Tennis Planet.me

Highlights of Federer-Nadal Final. From arbit. Thanks.

ARBIT

Highlights of Federer-Nadal Final

Set1:
 
Set2:
 
Set3:
 

 

An interesting video about getting kids to play tennis with comments from Federer. From Stella. Thanks.

STELLA

an interesting video about getting kids to play tennis.

 

and comments by Federer

 

 

More photos.

Nadal getting angry With Umpire. From O. Thanks.

 

Photos.

Princess Beatrice of Britain poses for a photograph during the singles final between Switzerland's Roger Federer (not pictured) and Spain's Rafael Nadal (not pictured), on the last day of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the O2, in south-east London on November 28, 2010. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Actor Kevin Spacey takes a photo with model Lily Cole (front row 3rdR) during the men's final between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland during the ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 28, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones and girlfriend Ana Araujo watch with former Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona (L) during the men's final between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland during the ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 28, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

 

Some refreshing quotes from Annacone. From MHM. Thanks.

MHM

I'm not sure if this is the right time to post this, anyway i stumbled upon this short article on nytimes.. Including some refreshing quotes from Annacone for us Roger fans:

“When we first started talking, and I was starting to get to know him a little more in-depth, his level of excitement and desire to keep playing and to do it in a way that’s positive, optimistic, energetic and open-minded, really kind of floored me [...] I felt like I was with a 23-year-old or 22-year-old again [...] He loves the life. He loves the tennis matches. He loves the travel. He has all the ingredients, including and most importantly good health in mind and body, to keep going for a number of years. I think in retrospect Pete at this age was a lot more tired — a lot more tired mostly emotionally, not physically.”

Click here.

Self-portraits by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick. From Bluechyll. Thanks.

BLUECHYLL

Art Of Tennis self-portraits by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick.

Click here.

Murray's sold for $7301, while Fed and Rafa are both on $26,100 and counting :P

 

Becker admits he's had a facelift. From Stella. Thanks.

STELLA

and we thoought it was the females who resorted to this--- Becker admits he's had a facelift.

Click here.

Actually I thought he looked better in the "earlier this year" photo. Now he just looks weird

So what does a player do when they win the ATP Sportmanship award? From Overcaffeinated. Thanks.

OVERCAFFEINATED

Q. So what does a player do when they win the ATP Sportmanship award?

A. Show one's true colours

Click here.

And certain people call Roger a cry-baby.

 

Berdych and the controversal call. From Jenny. Thanks.

JENNY

Berdych and the controversal call.

Click here.

 

La Rosa's take on the Ultimate Tennis wishlist. From Xeres. Thanks.

XERES

La Rosa's take on the Ultimate Tennis wishlist

Click here.

Dominik Hrbaty retires. From Xeres. Thanks.

XERES

Dominik Hrbaty retires with a winning H2H v. Federer (2-1) and Nadal (3-1). What a way to go !

Click here.

 

Serena Williams withdraws from Australian Open. From Bluechyll. Thanks.

BLUECHYLL

Serena Williams withdraws from Australian Open:

Click here.

 

Light questions to the top 8. From Jenny. Thanks.

JENNY

Light questions to the top 8

 

 

Happy Birthday to The Humble One: November 26.

THE HUMBLE ONE

Thank you Bleuchyll for your amazing and quick work!

Not sure I like much recognition, but I’ll play along…

November 26th is my Birthday.

Stefan Edberg is my favorite humblest of humble tennis players, but

Ana Ivanovic in her birthday suit could really help me to celebrate. 

 

Did you know?

................at last year's WTF, Nadal lost ALL his three matches in straight sets? He did not win a single set the entire tournament. Lost to whom? Djokovic, Davydenko and Soderling. One of them is next.

And why is Maradona not standing?

For rock people about WTF.

The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is a tennis tournament played at the end of each year, involving the top eight players in the men's tennis world rankings.

Unlike most of the other events on the men's tour, the ATP World Tour Finals is not a straightforward knock-out tournament. Eight players are divided into two groups of four, and play three round-robin matches each against the other three players in their group. From there, the two players with the best records in each group progress to the semifinals, with the winners meeting in the final to determine the champion. Winners are awarded up to 1500 rankings points.

 

Who has the best chance of winning the finals against which player - from the top four?

Nadal - Federer. Duh!!!!!!!!!!

Federer - Anyone not called Nadal?

Djokovic - Nadal?

Murray - Federer? Or today's pasting was enough?

