Poor sport Spaniards

[westpac690]

http://tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=11550&zoneid=25

Apparently, the Spaniards are all bent out of shape that they have to play on a surface that is not advantageous to them. Already making excuses if Nadal doesn't play well.
I'm starting to wonder how great any of the players of the current generation can really be considered to be if there has been such an effort to homogenize the sport, and the slow the speed of the courts. How great can we consider Nadal to be if he/Spanish Davis Cup team throws a hissy fit because they have to play on a fast surface?
Nadal is an all time great, but this reaction cheapens his status a bit in my book. He's my favorite current player, and I admire his effort and ability. I think he could excel if they did speed the courts up... But come on man, don't whine because you may have to play with a bit of adversity.
You want to be considered an all time great? Do it through different surfaces, different speeds, face the challenges of the courts you don't excel on and conquer them!
And if this was put out without Nadal's blessing, he should make a statement saying he looks forward to the challenge.

 

[DjokerIsTheBest]

Cry babies ........

 

[namelessone]

http://tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=11550&zoneid=25

Apparently, the Spaniards are all bent out of shape that they have to play on a surface that is not advantageous to them. Already making excuses if Nadal doesn't play well.
I'm starting to wonder how great any of the players of the current generation can really be considered to be if there has been such an effort to homogenize the sport, and the slow the speed of the courts. How great can we consider Nadal to be if he/Spanish Davis Cup team throws a hissy fit because they have to play on a fast surface?
Nadal is an all time great, but this reaction cheapens his status a bit in my book. He's my favorite current player, and I admire his effort and ability. I think he could excel if they did speed the courts up... But come on man, don't whine because you may have to play with a bit of adversity.
You want to be considered an all time great? Do it through different surfaces, different speeds, face the challenges of the courts you don't excel on and conquer them!
And if this was put out without Nadal's blessing, he should make a statement saying he looks forward to the challenge.

What does Nadal have do to with this? Did he make any comment?

Albert Costa put out this statement and the article explains why. It's not that it's fast, it's a classifying issue and the fact that the spaniards aren't familiar with this one particular surface or so the article claims.

Spain got whooped by France 5-0 on a very fast court and I don't remember much *****ing about the court.

 

[nadalbestclass]

http://tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=11550&zoneid=25

Apparently, the Spaniards are all bent out of shape that they have to play on a surface that is not advantageous to them. Already making excuses if Nadal doesn't play well.
I'm starting to wonder how great any of the players of the current generation can really be considered to be if there has been such an effort to homogenize the sport, and the slow the speed of the courts. How great can we consider Nadal to be if he/Spanish Davis Cup team throws a hissy fit because they have to play on a fast surface?
Nadal is an all time great, but this reaction cheapens his status a bit in my book. He's my favorite current player, and I admire his effort and ability. I think he could excel if they did speed the courts up... But come on man, don't whine because you may have to play with a bit of adversity.
You want to be considered an all time great? Do it through different surfaces, different speeds, face the challenges of the courts you don't excel on and conquer them!
And if this was put out without Nadal's blessing, he should make a statement saying he looks forward to the challenge.

It's something Nadal has not commented on. SO assuming he feels the same way is unfair. I think it's pretty clear that he enjoys the challenge of playing on different surfaces. You can't criticize him for an opinion that is not stated to be his. If he makes a statement about this, I will eat my words, but you can't just assume.
To me it seems that the writer threw in the Nadal and Roddick thing to spice things up. Nadal might even end up not playing.

 

[dominikk1985]

that's nothing compared to what happened in the DC some decades ago.

sometimes a team would water a claycourt all night long before a DC match to make it super slow. that's the homecourt advantage.

 

[rdis10093]

russia was fined for doing that a while ago

 

[Dilettante]

The article header:

Spain objects to U.S. choice of Davis Cup surface

Shpuld be changed to:

Albert Costa, captain of Spain's DC team, objects to U.S. choice of Davis Cup surface

Because that's what the article says and it's quite different. I'm part of Spain and I wasn't even thinking of the matter.

And if this was put out without Nadal's blessing, he should make a statement saying he looks forward to the challenge.

Because you said so?

 

[cc0509]

True we don't know if Nadal knew anything about the statement made by Costa and whether he spoke with Nadal and the rest of the team before he made the statement. However, one would "assume" that he did.

