Send your Critique to ESPN2 Commentators:
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yemenmocha
Professional
Dick Enberg, please step aside and make room for the actual tennis people to provide the commentary. Mary Carillo, Pat McEnroe, Brad Gilbert, Cliff Drysdale, Pam Shriver.... what do they all have in common that Dick Enberg lacks?
Dick, get out of here, go back to football or whatever sport you normally provide commentary for.
Dick, get out of here, go back to football or whatever sport you normally provide commentary for.
In the U.S., if you have Direct TV and the bonus AO channels, you are exposed to some of the worse commentary -- far worse than even Enberg. All they do is talk about what players are wearing. I wish I knew their names, so I could demand they were fired. It makes me beg for Brad Gilbert.
vbranis
Professional
To everyone (especially Carillo): Please stop making fun of players names. It's childish and stupid. I'm now rooting against Schwank and Acasuso just to stop hearing your remarks.
Also, no more talking during points, or having discussions that are completely off-topic during matches. Stick to the action at hand.
And finally, I would like to see more interesting matches. I do not care about Serena or Andy's blowouts. I want to see quality matches, and I couldn't care less about the player's nationality or popularity. It's the tennis that counts. So please show us that 4 or 5 set thriller rather than the 6-2 6-1 win.
And Cahill, keep up the good work.
Also, no more talking during points, or having discussions that are completely off-topic during matches. Stick to the action at hand.
And finally, I would like to see more interesting matches. I do not care about Serena or Andy's blowouts. I want to see quality matches, and I couldn't care less about the player's nationality or popularity. It's the tennis that counts. So please show us that 4 or 5 set thriller rather than the 6-2 6-1 win.
And Cahill, keep up the good work.
HeilBarney
New User
Call out the Aussie Open for allowing Racism year after year ESPN.
tacou
G.O.A.T.
I'm tired of commentators talking over points about some irrelevant topic. It makes the points seem so much less spectacular since the commentators can't be bothered to be quiet and watch.
There should be TWO commentators per match; color commentary (not TOO much color is necessary) and an analyst (someone who actually says RELEVANT and INTERESTING things about the MATCH AT HAND). an on court-man is doable, as long as he doesn't whisper along with the guys in the box all match.
none of the commentators are that bad, they just don't know how to do their job.
There should be TWO commentators per match; color commentary (not TOO much color is necessary) and an analyst (someone who actually says RELEVANT and INTERESTING things about the MATCH AT HAND). an on court-man is doable, as long as he doesn't whisper along with the guys in the box all match.
none of the commentators are that bad, they just don't know how to do their job.
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
At least you don't have the rubbish BBC commentary team of John Lloyd and Sam Smith. I wish I could get Eurosport with Frew McMillan 
I agree. The making fun of players' names shows a lack of respect for the player, obviously, but also for the audience and for the sport. It's childish and stupid -- and highly unprofessional.
Imo, Darren Cahill and Mary Joe Fernandez are the best of these commentators -- precisely because they stick to the tennis, do not talk during points, and avoid the smart aleck banter that the others engage in.
Yes, the prattling on about this and that seems to be much worse when there are 3 commentators. It's a terrible distraction.
I've found it much easier to concentrate on and enjoy the match when there are only 2 commentators.
RoddickAce
Hall of Fame
When you're in middle of a big match with two top players, please don't switch it to another match randomly.
Again with the names
Post the Serena Williams - Peng Shuai match, Mary Carillo and Bud Collins on camera...
After having some fun with Dementieva's name, Carillo: And Dinara Safina has changed her name. She wants us to call her Safin-a, not Safeena. I mean...if you're going to change your name, go big. How about Queen Latifah Safin-a?
This, about the 3rd seed at one of the sport's premiere events.
Is this supposed to be entertaining?!? How is it remotely funny??
How is this anything other than juvenile, ugly-American behavior??
Ugghhhhhhh!!!
Post the Serena Williams - Peng Shuai match, Mary Carillo and Bud Collins on camera...
