Showing posts with label King of Tennis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label King of Tennis. Show all posts
Friday, June 23, 2023
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Tennis - The King of Racket Sports
Tennis is the King of Racket Sports. I've tried most of them and tennis skills always translated down while the others insufficiently transferred up to tennis.
To Quote Brain Sport Bill from September 29, 2022 Facebook
Monday, June 13, 2022
Rod Laver - Goat Herd Leader
Goat Herd Elder Statesman, might be the best title for Laver. His record stands alone for men's tennis, with two CYGSlams (Calendar Year Grand Slams). If all we do is count slam totals, we ignore all the other statistics.
Many tennis watchers say that Laver would never be able to hold up against the current talent like Rafa and Novak. I disagree.
It's impossible to make valid direct comparisons because players from the past conformed their methods to the conditions present at the time. Applying current standards against the past is a common cognitive bias.
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Monday, March 1, 2021
Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer at 310 weeks at #1 - Historic Tennis Achievement
Congratulations to Novak for the amazing feat. Seeing these records fall gives Tennis Fans great pleasure knowing that we are in a Golden Age of Tennis. It helps that he is a great ambassador for the sport as well.
Friday, December 13, 2019
How lack of discipline destroys tennis careers!
I can name you a long list of failures at the Professional level of Tennis.
First to me is Nastase who though he won many tournaments and matches could have probably won many more were it not for his antics. His talent seemed unlimited.
Then comes Rios who fell to his demons before he actually won a slam but had already shown that he could dominate men's tennis after achieving number 1.
On the women's side, I see fewer examples but Capriotti comes to mind as a talent that was wasted for most of her career. At least she proved that she had it later, much later, but all of that time was missed in between.
Now we have more on the men's tour who again have physical mastery of the game but lack the discipline to hold off their demons that invade their thoughts and come out in the form of bad behavior. Some make excuses that tennis isn't important to them anyway so as a way for the ego to justify this failure pretend that it doesn't matter. Think Kyrgios. He has unbounded talent but lacks the discipline to hold his bad thoughts in check when faced with a challenge on the court.
Here is a comment by Ken Rosewall on the subject. Rosewall was a master of the game and self-control and I never noticed anything but a gentleman on the court when he played no matter the outcome. It's hard not a admire a person of such worth not only to our sport but to civilization.
First to me is Nastase who though he won many tournaments and matches could have probably won many more were it not for his antics. His talent seemed unlimited.
Then comes Rios who fell to his demons before he actually won a slam but had already shown that he could dominate men's tennis after achieving number 1.
On the women's side, I see fewer examples but Capriotti comes to mind as a talent that was wasted for most of her career. At least she proved that she had it later, much later, but all of that time was missed in between.
Now we have more on the men's tour who again have physical mastery of the game but lack the discipline to hold off their demons that invade their thoughts and come out in the form of bad behavior. Some make excuses that tennis isn't important to them anyway so as a way for the ego to justify this failure pretend that it doesn't matter. Think Kyrgios. He has unbounded talent but lacks the discipline to hold his bad thoughts in check when faced with a challenge on the court.
Here is a comment by Ken Rosewall on the subject. Rosewall was a master of the game and self-control and I never noticed anything but a gentleman on the court when he played no matter the outcome. It's hard not a admire a person of such worth not only to our sport but to civilization.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Is Novak Headed for GOAT Status? Ask Yolita
Here is a chart and argument put forth by Yolita that not only is Novak the most dominant player of the past decade but that he may already be close to achieving Greatest of All Time Status in Tennis, the GOAT. It's generally agreed though that to have that status you need to have the most number of Grand Slam wins which is currently held by Roger Federer. As has been proven multiple times before it is a record that can be surpassed since at some stage players must retire. Federer seems be winning fewer and fewer major events while Djokovic and Nadal hold astounding numbers of wins over the past decade. Looking at the stats in this time frame it is hard to argue against Yolita on this score. Here is her well organized chart.
The numbers say it all
Here is the link to the original Tweet where this chart is found. Yolita
The numbers say it all
Here is the link to the original Tweet where this chart is found. Yolita
Monday, November 25, 2019
Don Budge and his Signature Racket
Here is an old Don Budge Signature racket. These date back to the 1940's since Budge had his big run of Grand Slam events in the 1930's. He was the first player to win all four slams in a calendar year and thus set a standard for judging players as the G.O,A.T. (greatest of all time.) Up until Laver completed two of these Calendar year Grand Slam wins of all four events he could have arguably been called the GOAT. Now of course they call whichever player has the most total wins the GOAT. That is currently Federer but Nadal seems to be chasing that record depending on when both retire and who wins a few more in the meantime. Novak is also chasing the numbers as well so we'll see how things end up.
