Our sport's greatest loss

[jb83]

As context, I've been watching pro tennis for the past 16 years. Not near as long as some, but much longer than a lot of posters here. In that time, I've been able to see prime Sampras. I watched Agassi climb back from the abyss and win his emotional '99 French Open. I watched great shot-makers like Marcelo Rios and Safin in their brief but special careers. And on and on.

Throughout all these players coming and going, I was only ever really saddened to see Agassi go. But I never thought The Game actually suffered because of the loss of these players. There was a new generation of exciting players emerging that you knew were very special.

With that said, I think tennis's greatest loss will be when Roger Federer retires from the sport that he has commanded like no other. I didn't really gain an appreciation for the man until the last few years, but even I couldn't deny his artistry, grace, and sheer mastery of the sport.

I love Nadal, and I respect his athleticism and pure iron will. His retirement will be a huge blow as well. But I think it will unfortunately be a very long time before we see another player that looks like he was absolutely born to be gliding across a tennis court. I only hope that someday I get to see him play in person. You've given us quite a show, Roger, and I hope you'll keep doing what you love for years to come.

 

[Steve0904]

As context, I've been watching pro tennis for the past 16 years. Not near as long as some, but much longer than a lot of posters here. In that time, I've been able to see prime Sampras. I watched Agassi climb back from the abyss and win his emotional '99 French Open. I watched great shot-makers like Marcelo Rios and Safin in their brief but special careers. And on and on.

Throughout all these players coming and going, I was only ever really saddened to see Agassi go. But I never thought The Game actually suffered because of the loss of these players. There was a new generation of exciting players emerging that you knew were very special.

With that said, I think tennis's greatest loss will be when Roger Federer retires from the sport that he has commanded like no other. I didn't really gain an appreciation for the man until the last few years, but even I couldn't deny his artistry, grace, and sheer mastery of the sport.

I love Nadal, and I respect his athleticism and pure iron will. His retirement will be a huge blow as well. But I think it will unfortunately be a very long time before we see another player that looks like he was absolutely born to be gliding across a tennis court. I only hope that someday I get to see him play in person. You've given us quite a show, Roger, and I hope you'll keep doing what you love for years to come.

Not much to say about this except that it is a really nice post. I commend you.

 

[monfed]

Tennis is unimaginable without Federer,it really is.

 

[90's Clay]

For me anyways, it was losing Sampras and Agassi and Courier.

The end of a long line of all time greats for american men's tennis. It will never be at the level again IMO.

Other countries will develop some greats in the future (Spain, Switzerland, etc.). America is one country, that I can't ever see it happening again.

I wouldn't be surprised if Roddick was probably the best we will have And he only managed 1 slam.

We went from GOAT candidates like Sampras, and elites like Connors, Agassi, Mac, etc. To greats like Courier... All the way to One slam wonders in just the span of a decade or two now to guys that can't do ANYTHING

THATS a DECLINE in the men's game.

I'm not sure where it all went haywire for America. But somewhere it did

 

[FEDERERNADAL13]

Not much to say about this except that it is a really nice post. I commend you.

+1

OP that was really nicely said!

 

[netlets]

The loss of Borg at 26 bothered me the most. I was consumed by tennis when he ruled (I was 13) and couldn't believe he was retiring. Lucky to have been able to see him. The Borg-McEnroe rivalry was the best ever IMO.

 

[OddJack]

As context, I've been watching pro tennis for the past 16 years. Not near as long as some, but much longer than a lot of posters here. In that time, I've been able to see prime Sampras. I watched Agassi climb back from the abyss and win his emotional '99 French Open. I watched great shot-makers like Marcelo Rios and Safin in their brief but special careers. And on and on.

Throughout all these players coming and going, I was only ever really saddened to see Agassi go. But I never thought The Game actually suffered because of the loss of these players. There was a new generation of exciting players emerging that you knew were very special.

With that said, I think tennis's greatest loss will be when Roger Federer retires from the sport that he has commanded like no other. I didn't really gain an appreciation for the man until the last few years, but even I couldn't deny his artistry, grace, and sheer mastery of the sport.

I love Nadal, and I respect his athleticism and pure iron will. His retirement will be a huge blow as well. But I think it will unfortunately be a very long time before we see another player that looks like he was absolutely born to be gliding across a tennis court. I only hope that someday I get to see him play in person. You've given us quite a show, Roger, and I hope you'll keep doing what you love for years to come.

Hey JB, good post.