After having some fun with Dementieva's name, Carillo: And Dinara Safina has changed her name. She wants us to call her Safin-a, not Safeena. I mean...if you're going to change your name, go big. How about Queen Latifah Safin-a?
This, about the 3rd seed at one of the sport's premiere events.
Is this supposed to be entertaining?!? How is it remotely funny??How is this anything other than juvenile, ugly-American behavior??
Ugghhhhhhh!!!
boringmember
Rookie
Post the Serena Williams - Peng Shuai match, Mary Carillo and Bud Collins on camera...
After having some fun with Dementieva's name, Carillo: And Dinara Safina has changed her name. She wants us to call her Safin-a, not Safeena. I mean...if you're going to change your name, go big. How about Queen Latifah Safin-a?
This, about the 3rd seed at one of the sport's premiere events.
How is this anything other than juvenile, ugly-American behavior??
Ugghhhhhhh!!!
Ugh, I heard that too and was so annoyed. Tennis is an international sport, they should be used to names that aren't American and not spend so much time making fun of the players for wanting their names pronounced correctly. Ugh, stick to the tennis!
How is that possible if they were on the same side of the draw? That means they only played every other day.
Blade0324
Hall of Fame
ESPN2 needs to dump Bud Collins, he is too old and the game has long since passed him by. He adds absolutely no value to any commentary and is actually a distraction. They also need to get rid of Brad Gilbert. He has to be the least informed person that commentates yet pretends to have all kinds of insight and knowledge. News to Brad, almost the entire rest of the tennis world disagrees with what you think and if you don't have knowledge about something, shut up, don't pretend you do. As for overall coverage they need to stop switching between matches so much. Pick one and stay with it unless it's a blowout, then if there is a close match going on, regardless of who the players are, show that match. Generally The Tennis Channel is blowing you out of the water with their coverage, which says a great deal as that coverage is mediocre at best.
Fee
Legend
Dear ESPN
When covering a grand slam (or any tennis event) please DO NOT EVER show a taped match when there is a live match going on at the same time and we all know it because of that little internet thing we all have. Seriously, if we have the money to get cable, we probably have the money to get an internet connection, right? We don't need to see Serena until all of the live matches are over. So what if a third of your viewers don't know who the players are, if you show the match and speak intelligently during the match, we will learn who the players are. If the tennis is good, we will care who the players are for the next time.
Darren Cahill is good, please have him cover more matches. Please keep Fowler and Gilbert at the desk with updates and away from play by play. If you insist on using Fowler for play by play, get him on a court and teach him to play tennis so that he will show a little bit more respect to the effort that it takes, even for casual players.
Thanks.
When covering a grand slam (or any tennis event) please DO NOT EVER show a taped match when there is a live match going on at the same time and we all know it because of that little internet thing we all have. Seriously, if we have the money to get cable, we probably have the money to get an internet connection, right? We don't need to see Serena until all of the live matches are over. So what if a third of your viewers don't know who the players are, if you show the match and speak intelligently during the match, we will learn who the players are. If the tennis is good, we will care who the players are for the next time.
Darren Cahill is good, please have him cover more matches. Please keep Fowler and Gilbert at the desk with updates and away from play by play. If you insist on using Fowler for play by play, get him on a court and teach him to play tennis so that he will show a little bit more respect to the effort that it takes, even for casual players.
Thanks.
Tennis_Junky
New User
I'm surprised any of you bother watching ESPN's coverage, it's terrible! Just do a little research and you can find all the matches online (FREE) with no commercials, no annoying commentators, and no match switching every two minutes.
Boycott ESPN!
Boycott ESPN!
miniRafa386
Hall of Fame
ESPN- please change the camera angle to more of an on court angle or an angle that shows the points more from an audience members seat, not a birds eye view. The current view you have now is, frankly, terrible and doesnt show the true intensity that the sport has to offer.
D
Deleted member 25923
Guest
Brad and Pam need to be on at the same time, because they have some funny arguments.
