Why American tennis is declining

[pirateofthecarribean]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud? Back in the days of Agassi and Sampras, they were dominant because the American fans "carried" them. The American fans gave them their fighting spirit. Look what happens now? You American fans mock the Williams sisters, and many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk. As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

 

[Nextman916]

thats nice man, i like your name its pretty cool. I wish i thought of such a nifty display name.

 

[Rhino]

i'm not sure about this, I think Sampras and Agassi dominated because they were very good players - the best of their generation. Roddick is just not as good, and neither is Blake, especially with Federer and Nadal ruling the tennis world.
When you say that Americans were behind Safin in Bangkok, do you mean on this forum, or actually at the event itself?

 

[Fedexeon]

Sampras and Agassi dominated too much, its a hard act to follow. Andy Roddick and James Blake are playing well but just not enough to beat Federer.

 

[wyutani]

Why American tennis is declining

becos agassi retired. period.

 

[Lleytian3]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud? Back in the days of Agassi and Sampras, they were dominant because the American fans "carried" them. The American fans gave them their fighting spirit. Look what happens now? You American fans mock the Williams sisters, and many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk. As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

If that is your argument to prove that, that is the reason why american tennis declining, then i am sorry, but you are an idiot.

it doesn't matter if the fans are for you or as you put it "carry" you through anything, that doesn't matter at all.

the real reason why amrican tennis is declining, is because the top american players style isn't all that great. Both roddick and blake have a "go for broke style". while federer and nadal have a very high percentage tennis style.

Seriously it doesn't matter whether you have the fans or not. Wimbeldon for example, they british cheered on tim henman til they couldn't cheer any more and the best he did was the semis.

another example is lleyton hewitt, he plays just as good if not better, when the fans are agaisnt him, than whey they are for him.

Logic for your reasoning is totally off

 

[malakas]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud? Back in the days of Agassi and Sampras, they were dominant because the American fans "carried" them. The American fans gave them their fighting spirit. Look what happens now? You American fans mock the Williams sisters, and many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk. As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

:roll:
This is idiotic.

this is what Blake has to say on this subject:

Blake insists US tennis not on the decline
By Martin Petty

BANGKOK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The previous generation of American tennis players are a tough act to follow, but James Blake insists standards will not drop now that Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi are out of the picture.

"It seems most people think it's not going well because Agassi and Sampras have retired but I don't think there are any other countries in the world with two players inside the top 10," Blake told a news conference.[what about Spain??? lol Now even Blake thinks that Tommy shouldn't be in the top 10??! lol :mrgreen: ]

"Andy (Roddick) is just 24, playing great tennis... I've continued to improve, and there's no sign of that stopping. I like the way American tennis is looking right now."

New Yorker Blake, 26, admits it is difficult following in the footsteps of multiple grand slam winners Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras, but says he and Roddick are up to the challenge.

"I think it's a tough situation we're in," he said. "American tennis fans are a little spoilt. Agassi, Courier, Sampras, Connors -- that's the best generation of tennis players from one country ever.

"They're so used to having an American in a grand slam or masters final every time and it's tough to compete with that."

Roddick was the only American man or woman to reach a grand slam final in 2006.

Blake, ranked ninth in the world, has won three tour titles this year at Indianapolis, Las Vegas and Sydney while sixth-ranked Roddick has won once at the Cincinnati Masters.

TOUGH ACT
Blake -- who advanced to the Thailand Open quarter-finals on Thursday after his second straight sets victory in 24 hours -- said the new generation of U.S. players was coping well with the pressure.

He said if world number one Roger Federer takes a stumble, he and Roddick will be in with a shot at the major titles.

"A lot of people are making Andy and I out to be the next Sampras or Agassi," he said.

"It's a tough act to follow. We're doing our best and handling the pressure.

"Andy has as good a chance as anyone other than Roger (Federer) to win grand slams and I'm in that boat of guys who have an opportunity if Roger finally falters or has off days."

