Topic: Favorite Top Tenner (ATP)

[Dallas]

Wow, Djokovic has too many fans here. They need to calm down  . Only ONE vote (mine of course), shame on you tennis fans. I'm leaving this board, I'm not happy  (j/k  )

You know you couldn't leave us even if you wanted to!!!!  Then we wouldn't have any word on Djokovic!  You're our 'link' to him!  So you HAVE to stay even if you - one day - may want to leave!  We'll just hunt you down and bring you back here kicking!

[Alex]

Wow, Djokovic has too many fans here. They need to calm down  . Only ONE vote (mine of course), shame on you tennis fans. I'm leaving this board, I'm not happy  (j/k  )

You know you couldn't leave us even if you wanted to!!!!  Then we wouldn't have any word on Djokovic!  You're our 'link' to him!  So you HAVE to stay even if you - one day - may want to leave!  We'll just hunt you down and bring you back here kicking!

[BGT]

Wow, Djokovic has too many fans here. They need to calm down  . Only ONE vote (mine of course), shame on you tennis fans. I'm leaving this board, I'm not happy  (j/k  )

You could always get Farenhajt to vote; he and Aloimeh have been missing from MTF since Wimbledon for some strange, unknown reason.

[conchita]

RAFA TE QUIERO! 

[dmastous]

My pick was Ferrer. I am always amazed at how he goes about his business.

You can't be serious!    I think you've said you don't enjoy Rafa's game... there's not a dime's worth of difference between how Rafa and Ferrer "go about his business". Is there?

No matter. Naturally, Rafa got my vote!

I didn't like Nadal's between points antics, especially when he first appeared. I don't like the stalling, and all that crap. I don't see that from Ferrer. I see him getting on with it point after point.
Both Nadal and Ferrer have brought more shot making and variety into their games. Both used to be much more defensive minded, which I don't enjoy. So, I've got no problem with either in the way they approach the game itself.

[BGT]

The receiver is supposed to go at the server's pace. If the server likes to take a bit of time to compose himself and think of a strategy for the next point, why not? Andy plays at lightening speed, sometimes having just one minute long service, and that's not just because he's smacking aces. Players just play different ways. I have no problem with Rafa taking time, just like I have no problem with Andy not taking ANY time. But then again, I am fans of both.

[Dallas]

The receiver is supposed to go at the server's pace. If the server likes to take a bit of time to compose himself and think of a strategy for the next point, why not? Andy plays at lightening speed, sometimes having just one minute long service, and that's not just because he's smacking aces. Players just play different ways. I have no problem with Rafa taking time, just like I have no problem with Andy not taking ANY time. But then again, I am fans of both.

I have no problem with it as long as it's not a time violation.... This is where it's up to the Chair to time it and call it on whoever is violating the time...  I proposed having a clock on court like the NBA 24-second clock!  That way both players will see exactly how much time has elapsed and when the chair calls the penalty - he/she has evidence!   Then again, having the clock will see that Roger only takes about 2 seconds between his serves!   I think he plays faster than Andy!   

[dmastous]

The receiver is supposed to go at the server's pace. If the server likes to take a bit of time to compose himself and think of a strategy for the next point, why not? Andy plays at lightening speed, sometimes having just one minute long service, and that's not just because he's smacking aces. Players just play different ways. I have no problem with Rafa taking time, just like I have no problem with Andy not taking ANY time. But then again, I am fans of both.

I have no problem with it as long as it's not a time violation.... This is where it's up to the Chair to time it and call it on whoever is violating the time...  I proposed having a clock on court like the NBA 24-second clock!  That way both players will see exactly how much time has elapsed and when the chair calls the penalty - he/she has evidence!   Then again, having the clock will see that Roger only takes about 2 seconds between his serves!   I think he plays faster than Andy!   

It's a time violation every time, whether it's the server or the returner. But in Nadal's case, it's both. Not only does he take forever to get the serve in play, but he frequently makes the server wait for him to get ready. I remember one match where Lubicic was getting really pissed that he was constantly having to wait for Nadal to get ready. However, he's been better about that the last couple years.

[yellowball]

The receiver is supposed to go at the server's pace. If the server likes to take a bit of time to compose himself and think of a strategy for the next point, why not? Andy plays at lightening speed, sometimes having just one minute long service, and that's not just because he's smacking aces. Players just play different ways. I have no problem with Rafa taking time, just like I have no problem with Andy not taking ANY time. But then again, I am fans of both.

