AceSalvo
Legend
No country in the world beats France's love and support for Roger (including Switzerland) !
Look at that, this is only a practice session with Chardy
Scandalous.
No country in the world beats France's love and support for Roger (including Switzerland) !
Look at that, this is only a practice session with Chardy
My Dad on the phone be like, get it on, you won't get 20-1 at Wimbledon. Bless him. The optimist.
It's just like doping. I have the same assumption. If top players can figure out how to bend the rules without getting caught, I'm sure they will. All of them.
I hate that I agree with this.You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
I do too, but we already know the ATP did nothing when Andre tested positive. We already have proof they look the other way when a huge name is involved. Unpleasant subject and it shouldn't be addressed in the Fed News thread, but in other threads, if you get my drift.I hate that I agree with this.
I doubt Agassi used meth to dope but there were other stories about himYou assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
No, he didn't use it as a performance enhancer, but he still failed a sanctioned drug test, then used the Gasquet excuse ("I drank from a glass used by a meth user at a party"). His lie was accepted, he was not disciplined and it was all swept under the rug. Also remember he dropped out of the AO on the eve of the event, when he was the prohibitive favorite, because of "other stories about him." You nailed it right there. I was an Agassi fan too, but look at Gil Reyes.I doubt Agassi used meth to dope but there were other stories about him
I actually agree with you. But there are gray areas, and in my mind those are the things that are not illegal YET, because they are too new. In other words, it's a "cops and robbers thing". As fast as an organization bans one thing, something else will be used that is not yet illegal. I'm not even blaming anyone. If I were a professional athlete and I could use substance A, B and C, not (yet) banned, and I did not think it would hurt me or lower my life expectancy, of course I'd use it.You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
I hate that I agree with this.
Scandalous.
Nothing new. The media is and always will be a joke. British media trying to have a go at Boulter for withdrawing and collecting the prize money she earnt.The most annoying thing about tennis media/commentators these days regarding Roger -
The French respect Nadal but don't like him.Wow. The French really have missed Roger.
I bet many French tennis fans are tired of the Nadal domination at RG
No country in the world beats France's love and support for Roger (including Switzerland) !
Look at that, this is only a practice session with Chardy
Of cource Borg existed in the pre-Internet age, and also when only the slams (in later rounds) were even televised. The coverage of tennis was very sparse and in America, is was a big deal to see Borg on TV. Federer is more popular than Borg anyway, but the Internet and streaming matches has only increased his popularity to white heat levels, almost all over the world. It was a completely different world in terms of media coverage.Federer is the most popular player the sport of tennis has ever seen. Borg was big, but Federer seems to have broader fan base across the world.
Of cource Borg existed in the pre-Internet age, and also when only the slams (in later rounds) were even televised. The coverage of tennis was very sparse and in America, is was a big deal to see Borg on TV. Federer is more popular than Borg anyway, but the Internet and streaming matches has only increased his popularity to white heat levels, almost all over the world. It was a completely different world in terms of media coverage.
I agree and never said otherwise. Federer is by far the most popular and famous tennis star in the history of the sport. Borg was not a role model at all (nor should athletes be forced into that role, IMO). He's declared bankruptcy twice, had sex with 13 year old girls at Vitas' Long Island pad (source: Mac and Borg's first wife Mariana), had foursomes with Rod Stewart and snorted enough cocaine to fill a decent-sized living room. Role model? Hell no, but that wasn't something coveted in the 70's.Still, I think Federer just is a greater personality overall. He is a perfect role model for the youth. I'm not saying Borg wasn't, but Federer is just on another level. People generally recognize people with great personality and I think that's why Federer is loved so much. He is a mature and secure person in mind.
Well I for one completely get your drift and anyone that has eyes should also understand exactly what you're talking about.I do too, but we already know the ATP did nothing when Andre tested positive. We already have proof they look the other way when a huge name is involved. Unpleasant subject and it shouldn't be addressed in the Fed News thread, but in other threads, if you get my drift.
You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
Calm down and be respectful on this thread.That doesn't make any sense. Were the Big 3 already doping when they won Slams aged 19, 20 and 21? If they were, they would have been thrown out because there were bigger names around at that time, who should also be doping according to your logic. And do you really think Gasquet and Cilic would stay quiet if they thought they were being made an example of while the Big 3 escaped? What a load of nonsense. Not to mention the biggest female cash cow, Sharapova, being outed when she was caught. Take off your tin hat.
Please go make a separate thread about doping allegations so the mods delete it, instead of trying to mess up a fan thread.
Thanks.
Now, where were we? Ah yes. Good opening match by Roger against a journeyman dirtballer, but it doesn't mean much for the tournament. Who's he got next?
His form tends to vacillate anyway. He looked amazing round 1 of Australia this year too. Then he really struggled (by his standards) against Evans in the next round. By the time he got to Tsitsipas, it looked like all the progress he'd made with his forehand was gone.I would argue today was a good day for Fed to get his confidence going, as his returns and forehand and serve were firing on all cylinders. That is positive regardless of who he is playing. Good to get those feeling great before getting tested.
However, since he won't play till Wednesday, he won't really be able to build off that since a lot of practice sessions would be in between.
If Fed can have the same result vs Otte (don't know him, but he has not beat anyone of note recently), then he can start to feel good and take those positive feelings forward.
His form tends to vacillate anyway. He looked amazing round 1 of Australia this year too. Then he really struggled (by his standards) against Evans in the next round. By the time he got to Tsitsipas, it looked like all the progress he'd made with his forehand was gone.
I'm trying my best to just enjoy each match and not worry about how it shapes the rest of his tournament. He's not supposed to win this title anyway, so it doesn't really matter if he's building up his form or not. At Wimbledon I'll be a lot more scrutinous and over-analyzing what each round means for the next opponent, because the end goal there is the title.
I don't mind looking at today as just a full speed practice session and the tournament is only 6 rounds long. Works for me!Can't argue with that analysis, he does tend to lose momentum from round to round quite often, probably due to age. Especially with his serve.
With a quick match and 2 days rest, this feels as if he has a first round bye.
Sounds like he's got a bit of sinus problem. Hope he is not too sick and gets well soon and does the best he can! I just want to see him playing at optimum level, that's all. Wouldn't ask him to win the whole thing, even though that would be so great, but just hope to see him operating at 100% of his capabilities at this stage. It's also true that he never just retires from any matches usually. Until about 5 years ago, I don't think he had ever done that.
Maybe I am wrong but I don't think he has ever retired mid match. Ever. But during the match he looked to have a bit of a cold, he has that Swiss nose look I see when he gets sick. Then again it could be nothing.
I don't recall any occasions where he retired during a match, either. The last walk over before Rome this year was against Djokovic at WTF a few years ago. Prior to that, I don't know when he retired since he turned 20. Maybe never. And I really hope he doesn't have a cold.
The most annoying thing about tennis media/commentators these days regarding Roger -
No Fedr til Wednesday... A few pics from 1R to tide us over .
Great pictures
Thumbs down for the schedule tho.He should have been scheduled to play tomorrow.