Tell me, you said you didnt gain apperciation for Rodge until last few years...you meant exactly from when and why, if you'd like to talk a little more about it.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

The loss of Borg at 26 bothered me the most. I was consumed by tennis when he ruled (I was 13) and couldn't believe he was retiring. Lucky to have been able to see him. The Borg-McEnroe rivalry was the best ever IMO.

I can't really imagine what that must have been like.. :neutral:

 

[Bobby Jr]

Not much to say about this except that it is a really nice post. I commend you.

+1. It was a nice post.

I think when Federer retires tennis will take a hit in popularity and PR - big time.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Tennis is unimaginable without Federer,it really is.

Who else do you like?

 

[Seth]

As context, I've been watching pro tennis for the past 16 years. Not near as long as some, but much longer than a lot of posters here. In that time, I've been able to see prime Sampras. I watched Agassi climb back from the abyss and win his emotional '99 French Open. I watched great shot-makers like Marcelo Rios and Safin in their brief but special careers. And on and on.

Throughout all these players coming and going, I was only ever really saddened to see Agassi go. But I never thought The Game actually suffered because of the loss of these players. There was a new generation of exciting players emerging that you knew were very special.

With that said, I think tennis's greatest loss will be when Roger Federer retires from the sport that he has commanded like no other. I didn't really gain an appreciation for the man until the last few years, but even I couldn't deny his artistry, grace, and sheer mastery of the sport.

I love Nadal, and I respect his athleticism and pure iron will. His retirement will be a huge blow as well. But I think it will unfortunately be a very long time before we see another player that looks like he was absolutely born to be gliding across a tennis court. I only hope that someday I get to see him play in person. You've given us quite a show, Roger, and I hope you'll keep doing what you love for years to come.

Do us all a favor and post more often.

 

[gsharma]

The real worry would be that ATP becomes the new WTA, with a revolving door at the top. I hope the new generation steps up.

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

I started playing tennis because I finally saw how beautiful the game could be after watching Federer.

I don't play a beautiful game but I still owe my start from his inspiration.

 

[MichaelNadal]

The real worry would be that ATP becomes the new WTA, with a revolving door at the top. I hope the new generation steps up.

I do too, I favor consistency over a revolving door anyday. Some young guys need to step up and stay there.

 

[Onehandedbackhand]

For me anyways, it was losing Sampras and Agassi and Courier.

The end of a long line of all time greats for american men's tennis. It will never be at the level again IMO.

Other countries will develop some greats in the future (Spain, Switzerland, etc.). America is one country, that I can't ever see it happening again.

I wouldn't be surprised if Roddick was probably the best we will have And he only managed 1 slam.

We went from GOAT candidates like Sampras, and elites like Connors, Agassi, Mac, etc. To greats like Courier... All the way to One slam wonders in just the span of a decade or two now to guys that can't do ANYTHING

THATS a DECLINE in the men's game.

I'm not sure where it all went haywire for America. But somewhere it did

Never is too long, but it'll take a while.

If McEnroe actually delved headfirst into his academy, and totally put his all into it, he could bring American tennis back. His ideas themselves are ballsy compared to USTA with letting kids be kids, don't run them to death, let them play other sports, and if you want to add the things he would implement on a tennis court, including an all court game, not parking your ass behind the baseline and bashing the ball, and constant net play, then that would be a start.

 

[Beacon Hill]

The loss of Borg at 26 bothered me the most. I was consumed by tennis when he ruled (I was 13) and couldn't believe he was retiring. Lucky to have been able to see him. The Borg-McEnroe rivalry was the best ever IMO.

at 7-7, it could not have been closer. Why do you think it was the best?

 

[veroniquem]

I don't understand why people keep coming up with Fed's eulogy. He hasn't announced his retirement yet, has he? Can't people wait for the loss to happen to mourn for it

 

[SLD76]

I loved pete, but I wasn't gutted by his decline and retirement like I am and will be when roger hangs it up.

His variety and touch on the court will sorely be missed in this new era of ceaseless grinding and retrieving.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

I don't understand why people keep coming up with Fed's eulogy. He hasn't announced his retirement yet, has he? Can't people wait for the loss to happen to mourn for it

I hope you'll keep doing what you love for years to come.

10 chx....

 

[falstaff78]

As context, I've been watching pro tennis for the past 16 years. Not near as long as some, but much longer than a lot of posters here. In that time, I've been able to see prime Sampras. I watched Agassi climb back from the abyss and win his emotional '99 French Open. I watched great shot-makers like Marcelo Rios and Safin in their brief but special careers. And on and on.

Throughout all these players coming and going, I was only ever really saddened to see Agassi go. But I never thought The Game actually suffered because of the loss of these players. There was a new generation of exciting players emerging that you knew were very special.