Also, I found it hilarious that Killer Cahill told Pam to "be quiet"
Also, I found it hilarious that Killer Cahill told Pam to "be quiet"
miniRafa386
Hall of Fame
and please get both the McEnroes and Jim Courior to commentate. Cahill is doing a great job. Tell Gilbert to actually know something about the players equipment and keep Fowler at the highlights reel, along with Gilbert.
miniRafa386
Hall of Fame
hahahah when was this?
jamesbond4
New User
Brad should coach Delic
D
Deleted member 25923
Guest
Jeez, the match escapes me. it was I believe it was after a second round match.
Darren began talking, and Pam interrupted him, and he said "Be quiet, Pam"
Another time, Pam Shriver was talking about the extreme heat and conditions during the McHale first round match.
Brad Gilbert began saying "but they only play 2 sets...."
Pam cut him off, and yelled "I don't care Brad. The conditions here are difficult!"
Bhagi Katbamna
Legend
Please. ESPN, let the male commentators not be restrained by political correctness and offer their true opinion on the abysmal play of most of the WTA players. Please send back Enberg to cover shuffleboarding.
saram
Legend
Stop your damn whining. At least we get to watch tennis on television. There are so many sports that rate higher than tennis and yet ESPN and its loyalty to tennis enthusiasts has bailed out several sponsors of lower events that pulled out and continued coverage of many events for us fans.
NEVER bite the hands that feeds you.
Sure hope you don't print this and send it off and **** them off so bad that they yank the plug for good.
rallyjunkie
Banned
ESPN's coverage is excellent, they are showing a ton of matches. Cliff D, Pat M, Brad G, Killah Cahill are all excellent, sure they don't say everything which is perfect and say some things that may bother but don't we all?
Mary Carillo and Mary Jo and Chris Fowler are pretty good. Pam is borderline. Enberg must go, he offers nothing but a recognizable voice. Bring on Luke Jensen and Fred Stolle and the team would be perfect. Fred Stolle is the best in the world. But overall ESPN is doing a superb job, no perfect but very enjoyable. I like how they rotate everyone into the different roles, main desk, courtside perch, mixing the broadcast teams up, very creative touch.
Mary Carillo and Mary Jo and Chris Fowler are pretty good. Pam is borderline. Enberg must go, he offers nothing but a recognizable voice. Bring on Luke Jensen and Fred Stolle and the team would be perfect. Fred Stolle is the best in the world. But overall ESPN is doing a superb job, no perfect but very enjoyable. I like how they rotate everyone into the different roles, main desk, courtside perch, mixing the broadcast teams up, very creative touch.
Agreed..there are problems but its great to have tennis covered on something other than niche TV (TTC). If I have to use my DVR to skip through the Williams matches fine. And yes Fowler stinks but he provides a link to casual fans from (american) football. Carillo is horrible to my taste, but she's on NBC as well so there must be something that appeals to their market. I wish Bud would go to the antiques channel where he could talk about the early wooden racquets.
But overall I'm quite happy with the total amount of coverage; they just finished showing a great Gonzo v. Gasquet match...when they could've just shown Nadal. I'm sure most Americans are much more familiar with Haas and Nadal than Gonzo and Gasquet, but they showed the much better match.
Bottom line: buy a DVR and skip the matches you dont like.
vbranis
Professional
LOL, I remember this, it was pretty funny and Pam deserved it.
Cahill was commenting on Haas' work during the off-season and his overall fitness level when Pam interrupted him by saying "How do you know all this?". Cahill then told her to be quiet.
And Fee was absolutely correct in this: NEVER SHOW A TAPED MATCH WHEN THERE ARE LIVE MATCHES GOING ON!
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MasturB
Legend
I want to pull my hair out for everytime Dick Enberg refers to a player by their nationality instead of their name.
"The Proud Cypriat is now going to serve for the set!"
"Oh my! what a passing shot by the Spaniard"
"And the Serb shows why he's one of the best"
"The Frenchman has the crowd standing on their feet!"
