Why is Federer so much more popular than Nadal?

[Jaitock1991]

I don't get it. The guy's arrogant, ostentatious and often a sore loser. You'd have to be shockingly out of touch with tennis not to realise that, and yet everyone seems to let it pass. Nadal's way more humble and gracious and although he has his annoying habits and mannerisms he hasn't got that arrogant streak that Federer sometimes reveals.

So why is Nadal not as popular?

I wonder who's more likely to be an arrogant person. Roger Federer, the man who is practically loved by all his fellow competitors, who uses a whole bunch of money on charity, and always tell you his honest opinion? Or you, making your own conclusion of how a person is without having actually met the guy IRL.

Tough to tell.
Can anyone help me out a little bit here?

 

[SoBad]

I must confess that I do not. I prefer curvy women to buttpicking men.

What is it that you dislike about Nadal's ass? Or do you actually like it and merely dislike the fact that he adjusts the shorts covering it on occasion?

 

[Cup8489]

Fist pumping, high voltage you know who vs stuck up, listless other guy. You bet.

Lol. The lawn mower. I laugh every time.

 

[Cup8489]

What is it that you dislike about Nadal's ass? Or do you actually like it and merely dislike the fact that he adjusts the shorts covering it on occasion?

On occasion implies that he does not do it every point; since he does, it's not on occasion, but quite often. I dont need to analyze why I dislike Nadal's arse, kindly move on from the discussion.

 

[veroniquem]

He could hire you to reach repeatedly in between his butt cheeks and pick his wedgies for him. It sounds like you might be up for this. That way, you could follow him 24/7 sniffing and inspecting his behind. Can there be much doubt that your xenophobic hatred for Federer stems from your unfamiliarity with classy behavior and your preference for crude, dirty behavior?

Ah, another typical trait of common *******s: revel in obscenities while praising Fed's upper class distinction. I'll show you what true class is by not attempting to go there...at all.

 

[cc0509]

More than I'd want to alas. You should watch some Bunuel movies. (or "the ice storm"). The upper middle class is not all that "nice" my dear.
(Actually, Fed represents the middle class who fancy themselves as upper middle class, the kind who think Martha Stewart is "chic". It's the "pretty woman" syndrome.)

I knew it. You know nothing about upper middle class because if you did you would not make these ludicrous comments. Not all wealthy people are bad you know. A lot of them are not nice this is true, but that does not apply to all people who have money. Just like many people without money are not nice.

I can't stand Martha Stewart. I admire her for what she has achieved but I can't watch her show for two minutes. Nobody I know watches Martha Stewart.

No Fed represents the upper middle class predominantly. Do you know middle class people who can afford Rolex watches without putting themselves into credit card debt?

 

[SoBad]

On occasion implies that he does not do it every point; since he does, it's not on occasion, but quite often. I dont need to analyze why I dislike Nadal's arse, kindly move on from the discussion.

Well, you brought up Nadal’s ass in this thread, so I thought I’d ask what you found so fascinating about it. It appears that your primary focus is on how often Nadal touches it. You must have compiled some convincing statistical data on the subject with charts, photographs, and other corroborating evidence – would you like to share that information with the rest of us here at this time?

 

[BULLZ1LLA]

I don't get it. The guy's arrogant, ostentatious and often a sore loser. You'd have to be shockingly out of touch with tennis not to realise that, and yet everyone seems to let it pass. Nadal's way more humble and gracious and although he has his annoying habits and mannerisms he hasn't got that arrogant streak that Federer sometimes reveals.

So why is Nadal not as popular?

(Federer was always the easy choice for bandwagoners - fans who just wanted to support a player they could rely on to win. He was like the Lakers of tennis - the NBA team renowned for almost always getting the players they wanted to compete for a championship [Pau Gasol for example, acquired via questionable means] and were a safe bet.

The bandwagoners are having a miserable time now, as Rafa sails to greatness beyond that of Federer. So it didn't quite work out, especially in that 2008 Wimbledon Final and 2009 AO Final, when even I felt sorry for Federer's people.