With that said, I think tennis's greatest loss will be when Roger Federer retires from the sport that he has commanded like no other. I didn't really gain an appreciation for the man until the last few years, but even I couldn't deny his artistry, grace, and sheer mastery of the sport.

I love Nadal, and I respect his athleticism and pure iron will. His retirement will be a huge blow as well. But I think it will unfortunately be a very long time before we see another player that looks like he was absolutely born to be gliding across a tennis court. I only hope that someday I get to see him play in person. You've given us quite a show, Roger, and I hope you'll keep doing what you love for years to come.

Dear JB,

Here's the story of how I became a Federer fan.

I didn't follow professional tennis until 2006. I had seen the occasional wimbledon final in the 80s and 90s and knew the rules, but I didn't really care about the sport or know much about the players. In June of 2006 my mother, who is an absolute sports freak, made me sit and watch the French Open final. She was an obsessive fan of Nadal, whom at the time she regarded as the saviour of tennis from one man's metronomic domination. So I took in the narrative and watched the match with her, somewhat reluctantly at first but with increasing interest.

I suffered the anguish of the first set breadstick with her, cheered each break point that Nadal saved and ultimately celebrated that Nadal had prevented Federer from holding all 4 majors. After RG I even started taking a small interest in tennis. When Wimbledon rolled around I took out some time to watching the early round matches; despite concurrent Test matches and football world cup.

Initial impressions are hard to let go off. I watched Federer's initial round thrashings of Gasquet and Henman with somewhat aloof apathy, and not without a slight sense of dread on behalf of Nadal - who barely escaped the second round. Somewhere in the middle rounds, a strange thing happened. I slowly started being captivated by, what David Foster Wallace would later describe as, "the experience of watching this man (Federer) play. Of witnessing, firsthand, the beauty and genius of his game....in the all-white that Wimbledon enjoys getting away with still requiring, he looks like what he may well (I think) be: a creature whose body is both flesh and, somehow, light."

By the quarters I decided I probably wouldn't mind if Federer won, but, not wanting to offend my mother, made a show of support for Nadal. Then came the semis, and Bjorkman's ritual disembowelment. By the end of that match the sight of Roger Federer playing tennis had started making me unabashedly ecstatic. No prizes for guessing whom I supported in the final. In hindsight, over that fortnight, a deep love took root; which any serious sportsfan will recognize; and know that its something we feel only a few times in our lives and for sportsmen who affect us in the profoundest way. I had previously only felt this for a handful of cricketers and for Pedro Martinez.

From 2006 till 2011 I watched Federer at each major and my interest in tennis started growing. In the summer of 2011 I realized he would not be on tour forever and started watching each and ever match he plays, and reading this forum daily. I was finally able to watch him live (and up close) at the WTF final last year (see picture I took from my phone below). Even though he lost I am glad that its something I got off my bucket list.

Anyway, just wanted to share. Hope you get to watch the great liquid whip for many years to come!

F

 

[jb83]

I have to admit I had just watched a 20 minute youtube compilation of Roger's best shots before the I originally posted. It really did put into perspective his game versus everyone else's in at least the last 20 years.

I have nothing but respect for everyone who has competed against Federer in this era of tennis, as I can't imagine what it must be like, even as another pro, to step on the court with the greatest of your time. Maybe of all time.

As far as appreciating Federer more as I've gotten older, I think it comes down to what I've found to be true about Nadal and Agassi before him - younger players seemed to appreciate and emulate these players more than Federer and Sampras before him. Maybe because they were flashier, or maybe because, when you saw Sampras's poetry-in-motion serve or Federer's effortless grace, it almost felt foolish to think another mortal could come close. But maybe more foolishly, we thought we could grind like Agassi and Nadal, so we gravitated toward them.

In the end, the truly gifted stand out, not because they cry out to be seen and heard, but because to deny what they do would be to deny some of the greatest physical expression a human being is capable of.

 

[forzamilan90]

Great thread, much respect...yeah tennis won't be the same without him

 

[Sarzy]

I have to admit I had just watched a 20 minute youtube compilation of Roger's best shots before the I originally posted. It really did put into perspective his game versus everyone else's in at least the last 20 years.

I have nothing but respect for everyone who has competed against Federer in this era of tennis, as I can't imagine what it must be like, even as another pro, to step on the court with the greatest of your time. Maybe of all time.

As far as appreciating Federer more as I've gotten older, I think it comes down to what I've found to be true about Nadal and Agassi before him - younger players seemed to appreciate and emulate these players more than Federer and Sampras before him. Maybe because they were flashier, or maybe because, when you saw Sampras's poetry-in-motion serve or Federer's effortless grace, it almost felt foolish to think another mortal could come close. But maybe more foolishly, we thought we could grind like Agassi and Nadal, so we gravitated toward them.