"The Swiss Genius with another beautiful shot"
"The Proud Scot showing great defense"
I have the Federer-Baghdatis '06 final on my PC, and I swear he refers to Bagdhatis as the "Cypriat" about 50 times the entire match. Another thing Enberg does that annoys me is like what Ted Robinson does, he makes 50 different references to other sports like baseball and football.
"Boy he chased that one down like a wide receiver"
"Roddick was very proud of his baseball swing as a young boy"
---
The best combo they put together was Drysdale and Cahill. I remember the Federer-Tipsaravic match last year was so enjoyable because the both of them just stayed to talking about tennis and didn't go off topic. They didn't talk about possible upcoming matches or other matches going on, they stayed on point. They kept it the tennis that was on the screen and not the tennis that happened an hour ago or the tennis that might happen 3-4 days from then.
"The Proud Cypriat is now going to serve for the set!"
"Oh my! what a passing shot by the Spaniard"
"And the Serb shows why he's one of the best"
"The Frenchman has the crowd standing on their feet!"
"The Swiss Genius with another beautiful shot"
"The Proud Scot showing great defense"
I have the Federer-Baghdatis '06 final on my PC, and I swear he refers to Bagdhatis as the "Cypriat" about 50 times the entire match. Another thing Enberg does that annoys me is like what Ted Robinson does, he makes 50 different references to other sports like baseball and football.
"Boy he chased that one down like a wide receiver"
"Roddick was very proud of his baseball swing as a young boy"
---
The best combo they put together was Drysdale and Cahill. I remember the Federer-Tipsaravic match last year was so enjoyable because the both of them just stayed to talking about tennis and didn't go off topic. They didn't talk about possible upcoming matches or other matches going on, they stayed on point. They kept it the tennis that was on the screen and not the tennis that happened an hour ago or the tennis that might happen 3-4 days from then.
PED
Legend
^^^the only thing worse was watching USC playing football during the 07 season and they talked about JOHN DAVID BOOTY playing qb. I think the announcers went out of their way to see how many times they could say that name.
callitout, you're dead right, the DVR is the key to tennis watching happiness, you can skip what you don't like and watch what you do.
callitout, you're dead right, the DVR is the key to tennis watching happiness, you can skip what you don't like and watch what you do.
Craig8592505
New User
Did anyone catch Fowler busting on Gilbert all the time? Fowler asked Gilbert to name all the rivers that are near the four grand slams. Gilbert wasn't able to come up with them right away. Then somehow they were talking about Boston, and Gilbert mentioned the only time he had been to Harvard was when his kid was checking out schools. Fowler asked if his kid got accepted to Harvard, Gilbert said yes, and Fowler said something like "thank goodness for your wife's genes." I mean WTF?! It is like they don't think anyone is actually watching so they just banter on about nonsense.
I have mixed feelings about Gilbert. He seems to know a lot about the players, and he knows a lot about the game. But I think he speaks his mind a bit too much. He maybe needs to tone down the stuff about what he thinks a playing should be doing right now.
I like Shriver and Cahill. I think McEnroe is ok, although when I hear him I'd rather it be his brother. Why can't ESPN get Johnny Mac for the AO?
I think Mary Carillo is good at her job, but I just find her annoying for some reason.
Overall it has been a mixed bag so far. You wonder if they will tighten things up once we get to the quarterfinals.
I have mixed feelings about Gilbert. He seems to know a lot about the players, and he knows a lot about the game. But I think he speaks his mind a bit too much. He maybe needs to tone down the stuff about what he thinks a playing should be doing right now.
I like Shriver and Cahill. I think McEnroe is ok, although when I hear him I'd rather it be his brother. Why can't ESPN get Johnny Mac for the AO?
I think Mary Carillo is good at her job, but I just find her annoying for some reason.
Overall it has been a mixed bag so far. You wonder if they will tighten things up once we get to the quarterfinals.
skip1969
G.O.A.T.