Rafa had the opposite situation, because the media always preached that he would retire early or that he was a claycourt specialist. He wasn't a target for bandwagoners)

 

[Cup8489]

Well, you brought up Nadal’s ass in this thread, so I thought I’d ask what you found so fascinating about it. It appears that your primary focus is on how often Nadal touches it. You must have compiled some convincing statistical data on the subject with charts, photographs, and other corroborating evidence – would you like to share that information with the rest of us here at this time?

I have nothing to prove. I never attempted to do so, now stop trolling. It seems you're so focused on his ass as you continue to ask question upon question regarding it.

 

[cc0509]

On occasion implies that he does not do it every point; since he does, it's not on occasion, but quite often. I dont need to analyze why I dislike Nadal's arse, kindly move on from the discussion.

LOL! Obviously there are some posters obsessed with Nadal's ass. Clearly not all of them are women. :twisted:

 

[Cup8489]

LOL! Obviously there are some posters obsessed with Nadal's ass. Clearly not all of them are women. :twisted:

I'm not entirely sure why I'm being accosted for making a generally accepted statement: Nadal picks his ass on a regular basis while on court. Is this so revolutionary?

 

[Sid_Vicious]

I knew it. You know nothing about upper middle class because if you did you would not make these ludicrous comments. Not all wealthy people are bad you know. A lot of them are not nice this is true, but that does not apply to all people who have money. Just like many people without money are not nice.

I can't stand Martha Stewart. I admire her for what she has achieved but I can't watch her show for two minutes. Nobody I know watches Martha Stewart.

No Fed represents the upper middle class predominantly. Do you know middle class people who can afford Rolex watches without putting themselves into credit card debt?

Nadal actually represents the upper class. Federer wears Rolexs and drives Mercedes-Benzs, both which combined are cheaper than Rafa's 525,000 dollar sports watch.

 

[Cup8489]

Nadal actually represents the upper class. Federer wears Rolexs and drives Mercedes-Benzs, both which combined are cheaper than Rafa's 525,000 dollar sports watch.

Yep, Humble as Jesus himself with that 525k watch. Yep.

That's worth more than my house. Ridiculous.

 

[SoBad]

I have nothing to prove. I never attempted to do so, now stop trolling. It seems you're so focused on his ass as you continue to ask question upon question regarding it.

I never asked about Nadal's ass, I was merely curious about your fascination with it. You seem angry now probably because you consider your own object of fascination embarassing. You brought up the subject and if you are now willing to drop it as a result of our discussion, I have no objection. I respect your right to privacy.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

Yep, Humble as Jesus himself with that 525k watch. Yep.

That's worth more than my house. Ridiculous.

I am sure everyone in the working class knows about Richard Mille watches.

cc0509 makes Federer sound like an elitist snob, while Veroniquem makes it seem like Nadal is a working class hero.

 

[Cup8489]

I never asked about Nadal's ass, I was merely curious about your fascination with it. You seem angry now probably because you consider your own object of fascination embarassing. You brought up the subject and if you are now willing to drop it as a result of our discussion, I have no objection. I respect your right to privacy.

Haha, well I cannot convince you that I am in no way fascinated by it, but merely disgusted with the conduct. I dislike when any player grabs their junk or picks their butt.. roddick's incessant nut handling bothers me just as much as Nadal's buttpicking.

I assure you, I am not interested in such things, merely annoyed. But, with that, I close the topic.

 

[DeShaun]

Ah, another typical trait of common *******s: revel in obscenities while praising Fed's upper class distinction. I'll show you what true class is by not attempting to go there...at all.

"The meek shall inherit the earth" was meant to be read and received by peasants. The entire upper class from day one has fought its way into power with swords and fights primarily wielding intellectual capital nowadays but fights nonetheless to retain position.

You would stir up flame, then scamper off while saying over your shoulder, "Now now, turn the other cheek?" Sometimes I swear you and Jacksonvile are the same person.