In any case, Costa needs to shut up about the surface and just have his team play the game. If they are talented players they should be able to adapt to any surface just as every great tennis player in the past has had to do when surfaces and technology changed for them. This is nothing new.

 

[ivan_the_terrible]

The article header:

Because you said so?

Nadal has no comment, being a simple, humble guy. In fact, Nadal didn't even know there was a guy named Davis giving away cups,

 

[cc0509]

Nadal has no comment, being a simple, humble guy. In fact, Nadal didn't even know there was a guy named Davis giving away cups,

LOL. I know. It is unbelievable how people think Nadal is some innocent bystander. If one puts two and two together you would think that Costa spoke to his team about the surface change and they agreed as a team to question the surface. It is idiotic to think Costa would not converse with his team on this issue, especially Nadal being the number 1 player in the world and all.

 

[Dilettante]

I didn't think Nadal is "innocent bystander" and that he does not agree with Costa which I don't know and I don't care (and why not wouldn't he be allowed to agree if that was the case?). I only asked OP why should Nadal (or any other player to that matter) make a statement in opposite terms to Costa's.

Shpuld I make the statement too as a Spaniard that I am or only eligible DC players should do it? If everyone else in the country is injured because a sudden plague, they could end electing me for the team. So I'd better make a statement just in case.

In fact, for anyone in disagreement with Costa's words it's his prerrogative to answer and/or refute to the idea of the surface not being allowed by the ITF, which was that Costa said. That'll close the argument.

 

[Fifth Set]

This is just a silly mind game from Costa.

This is the same surface as San Jose, where Verdasco has played extremely well, including taking the title just last year.

 

[Manus Domini]

Fine, give them an approved surface. Give them indoor carpet or wood...

 

[Devilito]

how arrogant of spain

should be on fast 90s carpet with hard balls. Nobody would know what to do. They could bring Petros back from retirement and he could clean up for them

 

[westpac690]

Yes, I'm sure Costa does not run anything by the worlds number one tennis player before making any decisions or statements regarding Davis Cup.........
The fella that is so anal about the positioning of his water bottles has no input in Spanish Davis Cup. The fella that is the loveable "Vamos!" yelling spokesman for Nike would never complain about the surface of a court indirectly through his Davis Cup coach so as to not make HIMSELF look like a whiny sore sport and damage his marketability as the "Vamos yelling top rated tennis player."
Something tells me "the Serbian Davis Cup coach" wouldn't have said what "Costa" said.

 

[Manus Domini]

how arrogant of spain

should be on fast 90s carpet with hard balls. Nobody would know what to do. They could bring Petros back from retirement and he could clean up for them

Americans are generous. If the Spanish want an ITF registered surface, the Americans will gladly grant them an indoor wood or indoor carpet court with faster balls.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Main reason:

--
The only tournament played on the surface last year was in San Jose.

“It’s a surface we are not familiar with because it doesn’t meet regulations,” Spain captain Albert Costa said. “Only one player has played on it this year and that was Fernando Verdasco.

http://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news?slug=ap-spain-daviscup
--

And we all know what happened in San Jose: Verdasco was beaten by Raonic

 

[aldeayeah]

The current DC rules says that the surface must be currently used in at least (1) a Slam, OR (2) three ATP tournaments with prize money > $350,000.

Good luck finding three such wood tournaments.

And we all know what happened in San Jose: Verdasco was beaten by Raonic

On the other hand, he reached the final...

I'm not a patriot, but I find the knee-jerk reaction in this thread laughable. If the Spanish team is being a poor sport, then the American team is blatantly cheating by ignoring the rules of the competition, if I've understood it right.

 

[Manus Domini]

The current DC rules says that the surface must be currently used in at least (1) a Slam, OR (2) three ATP tournaments with prize money > $350,000.

Good luck finding three such wood tournaments.

It's currently used in a former slam, does that count?

 

[aldeayeah]

It's currently used in a former slam, does that count?

Dunno, don't think so. I'd actually like to see wood tennis for a change...

 

[westpac690]

The current DC rules says that the surface must be currently used in at least (1) a Slam, OR (2) three ATP tournaments with prize money > $350,000.

Good luck finding three such wood tournaments.



On the other hand, he reached the final...

I'm not a patriot, but I find the knee-jerk reaction in this thread laughable. If the Spanish team is being a poor sport, then the American team is blatantly cheating by ignoring the rules of the competition, if I've understood it right.