In the end, the truly gifted stand out, not because they cry out to be seen and heard, but because to deny what they do would be to deny some of the greatest physical expression a human being is capable of.

Could you post a link to that youtube video please?

I can't imagine tennis without Roger, but unfortunately that will be the situation in the near future I guess. He plays tennis like no other. Imo.

 

[Sentinel]

Dear JB,

Here's the story of how I became a Federer fan.

Nice story bro.

So Mum and you don't watch tennis together do you ?

 

[falstaff78]

Nice story bro.

So Mum and you don't watch tennis together do you ?

That's largely because I moved to the UK and she's still in Karachi!

But yeah - Fedkovic is the only time we pull for the same side - I don't think her tennis sensibilities will ever recover from 2011....

Come to think of it I should get her to start posting here. She would be a match for any of the **** trolls around

 

[tusharlovesrafa]

That's largely because I moved to the UK and she's still in Karachi!

But yeah - Fedkovic is the only time we pull for the same side - I don't think her tennis sensibilities will ever recover from 2011....

Come to think of it I should get her to start posting here. She would be a match for any of the **** trolls around

So you are of pakistani origin?? Nice to meet you.Can you speak urdu? I am indian btw!

 

[falstaff78]

So you are of pakistani origin?? Nice to meet you.Can you speak urdu? I am indian btw!

yeah man. sure can. and yeah, I guessed

 

[jdubbs]

You guys should watch Dimitrov play sometime. Beautiful game, and I think he will be easily top 10 within a couple of years.
Someone to watch while Federer declines.

 

[ivan_the_terrible]

I read the title and thought the OP would lament the sport's loss of finesse. I suppose Fred's departure dovetails with the evolution (or should I say decline?) of tennis into a grinders paradise. I sure hope Grigor can continue his improvement or I'll be taking a self-imposed silent ban.

 

[falstaff78]

You guys should watch Dimitrov play sometime. Beautiful game, and I think he will be easily top 10 within a couple of years.
Someone to watch while Federer declines.

Agree totally. The vexing and unsettled question is whether he will end up taking residence at the top of the game, so that his unquestioned grace actually becomes a beachhead against the overall regression into defensive play.

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

An exponential raised by an imaginary number times pi plus one equals 0? The God equation?

 

[jaggy]

Given the early riches and the toll on the body hard courts make I am surprised anyone lasts as long.

 

[TMF]

Losing Federer is like losing Michael Jordan in basketball.

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

Losing Federer is like losing Michael Jordan in basketball.

In terms of championship caliber and increased viewership, that's probably true. However, Jordan was 6-6 in Finals appearances. His only "losses" occurred in the 80's against the Bad Boy Pistons and the Big Three in Boston. Federer was NEVER able to beat Nadal consistently. Not my opinion. Just fact. However, both are undoubtedly the best the game has ever seen.

 

[tenniswriter]

Tennis is unimaginable without Federer,it really is.

It existed before, didn't it?

 

[zam88]

+1. It was a nice post.

I think when Federer retires tennis will take a hit in popularity and PR - big time.

this is my concern.

i think post-federer you risk potentially alienating the entire US tennis population.

Federer we could accept.. but i don't think the US has a lotta love for Rafa or Djoker... who knows, could be wrong.


I know i wont' be watching anything but major finals once he's done (unless an American male starts getting good)

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

It will be really bad for tennis fans and other tennis pros when Fed retires, no doubt. People that don't care about tennis watch because Federer is playing and that raises the awareness of all the other pros and the sport.

 

[smoledman]

When Fed is gone, tennis will lose something massive.

 

[smoledman]

this is my concern.

i think post-federer you risk potentially alienating the entire US tennis population.

Federer we could accept.. but i don't think the US has a lotta love for Rafa or Djoker... who knows, could be wrong.


I know i wont' be watching anything but major finals once he's done (unless an American male starts getting good)

Rafa is really loved by the women of Cincy.

 

[Alchemy-Z]

Agassi was tough for me he's what got me into tennis in the 90's as a kid...I stopped watching tennis for years after he left and picked it back up in an airport while waiting for a flight I saw the 2008 Wimbledon final and was hooked back in by Fedal- I had been a year out of my first love hockey due to injury....and decided to dig up my old stick and get back on the court.

I feel like I will play tennis long as I can now because I love the sport but I know I will be less interested in watching after Fed and Nadal retire...maybe a chance match will get me back in on a another lay over.