 

[cc0509]

(Federer was always the easy choice for bandwagoners - fans who just wanted to support a player they could rely on to win. He was like the Lakers of tennis - the NBA team renowned for almost always getting the players they wanted to compete for a championship [Pau Gasol for example, acquired via questionable means] and were a safe bet.

The bandwagoners are having a miserable time now, as Rafa sails to greatness beyond that of Federer. So it didn't quite work out, especially in that 2008 Wimbledon Final and 2009 AO Final, when even I felt sorry for Federer's people.

Rafa had the opposite situation, because the media always preached that he would retire early or that he was a claycourt specialist. He wasn't a target for bandwagoners)

Have you ever heard the expression, "don't count your chickens before they are hatched?" In life one never knows for sure what is going to happen.
Nadal is catching up to Federer and personally I think he probably will surpass Federer but one never knows for sure what is in store. Not all fans who like Federer hate Nadal. Some do like both even if they prefer one over the other. Don't talk about future events as certainties. You are not psychic are you?

Not all Fed fans are bandwagoners. What kind of stupid comment is that?
I have been following tennis since I am a kid and have liked many tennis players. I like Federer because I like his style of tennis. Yes of course I like tennis players who win. Who doesn't? I am not a masochist.

Don't feel sorry for Federer. Don't embarrass yourself! He is still ahead of Nadal so just shhhh until Nadal actually surpasses Federer and then you can talk. You speak with too much certainty and you have no control over these things.

 

[Cup8489]

Have you ever heard the expression, "don't count your chickens before they are hatched?" In life one never knows for sure what is going to happen.
Nadal is catching up to Federer and personally I think he probably will surpass Federer but one never knows for sure what is in store. Not all fans who like Federer hate Nadal. Some do like both even if they prefer one over the other. Don't talk about future events as certainties. You are not psychic are you?

Not all Fed fans are bandwagoners. What kind of stupid comment is that?
I have been following tennis since I am a kid and have liked many tennis players. I like Federer because I like his style of tennis. Yes of course I like tennis players who win. Who doesn't? I am not a masochist.

Don't feel sorry for Federer. Don't embarrass yourself! He is still ahead of Nadal so just shhhh until Nadal actually surpasses Federer and then you can talk. You speak with too much certainty and you have no control over these things.

Dont tell him that! He will explode from shock!

 

[cc0509]

I am sure everyone in the working class knows about Richard Mille watches.

cc0509 makes Federer sound like an elitist snob, while Veroniquem makes it seem like Nadal is a working class hero.

I did not say Federer is an elitist snob. I said his target group is pretty much upper middle class. Veronique thinks Fed is an elitist snob and she thinks anybody with money is an awful person. Clueless.

 

[cc0509]

Dont tell him that! He will explode from shock!

In order for that to happen he would actually have to comprehend in the first place and I am not sure he can do that. His brain is pre-programmed to worship the house of Nadal! :twisted:

 

[SoBad]

Haha, well I cannot convince you that I am in no way fascinated by it, but merely disgusted with the conduct. I dislike when any player grabs their junk or picks their butt.. roddick's incessant nut handling bothers me just as much as Nadal's buttpicking.

I assure you, I am not interested in such things, merely annoyed. But, with that, I close the topic.

The fact that you are fascinated with the subject has already been thoroughly documented in this thread. Your claim that you find the acts you have elaborated on in detail here repulsive appears credible on the surface, yet does not contradict the fact of fascination that you have documented here. Indeed, let us close this subject that seems a sensitive one for you, and perhaps next time you will talk about Nadal’s ass with a close associate or a therapist, instead of a public message board.

 

[Raphael]

Because of that beautiful game
- purists prefer Roger
- old timers prefer Roger
- many people dislike nadal for all time wasting, injury timeouts, fake modesty and defense based game.

But yes, nadal is more popular with kids.

I'm not sure if I'm a purist or an old-timer, but yes I agree.

At least once a match, Federer hits a shot which makes me say something like "That isn't possible.."

