Prefer Olympic Tennis like Davis Cup?

[Craig Sheppard]

One of the commentators on the Tennis Channel this week was discussing the Olympics. He was not pleased with the current setup and suggested that the Olympics should be a team format, much like the Davis Cup. I really think that's a great idea... the olympics are all about national pride, and so is the Davis Cup because of the team format. Why not make the Olympics the same way? No one roots for their country during tennis more than they do in the Davis Cup.

Was a team format ever proposed for the Olympics? Seems the tournament would work out much better too--have pool play, then some medal rounds, just like other team sports. I think it'd be a vast improvement...I'm not dying for the next Olympic tennis tournament.

 

[West Coast Ace]

None of the above: I'd rather not see ATP/WTA pros there. I'd like to see it be for top juniors - even if they are receiving sponsor cash - in the current format. Could be a great springboard for young talents to hit the world stage. This year it was really stupid for the pros, so close to the US Open.

 

[federerhoogenbandfan]

I agree, no pros in the Olympics. I dont agree with any of the sports that have pros included. Tennis is the worse though. A team format will not fix the current lack of interest, intensity, enthusiasm, etc.....It mean seem to help on the surface but it will just become more complex, more silly, more farcial, than it already is.

 

[beedlejuice22]

if you have teams in tennis, it will be near impossible for the top players to win the gold if they are from smaller countries with a small amount of top players. for example justine henin. she could easily win the gold in 2008 but if she had to play with her belgian team, she would have a small chance.

 

[eric892]

In Badminton, there is both the team and Individual Format. Tennis should follow it too.

 

[bluetrain4]

I think it should be team format AND mixed gender - 7 point match, no reverse singles. This would make it unique.

2 mens singles
2 womens singles
1 mens doubles
1 womens doubles
1 mixed doubles

Think about how many countries are strong on the mens side, weak on the womens, or vice versa. This format would ensure that only the strongest overall country would win. Who would be the frontrunners (in no particular order)?

1. Russia
2. France
3. Serbia - Djokovic, Tipsarevic, Jankovic, Ivanovic - enough said.
3. U.S. (if the Williams play)
4. Spain - great men, just okay women
5. China - pretty good women, especially doubles, horrible men
6. Argentina - same as Spain

 

[Nuke]

I don't like the team format. Let's face it, tennis is an individual sport (or doubles) and attempts to make it a team sport are a bit artificial. If you make it a team sport, then the best guy in the world may have no chance at a medal if his countrymen/women are not as good. That's not really fair if the goal of the Olympics is to reward the best in each sport.

 

[scineram]

Tennis should get rid of Olympics.

 

[diegaa]

of course it should be a team format, same with other individual sports. how people even question this?

 

[PROTENNIS63]

Tennis is an individual sport. This is what separates it from the rest. I think the current format is just fine.

 

[albino smurf]

One o n one or two on two only.

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

if you have teams in tennis, it will be near impossible for the top players to win the gold if they are from smaller countries with a small amount of top players. for example justine henin. she could easily win the gold in 2008 but if she had to play with her belgian team, she would have a small chance.

Tennis is an individual sport. This is what separates it from the rest. I think the current format is just fine.

i agree... let's keep it this way.