 

Based on what you have seen so far who, other than Federer (Geezzz!!!) is most likely to win WTF?

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Who DOESN'T look most like his parents evoking obvious theories?

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Did you know?

.....................that 80% of the lion cubs born in the wild die?

US bids for WTF.

With the strong precedent of British PM inviting players to No. 10 and spending all that time, US is promising a similar rendezvous with Obama if WTF is moved to the US - for good. There is however a catch.

Considering how not-popular tennis is here, Obama will be present in the form of a live-size cardboard box with the hand-shaking motion. That's the best US can do as polls indicate if Obama actually presented himself in person he will not only NOT be elected again, the health care plan may get repealed even before the event started AND McCain may be dragged from hospice to hold the post - until he is officially declared dead.

Photos.

Slapping someone just because you lost is not nice.

I need attention.

Hands are that apart to make sure Federer sees her clapping to keep the goodie stream alive.

Did Federer just 'win' the WTF?

Federer may have already defeated Soderling with this outing against an opponent who was home and hungrier to prove than all others combined. It was not just in straight sets, Murray was about to eat a bagel in the second set with the score standing at 4-0 Federer, before Murray turned rogue and broke to hit those wild forehands to win two games on his serve.

If it was partly due to bad play from Murray, you cannot help but begin tracing a trend. A pattern that seems to leave visible tracks whenever Murray has to perform under pressure from his home crowd. From the AO this year (home crowd expectations of being the first Slam winner in ages) to two Wimbledons (lost to Nadal in straights this year and lost to Roddick in four - both in semis with home court advantage) to now this WTF. 

So it may not be a Federer issue all together for him to fumble the ball when coming in with momentum and good form at most of these big stage events. The ONLY way he can make it up is now to win this thing by hopefully beating Federer in the semis. If not the Slamless fairy will begin to burrow in so deep in his psyche that Nalbandian may begin to look like some genius - without a Slam.

Even though Murray was off form, you have to extend full credit for Federer to not just capitalize but capitalize with his game intact. This has to be a massive confidence booster for Federer under given conditions similar to what Murray's loss was to Nadal at this year's Wimbledon. Murray was clearly 'perceived' to be the better player of all eight clowns for valid reasons. For Federer to thrash him so mercilessly not to mention at his own game, specially after that painful loss to Monfils - it may have restored the imbalance the Paris loss injected into Federer's ascent since Wimbledon.

It may, however, also provide the complacency crutch that may have been largely responsible for the Paris loss when all the big dogs bombed early. Having humiliated Soderling two times in a row might not help matters (Soderling is next. Geezzz!!). The two factors that have bothered Federer over the years are: Stifling defense and flat powerful shots. He has handled one. The other is next.

This win should also raise the expectation level for Federer to now win this and end the season with very respectable five titles while matching Sampras and Lendl for WTF. Who knows this very title total may tilt the GOAT debate in his favor when all is said and done - vis a vis Nadal.

Maybe separating Annaconda from Mirka was the right move for Federer forcing Annaconda to earn his place with some 'real' results. Sampras cannot freaking be happy about the union no matter what 'politically correct' BS comes out of him for the mikes. Without the partnership, there may have been a very real possibility of Sampras holding to No. 64 given how progressively bad it was getting pre-Wimbledon. Now even McEnroe, who predicted that Nadal may have already moved past Federer as the greatest of the game, is expecting Federer to add at least a couple more Slams.

Sampras knows if Annaconda could squeeze that stuff out of him what he can do with a far superior talent like Federer may be endless thereby creating enough distance for Sampras to move to No 2 from 1(a).

What's at stake when Federer and Murray square off tomorrow?

For starters, Murray has a winning 8-5 H2H AND has won the last two encounters just weeks ago @ Shanghai and Toronto - both in the finals - both in straight sets. Federer had won the previous three - two in straights - and seemed to have solved the puzzle to turn the stats around. With the mini run Federer has been on since Wimbledon it seemed all the more intriguing for Murray to trounce Federer so handily.

Murray still holds this H2H as some consolation for not winning a Slam, specially after being denied the AO this year in straight freaking sets - in the finals. This event could be the miniature version of the step he eventually needs to take to vindicate himself. This is as close to a Slam as you can get and win here will mean a step forward for Murray beating Federer at a 'tier down Slam' event. Maybe that's the baby step he needs to duplicate under the big lights eventually. But to me it seems that Murray will still be happy if he can beat Federer in straight sets again without winning the title. He has not reached that parity threshold to combine the two juices yet.