There is something that seems like magic about his ability.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

I did not say Federer is an elitist snob. I said his target group is pretty much upper middle class. Veronique thinks Fed is an elitist snob and she thinks anybody with money is an awful person. Clueless.

Lol. Those posts are absolute gold. She is delusional in thinking that the working class can identify with Nadal. Nadal is not some working class hero. He was fortunate enough to be born in a privileged family and has lived a life that a "bohemian" lol person like Veroniquem can not even fathom.

Additionally, Nadal is sponsored by Richard Mille. It is truly ironic that Veroniquem is calling out Federer for his "upper class distinction" while Nadal walks around with a 525,000 dollar watch.

 

[SoBad]

I'm not sure if I'm a purist or an old-timer, but yes I agree.

At least once a match, Federer hits a shot which makes me say something like "That isn't possible.."

There is something that seems like magic about his ability.

yeah man totally
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNnb1UQRYIk

 

[DeShaun]

The fact that you are fascinated with the subject has already been thoroughly documented in this thread. Your claim that you find the acts you have elaborated on in detail here repulsive appears credible on the surface, yet does not contradict the fact of fascination that you have documented here. Indeed, let us close this subject that seems a sensitive one for you, and perhaps next time you will talk about Nadal’s ass with a close associate or a therapist, instead of a public message board.

duplicate
10chars

 

[DeShaun]

The fact that you are fascinated with the subject has already been thoroughly documented in this thread. Your claim that you find the acts you have elaborated on in detail here repulsive appears credible on the surface, yet does not contradict the fact of fascination that you have documented here. Indeed, let us close this subject that seems a sensitive one for you, and perhaps next time you will talk about Nadal’s ass with a close associate or a therapist, instead of a public message board.

The topic was in the public domain long before the poster touched on it. It got there due to the PUBLIC habits of the players named.

 

[TennisBatman]

I don't get it. The guy's arrogant, ostentatious and often a sore loser. You'd have to be shockingly out of touch with tennis not to realise that, and yet everyone seems to let it pass. Nadal's way more humble and gracious and although he has his annoying habits and mannerisms he hasn't got that arrogant streak that Federer sometimes reveals.

So why is Nadal not as popular?

In short, Image Is Everything...

1) Federer has a smooth voice, able to speak both English and French (and German as well), and when speaking English his accent resembles the classic "upper class" English speaker. He is also quicker in answering reporters' questions, thanks to his better command of English.

2) On the court, Federer tends to make each play look easier than it actually is, as his shots are based more on finesse than power. On the other hand, Nadal tends to make each play look harder than it actually is (for him, that is), as his style is much more physical than Federer's. That contrast gives Federer's style the extra "cool" factor that Nadal's style lacks.

3) Even though he has a terrible H2H against Nadal, Federer still goes down as a hero, as he was able to stack up a big collection of slams nonetheless, a large number which came during Nadal's reign as "King of Clay". So, although Nadal was able to take away many opportunities from Federer to win titles, the ones that remained for Federer were still amazingly high in number...

 

[BULLZ1LLA]

Have you ever heard the expression, "don't count your chickens before they are hatched?" In life one never knows for sure what is going to happen.
Nadal is catching up to Federer and personally I think he probably will surpass Federer but one never knows for sure what is in store. Not all fans who like Federer hate Nadal. Some do like both even if they prefer one over the other. Don't talk about future events as certainties. You are not psychic are you?

Not all Fed fans are bandwagoners. What kind of stupid comment is that?
I have been following tennis since I am a kid and have liked many tennis players. I like Federer because I like his style of tennis. Yes of course I like tennis players who win. Who doesn't? I am not a masochist.

Don't feel sorry for Federer. Don't embarrass yourself! He is still ahead of Nadal so just shhhh until Nadal actually surpasses Federer and then you can talk. You speak with too much certainty and you have no control over these things.

