Why do you like your favorite player?

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What chord does he strike in you? Is it based solely on his tennis or on something else, like personality, style etc.?

For me, I always loved Rafa's grind, will, and sort of "ugly" style.

But, Novak is my favorite and that's due to a similar gladiatorial style (although more offensive), athleticism, and determination.

However, what sets Novak apart for me and really makes him my favorite is his persona (which seems highly divisive here and it certainly seems rare to find a fan of both Rafa/Novak!) I just "vibe" the best with him and can relate to even the negative aspects such as his temper or frustration...the lack of patience he shows at time and the crowd being seemingly against him a lot. Also love that 'back against the wall" mentality he has a lot and the caged animal fight he shows. When his game is clicking, to me it is brutal, bloody, and perfect. Others find it boring; I could see how it isn't stylistically classically beautiful like Federer or inventive like Nadal's, but to me it's the most appealing.

So, what's your reason for liking/loving your favorite player and being a rabid fan? I think it will be interesting to see how much is based purely on the tennis, and how much is based on the personas and temperaments of the players involved. I suspect this will vary with the players chosen :)
 
Being the narcissist that I am, I went for the guy that strikes me as most similar to the way I see myself. PERFECTERER!
 
It's pretty simple: my interest in tennis started entirely with Federer's semifinal match against Roddick at Wimbledon 2003. Kinda randomly turned on a tennis match, found myself rooting for him in it, then when he won I watched the entire final as well, and he won that, and that sealed the deal. Tennis looked like fun, when I had never actually seen a tennis match for more than maybe a few games before that Wimbledon semifinal. Since then I've started playing myself and still closely follow the ATP tour. :)

Guess I just liked the playing style and strokes, everything looked simple and effective. Also, I thought the ponytail was funny. :p
 
BVSlam said:
It's pretty simple: my interest in tennis started entirely with Federer's semifinal match against Roddick at Wimbledon 2003. Kinda randomly turned on a tennis match, found myself rooting for him in it, then when he won I watched the entire final as well, and he won that, and that sealed the deal. Tennis looked like fun, when I had never actually seen a tennis match for more than maybe a few games before that Wimbledon semifinal. Since then I've started playing myself and still closely follow the ATP tour. :)

Guess I just liked the playing style and strokes, everything looked simple and effective. Also, I thought the ponytail was funny. :p
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Federer looks very "cool" and suave playing, I'll give him that.
 
I am an esthetic. So I like Federer. No strugling, no clumsiness. Effective tennis, wrapped in subtle elegance (sorry about the cliches).
 
125downthemiddle said:
What chord does he strike in you? Is it based solely on his tennis or on something else
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I was thinking at first that it was her beautiful blue eyes but now that I think about it a little more.........it's her ass. . . . . . . . Yes, it's her ass.​
 
SoBad said:
The implication that there was even a tiny fraction of a drop of 50-degree whiskey in my lemon-infused oolong tea with lemon is so outrageous that I wouldn’t even know how to address this sort of senseless libel.
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Well, if you get the lemons to try and address it through civil courts, know that I have an army of Associated Press attorneys chomping at the bit.:eek:
 
I can like players for either their on-court play/persona or their off-court persona. Federer I like for both, Nadal I like only for off-court, Novak I don't like at all.
 
@Russeljones: I find quite interesting that a Bulgarian identifies himself with Federer (being someone's fan is a form of identification). Also, I noticed few Serbs on the forum that are Federer fans as well. Swiss and Bulgarian (in average) are quite different mentalities (not to say moral values as well). As Djokovic said after W15 "I am a Serb and he is a German (meaning Becker) and that is significantly different" (explaining why they needed time to gel). I like Djokovic as he succeeded despite being unwelcomed and unloved. Anybody who is underprivileged for any reason can identify with him.
 
I particularly enjoy watching Djokovic (enjoy his tennis and his character), Federer (flowing style and character) and Murray (most relatable, funny, British).
 
I literally have an eclectic mix of anyone

But out of the 13 players I've followed

Hewitt
Tomic
Safin
Nalbandian
Fognini
Roddick
Gulbis
Kyrgios
Dolgopolov
Coria
Agassi
Wawrinka
Cilic

The majority tend to be extremely talented headcases who can play beautiful tennis on their day or look like trash the next.
 