 

[falstaff78]

An exponential raised by an imaginary number times pi plus one equals 0? The God equation?

It's the Euler equation. It contains the 5 most important numbers in mathematics, the three most important operations and an equality.

See http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euler's_formula

The Euler equation is obtained by letting x=pi in its more general cousin, the Euler formula, which is described in the link above

 

[sureshs]

I would like to see real tall men dominate the sport with their physicality. DP, Berdych, Isner, Karlovic, Querrey etc. When I watch a sport, I want to see a player be more of a physical presence than the usual people I see around me. I don't want average guys working too hard trying to win. I want to see relaxed underachievers like Karlovic produce monster serves and use their wingspan to volley.

As far as Fed goes, his matches were nerve-wracking to watch because of his unstable backhand. My stomach used to turn whenever the ball went to his BH, because it would produce a defensive slice, a shank or a short weak topspin majority of the time. Then I would wait for him to win the game based on his FH and serve. I never saw him as a fully-developed player.

 

[jb83]

I would like to see real tall men dominate the sport with their physicality. DP, Berdych, Isner, Karlovic, Querrey etc. When I watch a sport, I want to see a player be more of a physical presence than the usual people I see around me. I don't want average guys working too hard trying to win. I want to see relaxed underachievers like Karlovic produce monster serves and use their wingspan to volley.

As far as Fed goes, his matches were nerve-wracking to watch because of his unstable backhand. My stomach used to turn whenever the ball went to his BH, because it would produce a defensive slice, a shank or a short weak topspin majority of the time. Then I would wait for him to win the game based on his FH and serve. I never saw him as a fully-developed player.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but I'm guessing we have a troll here?

 

[Tammo]

We have already had our greatest loss... me...


yeah I did, because this is TTW

 

[JRAJ1988]

I gave 5 stars for you starting comment!!!. Agassi was my favorite player in the late 90s-till Federer's ascension to greatness....I was also sad to see Fernando Gonzales retire on a whim last year at Miami, I will be sad to see Haas, Hewitt, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic retire as they've done the sport a world of good...yes Hewitt was a controversial firebrand in his youth but he's now a professional who's peers respect him even James Blake!!

 

[sureshs]

I would say that Fed's retirement would have been a great loss if Nadal and Djokovic had not come up. Djokovic is arguably the best player of the three and is taking tennis to a whole new level, and more to the point, his head size and 2 handed BH are in sync with the modern juniors. He will resonate with the upcoming folks more than Federer ever did, while Federer will become a nostalgic memory of the old style of play.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

The real worry would be that ATP becomes the new WTA, with a revolving door at the top. I hope the new generation steps up.

Do not know why that should be troubling. Why should there be only 1 dominant player at the top? It could/should be more interesting to see a strong field of competitors vying for the top slot(s).

... I wouldn't be surprised if Roddick was probably the best we will have And he only managed 1 slam.

... All the way to One slam wonders..

I got your point but you are doing a disservice to the accomplishments of ARod with this characterization of him as a 1 slam wonder. He actually participated in 5 slam finals. This, in itself, is still quite an accomplishment. In 4 of those 5 finals he was stopped by prime Federer, arguably the best player of all time. (And he played well enough in 1 or 2 of those finals to beat Roger). Andy also made it to 5 other slam semi-finals. In 3 of those SF matches he was stopped, again, by Federer.

Since the turn of the century (2001), Andy stayed in the top 10 longer than any other player except for one -- Roger Federer. Again, characterizing Andy as a 1 slam wonder is unfairly diminishing his accomplishments.

 

[wangs78]

Agree totally. The vexing and unsettled question is whether he will end up taking residence at the top of the game, so that his unquestioned grace actually becomes a beachhead against the overall regression into defensive play.

Not sure I agree with Dimitrov having that much grace. He's a bit too lanky and if you saw his recent match against Nadal on clay you would have seen that his balance isn't that great. I think he needs to lower hhis center of gravity by putting more weight/muscle on his legs. A doable task, but while he could have strokes that rival Roger's, his movement likely will be a level or two below.

 

[wangs78]

I would like to see real tall men dominate the sport with their physicality. DP, Berdych, Isner, Karlovic, Querrey etc. When I watch a sport, I want to see a player be more of a physical presence than the usual people I see around me. I don't want average guys working too hard trying to win. I want to see relaxed underachievers like Karlovic produce monster serves and use their wingspan to volley.

I hope you're joking otherwise you're an idiot.

 

[RogerRacket111]

Its not a eulogy but I think it will make you appreciate Federer more while he is still playing with a chance to win the big ones. Because you know its going to be over someday maybe soon.