(Like I said, Rafa fans began supporting Rafa knowing a lot of people were saying he wouldn't even make it to age 26, and that he'd only ever be a claycourter. Now he's approaching 26 and winning at a faster rate than ever before :lol:

The problem with federer's legacy is that he never won 4 slams in a row, and Rafa looks very capable of pulling that off, with freak injuries Down Under the only thing capable of stopping him these days. Another problem for Federer is that too much value was placed on his 16 slams. This means Rafa will dethrone Federer by passing 16 slams, claiming the fictional award of 'GOAT'.

Then of course there is the head2head, which gets more lopsided every year. And there is the likely event that Rafa will win between 8 and 10 [or more] Roland Garros titles, passing Sampras record of winning a slam title 7 times. And then there is the continuous improvement of Rafa on hardcourts, a very real chance for him to win 3 or more US Opens. And of course there is Wimbledon, a haven for Rafa's blossoming as an all-court dominator, with even serve-volley making an appearance this week. And don't forget that 2008 Singles Gold Medal [and most likely London 2012 Gold medal, on grass]

There is always another bandwagon....don't worry, you'll be fine...

Over and out)

 

[Cup8489]

The topic was in the public domain long before the poster touched on it. It got there due to the PUBLIC habits of the players named.

SoBad does his name justice; he trolls relentlessly. I appreciate your defense of me, but it's futile; dont waste your energy on him, I've ignored him already so he can say all he wants. He's not hurting my feelings, I know that I'm not 'fascinated' as he claims I am.. he's simply not educated on the subject of me.

 

[Cup8489]

(Like I said, Rafa fans began supporting Rafa knowing a lot of people were saying he wouldn't even make it to age 26, and that he'd only ever be a claycourter. Now he's approaching 26 and winning at a faster rate than ever before :lol:

The problem with federer's legacy is that he never won 4 slams in a row, and Rafa looks very capable of pulling that off, with freak injuries Down Under the only thing capable of stopping him these days. Another problem for Federer is that too much value was placed on his 16 slams. This means Rafa will dethrone Federer by passing 16 slams, claiming the fictional award of 'GOAT'.

Then of course there is the head2head, which gets more lopsided every year. And there is the likely event that Rafa will win between 8 and 10 [or more] Roland Garros titles, passing Sampras record of winning a slam title 7 times. And then there is the continuous improvement of Rafa on hardcourts, a very real chance for him to win 3 or more US Opens. And of course there is Wimbledon, a haven for Rafa's blossoming as an all-court dominator, with even serve-volley making an appearance this week. And don't forget that 2008 Singles Gold Medal [and most likely London 2012 Gold medal, on grass]

There is always another bandwagon....don't worry, you'll be fine...

Over and out)

Wow, you wrote all that and still managed to post nothing that's actually true.. Haha.

 

[SoBad]

The topic was in the public domain long before the poster touched on it. It got there due to the PUBLIC habits of the players named.

There is a lot in the public domain today thanks to the technology. The OP asked why classless Federer appears more popular with the masses than classy Nadal, and it was answered to reasonable satisfaction. Cup8489 jumped in to talk about Nadal’s ass, and now that he’s done you are volunteering your observations on the subject? Please feel free to elaborate on your observations of Nadal’s ass then.

 

[cc0509]

(Like I said, Rafa fans began supporting Rafa knowing a lot of people were saying he wouldn't even make it to age 26, and that he'd only ever be a claycourter. Now he's approaching 26 and winning at a faster rate than ever before :lol:

The problem with federer's legacy is that he never won 4 slams in a row, and Rafa looks very capable of pulling that off, with freak injuries Down Under the only thing capable of stopping him these days. Another problem for Federer is that too much value was placed on his 16 slams. This means Rafa will dethrone Federer by passing 16 slams, claiming the fictional award of 'GOAT'.

Then of course there is the head2head, which gets more lopsided every year. And there is the likely event that Rafa will win between 8 and 10 [or more] Roland Garros titles, passing Sampras record of winning a slam title 7 times. And then there is the continuous improvement of Rafa on hardcourts, a very real chance for him to win 3 or more US Opens. And of course there is Wimbledon, a haven for Rafa's blossoming as an all-court dominator, with even serve-volley making an appearance this week. And don't forget that 2008 Singles Gold Medal [and most likely London 2012 Gold medal, on grass]

There is always another bandwagon....don't worry, you'll be fine...