Translation: Murray's result against Federer tomorrow will definitively determine if he wins the title here or not. If he loses, the hunger to win the title will receive a massive boost and vice versa. Of course, these are all relative terms - not absolute.

Federer does not want a losing H2H against another top dog adding to the list of reasons Federer needs this win - preferably in straights. And what's freaking up with clowns losing in straight sets? Shouldn't that disqualify you from even qualifying next season? I mean you are the cream of the tour. Have some freaking pride.

Federer winning tomorrow will clear significant brush on his way to the title - even possibly thrashing Soderling three times in a row. Loss will stoke Soderling's motivation to exact revenge while boosting his confidence thereby putting the final appearance in jeopardy.

Unless Djokovic is able to sustain the form he showed against Berdych today, tomorrow's match could be the de facto final with Nadal not even in the discussion. Roddick's inspired showing against Nadal may be attributed partly to Nadal's poor start but it also had roots in Roddick's perception of being 'home' in London given his popularity amongst fans. He was as close to Monfils at Paris when he beat Federer - as he can get in that respect - compared to Nadal. Federer's fan base eager to see Nadal exit early made it even better for Roddick mentally.

But Nadal once again pulled out that ace card called physicality to mow down whatever Roddick could produce - in near hostile environment. Problem? He will have to produce that card more often than his shoulder, knees and whatever may desire.

Did you know?

I remember some of you complaining about not being able to read some content. Well, try freaking this:

Click here for more.

Photos.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Actresses January Jones (R) and Rose Byrne attend the singles match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Andy Roddick of the United States during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena on November 22, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Australian singer Kylie Minogue (R) watches Rafael Nadal of Spain play against Andy Roddick of the US in a singles match during the ATP World Tour Tennis Finals in London, on November 22, 2010. (Photo by Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)

Who among the top eight has already had their fill this season to transform WTF into gravy?

Sure all eight want to win this but aside from your form, talent and other variables which at this event carry the minimal of margin, there's always that 'how bad you want it' undercurrent likely to determine the winner.

Nadal may have had his fill and more but he hasn't won this title to solidify his claim as among the greatest to ever play the game. But coming on the heels of a totally unexpected career Slam AND the looming prospect of a calendar Slam next season, Nadal may not be blamed if he decides to step back and let the dogs fight it out while preserving himself for what could be the most defining season of his entire career for obvious reasons. He has bigger fish to fry.

Federer may not have had the stellar season the world has come to expect from him, but since Wimbledon he may have done just enough to right the ship with four titles considering he was sitting at just one with what 12 losses. But he has Sampras staring him in the face again with five WTF titles. Federer is at four and with Nadal most likely to never get that high at this event, this could be Federer's argument to counter the tsunami in full force from the bull.

That motivation may receive added boost if Nadal reaches the final to get on board. Is that all enough to eclipse the intensity any other player  is currently carrying? Lets find out. Read freaking on.

Soderling has had a break out year with wins over Federer (FO) and Murray (Indian Wells) with his first Masters title to boot. He has reached a career high No. 4 rank displacing Murray. That's a lot considering just a year or so ago he was never considered a threat to the big cats. He may have progressed rapidly but everyone knows he is way tooooooo rough at the edges to get past the top players specially when they are coming one right after another.

Murray has home court and that Wimbledon feeling back again to transform the event into a very strong stepping stone to providing a reasonable rebuttal for not owning a Slam yet. Being dislodged from the number four spot surely must have added the much needed layer of motivation specially when a clearly inferior player in Soderling is doing that to you.

All that may be enough to match Nadal's and Federer's motivation if not exceed them.

Bottom line: The intangibles favor Murray but will the tangibles fall in line to produce the 'click'?

Contenders: WTF 2010.

Player	Aces	Ist serve pct.	Sets lost	Tie breaks	Bk pt conv %	Time on court.	Matches won/lost
Nadal	6	58	1	1	33	2:34	1/0=1
Federer	10	58	0	0	41	2:43	2/0=2
Djokovic	5	61	0	0	43	1:28	1/0=1
Soderling	14	63	2	0	33	3:00	1/1=2
Murray	14	49	2	0	50	2:35	1/1=2
Berdych	7	50	2	0	0	1:28	0/1=1
Ferrer	6	56	4	0	58	3:08	0/2=2
Roddick	18	62	2	1	50	2:34	0/1=1

 

Photos.

