's not like he's old! And now he's retiring? What a loser! Compare that to when some people in the audience had tears in their eyes when Agassi retired.

What a laughable post!

So if Wimbledon has 'fake prestige due to the all whites' why don't all tournaments achieve such prestige by changing their dress code!!!

And you are 'certain American audiences are more knowledgable'??? Based on what? Amazingly bigoted generalisations and childish claims.

Well done mate, well done.

 

[keithchircop]

The US Open is better than Wimbledon, actually, but Wimby will always have that fake prestige due to the all whites. I'm certain that the American audiences are more knowledgeable than the British audiences who think that tennis is played on grass all year long and just can't figure out why Henman keeps losing to these "nobodies". He's only in his thirties, it's not like he's old! And now he's retiring? What a loser! Compare that to when some people in the audience had tears in their eyes when Agassi retired.

LOL at every single thing you said. I wonder why BluBarry even bothered with a lengthy reply.

 

[natasha_nana]

Wow this Post is all over the place in terms of credence. Let's not forget Federer wasn't the first 2B asked this question. Sampras, Agassi, Lendl, Becker and Edberg were all asked at one time to name the Slams in order of popularity amongst the Players and in order of prestige.

Wimbledon has always come in 1st according to the Players and I've often wondered why is that since Agassi actually blew it off in the beginning because he wasn't into wearing white clothes. But I guess the fact that royalty would attend made it seem particularly special. The whole protocol issues regarding bowing upon entering (maybe) & exiting. I don't buy it at all. I think the Players rank these Slams by level of difficulty. Andre never thought he could stand a chance at winning there being a Baseliner. Taking out the ultimate S&V Player (JMac) in the Semis was a crowning achievement for Andre and had he lost in the finals, that alone would have been a milestone for him.

And not to forget the scores of women players who have said the same...not the least of these being 2 of the greatest ever, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova.

Also FYI - the bowing/cutseying to the Royal box is no longer done. It was removed a few years ago.

One of the main reasons that Wimbledon is considered the best is its history and tradition...it is the oldest tournament we have in tennis and many of the greatest rivalries and matches have been played out on its surface...
To win Wimbledon is to be in the same league as the greatest of the game, to be part of a tennis history and tradition that began before the player concerned, and will continue long after.
To be a member of the All England Club is something most players aspire towards.

It also treats its Champions very very well and with great respect, which is not necessarily the case with the other Slams.

 

[natasha_nana]

What a laughable post!

So if Wimbledon has 'fake prestige due to the all whites' why don't all tournaments achieve such prestige by changing their dress code!!!

And you are 'certain American audiences are more knowledgable'??? Based on what? Amazingly bigoted generalisations and childish claims.

Well done mate, well done.

well said. lol.

 

[pound cat]

the us open is the most electrifying slam.....clearly its the #2 slam of the 4

I sure didn't find the USO the electifying. In fact I was hard pressed to think of a respose when a poster here posed the question of which match was the best. There were many injured players as a reult of its being near the end of the tour, & hence retirements.

And the smog filled air of NYC caused on-going problems for players.


And AO has a coverered centre court, as will Wimbledon, and clean air.

 

[jelle v]

Well I can understand why he says that the US Open is very important. it's the one slam where relatively most players are playing on their favorite surface: hardcourt. Then there is the thing that probably all the players are in shape and playing their best tennis, unlike the Australian Open.

For me personally the ranking of the slams is:

#1 French Open
#2 US Open
#3 Wimbledon/Australian Open

French Open in my opinion is the hardest one to win, is the most physical challenge and shows us the best tennis.

 

[TenZero]

Wimby was the first slam, I think.

 

[Ossric]

Thought this was an interesting comment, since there is so much debate here on which slams are the most prestigious/significant, etc.

"For me, US Open is the second biggest one we have on tour. To have won those two, you know, the most times, it's just incredible for me."