I have no problem with it as long as it's not a time violation.... This is where it's up to the Chair to time it and call it on whoever is violating the time...  I proposed having a clock on court like the NBA 24-second clock!  That way both players will see exactly how much time has elapsed and when the chair calls the penalty - he/she has evidence!   Then again, having the clock will see that Roger only takes about 2 seconds between his serves!   I think he plays faster than Andy!   

It's a time violation every time, whether it's the server or the returner. But in Nadal's case, it's both. Not only does he take forever to get the serve in play, but he frequently makes the server wait for him to get ready. I remember one match where Lubicic was getting really pissed that he was constantly having to wait for Nadal to get ready. However, he's been better about that the last couple years.

Rafa has given up fixing his socks and hair. In a couple years and a change in style of underwear, maybe the wedgie problem will clear up. He bounces the ball from 5 to 12 times before serve, depending on how the match is going. He's very cerebral you know. 

Seriously tho, he does take too much time. I have that on a sheet that has Rafa's pros and cons. So far, on my list, that's the only con. 

[BGT]

I agree with the time clock. I think it would be helpful. If I were a player, after every point I wouldn't be thinking, "OK, I have just 25 seconds to get my thoughts together and serve." I would be thinking, "OK, what do I need to do to win this next point." I wouldn't even be thinking about time and how long I was taking. These guys are trained athletes and are trained at closing their minds to any distraction besides the match at hand.

[falcon]

Oh well I can't make a pick between Rafa and Nole...sorry 

[monstertruck]

I agree with the time clock. I think it would be helpful. If I were a player, after every point I wouldn't be thinking, "OK, I have just 25 seconds to get my thoughts together and serve." I would be thinking, "OK, what do I need to do to win this next point." I wouldn't even be thinking about time and how long I was taking. These guys are trained athletes and are trained at closing their minds to any distraction besides the match at hand.

Personally, I just assume playing by the rules is 'the match at hand'.

From my perspective it is flat out gamesmanship, an attempt to control the tempo of play.  If you watch carefully you will see that it begins in the locker room!!!  Rafa makes every opponent wait for him at every opportunity. 

1.  Coming out of the locker room.
2.  At the coin toss.
3.  Both serving and returning.
4.  During change overs.

The only real problem is #3 because it is a time violation.  Both Sharapova and Djokovic are guilty of this as well.  Most umps and players are either are afraid to make the call him or just don't care.

I think this is a direct contradiction with Rafa's otherwise humble and genuine character.  
As I've said before, if these players could clean up this aspect of their game it would be another feather in their cap.

Bring in the time clock!!!

[monstertruck]

The receiver is supposed to go at the server's pace. If the server likes to take a bit of time to compose himself and think of a strategy for the next point, why not? Andy plays at lightening speed, sometimes having just one minute long service, and that's not just because he's smacking aces. Players just play different ways. I have no problem with Rafa taking time, just like I have no problem with Andy not taking ANY time. But then again, I am fans of both.

I have no problem with it as long as it's not a time violation.... This is where it's up to the Chair to time it and call it on whoever is violating the time...  I proposed having a clock on court like the NBA 24-second clock!  That way both players will see exactly how much time has elapsed and when the chair calls the penalty - he/she has evidence!   Then again, having the clock will see that Roger only takes about 2 seconds between his serves!   I think he plays faster than Andy!   

Is that the same proposal I read in this month's Tennis Mag?
Is Roger as fast as Sam Q was in the third set in hitting a second serve?  At one point he caught the ball from the ballboy, then in one motion turned and stepped to the line and hit his serve!  I think his brain was completely frazzled at that point!!!

[dmastous]

The receiver is supposed to go at the server's pace. If the server likes to take a bit of time to compose himself and think of a strategy for the next point, why not? Andy plays at lightening speed, sometimes having just one minute long service, and that's not just because he's smacking aces. Players just play different ways. I have no problem with Rafa taking time, just like I have no problem with Andy not taking ANY time. But then again, I am fans of both.

I have no problem with it as long as it's not a time violation.... This is where it's up to the Chair to time it and call it on whoever is violating the time...  I proposed having a clock on court like the NBA 24-second clock!  That way both players will see exactly how much time has elapsed and when the chair calls the penalty - he/she has evidence!   Then again, having the clock will see that Roger only takes about 2 seconds between his serves!   I think he plays faster than Andy!   

Is that the same proposal I read in this month's Tennis Mag?
Is Roger as fast as Sam Q was in the third set in hitting a second serve?  At one point he caught the ball from the ballboy, then in one motion turned and stepped to the line and hit his serve!  I think his brain was completely frazzled at that point!!!