(L to R) Austrian former tennis player Thomas Muster (L), Russian former tennis player Anna Kurnikova and Slovakian tennis players Dominika Cibulkova and Dominik Hrbaty pose after a press conference on November 21,2010 in Bratislava. Muster and Kurnikova will play a charity exhibition match against Hrbaty and Cibulkova on November 22 in Bratislava's tennis arena. (Photo by Samuel Kubani/AFP/Getty Images)

The new domain name for late freaking comers.

Got the domain name. Now you can also sign in with: Tennisplanet.me.

Why Women Are Their Own Worst Enemy.

Click here.

Who Needs Marriage? A Changing Institution.

Finally the world is waking up to what I have been barking about all along. Now how long before goats get inserted?

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Is there any relation to the winner of WTF and the Australian Open through the years?

Year	WTF winner	AO winner	AO winner's result at WTF
2009 - 10	Davydenko	Federer	Semis
2008 - 09	Djokovic	Nadal	Third rd
2007 - 08	Federer	Djokovic	Third rd
2006 - 07	Federer	Federer	Winner
2005 - 06	Nalbandian	Federer	Finals
2004 - 05	Federer	Safin	Semis
2003 - 04	Federer	Federer	Winner
2002 - 03	Hewitt	Agassi	Second rd
2001 - 02	Hewitt	Johansson	Did not qualify
2000 - 01	Kuerten	Agassi	Finals (l to Kuerten)

 

Could this be Federer's last WTF?

If you discount Borg's early exit and Agassi's and Connors's extended stay, Federer is right about the place and time when these WTF appearances begin to evaporate. Granted Federer is playing better than he has done most of the season but is that a function of some permanent shift in paradigm to ensure the run is not temporary or is this all based on the shock Wimbledon loss provided further bolstered by the way Berdych behaved while eliminating Federer from his own backyard - thereby making it an adrenaline stocked push sure to subside as wins fill that empty cup, sooner than later?

The first admission of the inevitable 'free fall' every player experiences came when Federer announced 'You have to savor every win as you never know you will win another one' after winning at Stockholm - of all the freaking places. It's a 250 for rock people.

You see the difference between a great player and a mediocre one is not that much. It's just a few millimeters as far as where the ball meets the racket, just half a step in when you meet the ball, just a mile per hour on your shots and serves etc. etc. When all these synchronize to be in attendance at the same time - largely based on age - 'free fall' is inevitable.

Remember McEnroe won his last Slam at age 25 but he was active on the tour till age 33. He played another 33 , yes 33, more Slams after his last win with nothing.

Freaking point is this: Right now it doesn't seem that Federer will drop out of the top eight next season but if you include history, this last season, age, competition etc. it may not seem like that distant a possibility.

 

Player	Age at last WTF	Result	Lost to	Total attempts	Winner
Borg	25	Winner	NA	5	2
Sampras	29	Semis	Gustavo Kuerten	11	5
Lendl	31	Semis	Sampras	12	5
Agassi	35	Opening rd	Davydenko	13	1
Connors	35	Third rd	Lendl	11	1
McEnroe	30	Semis	Boris Becker	9	3
Wilander	28	Third rd	Leconte	7	0
Federer	29	Semis	Davydenko	9	4
Nadal	24	Third rd	Djokovic	3	0

 

 

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Nadal steps on another of Federer's sacred ground - wins 1st ATP sportsmanship award.

That is another streak of Federer rudely snapped by Nadal. For rock people, Federer had won this award - voted on by fellow players - for six times in a row. Some other streaks? Six straight Wimbledon titles - Nadal stopped Federer at six to just match Borg. Most weeks at No. 1 - by just seven days............

And this latest one was snapped despite all the allegations of coaching, time between points and what not, making you wonder the severity of what Federer might have done in the locker room to antagonize fellow players to this extent.

But for consolation, Federer still edged out Nadal as the most popular players among fans - narrowly: 47 to 42 percent. Is that the next streak on the line now?

While this may not be a big deal in the big scheme of things, the impact these minor victories have on the H2H credibility is still debatable, not to mention the added confidence and momentum they may provide for Nadal.

I cannot imagine that Nadal did not put in a concerted effort to topple Federer for this latest coup. He must have worked very closely with his team to craftily orchestrate the overthrow as it certainly didn't happen accidentally. Don't think winning 3 Slams played a significant part but it surely didn't hurt.

For Federer this has to hurt at least psychologically specially when he is in the midst of gaining traction on his way back. When on such journey every positive nudge doesn't have nearly as much impact as every negative push from anywhere specially when you already have your plate full of baggage screaming to get your attention. For him this could be another sign that his days as the big dog are coming to an end slamming up against the scores of other reminders that have piled up in a hurry this season.