Dear ESPN
I am an avid fan of your channel. I watch all kinds of sports and have appreciated the way your channel has raised the bar in terms of how sports are covered in the US. I love Sportscenter, as well as many of the niche shows that focus on a particular sport: College GameDay, NBA Fastbreak, Baseball Tonight, NFL Live. High quality viewing, with respected former pros sitting alongside the always engaging ESPN men and women.
Your coverage of tennis, however, does not hold a candle to your coverage of other sports, both professional and college. And while I am grateful to see tennis on TV as much as possible, there has to be a better ensemble that you guys can put together. While Cliff Drysdale and Mary Joe Fernandez lend some much-needed legitimacy to the proceedings, I fail to recognize what others bring to the table. Chris Fowler is insulting as a commentator, and does nothing but show his complete ignorance of the sport whenever he opens his mouth. Brad Gilbert is a clown, and an unfunny one at that. Talking for the sake of talking should never be condoned. Mary Carillo diminishes her insights into the game by repeatedly making fun of players' names and trying to be clever. Patrick McEnroe can be very good at times, but overreaches more often than not, and lets his bias towards US players get in his way at every turn. Everyone else allowed to carry an ESPN micophone at a tennis event is wholly expendable.
Just an opinion.
I am an avid fan of your channel. I watch all kinds of sports and have appreciated the way your channel has raised the bar in terms of how sports are covered in the US. I love Sportscenter, as well as many of the niche shows that focus on a particular sport: College GameDay, NBA Fastbreak, Baseball Tonight, NFL Live. High quality viewing, with respected former pros sitting alongside the always engaging ESPN men and women.
Your coverage of tennis, however, does not hold a candle to your coverage of other sports, both professional and college. And while I am grateful to see tennis on TV as much as possible, there has to be a better ensemble that you guys can put together. While Cliff Drysdale and Mary Joe Fernandez lend some much-needed legitimacy to the proceedings, I fail to recognize what others bring to the table. Chris Fowler is insulting as a commentator, and does nothing but show his complete ignorance of the sport whenever he opens his mouth. Brad Gilbert is a clown, and an unfunny one at that. Talking for the sake of talking should never be condoned. Mary Carillo diminishes her insights into the game by repeatedly making fun of players' names and trying to be clever. Patrick McEnroe can be very good at times, but overreaches more often than not, and lets his bias towards US players get in his way at every turn. Everyone else allowed to carry an ESPN micophone at a tennis event is wholly expendable.
Just an opinion.
Craig8592505
New User
I agree Skip, good points.
I forgot to mention that Bud Collins is more a novelty now than a real asset. He can pull random tennis trivia out of his *** with the best of them, but he just doesn't add that much to the match. I've always thought of his as kind of the Dick Vitale of tennis, because he can have so much enthusiasm for the game. But I think his time has passed.
And Drysdale is the MAN. I've always thought he did kick-*** tennis commentary.
I forgot to mention that Bud Collins is more a novelty now than a real asset. He can pull random tennis trivia out of his *** with the best of them, but he just doesn't add that much to the match. I've always thought of his as kind of the Dick Vitale of tennis, because he can have so much enthusiasm for the game. But I think his time has passed.
And Drysdale is the MAN. I've always thought he did kick-*** tennis commentary.
D
Deleted member 25923
Guest
Hahahahahahahaha, I love when Fowler busts Gilbert's chops.
Dear ESPN
I am the originator of this Post and Letter. I believe while we are grateful to see Tennis on in America, a country which does not respect Worldly sports such as Soccer and Tennis, I am still critical of the quality of work that has been presented the past few years. While it can't be prevented, I understand Mens and Womens tennis is shown together. However your programming must be done better in order to show all matches. Believe it or not, Most fans would like to watch a tight match between two good players rather than watching Venus or Serena Williams blowouts. If you educate the viewers properly, they will know the lower ranked players and enjoy anything that is put on TV.