Over and out)

LOL. Your posts are chock full of crazy! Do you actually believe the stuff you write or are you trying to shock people? I think you really do believe it. Whatever!

I know why you called yourself "BULL" ZILLA. You are full of bull crap!

Over and out......:lol:

 

[SoBad]

SoBad does his name justice; he trolls relentlessly. I appreciate your defense of me, but it's futile; dont waste your energy on him, I've ignored him already so he can say all he wants. He's not hurting my feelings, I know that I'm not 'fascinated' as he claims I am.. he's simply not educated on the subject of me.

No need for personal comments or insults now. Perhaps you could talk to DeShaun about Nadal's ass in private via email or whatever online club you have set up for those talks? We don't need to read any more of that here, thanks.

 

[Cup8489]

No need for personal comments or insults now. Perhaps you could talk to DeShaun about Nadal's ass in private via email or whatever online club you have set up for those talks? We don't need to read any more of that here, thanks.

But.. you do troll. I'm not calling you names.. did I hurt your feelings, I didnt intend to. Why are you still so hung up on Nadal's ass? I haven't mentioned it for several posts, but yet you've included it in every one of yours? Perhaps you're projecting your own personal fascinations onto others in some sort of self-loathing response?

 

[SoBad]

But.. you do troll. I'm not calling you names.. did I hurt your feelings, I didnt intend to. Why are you still so hung up on Nadal's ass? I haven't mentioned it for several posts, but yet you've included it in every one of yours? Perhaps you're projecting your own personal fascinations onto others in some sort of self-loathing response?

Why do you keep talking about Nadal's ass - didn't you promise to stop like 5 posts ago? Just email DeShaun and other members of your little fetish group and discuss it in private. I used to think you were a decent (if delusional) poster, but I am now starting to think that you are trolling with your fetish talk.

 

[cc0509]

Lol. Those posts are absolute gold. She is delusional in thinking that the working class can identify with Nadal. Nadal is not some working class hero. He was fortunate enough to be born in a privileged family and has lived a life that a "bohemian" lol person like Veroniquem can not even fathom.

Additionally, Nadal is sponsored by Richard Mille. It is truly ironic that Veroniquem is calling out Federer for his "upper class distinction" while Nadal walks around with a 525,000 dollar watch.

LOL! It is all like a really bad sitcom!

Nadal grew up in a more upper class family than Federer did. As if Nadal is some kind of peasant like Veronique claims. These people drive me nuts if they think Nadal's image is really what Nadal represents in his real life.
Sure he seems humble and seems like a nice guy but to claim he is some kind of bohemian guy who wants to live on a commune any time soon and Federer is some kind of a$$hole because his target group is upper middle class predominanty, is beyond crazy.

I don't hate Nadal, far from it, but some of these Fed-hating posters bring out my venom!

 

[martini1]

This topic has been discussed many times.

First off, go watch the documentary "Replay". This explains a lot about his charisma, and the tipping point when he transformed into a world class player, not just athletically but from a crazy hot head to the classy player.

To me, Federer has much better PR off the court. His ability to speak several major languages fluently is also the key. This is a major point because internal media loves this and seldom there is a case of lost in translation.

He plays aggressive tennis during his prime. Beautiful game to say the least. This is a major piece of being popular. Think Jordan, the young Tyson, prime Tiger, etc. A game that entertains and stands a little above the average good player.