Sampras did that frequently. I always thought it stranget that he would, at times not even bounce the ball, or apparently collect his thoughts. He cocked that gun of his, and fired.
As to your comments about Nadal, Shrieks and Djokovic, I would add about half the WTA to your list. Hantchukova gets special mention. She and many other women turn their backs to their opponent, then either get balls to serve, or get ready to return.

[Pamqnx]

The receiver is supposed to go at the server's pace. If the server likes to take a bit of time to compose himself and think of a strategy for the next point, why not? Andy plays at lightening speed, sometimes having just one minute long service, and that's not just because he's smacking aces. Players just play different ways. I have no problem with Rafa taking time, just like I have no problem with Andy not taking ANY time. But then again, I am fans of both.

I have no problem with it as long as it's not a time violation.... This is where it's up to the Chair to time it and call it on whoever is violating the time...  I proposed having a clock on court like the NBA 24-second clock!  That way both players will see exactly how much time has elapsed and when the chair calls the penalty - he/she has evidence!   Then again, having the clock will see that Roger only takes about 2 seconds between his serves!   I think he plays faster than Andy!   

Is that the same proposal I read in this month's Tennis Mag?
Is Roger as fast as Sam Q was in the third set in hitting a second serve?  At one point he caught the ball from the ballboy, then in one motion turned and stepped to the line and hit his serve!  I think his brain was completely frazzled at that point!!!

Sampras did that frequently. I always thought it stranget that he would, at times not even bounce the ball, or apparently collect his thoughts. He cocked that gun of his, and fired.
As to your comments about Nadal, Shrieks and Djokovic, I would add about half the WTA to your list. Hantchukova gets special mention. She and many other women turn their backs to their opponent, then either get balls to serve, or get ready to return.

I've heard of someone called "Scott" and it's quite something apprently...

[yellowball]

I agree with the time clock. I think it would be helpful. If I were a player, after every point I wouldn't be thinking, "OK, I have just 25 seconds to get my thoughts together and serve." I would be thinking, "OK, what do I need to do to win this next point." I wouldn't even be thinking about time and how long I was taking. These guys are trained athletes and are trained at closing their minds to any distraction besides the match at hand.

Personally, I just assume playing by the rules is 'the match at hand'.

From my perspective it is flat out gamesmanship, an attempt to control the tempo of play.  If you watch carefully you will see that it begins in the locker room!!!  Rafa makes every opponent wait for him at every opportunity. 

1.  Coming out of the locker room.
2.  At the coin toss.
3.  Both serving and returning.
4.  During change overs.

The only real problem is #3 because it is a time violation.  Both Sharapova and Djokovic are guilty of this as well.  Most umps and players are either are afraid to make the call him or just don't care.

I think this is a direct contradiction with Rafa's otherwise humble and genuine character.  
As I've said before, if these players could clean up this aspect of their game it would be another feather in their cap.

Bring in the time clock!!!

I don't think it's gamesmanship with Rafa, I think it's just become a part of his routine and getting Rafa to change his routine is virtually imposible. I do understand how it looks and since I like Rafa so much, I give him a bye, I even enjoy it -- especially the serpentine run to the end of the court.    I'm sure if it were Djokovic going through the same routine I'd be ranting about it in a major way.

[Jamesdster]

Put me down for ARod.

[Alison2006]

I voted for Rafa  Yes I am British and perhaps should have voted for Murray, but I have many doubts over him, his game, attitude and coaching 

So I am very proud to vote for Rafa (very mature guy, with the correct people behind him) 

All the cr@p about his taking his time, rituals,    Brilliant I love they piss you off 

[monstertruck]

I voted for Rafa  Yes I am British and perhaps should have voted for Murray, but I have many doubts over him, his game, attitude and coaching 

So I am very proud to vote for Rafa (very mature guy, with the correct people behind him) 

All the cr@p about his taking his time, rituals,    Brilliant I love they piss you off 

Rules are there for a reason girl.

What other rules should we bend for 'da playas?

[Chris1987]

I voted for Rafa  Yes I am British and perhaps should have voted for Murray, but I have many doubts over him, his game, attitude and coaching 

So I am very proud to vote for Rafa (very mature guy, with the correct people behind him) 

All the cr@p about his taking his time, rituals,    Brilliant I love they piss you off 

Rules are there for a reason girl.

What other rules should we bend for 'da playas?

I'd vote for giving Maria a set and 3/0 lead at the beginning of each match