No More Idols. Does the experience of being a fan change as you age?

[ak24alive]

somehow i knew you liked vilains

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[ak24alive]

I want to sniff Ronnie's underwear,

Lolololololol

 

[ak24alive]

Don't idealize people, idolize only their thoughts and actions which you admire. If you idolize anyone, you are bound to be disappointed because they will have negative points and weaknesses, or you will become one of those who will overlook everything and be their apologist.

Great words sir.
I agree.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Lolololololol

Those minty fresh y fronts. lol

 

[ak24alive]

I never was a guy who had "idols" in the sense OP said (including clothes, lifestyle etc.). Everything only belonged to the playing style or in other words: To the player on the court (or on the football field, the track and so on; I was interested in many sports, though tennis was always on top). In my inner circle of friends at home (apart from school) nobody cared much about clothes or any superficialities.

But I knew some other guys who were exactly different: They had the clothes of the stars but always had to ask me how they played in their last match.

And I made another observation: If we played team competitions against other clubs, my teammates with the "right" clothes were always overrated before the beginning compared to me when I just came along with a “boring” shirt, the racquet under my arms and often already wearing my tennis shoes.

As for when I was a bigger fan, back then or now, I have to say: Rather now! In my youth so many other things were interesting, and my friends and me thought the world belonged to us. We were busy with outdoor activities almost all day, and everywhere was something new to discover. There was no place for really big idols, we were our own kings (or wanted to be). If I had the time I watched quite a lot of sports though, much more than movies.

But then when I got older, everything became more monotonous. The other people changed more than I did. Increasingly they lacked enthusiasm for anything special. Always the same parties, always the same conversations about everyday life (school, job, relationships etc.). And the worst: Contrary to the old days appearance now is more important than intrinsic values. Deep inside I’m bored by this, so being a fan is one method to preserve my own enthusiasm and to flee from everyday life for a few hours.

Another reason why I watch more tennis compared to 15 years ago is of course the internet. Back then I had to rely on regular TV programs. Now I watch almost every Federer match regardless where I am and also many old matches from Youtube or other sites.

And as a fun fact: Now that I’m over 30 I own my first Roger Federer shirt. It was a surprising birthday present from my mother.

Lovely post Chris.

 

[MugOpponent]

It'll be interesting. I'm 34 now, growing up I liked Andre despite him often being quite disappointing but I liked that he seemed human. Nadal also appealed to me because of his humanity and ability to overcome. I can't really fathom being a fan of a future player the way I am for Nadal. However eventually I'm sure some player will make me a believer but unless they are special there is no way I'll have the same passion.

After cheering for Nadal, how could anyone else be as fun or inspiring? I'm sure Federer and Djokovic fans probably feel the same.

 

[THE MAN]

I don't idolize players, just admire their athleticism. I just like to watch to be entertained because who ever wins or loses....its not going to change my life.

 

[Mark-Touch]

... I was an adult when Fed started interesting me in 2000, so I have never been as "living and dying" on every point as when younger. I love his tennis and will miss him terribly when he retires, but that's the cycle of tennis. Your favorite player will ultimately leave and then you have to find someone else to root for.

That's not the case with me.

First to answer the topic's question:
"Does the experience of being a fan change as you age?"

Not for me. Has been the same since I was just a kid. Then again, I never idolized any player as you wrote about in your OP.
I never wanted to "wear the clothes they wear, play with their gear, and even act and play like them."
If I liked their tennis that was it. I just enjoyed watching them play.

And it always takes a special player for me to become a fan of theirs.
I too was a fan of Lendl, then Sampras.
I first spotted Sampras when he was just 19 and knew instantly that he would be a great player.
1,2,4,6,10,14 slams later I was not at all surprised with the results.

And when he announced his retirement I decided to pull the plug on my tennis watching habits.
I hadn't seen Federer play yet and there weren't any other players that did it for me at that time.

I literally stopped watching any pro matches for years.
After I heard so many people talking about this guy Federer at my tennis club ~2005
I decided to tune in to see what all the fuss was about.

I immediately understood and became a huge fan, 'overnight'.
As much as I like Zverev and Tsitsi etc. there is no player that I see now who has the skills these previous
champs had.

Unless one comes along before Fed retires I'll be pulling the plug on my tennis watching habits at that time,
once again.