Blake said world tennis had moved on since the days when Americans dominated the sport, and the lack of U.S. title winners was a sign that the global game was fast improving.

"It's tough because everyone expects Americans to be a success no matter what in this sport," he said.

"There are too many guys from other countries now, making it tougher to deal with.

"But outside the dominant two players in the world, Andy and I are right there," he added.

 

[Rhino]

Blake: "I don't think there are any other countries in the world with two players inside the top 10"

haha, yeah thats funny has Blake actually seen the rankings lately?
Spain obviously with Nadal and Robredo (in fact they usually have 7 or 8 in the top 50!!).
Also, Croatia have Ljubicic at #3 and Ancic has been in and out of the top 10 lately (currently at #11), also it looks like the Czech Republic are going to have Stephanek and Berdych in there over the next few weeks.

 

[malakas]

Blake: "I don't think there are any other countries in the world with two players inside the top 10"

haha, yeah thats funny has Blake actually seen the rankings lately?
Spain obviously with Nadal and Robredo (in fact they usually have 7 or 8 in the top 50!!).
Also, Croatia have Ljubicic at #3 and Ancic has been in and out of the top 10 lately (currently at #11), also it looks like the Czech Republic are going to have Stephanek and Berdych in there over the next few weeks.

Actually right now,there are 3 countries with 2 players in the top 10.Spain,USA,and Croatia.Stepanek is already out of the top 10 and he will stay out for sure until the end of the year,at least with the injury he has and got the rest of the year off.

 

[Venetian]

American tennis is declining?

I think all countries go through ups and downs. And I think we're up pretty high right now. Again though, it's hard to follow Sampras.

 

[maverick66]

how is american tennis dying i dont see it. because were not dominating the sport like old. than every other country besides switzerland and spain are dead as well by this logic. we have 2 in the top 10 a good group of guys behind that in top 100 and the one of the best doubles team in the world. how are we dying.

 

[Rhino]

how is american tennis dying i dont see it. because were not dominating the sport like old. than every other country besides switzerland and spain are dead as well by this logic. we have 2 in the top 10 a good group of guys behind that in top 100 and the one of the best doubles team in the world. how are we dying.

I think it comes from no recent (mens singles) slam titles and no davis cup victories

 

[Grandslam05]

American tennis is on the decline because all the other american sports has surpassed it. Tennis just isn't as popular to the kids as football or baseball is, not even close. Even golf has surpassed tennis in terms of popularity. Kids see Tiger Woods and want to be like him. Yet in high school when I start talking about the ATP, kids laugh at me. Tennis needs a Tiger Woods.

Girls tennis is as popular as ever. Although many don't like her, Maria Sharapova has made the game very popular to young girls. Shes in commercials, on talk shows, and is basically the face of tennis for both men and women. The problem with this is I think its having a negative effect on the mens game. Making tennis seem like a women's game, is not helping the ATP.

 

[theace21]

Ok, from now on - I will only root for americans...
Actually, I will only root for americans under 6'0
right handed
white
who parents are middle class

That is one of the great things about tennis...My favorite players are from several countries. I don't know why I like them, maybe it is their style, personality...

In Davis Cup, I pull for my country. In tournaments I pull for my favorites - sorry it is my fault for the decline in US tennis...

If you want to be serious - address the issue that so many players from outside the US receive division 1 tennis schloraships. Perhaps this trend has denied some US born players that opportunity to play D1 tennis. On many teams, the number of US players is in the minority...

 

[Gilgamesh]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud? Back in the days of Agassi and Sampras, they were dominant because the American fans "carried" them. The American fans gave them their fighting spirit. Look what happens now? You American fans mock the Williams sisters, and many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk. As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

You're chinese? Really? Chinese descent?

What's your obssession with African American players? It seems like in every other post you are defending black players when no one is being racist against them.

