The WTE?

[clayqueen]

WTF, Indeed
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014 /BY STEVE TIGNOR


Novak Djokovic’s achievements at the ATP World Tour Finals were overshadowed by uncompetitive matches and a disappointing ending.

Should the 2014 WTFs forever be known as the W.T.E. instead? As in: Worst. Tournament. Ever? From its soporific start to its nonexistent finish to its unhappy aftermath, the World Tour Finals in London was a week-long shipwreck. The round-robin was a continual disappointment to the fans; the fans were a continual disappointment to the champion; and the two Swiss teammates who faced off in the only good match of the tournament were reportedly a severe disappointment to each other. And it may not end there: The fallout from their semifinal, both physical and emotional, could have a negative effect on the game’s next big happening, the Davis Cup final, this coming weekend.

Yet the World Tour Final still ended in the expected manner: With Novak Djokovic hoisting his third straight champion’s trophy at the O2 Arena, and clinching his third year-end No. 1 ranking in four years. Unfortunately, Djokovic’s achievement, and his budding rankings dynasty, barely registered in the swirl of speculation surrounding Roger Federer’s withdrawal from the final. While that speculation continues to swirl, here are five thoughts on the tournament as a whole. After which, I propose that we never speak of the 2014 WTFs again.

***** See the rest on

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2014/11/wtf-indeed/53291/#.VGpev_msVS0

 

[sureshs]

Why not replace it with a new indoor Slam in China?

 

[The Green Mile]

Well, yeah it was probably the worst WTF in years in terms of good matches and a disappointing ending sure. But lmfao at fans complaining at the fact that they weren't great 3 setter matches! Straight Set beatdowns happen! Boo fricken hoo!

But yeah, I agree about the excitement of the final ahead, and then it not happening, but what are you gonna do?

 

[Tennis_Hands]

The VB at full swing attacking the second most significant tournament (after the Majors) in tennis.

Why are you guys angry?

I thought that you are happy with the achievements of your idol?

If the tournament is insignificant then you shouldn't be angry, right?

:roll:

 

[clayqueen]

The VB at full swing attacking the second most significant tournament (after the Majors) in tennis.

Why are you guys angry?

I thought that you are happy with the achievements of your idol?

If the tournament is insignificant then you shouldn't be angry, right?

:roll:

Is Tignor a member of VB?

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Is Tignor a member of VB?

I don't know.

Do you?

 

[RF-18]

Just cause federer and djokovic were too dominant and showed their true tennis ability doesnt make the tournament the worst ever.

What a load of crap in that article.

 

[oberyn]

I don’t know if I’d call it the worst ever, but this was not a particularly entertaining WTF. The overwhelming majority of the RR matches were lopsided blowouts. I thought the Nishikori-Djokovic semi was entertaining, but not overwhelmingly so, and I thought the Wawrinka-Federer semi was high on drama, but short on quality. If I remember anything about this particular WTF in the years to come, it will probably be because of Federer’s withdrawal as opposed to any of the actual matches. I don’t think that’s a good thing.

 

[Chanwan]

I don't know.

Do you?

He's a Rafa-fan, but he's also the best tennis journalist that's out there.
This deserves to be quoted too:

"Should Federer be criticized for withdrawing from such a big match?
I don't think so. It’s fair to wonder whether he would have pulled out if this were a Grand Slam final, or if the coming Davis Cup tie with France made him more cautious than normal. It might be galling to fans in London if he goes on to have a triumphant weekend in a few days in Lille, after not taking the court at all in the O2 final. But Federer has no history of questionable withdrawals, or virtually any withdrawals, at major tournaments or minor ones. And as someone who has been in a position of leadership with the tour for many years, he knows how important this event is to the ATP, which it owns and showcases above all others. Give Federer credit for announcing his withdrawal to the crowd. And give Murray credit for filling in with a few hits and giggles, without pay or prior notice. "

 

[Tennis_Hands]

He's a Rafa-fan, but he's also the best tennis journalist that's out there.
This deserves to be quoted too:

"Should Federer be criticized for withdrawing from such a big match?
I don't think so. It’s fair to wonder whether he would have pulled out if this were a Grand Slam final, or if the coming Davis Cup tie with France made him more cautious than normal. It might be galling to fans in London if he goes on to have a triumphant weekend in a few days in Lille, after not taking the court at all in the O2 final. But Federer has no history of questionable withdrawals, or virtually any withdrawals, at major tournaments or minor ones. And as someone who has been in a position of leadership with the tour for many years, he knows how important this event is to the ATP, which it owns and showcases above all others. Give Federer credit for announcing his withdrawal to the crowd. And give Murray credit for filling in with a few hits and giggles, without pay or prior notice. "

I was playing with him/her.

The intention of the author is clearly not to express his disappointment from the status of the WTF (it would be disastrous to do that even if he wanted to) but to express his disappointment from the unfortunate circumstances that brought that kind of results.

 

[clayqueen]

Tignor thinks the WTF may be better off staying in London:

"Why was it so uncompetitive?

Of the 12 round-robin matches, only two went to three sets. Of the 26 sets played, 19 were 6-3 or worse. More than half of the matches were over in 75 minutes or less. That’s especially disastrous at an event where fans get just one singles match for their ticket. Yet those fans came in record numbers and, a few Djokovic hecklers aside, clapped politely and hopefully for what they saw. Maybe the tournament really should stay in London; if they'll pay for this, they'll pay for anything."