Don Budge remains a top name in the history of tennis and his one handed backhand was legendary for its effectiveness.
For more detailed information on Don Budge here is a link to his WIKI Page
You can see this racket was barely used.
With a Current Value around $10 plus shipping costs add $10 minimum. To own one you'll have to part with at least $20 as of 11/2019 unless you find one at a yard sale for a a few dollars. Most are not in great shape so if you find a very good condition one it should fetch more depending on how old it is. This model comes from the 1940s. Some later versions may have been produced into the 1950s.
Don Budge remains a top name in the history of tennis and his one handed backhand was legendary for its effectiveness.
For more detailed information on Don Budge here is a link to his WIKI Page
With a Current Value around $10 plus shipping costs add $10 minimum. To own one you'll have to part with at least $20 as of 11/2019 unless you find one at a yard sale for a a few dollars. Most are not in great shape so if you find a very good condition one it should fetch more depending on how old it is. This model comes from the 1940s. Some later versions may have been produced into the 1950s.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Margaret Court: All time Grand Slam Winner - Treat me like Laver
Court - wants equal treatment (She has a point.)
You can be erased from history if your views don't conform. What does that say about the state of freedom of thought in the West.
You can be erased from history if your views don't conform. What does that say about the state of freedom of thought in the West.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Monday, October 21, 2019
Medvedev - the new master of shot selection
He now admits that he has learned to play smart. His opponents say that he gives them nothing to work with and commits few errors. It sounds as if he's arrived and will be the next entry into the dominant four to lock out most other competitors.
Daniil Medvedev - the rise and rise
Daniil Medvedev - the rise and rise
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Big 3 Retirement - tennis after they retire - will it survive
Tennis Will Survive
Of course it will survive but will it have the luster of today's Men's game. We have been in a Golden Era unlike any since the 70's when you had many holdovers from the Aussie domination of tennis in the 60's and then the American dominance combined with Borg that made for an amazing time in tennis. It will survive but let's hope some great players are on the horizon.
Of course it will survive but will it have the luster of today's Men's game. We have been in a Golden Era unlike any since the 70's when you had many holdovers from the Aussie domination of tennis in the 60's and then the American dominance combined with Borg that made for an amazing time in tennis. It will survive but let's hope some great players are on the horizon.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Tennis News: Big 3 Schedule , ESPN Rights Accusation, Embracing the Grind, Celiac Disease and Tennis, Fed's Stunning Record Continues
Big 3 Novak, Fed, Rafa
ESPN Rights Racist Accusation against tennis analyst
Adler Returns after settlement
Embracing the Grind with Bjorn
Celiac Disease and Tennis
Fed's Stunning Record Continues
Tennis Anyone - lifespan and quality of life
Rafa to Attend Tennis Center Inauguration
CAA Exits Tennis Business - drops Tennis Pros citing lack of opportunity
Fed Chasing Titles Not Ranking
Monfils hands Tsitsipas lesson in Sofia - Merciless - Stuns
ESPN Rights Racist Accusation against tennis analyst
Adler Returns after settlement
Embracing the Grind with Bjorn
Celiac Disease and Tennis
Fed's Stunning Record Continues
Tennis Anyone - lifespan and quality of life
Rafa to Attend Tennis Center Inauguration
CAA Exits Tennis Business - drops Tennis Pros citing lack of opportunity
Fed Chasing Titles Not Ranking
Monfils hands Tsitsipas lesson in Sofia - Merciless - Stuns
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Federer: He needs perfect conditions - Wilander, Anything is Possible - Navritilova, Wintour, Laver Upset by Fed Loss at AO
Perfect Conditions - Wilander
Of course the ball speed mattered to Fed. His game now depends on it more than ever. Someone changed the formula at the AO and it favored the ground game guys.
Anything is possible - Navratilova
Of course it is within the realm of reality. They stated the options and new challengers are what may put this to rest.
Wintour Fed Fan Since Beginning
Laver Upset by Fed Loss at AO
Federer Tennis Historian says Laver
Of course the ball speed mattered to Fed. His game now depends on it more than ever. Someone changed the formula at the AO and it favored the ground game guys.
Anything is possible - Navratilova
Of course it is within the realm of reality. They stated the options and new challengers are what may put this to rest.