I'm not American (Canadian here) but many people don't like the Williams sisters because it seems like they just use tennis for publicity now a days. I don't know about Blake vs Safin. I thought the American support was pretty clear at this year's US Open. With Federer and Nadal on top its hard for an American or any other tennis player from another country to win a GS.

Anyways, I am also of chinese descent and if you are a fellow chinese I would think that you would be more disappointed in the fact that other than Michael Chang we pretty much haven't made any impact on tennis. At least, there is hope for the women I guess.

 

[Gilgamesh]

i'm not sure about this, I think Sampras and Agassi dominated because they were very good players - the best of their generation.

Yes I doubt they dominated just because they are Americans.

We are not talking about some type of tennis Aryan race here.

If Agassi and Sampras had been born in another country which had good tennis development support they would probably just as successful. Maybe not as successful in marketability but on the court I don't see why they won't considering their ability.

 

[sureshs]

American tennis is on the decline because all the other american sports has surpassed it. Tennis just isn't as popular to the kids as football or baseball is, not even close. Even golf has surpassed tennis in terms of popularity. Kids see Tiger Woods and want to be like him. Yet in high school when I start talking about the ATP, kids laugh at me. Tennis needs a Tiger Woods.

Girls tennis is as popular as ever. Although many don't like her, Maria Sharapova has made the game very popular to young girls. Shes in commercials, on talk shows, and is basically the face of tennis for both men and women. The problem with this is I think its having a negative effect on the mens game. Making tennis seem like a women's game, is not helping the ATP.

Actually, it is a helping a lot. In fact, the ATP is pushing for all major events to be combined with the WTA. That is the way they can sell more tickets and get more TV coverage, and hence sustain prize money and opportunities for the men. These "gender-combined" events are being pursued actively by the top guys at the ATP.

Look at it this way - many girls will tell you that tennis is the only sport for them. The other sports are dominated by men - whether it is baseball, basketball or cricket and soccer abroad. But even among men, cricket is not popular in the US or baseball in other places. In other words, just because men dominate a certain sport is no guarantee that people in a particular country are going to watch it.

Tennis has always been a gentleman's game and let it remain that way. Those who prefer contact sports, macho talk, and loud-mouthed breathless commentators can continue to enjoy them (even if they are obese and don't play any of those sports themselves). Tennis (and a few other racquet sports and golf) are the only ones you can play for a lifetime, and I would be happy to see those other sorts of guys stay away from tennis.

 

[jhhachamp]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud? Back in the days of Agassi and Sampras, they were dominant because the American fans "carried" them. The American fans gave them their fighting spirit. Look what happens now? You American fans mock the Williams sisters, and many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk. As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

Haha, this post is great. Thanks for the laugh!

 

[Grandslam05]

Actually, it is a helping a lot. In fact, the ATP is pushing for all major events to be combined with the WTA. That is the way they can sell more tickets and get more TV coverage, and hence sustain prize money and opportunities for the men. These "gender-combined" events are being pursued actively by the top guys at the ATP.

Look at it this way - many girls will tell you that tennis is the only sport for them. The other sports are dominated by men - whether it is baseball, basketball or cricket and soccer abroad. But even among men, cricket is not popular in the US or baseball in other places. In other words, just because men dominate a certain sport is no guarantee that people in a particular country are going to watch it.

Tennis has always been a gentleman's game and let it remain that way. Those who prefer contact sports, macho talk, and loud-mouthed breathless commentators can continue to enjoy them (even if they are obese and don't play any of those sports themselves). Tennis (and a few other racquet sports and golf) are the only ones you can play for a lifetime, and I would be happy to see those other sorts of guys stay away from tennis.

Nice points, I agree with you. But lets face it, in all other sports, the mens side is usually the more popular of the two.

I'm just so tired of kids my age (high school) telling me how "gay" tennis is. Then they go on to tell me how much better golf is (the Tiger Woods affect). Tennis is just not a popular sport in the eyes of young american males anymore, and its hurting the sport.

