The Masterpiece Collection: Laver in Cotton versus Fognini in Polyester

[Chopin]

There's perhaps no match-up I'd rather witness than Laver versus Fognini on clay. Fognini, an unpredictable, temperamental shot-maker capable of hitting with power and touch, versus the rocket (!) Rod Laver, a man with one of the most well-rounded games in the history of the sport. How I would love to see those two duel in Brazil!

Yet, outside of the differences in their respective games and personalities, there's on key difference that I think deserves our attention: polyester versus cotton. Is Fognini really comfortable in his polyester shirts or are they contributing to his occasional angry outbursts on the court?

So this thread has two purposes:

1) To evaluate Fognini versus Laver in a match set in Brazil (no poll--I have the results of the other Laver polls).

2) To discuss the differences in polyester versus cotton as they relate to former players.

 

[pc1]

Chopin,

Sorry I didn't do the chess analysis for you. I misplaced the game.

 

[Chopin]

Chopin,

Sorry I didn't do the chess analysis for you. I misplaced the game.

It's been a long time! No worries--I'd still love to get in that game. What do you think of my latest work?

 

[hoodjem]

What do you think of my latest work?

Ahhh Chopin, c'est brillante! Un autre Merzbau.


The Kurt Schwitters of Talk Tennis.

 

[pc1]

It's been a long time! No worries--I'd still love to get in that game. What do you think of my latest work?

Interesting with your unique style as usual.

 

[Chopin]

Interesting with your unique style as usual.

Wouldn't it be a fun match though in a smaller venue? I chose Brazil because I felt that the tournament there had something of the "old days": the night matches, the enthusiastic crowds, players that the average casual tennis fan hasn't heard of, and some great tennis

And what of the match-up? Fognini has shown that on a match to match basis, on clay, he can produce some stunning shot-making and good results, and I just think it would be so fun to see against a guy like the Rocket. Nadal isn't the player he once was, and I don't think Nadal versus Laver on clay would be as fun because, frankly, the outcome would be decisive in Rafa's favor. If Djokovic can't beat Rafa at the French, no one can save for a hulk with incredible firepower (though I suppose we're not talking about the French...still...Nadal is a beast on clay--I've come to believe that only a tall player like a Keurten would have any chance, but even there I wonder if two-hands are needed on the backhand). No, Fognini versus Laver, now that would be a fun match to watch.

 

[hoodjem]

I don't think Nadal versus Laver on clay would be as fun because, frankly, the outcome would be decisive in Rafa's favor. If Djokovic can't beat Rafa at the French, no one can

Strong, young Rafa? Peut-être.

New decrepit Rafa? Il est condamné.

 

[Chopin]

Strong, young Rafa? Peut-être.

New decrepit Rafa? Il est condamné.

I do think Rafa will return to contender form, but we'll see.

 

[Chopin]

 

[Chopin]

 

[PBODY99]

Fog must use gut strings, Laver is allowed to use a Max 200g and he is in 1972 form, <earliest I saw him in person>
My vote Rodney in 4.

 

[Chopin]

Fog must use gut strings, Laver is allowed to use a Max 200g and he is in 1972 form, <earliest I saw him in person>
My vote Rodney in 4.

Interesting response as they're playing best of 3!