Wintour Fed Fan Since Beginning
Laver Upset by Fed Loss at AO
Federer Tennis Historian says Laver
Novak Djokovic: Inside Djoker - making the case for the GOAT
Goat Debate Djoker
He is within striking distance of passing Fed but I suggest we wait. Things happen like injuries, new faces on the scene, and resurgent other players like Fed and Rafa. Still, it is arguable that Novak has what it takes to gain that crown but again who really owns it depends on how you define it. Rod Laver still holds the honors for two calendar year Grand Slams and no one has come close on the men's side to challenge it. Yes, he doesn't have as many total slam event wins but he was also prevented from competing for them for almost a decade in the 60's when he turned professional and was prohibited from playing the then Amateur events that are the slams. Fate cost the Rocket, Rod Laver, many more wins most likely and something no one expects can do the same for Novak.
Why Novak can be called the GOAT - Substance over style
Again, we'll see. All in good time. If you notice the writers mention Laver arena more than they mention Laver himself. It always comes to the mind that whomever is around when you're around, they are he best ever . Current writers tend to forget what it took for Laver to accomplish what he did against competition ever bit as strong as the current crop relative to the game as it was played back then. He did this against Ken Rosewall, Roy Emerson, Fred Stolle, Tony Roche, and and strong and deep source of talent from Australia alone much less worldwide. Laver passed the baton to Federer when it became obvious to him that Fed was a magical talent and his total wins proved it. So maybe this will happen again is someone passes Fed or maybe we should just restart the argument about what we are measuring.
Why Novak can Emulate Rod Laver
It will be impressive if he can do that but can he do it twice.
Young Rivals Expose his weakness - reliance on the backhand
Every player has a relative weakness compared to their strengths. Most players would happily take Novak's forehand compared to their own.
Where does Novak Djokovic Rank? - 3Rd All Time - if you're counting slam totals
World Celebrates Novak Win
That should be changed to Tennis World Celebrates.
He is within striking distance of passing Fed but I suggest we wait. Things happen like injuries, new faces on the scene, and resurgent other players like Fed and Rafa. Still, it is arguable that Novak has what it takes to gain that crown but again who really owns it depends on how you define it. Rod Laver still holds the honors for two calendar year Grand Slams and no one has come close on the men's side to challenge it. Yes, he doesn't have as many total slam event wins but he was also prevented from competing for them for almost a decade in the 60's when he turned professional and was prohibited from playing the then Amateur events that are the slams. Fate cost the Rocket, Rod Laver, many more wins most likely and something no one expects can do the same for Novak.
Why Novak can be called the GOAT - Substance over style
Again, we'll see. All in good time. If you notice the writers mention Laver arena more than they mention Laver himself. It always comes to the mind that whomever is around when you're around, they are he best ever . Current writers tend to forget what it took for Laver to accomplish what he did against competition ever bit as strong as the current crop relative to the game as it was played back then. He did this against Ken Rosewall, Roy Emerson, Fred Stolle, Tony Roche, and and strong and deep source of talent from Australia alone much less worldwide. Laver passed the baton to Federer when it became obvious to him that Fed was a magical talent and his total wins proved it. So maybe this will happen again is someone passes Fed or maybe we should just restart the argument about what we are measuring.
Why Novak can Emulate Rod Laver
It will be impressive if he can do that but can he do it twice.
Young Rivals Expose his weakness - reliance on the backhand
Every player has a relative weakness compared to their strengths. Most players would happily take Novak's forehand compared to their own.
Where does Novak Djokovic Rank? - 3Rd All Time - if you're counting slam totals
World Celebrates Novak Win
That should be changed to Tennis World Celebrates.
Friday, January 11, 2019
Tennis News: Big 4 News, Aussie Open, Player News
Big 4 News
Big 4 Bust - 1 week into 2019
Stuff happens including bad hips, bad knees, and other injuries.
Fed - 2019 may see changing of the Guard
I would agree except Novak stands there and maybe be the last one standing of the big 4.
Murray Announces Retirement - lots of support
Aussie Open
Two Goats at one event - Australian Open
Can't meet before final - six timers Fed and Novak
Quiz - Aussie Tennis Slam
Favorites tricky early schedule
Player News
Roger Federer and Peter Carter - Fed Breaks Down in interview
Halep did everything for Tennis, her dream
Tennis Tantrum from French Star Benoit Paire at ASB Classic
Osaka prefers less attention
Monday, December 31, 2018
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