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/interviews/2007-09-09/200709091189387326218.html

Not sure why there is a debate. You can't debate someone's opinion.

That's how he feels that's how it is....FOR HIM.

He's not saying it's a fact to the world, he's saying it's a fact to the world that these are his feelings.

 

[BluBarry]

LOL at every single thing you said. I wonder why BluBarry even bothered with a lengthy reply.

I was tempted to just say, "Ah yes, I have a response, WHAT?"

Wimby was the first slam, I think

OMG - 10-0, did you not read the Post by Natasha_Nana ?

And not to forget the scores of women players who have said the same...not the least of these being 2 of the greatest ever, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova.

Also FYI - the bowing/cutseying to the Royal box is no longer done. It was removed a few years ago.

One of the main reasons that Wimbledon is considered the best is its history and tradition...it is the oldest tournament we have in tennis and many of the greatest rivalries and matches have been played out on its surface...
To win Wimbledon is to be in the same league as the greatest of the game, to be part of a tennis history and tradition that began before the player concerned, and will continue long after.
To be a member of the All England Club is something most players aspire towards.

It also treats its Champions very very well and with great respect, which is not necessarily the case with the other Slams.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

1. French Open
2. Wimbledon
3. Australian Open
4. US Open. A joke of a slam. lol

 

[Turning Pro]

They're all equally important. Fed is just blowing off the French Open because he can't win it. lol

Exactly but what i really think means more to him is:

Wimbledon
French
Us open

So he's in fact kidding himself.

 

[AAAA]

Federer was being diplomatic to his American hosts.

 

[hoodjem]

USO looks kind of noisy and circus-like.?

One of the cool things about Wimbledon is that on the the outer courts ther are no seats; you can just stand on the edge of the court and you're about 5-10 feet away from the players.

In 1985 I watched Becker play doubles (with his American partner) against Wilander and Nystrom on one of the outer courts. Becker hit the ball so hard and fast that the two Swedes kept looking at each, other shaking their heads like he was crazy and waiting for his arm to fall off. Becker went on to win the singles final for the first time that year--as the youngest player and the first unseeded player in Wimbledon history to do so.

 

[daddy]

One of the cool things about Wimbledon is that on the the outer courts ther are no seats; you can just stand on the edge of the court and you're about 5-10 feet away from the players.

In 1985 I watched Becker play doubles (with his American partner) against Wilander and Nystrom on one of the outer courts. Becker hit the ball so hard and fast that the two Swedes kept looking at each, other shaking their heads like he was crazy and waiting for his arm to fall off. Becker went on to win the singles final for the first time that year--as the youngest player and the first unseeded player in Wimbledon history to do so.

He he/ I just posted somewhere in this section that I want someone to explain me how in this world is Federer bigger and stronger than Becker ? Btu got no reply.

IMO :

Wimby - tradition
FO - only in clay
Aussie/USO 1% behind the other two, but crowd being excellent making it even steven !

 

[Feña14]

I think the US Open and the French Open are pretty even, people can make valid cases for and against either being considered the 2nd biggest.

In my mind the French in the middle of the season would be classed as the second biggest. The US Open is just to commercialised for my tastes.

 

[FEDEXP]

Even the players don't like playing at Arthur Ashe it's so frikkin enormous. I went to the Australian Open recently and it was a great experience. I felt really comfortable the whole time, had great and reasonable seats, and unlike the US Open you can actually walk from Melbourne (or take a free tram). Not to mention that two stadiums are covered and the people are terrific.

 

[daddy]

Even the players don't like playing at Arthur Ashe it's so frikkin enormous. I went to the Australian Open recently and it was a great experience. I felt really comfortable the whole time, had great and reasonable seats, and unlike the US Open you can actually walk from Melbourne (or take a free tram). Not to mention that two stadiums are covered and the people are terrific.

Oh my so Marakana is bad because its big. doesnt matter its legendary ?



Pele my man, pele ..