Djokovic new world #1

It's a good day for him. Taking the #1 ranking and winning Wimbledon over the former #1 player Nadal. He's beaten him 5 consecutive times, two of those on clay. Very impressive.

 

What is the reason for his new found speed and agility? New training regimen?

 

There was a big article about him in SI a month or so back [When he was still on that huge win streak.] IIRC, he's now built (the expected?) entourage around him - new coach, new trainer, physio, shrink, dietician etc. He also "re-dedicated" himself to the sport and exorcised some demons.... The usual PR fluff when things are going well.....

Comes across as a nice kid.

Cheers,
Ian

 

I think he has always had the speed and agility. I think the change for him is more mental. He seems to always have the belief now that he will win. He also seems to have the confidence to keep going for his shots.

One thing I have wondered about with him is the respiratory issues he used to have. I am curious what solved that. One thing I heard is he switched to a gluten free diet, not sure if that is related at all.

 

I think the new gluten free diet is important, but he has new found confidence. You can see that he believes he is going to win when he steps on court with Nadal and Federer.

Many times in the past he would make excuses, default, smile sarcastically when his opponent makes good shots and now he seems all business.

Good point about the respiratory issue. I'm not sure about that one.

He is 12-16 vs Nadal with 5 straight wins. 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Nadal is 18-8 vs Federer.

 

Does anyone really care?

And, I'm actually surprised that NBC didn't beg off sooner.

Seriously, in years past many friends, as well as my wife/I would make the effort to watch Wimbledon finals matches.

Today, not a one did--tennis has become a pipeline of continously unexciting--indeed, almost boring--automatrons, one player no more interesting (or much different) than the next.

To be honest, the last time we paid ANY attention was really Federer, and it was fleeting at best.

The interesting, exciting, players of past yore--generally at least had a measure of personality mixed with unpredictable play and wonderous, often surprising finishes.

No so anymore--and IMO tennis has moved down market because of it.

I'd actually venture that more kids now watch Lacrosse on any given weekend.

And for a sport with such a long, beautiful history, its just criminal to see it.

Blame equipment changes, social media, tennis factories, hordes of unpronouncable and steril personalities....you name it....whatever the reason, if it doesn't change soon, it won't make Fox SW for the finals in 15 years.

 

Tennis has definitely changed from "the good old days" that you yearn for. I'm been playing and watching for over 30 years. I agree that the personalities and contrasting styles of play from the past made for interesting matches. Today virtually all the players play mostly the same game, hitting the crap out of the ball from the baseline.

But today's game is still better than the past. The athleticism, equipment, string and increased fitness have made the game better to watch IMO. If you don't believe me, go back and watch the some of those matches from the 70s and 80s. It is amazing how slowly they hit the ball and you rarely saw a winner struck but you saw tons of errors. Perhaps you may change your mind.

If not, tennis including professional tennis will go on without you.

 

Yes some of us still care. I am a huge tennis fan and watch as many matches as I can.

I think the equipment, fitness and court changes have made baseline play a requirement in the mens game. Not many players are going to have success serve and volleying in todays game. Sure some will do it from time to time to mix it up, but the amount of power and spin that most players can generate, is going to make coming to net hard to do time after time. I think it is also good to point out that players today have a more complete game. The power players also have very good speed, defensive skills and touch at the net.

All the top players can hit every shot in the book. I don't think that was always the case. To me tennis is more exciting than ever. There are so many good players out there that can win at any given time. And personally, I love watching the players hit the crap out of the ball from the baseline. I just wish I could hit that way too!

 

I'm not suggesting tennis won't go on without me--but honestly, the problem may be that its destined now to go on without many, many of its traditional supporters, and as such, to fall into a decline in popularity that could relagate it to second tier (at best) status as a world sport.

My perspective is THAT problem--not whether the players are stronger, equip better or even game faster etc--is what seemed sad to me.

As example: I traveled over one summer with a serious professional in the late 70's--a good friend from college days. I joined the parade on Europe tour including Wimbledon, France, Swiss Open. Opinions only of course, admittedly, but while the "new gang" is much more focused as athletes per se than members of that tour (though my bud ran 5 miles every day besides practice/play, as did many of the other guys) and the equipment now is stupifyingly better, somehow the general respect garnered, and quality/value gained throughout, from a position on the tour that summer--amongst all the players, sponsers, even every day folks working behind the counter at airports/train stations offered a feel towards the sport unmatched today.

Players/troupes liked one another--generally but not always of course, as did their friends/associates/sponsors etc, and because of it, the power of the sport seemed much more alligned with those who pay to watch and support it.

The feeling today appears not so, at least in my opinion, and because of it, it seems that the sport's positon has been seriously damaged--esp in markets where other options exist.

I appreciate we can't turn back the clock, and maybe wouldn't want to in some ways. Again, not my point here....

But, without some recognition of what problems have been brought on by the game and its players/equip etc today, and considering ideas to deal with these issues--as I said, it may not be too long when Wimbledon is broadcast in the US on Fox SW, instead of the non prime time network to where it seems now headed.

 

I am curious as to how you feel tennis is losing popularity. Each tournement is building more and larger courts and selling them out. In what ways is tennis less popular? TV viewers, attendance?

I don't think the "traditional supporters" losing interest has much to do with the sport as it does with the aging of the traditional supporter. Sports grow and change. Some people like it, some always wish for the "good ol days".

We see this in the automotive world as well. Ferrari is selling more cars than ever, but some of the traditionalists still long for the old days where everything was hand made, and there were no electronics. I guess what I am saying, you can't please everyone..

 

Yes, my guess is it has lost viewership and participants on a per capita basis--likely much like golf and baseball, and also intuitively, based on TV contracts for both the majors and surely more minor events, ie, the recent move from NBC to ESPN.

If it were still considered a "major" sport, the buyer/bidders may have been CBS, ABC or Fox. Instead, its most hallowed event has gone to ABC light--possibly evidence of this exact issue.

I'm not beating up the game--and as noted, for years traditionally enjoyed watching it. But, in the world of major sports production, the most hallowed events are nearly always captured by a major network provider, not their second "bottle" re: golf majors, nba finals, superbowl, even baseball WS, hockey finals, F1 and the world cup.

I'm expressing a sadness that Tennis has apparently fallen from this level--and suggesting its the game's and its players faults, to review/consider and change this situation.

 

I see your point but I just don't get the same vibe you do. I attend two pro events each year and watch dozens more on TV. One of the pro events is on Key Biscayne and it is simply incredible as far as venue, competition, access to the players, vendors, practice sessions, etc. I look forward to it each year and every year it grows in attendance. I stopped going the first weekend bc it is so unbearably crowded. There is no shortage of fans or enthusiasm for this event, the largest tournament outside the four majors.