IntenseDebate - freakyfrites

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - JAMES BLAKE SPLITS WIT... · 0 replies · +1 points

Hi Van!

"I'm kind of afraid those years were prime ones, too."

Yep, I think that's the problem.

It's also interesting that Barker says that Kelly shares many of his opinions as a coach. And that Kelly is a friend of both Barker and Blake. So in this case I'm thinking this switch is an attempt to get the same message from a different messenger. It doesn't sound like a guru-pupil type relationship a la Stefanki-Roddick.

James is a really interesting case. Do you think he really has fulfilled his potential? Do you think he overachieved? I've always felt like there was something missing with James - but it's hard for me to put my finger on. He has a great family and support system, he's smart, well-educated, good-looking, likable, he's buddy-buddy with most of the Americans - and maybe all this is good enough for him. Unlike some of the other guys, he just doesn't seem to live and breathe for tennis. At least his well-adjusted personality will serve him well post-retirement. . .

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - SERENA WILLIAMS NAKED ... · 1 reply · +1 points

Okay, okay. But you have to remember that issue is about athletes' bodies, not supermodel's bodies.

Athlete's bodies are made to perform, not necessarily to look like Brooklyn Decker. And I have a feeling that Serena's physique helps her play the game that got her to No. 1 in the world. The interesting thing is that a player like Justine Henin or even he sister, Venus, obviously have different body types, different games, but still succeed.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - SERENA WILLIAMS NAKED ... · 0 replies · +1 points

Not that i know of - at first USA today said James Blake would be in the magazine but I don't think he is.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - ANDY RODDICK: SOMETHIN... · 1 reply · +2 points

OKay, you guys have convinced me that spacing is key to a good system. Why not start the year in Asia? Move the Australian back a few weeks and start with the Shanghai Masters and China Open. Move back Wimbledon because there's basically 5 weeks of blah between W and the the Rogers Cup.

The question is what to do with the weird hard court season before the claycourt season. Personally, I LOVE Indian Wells - it is my tournament - but having IW and Miami back to back after the Australian and before the clay court season is just weird!

I still think in the ideal world the tennis season is over at the US Open (except for the year end champs). It just feels like the natural stopping point and everyone loves a big finale. The question is how to get to Asia, Europe and America etc. in 9 months instead of 11.

That said, none of this will never happen! Maybe the ATP can carve out an extra week or two.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - PHOTOS: AWKWARD MOMENT... · 0 replies · +1 points

I would watch that show! The Tour.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - BONJOUR TOKYO: MONFILS... · 0 replies · +1 points

Ha, I had the same thought re: Roddick.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - BONJOUR TOKYO: MONFILS... · 0 replies · +1 points

I'm just not a fan of that lime sherbet green. And the shorts remind me of boxers. But Rafa makes it work. . .almost!

The ATP needs a Most Adorable Player award and it needs to go to Jo-Dubs! Now if only he could wind a Major, too.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - ANDY RODDICK: SOMETHIN... · 3 replies · +2 points

Hi Judy and Mary, found your comments and retrieved them from pergatory! Thanks for letting me know.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - ANDY RODDICK: SOMETHIN... · 0 replies · +2 points

Yeah, I agree that the way the system is now makes shortening the season nearly impossible. There's always some very good excuse when it comes to making changes. I for one, think it makes a lot of sense to move the Australian Open to February, but obviously Australians don't see it my way - it's their summer tradition! I'd also like to tighten up the clay court season and the hard court season(s) - don't ask me how - and add a grass court masters event and make Davis Cup a once-every-two-years event.

But I'm curious to hear your perspective as fans - irrespective of what is actually possible. In theory, would you welcome a shorter season or do you like the never-ending cycle of tournaments? As a fan, I think a shorter season would be more exciting.

16 years ago @ GOTOTENNIS - MARAT SAFIN RETIREMENT... · 1 reply · +2 points

Hey Judy! I know! Beijing's banner printers must have been like "Wow, this Safin guy's good for business!" Looking at the pictures from the tournament it seems that the city has really embraced this event and the players. A nice boost to the late season lull.

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