How to fix doubles
- Thread starter diggler
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Tsonga#1fan
Semi-Pro
More interesting that the WTA for sure, but still not all that interesting to watch second rate singles players play. It is a shame that more past their prime singles players (such as Becker, Sampras) don't stick around to at least play the slams in doubles.
rk_sports
Hall of Fame
Doubles is fast paced and fun. (Of course like any match up, it depends on the 4 on court)
IMO, only thing it lacks is strategy part of singles.
Most TV management folks are after big personalities (=ratings) and unfortunately, top players have such a demanding tour, they don't play doubles unlike the past.
IMO, only thing it lacks is strategy part of singles.
Most TV management folks are after big personalities (=ratings) and unfortunately, top players have such a demanding tour, they don't play doubles unlike the past.
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Tsonga#1fan
Semi-Pro
Top singles players aren't motivated like they might have been in the past to play doubles because of all the millions of $$ they make in singles so there is no need for them to.
diggler
Hall of Fame
Why do you think there is no audience for doubles today? You think even more power will bring back the crowds which have deserted?
Top players will never play doubles again.
Best of 5 singles takes too much energy.
In the olden days, players like McEnroe could play doubles as a substitute for practice. Singles is so baseline dominated today that doubles doesn't substitute for singles practice.
chillyice9
New User
I don't mind watching doubles sometimes. The Bryan brothers are really fun to watch. It's just a completely different game than singles. I think most of the strategy in doubles happens before the point even starts, where as singles it's easier to see how a player sets up the strategy during the point. Don't get me wrong though, ATP Singles is way better.
One way to make it more enjoyable to watch would be to have announcers that actually follow the doubles tour. Right now, I don't even know most of the doubles teams. I think it could be really neat if you had someone explain doubles team strategies, and good/bad tendencies of each player/team. In general, I doubt doubles will ever get that popular, but I think Tennis Channel could really promote it. I'd rather watch a Bryans doubles match than Destination Tennis. Tennis channel could even run replays from this year's Bryan brothers aussie open. You still wouldn't watch it?
One way to make it more enjoyable to watch would be to have announcers that actually follow the doubles tour. Right now, I don't even know most of the doubles teams. I think it could be really neat if you had someone explain doubles team strategies, and good/bad tendencies of each player/team. In general, I doubt doubles will ever get that popular, but I think Tennis Channel could really promote it. I'd rather watch a Bryans doubles match than Destination Tennis. Tennis channel could even run replays from this year's Bryan brothers aussie open. You still wouldn't watch it?
rk_sports
Hall of Fame
I think you nailed it as far as why it lost its place among top players in this era.. back then its was all server & volley and what else will improve your volleying skills than doubles.
Now...if you can believe it.. there are men's teams in ATP that play doubles from baseline
halalula1234
Professional
with a tool box
diggler
Hall of Fame
I think you nailed it as far as why it lost its place among top players in this era.. back then its was all server & volley and what else will improve your volleying skills than doubles.
Now...if you can believe it.. there are men's teams in ATP that play doubles from baseline
Exactly. Is this what the crowd wants to watch?