I just think a professional tennis player should welcome the challenge no matter what the surface. Currently used in Slam tournaments, neighborhood parks or on the moon or not....... "You bring your racquets and game, I'll bring mine and lets go at it." A professional rises to the challenge, they rise to the occasion. Not complain.
If I recall, one of the other sites for consideration has grass courts.... So there you go. It's grass, make sure it's as fast as Wimbledon from around 1994.

 

[westpac690]

http://www.tennisnow.com/News/Dispute-Over-Surface-For-USA-Vs--Spain-Davis-Cup-Q.aspx

I like how this website adds in at the end how Nadal didn't win either of the last two hard court tournaments and how poorly the other Spaniards played at them.

 

[nadalbestclass]

I just think a professional tennis player should welcome the challenge no matter what the surface. Currently used in Slam tournaments, neighborhood parks or on the moon or not....... "You bring your racquets and game, I'll bring mine and lets go at it." A professional rises to the challenge, they rise to the occasion. Not complain.
If I recall, one of the other sites for consideration has grass courts.... So there you go. It's grass, make sure it's as fast as Wimbledon from around 1994.

This is no neighborhood match-up. There are rules that have been established for a reason. Why should they be broken? The stakes are pretty high here. This is professional tennis. There are rules and you have to follow them. I'll tell you what, the american team would never stand for this BS if the Spaniards were to pull something like this. They would be outraged. They have their share of arrogance and loudmouths. There would certainly be a thread on here call the Spaniards cheaters. Trying to cheat their way to wins by using unapproved surfaces. The double standards here are ridiculous.

 

[Dilettante]

I just think a professional tennis player should welcome the challenge no matter what the surface. Currently used in Slam tournaments, neighborhood parks or on the moon or not....... "You bring your racquets and game, I'll bring mine and lets go at it." A professional rises to the challenge, they rise to the occasion. Not complain.

I remind yoy that was the DC captain Albert Costa who spoke and he won't be holding any racquet. And if the surface was really not adjusted to the rules and/ot not ITF approved, he has his right to say it. If you disagree with what he said, just prove he has the wrong information.

There would certainly be a thread on here call the Spaniards cheaters.

If the surface matter happened the other way around, that thread would certainly exist instead of this.

Also, I don't see the problem: are they really proposing a non aproved surface? Just change it for the most similar approved one. I don't understand why the problem is Costa speaking and not the supposedly unapproved surface being used.

If I was Costa and I knew the proposed surface was not according to the rules, I'd just say it too. Again: the rules are the rules.

 

[cc0509]

Also, I don't see the problem: are they really proposing a non aproved surface? Just change it for the most similar approved one. I don't understand why the problem is Costa speaking and not the supposedly unapproved surface being used.

If I was Costa and I knew the proposed surface was not according to the rules, I'd just say it too. Again: the rules are the rules.

I agree. You can't blame Costa for objecting to it. He is just doing his job. I would do the same.

 

[Bartelby]

The spaniards make a complaint about the surface not being in conformity with the rules and they're poor sports?

 

[Pozarevacka]

This is no neighborhood match-up. There are rules that have been established for a reason. Why should they be broken? The stakes are pretty high here. This is professional tennis. There are rules and you have to follow them. I'll tell you what, the american team would never stand for this BS if the Spaniards were to pull something like this. They would be outraged. They have their share of arrogance and loudmouths. There would certainly be a thread on here call the Spaniards cheaters. Trying to cheat their way to wins by using unapproved surfaces. The double standards here are ridiculous.

How were surfaces changed in the first place? I think if they decided to play on sand it should be allowed. Both players play on the same surface and are facing the same elements. I suppose Spain expects to have the match played on clay.

 

[MRG]

If the server is not on the list of approved surfaces by the ITF. They do have a point.

 

[Dilettante]

I agree. You can't blame Costa for objecting to it. He is just doing his job. I would do the same.

Yes, and if Costa is wrong, the correct answer is not calling him names but showing him that he has the wrong information and that the surface is legal.

if they decided to play on sand it should be allowed. Both players play on the same surface and are facing the same elements. I suppose Spain expects to have the match played on clay.

You're wrong.

If they decided to play on sand, local team could have been practicing on sand for a long time while the rival team has to 1) get themselves a sand court which was unexpected, not being among the DC legal surfaces , 2) they have to get used to that surface's particular conditions in a shorter time than the local team, assuming they can get an identical court to practice on time.