Then again I like when you said that tennis is a gentlemens game, but when was tennis at its most popular stage? When big Johny Mac was at the helm. Was he a gentleman? Hell no, and it was good for the game! He probably brought more young americans to the game than anyone.

 

[Zaragoza]

I´m curious, when was the last time americans didn´t win a Slam in 3 years?
Last one, Roddick 2003 US Open. It should be long time ago.

 

[DaveH]

I'm just so tired of kids my age (high school) telling me how "gay" tennis is. Then they go on to tell me how much better golf is (the Tiger Woods affect). Tennis is just not a popular sport in the eyes of young american males anymore, and its hurting the sport.

Exactly! Given the "gay" stigma surrounding boys/mens tennis in the U.S., I'm surprised we're able to produce any pro players. When I was a kid, boys who played tennis were teased quite a bit. They were called girls, queers, fa*s, etc. Tennis was known as a "sissy" sport. I never let anyone know that I liked tennis. I used to sneak over to the practice wall at my high school just to get in a little playing.

Unfortunately, nothing has changed. My 9 year old son told me that after wearing a tennis shirt to class, a group of boys told him, "Why do you like that gay sport?" They've made other derogatory comments as well. He's not all that excited to play any more. Would you be? Here in the U.S., boys who play baseball and football get all the respect.

 

[maverick66]

i find it funny that its called a gay sport. ive met one or two gay men that play. also when i was in high school people where all over me for playing tennis but with tennis ive gone to france, canada, and venezuela. also i live in florida real cheap because tennis gave me opputunities. all those people who gave me crap are still living at home working construction so i guess not listening to them worked for me.

 

[Watcher]

Anyways, I am also of chinese descent and if you are a fellow chinese I would think that you would be more disappointed in the fact that other than Michael Chang we pretty much haven't made any impact on tennis. At least, there is hope for the women I guess.

I once lived in Hong Kong, and let me say that if the Chinese take to tennis as well as they do to everything else, then I fully expect the women to sweep singles and doubles at the Beijing Olympics. There don't appear to be many Chinese players making ripples in the men's game unfortunately, however.

 

[Sennin]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud? Back in the days of Agassi and Sampras, they were dominant because the American fans "carried" them. The American fans gave them their fighting spirit. Look what happens now? You American fans mock the Williams sisters, and many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk. As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

It's because I don't have to like a person just because they're a citizen of the same country as me. That's the beauty of America! :mrgreen: No need to feel shameful. They're individuals doing what they want and a flag just happens to be attached to their name. But if you feel you have to support a player based on their nationality, perhaps your shame is misdirected. No, not perhaps. It is.

 

[sureshs]

Nice points, I agree with you. But lets face it, in all other sports, the mens side is usually the more popular of the two.

I'm just so tired of kids my age (high school) telling me how "gay" tennis is. Then they go on to tell me how much better golf is (the Tiger Woods affect). Tennis is just not a popular sport in the eyes of young american males anymore, and its hurting the sport.

Then again I like when you said that tennis is a gentlemens game, but when was tennis at its most popular stage? When big Johny Mac was at the helm. Was he a gentleman? Hell no, and it was good for the game! He probably brought more young americans to the game than anyone.

Great points. But if someone thinks tennis is gay, is it because of women's tennis or because he is comparing it with football or basketball?

If Michelle Wie becomes popular, will golf be considered gay? Seriously, I shudder when someone of the shape and size of Craig Stadler is considered an athlete.

JMac attracted many to tennis but it was because his tantrums stood out from the rest of the game. He was like a popular hero fighting the establishment. If the establishment was basketball, I don't think JMac's tantrums with Shaq on the other side would have had any impact! And also think about this - if today's high school crowd thinks that Nadal or Roddick are girlish/gay, what would they have made of the frail and short JMac? Would his tantrums have helped? No.