As for the Commentators, I am afraid there are some really poor ones who confuse viewers and frustrate the hardcore fans. Dick Enberg, Dan Fowler, Pam Shriver, and Mary Carillo are disrespectful to the game, and are not knowledgeable about the sport they represent. Bud Collins is also ignorant about the game of tennis, and between the way he dresses and the things he talks about is embarassing to Tennis Viewers. Dan Fowler and Mary Carillo are disrespectful to the players and are the reasons Foreigners dislike Americans in the tennis world. Pat McEnroe, while arrogant, is doing well. Cliff Drysdale, Darren Cahill, and Mary Joe Fernandez are doing a great job. I recommend getting Justin Gimelstob or Martina Navratilova. They are 2 great commentators who work on Tennis Channel. Also, perhaps a British or Australian Commentator would be a nice addition. Maybe even a European to give more insight into the European Players. Thank you.
I am the originator of this Post and Letter. I believe while we are grateful to see Tennis on in America, a country which does not respect Worldly sports such as Soccer and Tennis, I am still critical of the quality of work that has been presented the past few years. While it can't be prevented, I understand Mens and Womens tennis is shown together. However your programming must be done better in order to show all matches. Believe it or not, Most fans would like to watch a tight match between two good players rather than watching Venus or Serena Williams blowouts. If you educate the viewers properly, they will know the lower ranked players and enjoy anything that is put on TV.
As for the Commentators, I am afraid there are some really poor ones who confuse viewers and frustrate the hardcore fans. Dick Enberg, Dan Fowler, Pam Shriver, and Mary Carillo are disrespectful to the game, and are not knowledgeable about the sport they represent. Bud Collins is also ignorant about the game of tennis, and between the way he dresses and the things he talks about is embarassing to Tennis Viewers. Dan Fowler and Mary Carillo are disrespectful to the players and are the reasons Foreigners dislike Americans in the tennis world. Pat McEnroe, while arrogant, is doing well. Cliff Drysdale, Darren Cahill, and Mary Joe Fernandez are doing a great job. I recommend getting Justin Gimelstob or Martina Navratilova. They are 2 great commentators who work on Tennis Channel. Also, perhaps a British or Australian Commentator would be a nice addition. Maybe even a European to give more insight into the European Players. Thank you.
R
RFdaBest
Guest
Mary Carillo is so stupid. She completely mutilates safina's name
You can never satisfy you people. You whine because tennis is never on TV, then when they do show it, all you do is ***** about something regarding the coverage. I think ESPN is doing a fine job. Sure, they're not perfect, but so what? They're showing the tennis. As for Bud Collins, maybe he wouldn't be missed if he was no longer providing his thoughts on the proceedings, but how long is he on during a match? Three or four minutes? I think you should be able to survive for that long. Quit complaining and enjoy the show!
You can never satisfy you people. You whine because tennis is never on TV, then when they do show it, all you do is ***** about something regarding the coverage. I think ESPN is doing a fine job. Sure, they're not perfect, but so what? They're showing the tennis. As for Bud Collins, maybe he wouldn't be missed if he was no longer providing his thoughts on the proceedings, but how long is he on during a match? Three or four minutes? I think you should be able to survive for that long. Quit complaining and enjoy the show!
FuriousYellow
Professional
Cliff Drysdale's commentary during the Federer/Byrdch match was so annoying, I switched to the DIRECTV feed.
Honestly, that guy must be in love with the sound of his own voice.
Honestly, that guy must be in love with the sound of his own voice.
mcutilize
Professional
Post the Serena Williams - Peng Shuai match, Mary Carillo and Bud Collins on camera...
After having some fun with Dementieva's name, Carillo: And Dinara Safina has changed her name. She wants us to call her Safin-a, not Safeena. I mean...if you're going to change your name, go big. How about Queen Latifah Safin-a?
This, about the 3rd seed at one of the sport's premiere events.
How is this anything other than juvenile, ugly-American behavior??
Ugghhhhhhh!!!
i heard that and i was like wtf
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