That's why there are certain rules for the surface: no matter if the approved surface suits more the local team, at least with a legal surface the visitor team already knows it from a slam or other important tournaments. So they are already used to it.

So tell me what's the poorer sport:

-Using a non legal surface.

or

-Saying "hey guys you want us to play on a non legal surface and I don't like this"

It's pretty simple, really.

 

[accidental]

Imagine how mad they would be if they had to play Australia on a super fast indoor temporary grass court with bad bounces all over the place

 

[Retra]

Americans cheaters.

 

[tenis1]

Imagine how mad they would be if they had to play Australia on a super fast indoor temporary grass court with bad bounces all over the place

Imagine how mad they would be if they had to play Spain on a super slow outdoor temporary clay court with bad bounces and mud all over the place and on a shaky temporary stadium which falls apart under little wind. See under Benidorm.

I find it funny that Spaniards are complaining now after they did such a bad job organizing a DC tie vs Serbia in Benidorm. Serbian team didn't complain but came and play. Could you imagine what would Costa say and how would he whine if he was a visiting team captain in Benidorm.

 

[babbette]

Don't have time to read everything but if it is indeed a surface that they "are not familiar with because it doesn't meet the criteria", the Spanish team might feel the same as Albert. I don't think it's saying that they want a clay surface though.
Rafa might say something like it is not an advantage that it is not a familiar surface but then he'll just get on with it. Fernando won't show up

 

[Bartelby]

There are rules and they may or may not have been violated, but I'm sure they have a case and sure there will be a fair decision.

 

[cucio]

Also Spaniards will be lining up higher ranked players than the US. How's that sporting?

If, for instance, Roddick (13) and Isner (29) will be playing for USA, Spain should line up Verdasco (12) and Robredo (30). Any other line-up is a joke.

 

[babbette]

Also Spaniards will be lining up higher ranked players than the US. How's that sporting?

If, for instance, Roddick (13) and Isner (29) will be playing for USA, Spain should line up Verdasco (12) and Robredo (30). Any other line-up is a joke.

How is it Spain's fault that USA are producing under achievers? You chose who you consider your best, that's it.

 

[miyagi]

Hold on.....so we are crucifying Nadal over comments that he DIDN'T make but ANOTHER man made?

LOL

Anyway I believe the problem here (rightly or wrongly) is that the USA have picked a surface which isn't included in DC rules and therefore not legal...

 

[Pozarevacka]

Yes, and if Costa is wrong, the correct answer is not calling him names but showing him that he has the wrong information and that the surface is legal.



You're wrong.

If they decided to play on sand, local team could have been practicing on sand for a long time while the rival team has to 1) get themselves a sand court which was unexpected, not being among the DC legal surfaces , 2) they have to get used to that surface's particular conditions in a shorter time than the local team, assuming they can get an identical court to practice on time.

That's why there are certain rules for the surface: no matter if the approved surface suits more the local team, at least with a legal surface the visitor team already knows it from a slam or other important tournaments. So they are already used to it.

So tell me what's the poorer sport:

-Using a non legal surface.

or

-Saying "hey guys you want us to play on a non legal surface and I don't like this"

It's pretty simple, really.

Woah. Sorry I couldn't make much sense out of this. They don't face the same elements because the local 'team' has practiced on it longer? Isn't that the whole point of having a home field advantage? Also, about it not being a DC legal court... Those 'rules' can change any minute, it being a rule doesn't lend any credence to reasoning. And when you say the home team can practice on it longer... Could you explain to me where and when they can practice longer? You do understand tennis is an individual sport in which each person travels the world. The Americans and Spaniards have typically attended the same tournaments this year. If Spain wanted a little extra preparation, maybe they could take the same jet with the Americans and get that extra day. The whole extra preparation excuse is a fable in tennis. So explain to me how a local team has practiced on it for a 'long time'. Furthermore, wouldn't that be good logic on disallowing Spain from selecting clay for their ties? Since Spain has practiced on it for a long time?

 

[Dilettante]

Whatever, dude.

 

[ninman]

Come on people, the reason they're complaining is because the quality of the court is too good. This is what the humbalito's and in particular Nadal want to play on.

 

[tuk]

LOL so the Spaniards should not say anything about it??. It looks to me that they are right to complain, US is not playing by the rules of DC so the Spaniards have the right to protest. Spaniards are right whether you like it or not

 

[saloni]

Ive not been here long but I cant believe the hatred people have for Nadal on this board. It seems to colour all of their responses. This has little to do with him as he might not even play. I want the US to win this but fairly and legally.