I look at it this way - watching sport is great, but playing it for as long as possible is better. Once you get into the great grind of work/family/aging parents/financial issues, it is just not easy to play some of the popular sports. Getting enough people together at the same time is a big problem. There is also a social aspect which may be missing. Sure lots of guys are into pickup games of volleyball, soccer or basketball, but tennis and golf are sports you can play in umpteen clubs in a social setup and without much demands on your body. Tennis has been described as "the ideal sport" - height/weight/strength all sort of evened out in terms of advantages (over a certain generation).

Everyone is making a huge deal about how the US doesn't have a pipeline of great juniors while other countries are producing them by the dozen. They don't realize this: in many countries, tennis juniors are totally dropping out of school to play tennis. In fact, I was reading that the ITF junior tourneys are full of such guys. On the contrary, in the US, there is a lot of social pressure (and maybe even legal pressure, I don't know) on the parents to get their kids to graduate. They accomplish that by doing homework on the road, attending internet-based schools or homeschooling. The lure of college scholarships ia also a great factor because you don't get into college with graduating from high school. In many European countries, college scholarships are few (so they come here) and juniors are just abandoning their schooling. That is not good at all because only a miniscule %tage can become good pros.

There has been talk about mandating schooling requirements, but it is politically very difficult to enforce on an international basis, because it would sound like the US preaching to others because it is losing.

 

[Grandslam05]

Great points. But if someone thinks tennis is gay, is it because of women's tennis or because he is comparing it with football or basketball?

If Michelle Wie becomes popular, will golf be considered gay? Seriously, I shudder when someone of the shape and size of Craig Stadler is considered an athlete.

JMac attracted many to tennis but it was because his tantrums stood out from the rest of the game. He was like a popular hero fighting the establishment. If the establishment was basketball, I don't think JMac's tantrums with Shaq on the other side would have had any impact! And also think about this - if today's high school crowd thinks that Nadal or Roddick are girlish/gay, what would they have made of the frail and short JMac? Would his tantrums have helped? No.

I look at it this way - watching sport is great, but playing it for as long as possible is better. Once you get into the great grind of work/family/aging parents/financial issues, it is just not easy to play some of the popular sports. Getting enough people together at the same time is a big problem. There is also a social aspect which may be missing. Sure lots of guys are into pickup games of volleyball, soccer or basketball, but tennis and golf are sports you can play in umpteen clubs in a social setup and without much demands on your body. Tennis has been described as "the ideal sport" - height/weight/strength all sort of evened out in terms of advantages (over a certain generation).

Everyone is making a huge deal about how the US doesn't have a pipeline of great juniors while other countries are producing them by the dozen. They don't realize this: in many countries, tennis juniors are totally dropping out of school to play tennis. In fact, I was reading that the ITF junior tourneys are full of such guys. On the contrary, in the US, there is a lot of social pressure (and maybe even legal pressure, I don't know) on the parents to get their kids to graduate. They accomplish that by doing homework on the road, attending internet-based schools or homeschooling. The lure of college scholarships ia also a great factor because you don't get into college with graduating from high school. In many European countries, college scholarships are few (so they come here) and juniors are just abandoning their schooling. That is not good at all because only a miniscule %tage can become good pros.

There has been talk about mandating schooling requirements, but it is politically very difficult to enforce on an international basis, because it would sound like the US preaching to others because it is losing.

I like how you think sir.

But...

How does the USTA escape from this "gay" image?

Wait, I know...

CHEERLEADERS!

 

[superman1]

I support American tennis. I don't really have a favorite player anymore now that Agassi has retired, but I have a bunch of guys that I like, including Roddick, Safin, Baghdatis, and Federer. I will root for Roddick and Blake against anyone else, not just because they are American, but because Blake is a great guy and Roddick is a fighter.

The people on this board do not represent the tennis viewing public. American players are getting tons of support from their home crowds.

What Blake probably meant about 2 guys in the top 10 from the same country is 2 really top players in the top 10. Ancic is borderline and often slips down a few notches, and Robredo isn't consistent enough. Roddick and Blake are 2 solid guys that are very hard to beat.