125downthemiddle said:
What chord does he strike in you? Is it based solely on his tennis or on something else, like personality, style etc.?

For me, I always loved Rafa's grind, will, and sort of "ugly" style.

But, Novak is my favorite and that's due to a similar gladiatorial style (although more offensive), athleticism, and determination.

However, what sets Novak apart for me and really makes him my favorite is his persona (which seems highly divisive here and it certainly seems rare to find a fan of both Rafa/Novak!) I just "vibe" the best with him and can relate to even the negative aspects such as his temper or frustration...the lack of patience he shows at time and the crowd being seemingly against him a lot. Also love that 'back against the wall" mentality he has a lot and the caged animal fight he shows. When his game is clicking, to me it is brutal, bloody, and perfect. Others find it boring; I could see how it isn't stylistically classically beautiful like Federer or inventive like Nadal's, but to me it's the most appealing.

So, what's your reason for liking/loving your favorite player and being a rabid fan? I think it will be interesting to see how much is based purely on the tennis, and how much is based on the personas and temperaments of the players involved. I suspect this will vary with the players chosen :)
Click to expand...
Wasn't Rafa your favorite at one point? I read here a lot before finally joining, and thought your profile name was a reference to the serve Nadal hit to save 1 of 3 break points against Djokovic in the 2013 USO finals. Anyway I have to say Nadal. I prefer more defensive styles of play. Some of my favorite players include Borg,Chang,Hewitt,and Ferrer. But Nadal has everything they have in spades. He has better defense than all those guys, and has incredible offesive skills when he wants to play aggressive. I think his forehand is the coolest looking shot in tennis. People call it ugly, but it's actually not that different than Fed's. The bolo/helicopter finish is just awesome. I love his speed,athleticism, and heart. Even though he's playing bad I always root for him, and he'll most likely be my all time favorite. He just never gives up, and is always so positive hard not to like him.
 
Djokovic first captured my attention with the antics that made him the Djoker and his young brashness (unfortunately washed away by his PR team).

He has a great game and embodies the perfect combination of arrogance and humility.
 
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well i have to say my favorite player simply comes from my country (novak)
as far as other players i like gasquet.
 
I like all the Big Four, and in reality, any non-prejudiced person will see the positives in all their games and personas.

Fave of all time though? Andre Agassi. There was a genuineness to him that made me really connect with him emotionally, as opposed to just wanting him to win because I liked his playing style.
 
Donnie Brasco said:
Wasn't Rafa your favorite at one point? I read here a lot before finally joining, and thought your profile name was a reference to the serve Nadal hit to save 1 of 3 break points against Djokovic in the 2013 USO finals. Anyway I have to say Nadal. I prefer more defensive styles of play. Some of my favorite players include Borg,Chang,Hewitt,and Ferrer. But Nadal has everything they have in spades. He has better defense than all those guys, and has incredible offesive skills when he wants to play aggressive. I think his forehand is the coolest looking shot in tennis. People call it ugly, but it's actually not that different than Fed's. The bolo/helicopter finish is just awesome. I love his speed,athleticism, and heart. Even though he's playing bad I always root for him, and he'll most likely be my all time favorite. He just never gives up, and is always so positive hard not to like him.
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Haha, I want my username origin to remain a mystery, but a hint: it is a Djokovic quote.
 
ABCD said:
@Russeljones: I find quite interesting that a Bulgarian identifies himself with Federer (being someone's fan is a form of identification). Also, I noticed few Serbs on the forum that are Federer fans as well. Swiss and Bulgarian (in average) are quite different mentalities (not to say moral values as well). As Djokovic said after W15 "I am a Serb and he is a German (meaning Becker) and that is significantly different" (explaining why they needed time to gel). I like Djokovic as he succeeded despite being unwelcomed and unloved. Anybody who is underprivileged for any reason can identify with him.
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Can't say I understand where you're coming from. Is Djokovic the champion of the underprivileged and Federer the champion of the overindulged? I'd like to see you elaborate on this nationalities angle.
 
Fiery, raw displays of emotion. The need to be liked, but the brashness to tell an antagonistic crowd "now you will all su*k my d%*k". The gracious defeats and appreciation of his opponents. The ability to pull it all together and produce tennis at the highest level ever played.
 
Nadal was just dynamic as **** when he hit the scene. Different from the rest, hard to ignore.