 

[ninman]

Ive not been here long but I cant believe the hatred people have for Nadal on this board. It seems to colour all of their responses. This has little to do with him as he might not even play. I want the US to win this but fairly and legally.

Lol, most of the people hating on Nadal are pissed off Federer fanboy's who don't like Nadal beating their hero constantly and stealing all of his accolades.

Personally I don't like Nadal because I think he's a cheater, but that's just my own personal opinion. My last post was a joke btw, it was meant to be sarcastic I don't know if you picked up on that.

 

[babbette]

Lol, most of the people hating on Nadal are pissed off Federer fanboy's who don't like Nadal beating their hero constantly and stealing all of his accolades.

.

This would seem to be the case as my future bro in law proved to me many times. for this reason he's not invited to wtf

 

[nadalbestclass]

Woah. Sorry I couldn't make much sense out of this. They don't face the same elements because the local 'team' has practiced on it longer? Isn't that the whole point of having a home field advantage? Also, about it not being a DC legal court... Those 'rules' can change any minute, it being a rule doesn't lend any credence to reasoning. And when you say the home team can practice on it longer... Could you explain to me where and when they can practice longer? You do understand tennis is an individual sport in which each person travels the world. The Americans and Spaniards have typically attended the same tournaments this year. If Spain wanted a little extra preparation, maybe they could take the same jet with the Americans and get that extra day. The whole extra preparation excuse is a fable in tennis. So explain to me how a local team has practiced on it for a 'long time'. Furthermore, wouldn't that be good logic on disallowing Spain from selecting clay for their ties? Since Spain has practiced on it for a long time?

Seriously dude? This is PROFESSIONAL sports, rules are EVERYTHING. Otherwise people would do whatever they want. If you are going to change rules, it should be approved and everyone should be given notice beforehand. Not after DC matches have started. They need to make sure they make the thing fair for everyone. Your argument might work for street fights, but this is quite different.

 

[Pozarevacka]

Ive not been here long but I cant believe the hatred people have for Nadal on this board. It seems to colour all of their responses. This has little to do with him as he might not even play. I want the US to win this but fairly and legally.

The OP is the only person who mentioned Ralph. Since then I do not believe anyone has stated Ralph to have anything to do with this. Why are you focusing on Ralph when for the past 20 posts or so the issue has been about whether they should be allowed to play on the surface or not?

 

[Pozarevacka]

Seriously dude? This is PROFESSIONAL sports, rules are EVERYTHING. Otherwise people would do whatever they want. If you are going to change rules, it should be approved and everyone should be given notice beforehand. Not after DC matches have started. They need to make sure they make the thing fair for everyone. Your argument might work for street fights, but this is quite different.

Then perhaps the time between serves rule should finally be adhered to.

 

[Fedace]

LOL LOL

"Spain has apparently objected to the brand name, and not the type of surface, but Costa did tell El Pais that when Spain lost to the US in 2007 playing on the surface, they thought it was close too another surface, Greenset (which is used in Europe) but then found out later that it wasn't."

LOL,, that Super fast glass like slick surface is nothing like GREENSET. If this surface isn't on the approved list,,,i would complain also. If US was on the other shoe, they would do the same.
Robredo got Destroyed when he played on this surface years ago.

 

[DjokerIsTheBest]

Seriously dude? This is PROFESSIONAL sports, rules are EVERYTHING. Otherwise people would do whatever they want. If you are going to change rules, it should be approved and everyone should be given notice beforehand. Not after DC matches have started. They need to make sure they make the thing fair for everyone. Your argument might work for street fights, but this is quite different.

Yeah ask Nadal about that with the time he takes between points.

 

[nadalbestclass]

Then perhaps the time between serves rule should finally be adhered to.

Yeah ask Nadal about that with the time he takes between points.

So if you wanna think of Nadal as the USA, then think of Spain as his opponents. If his opponents complained to the ump for it, would people call them bad sports? No. They are fully within their right to do so. That is all the Spanish team is doing.
I'm not a fan of Nadal taking so much time between points btw, same goes for Novak, but I'm not on the opposite side of the net from them. If I was, and it was killing my rhythm, I'd def complain.



Edit: He apparently addresses the DC surface thing. BUT it's in Spanish, which I do not speak. If you do, plz translate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrC4H3vSM4o&feature=feedu