There are also some X factor there. Being Swiss, he has a more universal appeal from a cultural POV. The combined marketing power of Nike, Rolex, MB, etc. has already labeled him as a upper class player. This has huge followings all over the world, from wealthy countries to developing countries. Again, it goes very well with his personality, on and off the court. Although Rafa wears a more expensive watch, posed ad for high fashion house like Lanvin. The impact is not the same. I'd say mainly thanks to Nike designing Rafa as the loud and more rebel type personality. It is very poetic. Rafa's success has made Nike creating 2 contrasting style of clothing line. Fed being more classic, Rafa more trendy. If there was no Rafa Nike may still have him wear his pre 06 style. So it is no surprise the younger kids would like Rafa more. But I think many tennis fans would appreciate both because of the rivalry. And during the period between 07-08 (part of 09) it was golden. One may not see this kind of battles for another decade or more.

Now, if a 8 year old kid who just started to know who's who in tennis. He/she would probably pick Rafa or Djoker as a hero more than picking Federer. I remember when I was kid I got a pair of Borg signature shoes the year he retired and my friends were mocking me. "He is just an old guy. He is retired now." Looking back he was only 25yrs old. But for kids that is a very old age. Not until you hit your late 20's you start to appreciate the classic stars.

I think in the long run both Fed and Rafa are HOF and the debate will continue. It doesn't matter if both of them retire right now or kept going until both got 18 majors.

 

[jackson vile]

I don't get it. The guy's arrogant, ostentatious and often a sore loser. You'd have to be shockingly out of touch with tennis not to realise that, and yet everyone seems to let it pass. Nadal's way more humble and gracious and although he has his annoying habits and mannerisms he hasn't got that arrogant streak that Federer sometimes reveals.

So why is Nadal not as popular?

They don't pay attention, they just see a successful white metrosexual and it strikes their fancy.

 

[veroniquem]

LOL! It is all like a really bad sitcom!

Nadal grew up in a more upper class family than Federer did. As if Nadal is some kind of peasant like Veronique claims.

I certainly claimed nothing of the sort. I compared the Fed crowd to the Nadal crowd (or what the guys represent in terms of image), not Fed and Nadal themselves. Actually, Rafa's family is probably wealthier than Fed's one.

 

[Serve_Ace]

More than I'd want to alas. You should watch some Bunuel movies. (or "the ice storm"). The upper middle class is not all that "nice" my dear.
(Actually, Fed represents the middle class who fancy themselves as upper middle class, the kind who think Martha Stewart is "chic". It's the "pretty woman" syndrome.)

Did you really just compare movie life to real life. Get a grip.

 

[mandy01]

Nope. I know plenty of people who know nothing about tennis, nor follow it - but they have all seen Federer magic on sports highlights. Nadal is barely a blip in the respect.

This is true. Fed gets promoted a LOT in the media. I remember when he did that tweener at the USO it was all over news channels and papers. I've never seen that of any other player.

 

[mandy01]

Really? Rolexes are cheesy luxury. Billionaires nowadays would go for something more original, more "cutting edge". And mercedes? super conformist, middle class as well. Neither the movie star brand nor the young rebel. More like greying businessmen with pot bellies.

Mercedes is a 'middle-class' brand? How come I can't afford one then>?
You're really reaching here

 

[ViscaB]

I think Nadal just has a fresh image compared to Fed. That's why he appeals to young people. He's a warrior with a pretty girlfriend. Federer stands for Rolex, slightly older and conservative (ignoring his ponytail years). Overall Fed is slightly more popular still but Nadal has come very close. If he manages to win a few more GS he might catch up.

 

[Sentinel]

Better tennis, better personality, better face.

This is true. Fed gets promoted a LOT in the media. I remember when he did that tweener at the USO it was all over news channels and papers. I've never seen that of any other player.

Did you see Srebotnik yesterday (in doubles), she hit a nice tweener, but it got smashed by the chinese girl

p.s. sorry, you are in the US, where NBC doesn't shows you the Today Show i/o tennis, lol ! *sad*

 

[Bobby Jr]

This topic has been discussed many times.
..... Fed being more classic, Rafa more trendy...