 

[babySuri]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud? Back in the days of Agassi and Sampras, they were dominant because the American fans "carried" them. The American fans gave them their fighting spirit. Look what happens now? You American fans mock the Williams sisters, and many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk. As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

why pirate, it cant possibly be the fact that the players now are not in the same league as sampras or agassi or even courier or chang. they just arent as good. it's hard to cheer for people with no consistency. also, i bet tennis is bigger in china than it is in the US, even with all the sucky WTA players you have.

 

[angharad]

That's pretty ridiculous. I could have the entire country rooting me on, heck, the entire world rooting me on, and I wouldn't win a Slam. Why? Because I suck as a tennis player. I enjoy playing, but I'm no pro.

And just recently, wasn't there trouble selling tickets to the Davis Cup match in Switzerland? I guess the Swiss' lack of open support for their players is why Switzerland lost their Davis Cup match, and why Roger has won so few slams, right? Or is this a phenomenon that applies only to Americans?

Fan support can help or hurt a player, I'll agree. But the player needs to be talented on their own. It's not up to the fans to win the match, it's up to the player.

 

[Z-Man]

Tennis didn't seem to be in decline yesterday when I played my ALTA match. There wasn't a court open!

 

[goober]

If pirateofthecarribean is really chinese why does he have to keep mentioning it in multiple threads? A normal person would not do this unless he is trying to paint a picture of what he is not. Why is he obsessed with American tennis fans and African American players? I think the answer is pretty obvious.

 

[tangerine]

Blake is right, American tennis is not in "decline".

He just finished kicking Ljubicic's ass in the Thailand final. :mrgreen:

Congrats, James!

 

[sureshs]

I like how you think sir.

But...

How does the USTA escape from this "gay" image?

Wait, I know...

CHEERLEADERS!

Or as the Madrid Masters has been doing for the last couple of years, use professional female models in tight outfits as the ball girls.

 

[poplar]

As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

Thought you were african american. In one post you said you supported Williams and Blake coz they were african american.

 

[Mick]

Thought you were african american. In one post you said you supported Williams and Blake coz they were african american.

perhaps he's african-chinese-american

 

[Big Fed]

Andy Roddick and James Blake are my favorite players so yea.........

 

[goober]

I think this thread could really come to life if merged with this one:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=1171521#post1171521

Let's see

pirate guy doesn't play tennis, knows very little about pro tennis, and claims he is chinese. Yes he sounds like the perfect person comment on the decline of American tennis.

 

[sureshs]

Tennis increasing in popularity

http://www.charleston.net/assets/we...ction=sports&tableId=110976&pubDate=10/1/2006

 

[oberyn]

Jon Wertheim (Sports Illustrated) makes these very interesting points.

I wrote a piece in this week's Sports Illustrated on this very topic. Tursunov is a fascinating case study. The guy is the Russian hero who conquers the U.S. in Davis Cup. He celebrates with his "countrymen" and then he returns to the place he's called home for the last half of his life: suburban Sacramento. Sharapova, Nicole Vaidisova, Tatiana Golovin ... legion are the players who compete under a different country code but are essentially naturalized Americans.

As I see it, citizenship is intensely personal. If Sharapova or Tursunov or whoever wants to emulate Seles and Navratilova and try to become an "American," great. It would end the Chicken Littles' lament that American tennis is on life support. If they want only to be residents and sustain their ties to Russia, that's fine, too.

I do think that in this age of the-world-is-flat globalization, international competitions have lost a lot of their relevance. The whole concept of a "foreign athlete" -- whether it's Romanian gymnasts in Houston, the Brazilian soccer star in Madrid, a Chinese basketball star in Houston (or a German in Dallas or a Frenchman in San Antonio) or the bevy of tennis players in Monaco -- has never been murkier.