Rafael+Nadal+2006+French+Open+Day+Fifteen+xIHNUOqByn6l.jpg
 
Nadal is unique. His style of play and his shots are different from everyone, and his energy and fighting spirit are unmatched. His athletism and shotmaking are so breathtaking, I literally jump out of my seat sometimes.

Oh and he saved tennis. Without Rafa, Federer would have won like 3 year calendar grandslams and probably would have ended with 25 slams which would have killed the sport of tennis and all past champions. Everyone should be greatful for Rafa,

He's also a great human being, very humble, nice, professional, a true hero and champion. It was also amazing to see him work hard, improve his game and evolve from a clay court specialist into conquering all surfaces, while someone like Sampras for example gave half an effort on clay.

Rafa is just amazing, he's the GOAT.
 
Donnie Brasco said:
I think his forehand is the coolest looking shot in tennis. People call it ugly, but it's actually not that different than Fed's.
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Agree, except Fed flattens it out a lot more often (considering the bulk of their career, Nadal was pretty aggressive with it in some years like 2008 and 2013 for example). I'd say the nice medium between Fedal in FH is Verdasco, a beautiful looking shot.

Fedfan34 said:
I like all the Big Four, and in reality, any non-prejudiced person will see the positives in all their games and personas.

Fave of all time though? Andre Agassi. There was a genuineness to him that made me really connect with him emotionally, as opposed to just wanting him to win because I liked his playing style.
Click to expand...

Not sure about genuineness but the guy had the charisma and fame of a Holywood movie star. Guys like Fed and Nadal are very popular within tennis/sport but Agassi transcended it.
 
zagor said:
Agree, except Fed flattens it out a lot more often (considering the bulk of their career, Nadal was pretty aggressive with it in some years like 2008 and 2013 for example). I'd say the nice medium between Fedal in FH is Verdasco, a beautiful looking shot.



Not sure about genuineness but the guy had the charisma and fame of a Holywood movie star. Guys like Fed and Nadal are very popular within tennis/sport but Agassi transcended it.
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Agassi? The man is disgusting, always spitting even sometimes from his nose. His attack towards Pete during the doubles charity match with Nadal/Federer, etc. lacked class. Charisma? Not for me.
 
@Russeljones: Complex issues; difficult to elaborate here. How many Swiss support a Bulgarian athlete? How many people from Asia support Manchester United and how many people from England support some Asian FC? How likely is that white supremacist would support Serena? If Federer was (for example) Pakistani, would his fan base be the same as it is now. One like or dislike a player usually instinctively, but there is always an underlying reason and a lot of influencing factors.
 
tipsa...don'tlikehim! said:
I like a lot of players and for most of them i have no idea why
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:) - exactly. I like a LOT of players, and most certainly don't have "one favourite" one.
If I'd have to summ up the reasons for liking them, it would end up a thesis. If I'd ever manage to even summ up all those "favourites" in the first place!
Okay, just one of the many:

Karlovic: such an immaculate serve (and for you you calling him out for "serve-botting", the serve is just as much an important stroke as anything else in tennis), enabling him to stay up with the Top Dogs for such a long time - one of the few who managed to defeat Djokovic this season, just to name something.
Apart from that, funny and friendly fellow. :)
 
What can I say? I love beautiful one-handed backhands. Who doesn't? So Wawrinka, Gasquet e Federer were easy choices.

Plus, I like how Goffin can be effortlessly precise.
 
Lleyton Hewitt: Hard worker, fast around the court. Great volleys and a fantastic lob. A fellow Australian.
Andy Murray: Much the same as above, except he's a Scot.
Roger Federer: A great forehand, great serve, quick and nimble around the court, great anticipation, great defense to offense, revolutionized tennis, etc. Some of the best dropshots I've ever seen.
Novak Djokovic: One of the best baseliners I've ever seen, he has also revolutionized tennis in his own way. A fantastic backhand and a good forehand. An improved netgame. Overall a very complete player that can win on any surface.
Nicolas Lapentti: Probably the hardest worker I've ever seen, he leaves nothing out on the court and his will to win is absolutely amazing.
 
Also Agassi, a great return and an underrated fighter towards the end of his career.
 
I'm all about Goffin. I like him cuz he's small, he's fierce, he tries every point, he has no big weapon, but he makes up for it by innate court position anticipation, & his name is David:). I recall him playing Fed tough at FO.
 
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