The only case where Nadal's outfits could be considered more trendy that Federer's is if you're a teenager or into that sort of Jersey Shore chic.. :lol:

Federer's outfits are, by far, more trendy generally. Nadal has toned his outfits down in the past year for sure but many of his earlier outfits were closer to 'clown' than they were trendy. The sort of gear you'd buy and then 3 months later look at it on the hanger and wonder "what was I thinking?". They're aimed directly at teens/early 20s players who mostly get their stuff bought for them. Yet I see people of all ages at my club wearing Federer shirt from 3-4 years ago almost every time I play... US Open Darth Fed, FO 09 shirts, AO 2010 shirt etc.

 

[JustBob]

You should watch some Bunuel movies.

I'm not sure you realize the irony of mentioning Bunuel in a thread like this. Were he alive, he would have a surrealist field day filled with relentless and obsessive characters...

 

[namelessone]

I did not say Federer is an elitist snob. I said his target group is pretty much upper middle class. Veronique thinks Fed is an elitist snob and she thinks anybody with money is an awful person. Clueless.

This is pretty much true for all top tennis players.

Nadal and Djoko sponsored gear doesn't come cheap for the everyman.

 

[GuyClinch]

I often root for the underdog - so I sure didn't mind rooting for Rafa when he was going after Federer. It's less fun now though with Roger being on the way down though. So I find myself rooting for Roger again..

Roger's appeal is pretty straightforward though - he manages to proudly exhibit most of what people think a tennis player should be.

Tennis is thought to be a gentleman's game - the game of the educated and usually wealthy man. Roger seems like a person that's both educated and wealthy.

Most tennis fans would like to see someone win with not pure athleticism or stamina or strength - that's for other sports. Tennis should be about artistry, grace and intelligence.

Like another poster said Roger made tennis look easy - and that's a great point. Roger's virtuso skill made him see more like a character in a comic book then a real person at times. How he could 'toy' with his opponents. He didn't batter them down like Lendl or even 'out athlete' them like Pete. He just gracefully easily dispatched his opponents with a ridiculous variety of winners while seemingly putting out very little effort.

He is pretty much the complete package - I doubt we see another guy like him. Guys like Rafa come across like jocks invading tennis - but with no real love for the game. Roger managed to appeal to the guys who missed the "good old days" - even though in truth no one actually played like him in the old days..

Pretty amazing really..

I get why people don't like Roger - he isn't exactly the champion of the working class. He is the prep school kid that effortlessly beats the guys who can't afford lessons but on a larger scale..

 

[TheTruth]

I'll admit to jumping in without having read the whole thread, but here's my hypothesis.

Overall, the tennis population is aging. Those of us who started playing while we were young were weaned on a much different version of tennis. More touch, finesse, shot-making brilliance, etc. The modern game is dominated by power. Certainly those other elements are there, but they are subsumed under the raw athleticism of the game.

When I want to watch tennis, I want to watch the game that *I* like. And, of the top pros, Federer most represents that game. Hence, for others like me, we gravitate towards cheering for him.

I imagine that, if we could roll back the time machine, we could find similar threads during the peak Sampras/Agassi years, too.

I don't know about that. Although Pete played an effortless game, (and imo) he really did look effortless, his style was never overly lauded. In a reversal of fate, they acted like Agassi's game and personality was the more passionate brand of tennis, and branded Pete's style as boring. Annacone said back then, "People don't appreciate Pete's game because it looks too easy." Now, this is the very thing they hold up as excellence.

Nowadays, they have reversed the roles and now consider an "effortless" game as sublime and an athletic game as "brutish."

So much seems to depends on what the writers and commentators say, as opposed to the evidence put before our very eyes. Who can explain this dichotomy?

Pete=Boring game
Federer=Similar game to Pete's=sublime

Agassi=The Punisher
Nadal=One dimensional

I enjoyed Pete's game immensely, but that's because he was the original. There's no reason for me to enjoy Federer's game, because I already watched the prototype for many years. I root for Rafa because he brought something new and exciting to the table. I can name a lot of people who play similar to Federer (Haas, Malisse, Tsonga) but no one plays like Nadal, and for me originality gets the most points.