I would think it would be hard to get too excited about the Russians' triumph when two of the stars haven't lived in the country since they were boys. (Marat Safin, who left to train in Spain as a junior, now resides in Monte Carlo.) Likewise, why get so worked up about the dearth of Americans in tennis' upper reaches when half the top players are -- officially or not -- based here?

I think there's a lot of truth to what he says.

 

[DanEd]

usa tennis is not that bad, u have roddick and blake both pretty important top players

what happens is that americans are very bad accustomed to have the best players in tennis (Agassi,Sampras,McEnroe,Connors,Courier, etc)

so the current moment of USA tennis "looks bad" compared to past times

 

[Rhino]

what happens is that americans are very bad accustomed to have the best players in tennis (Agassi,Sampras,McEnroe,Connors,Courier, etc)

so the current moment of USA tennis "looks bad" compared to past times

In other words, it's declined.

 

[Steve Huff]

Personally, I think the "decline" in our tennis is a reflection of our society. As with any capitalistic society, people work hard up to a point to where they're comfortable. Some people aren't comfortable until they are the very, very best. Unfortunately, that kind of person comes around very rarely.

Another reason is that our society puts a reward on "instant" gratification. We're not patient as a whole. Today's tennis doesn't reward being impatient. Courts are slower, and players are so precise that you have to wait until you have a high percentage chance of ending a point early. You can't just come in on everything hit deep down the middle or you'll get passed. And players are so fit that you can't bash a winner from anywhere on the court. Roddick's learning this the hard way.

Finally, we're faced with too many choices in sports as we go through our "sports" age. Good athletes can play football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, swim, volleyball, track, wrestling, golf, gymnastics, etc (these are all offered at my kids' high school). To be competitive, you have to stay at these sports nearly year around. For instance, my kids were swimmers. They swam all the time, except for August. There was really no off-season. Would they have been good tennis players. We'll never know. To stay competitive at swimming, they had to do it year round.

Not only does there SEEM to be a dropoff in the US, but the US is training others to be as good as us. Look at the number of Grand Slam winners (esp. women's) that have trained in the US. I don't see Russia setting up training camps for Americans to attend to learn tennis. I don't see China training Americans for the next Olympics. Last I saw, the Chinese Fed Cup team was coached by an American. Probably our most famous coach is now coaching the Great Britain men's tennis. I'm not saying this is bad, but in a capitalistic society, coaches are free to go wherever they can earn the most, and that includes foreign countries.

So, I wouldn't look at it so much as a decline, just a diversification, and a really good European that's more talented than the current batch of tennis players from America (other countries too).

 

[superman1]

But it's not THAT bad. Roddick and Blake are the best duo from the same country out there. Ginepri is the real shame. People say Safin is mentally crap, but he's nowhere near as bad as Ginepri.

 

[Starlite]

I know just why American tennis is declining. It's because of you American fans. You do not support and respect American players. So, why should they bother wasting their effort and time to make America proud?

Hahaha, good one. I think players play more for passion of the game than to waste their time worrying whether every American likes them or not. Maybe you could tell Agassi that the fanfare at his last USO was not a good example of support and respect.

You American fans mock the Williams sisters

The Williams sisters are mocked often on this board because they do not take the game seriously! Serena and Venus pull out of tournaments all the time for questionable reasons and put their fashion/acting "opportunities" ahead of playing tennis.

many of you supported Safin instead of Blake at the Thailand Open semifinal match. Tsk Tsk.

I think this was because people really want to see Safin return back to form. He can play amazing tennis, but it's a little disheartening for his fans when he plays great one day and horrendous the next. Actually, I'm glad for James Blake and proud that he won in Bankok.

As a Chinese, I really feel shameful for you American fans. You should look at yourselves. Now is not too late for American tennis.

It's never too late for American tennis! There are currently 9 American men in the ATP top 100 and 11 American women in the WTA top 100. There are 0 Chinese men in the ATP top 100 and 3 Chinese women in the WTA top 100. Silly pirate, you should be asking yourself how to improve interest among tennis fans in China, maybe more people would pick up a racket.