Click here for more.

Photos.

And why is tongue out now?

Give me a freaking break!!!!!!!!!!! Geeeeeeeezzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!

Serena trying the 'broken leg sympathy card' to snag a husband to not let Sharapova win off the court.

Tennis player Serena Williams, left, sits with Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh's fiancee Adrienne Williams, right, during an NBA basketball game between the Heat and Charlotte Bobcats in Miami, Friday, Nov. 19, 2010.

 

Sampras's rationale for not giving up the GOAT card - yet.

Sampras may not voice his innermost thoughts but deep inside this is how he is 'not letting it go' - thankfully for his wife, kids and the dog.

-Federer is ahead by just two Slams and we all know which those two Slams are.

-I beat the crap out of my nemesis when it mattered. Nadal thrashed Federer when it mattered.

-Everyone knows competition is weak. Just the fact that two clowns are so over and above everyone else proves it.

-I had kids after marriage.

-Federer's daughters are so far away from being cute. My boys are blond and good looking from the day they were born.

-I never cursed on or off the court producing a far classy performance all around.

-My wife is better looking than even Roddick's.

-I beat him even at age 35.

Who can salvage the season MOST with WTF win?

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Federer's chest makes the 25 sexiest chest cut @ People magazine.

For more, click here.

Photos.

 

Denmark's tennis star Caroline Wozniacki (R) and Belarus' Victoria Azarenka (C) speak with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (L) during their charitable tennis match in Minsk, Belarus, on November 19, 2010. AFP PHOTO / VIKTOR DRACHEV

Please don't take my life, please.

This Rafa Tafa Bafa will not be smiling for too long. Just wait and see.

RafaFan's first glimpse of Federer. Thanks.

RAFAFAN

@Sol: Oh yeah I can confirm your observation that Mr. Federer also looks really great in a suit! He looks more elegant than any other tennis player for sure. It's always the same, on court or off court. ;-) It happened that I saw him at the freaking Lindt X-mas show in Zurich on Tuesday for the first time. Geeezzz! Here some pictures I took! Enjoy. http://picasaweb.google.com/PICS4TP Mr. Federer your chocolate time is OVER!!! Now the WTF! Very exciting. First encounter vs the running rabbit - el conejo - FERRER!

Verse for the WTF and year end. From Stella. Thanks.

STELLA

a verse for the WTF and year end.

WTF MMX @ O2

The best 8 men have been chosen
For the year end event at O2
Rafa, Roger, Nole and Berdy
2 Andys ,a Robin and Ferru.

Last year the winner was Davy
over Delpo, what a surprise.
This year in the final I want Roger
against Robin for the tours final prize.

Oh, I can hear all of the Planeters
groan, complain or even jeer
Cos they all want the final to be Fedal
( it hasn't happened in Majors this year )

And then quite suddenly it's all over
How will we fill 24 hours of each day ?
That's why they invented " The Holiday Season"
To pass the time till we next hear an umpire say " play"

Mesdames et Messieurs, prenez vos places, les jouers sont pret. Bonne match toute le monde.

( thought I'd better put a bit of French in or my Canadian Citizenship might be revoked in this bilingual country !!!)

 

The eight at No 10 with the Prime Minister. From Jenny. Thanks.

JENNY

The eight at No 10 with the Prime Minister

 

 

And why is world No. 1 not in the middle? And why Federer is so puny? And why are his shoes always protruding out like a dwarf clown? ...

......And why is Roddick extending his chest out? And why is Ferrer with tallest clowns? And who freaking wears brown shoes? And where is Berdych's right hand? Filling the Wawrinka 'void'? Is that the reason he is the only one not smiling? Shouldn't it be the other way around? And why are they not evenly spread like four on each side of the PM? And why is the chandelier so low?.............

Other WTF facts. Check out most consecutive finals. Lendl with freaking nine. Geezzzzzz!!!! He won five.

Facts

• Players who won the tournament undefeated (since 1990):
  1. Michael Stich, Germany, 1993
  2. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia, 2001
  3. Roger Federer, Switzerland, 2003, 2004, 2006
• Players who won back-to-back titles:
  1. Ilie Năstase, Romania, 1971–1973
  2. Björn Borg, Sweden, 1979–80
  3. Ivan Lendl (2), Czechoslovakia, 1981–1982; 1985–1987
  4. John McEnroe, United States, 1983–1984
  5. Pete Sampras, United States, 1996–1997
  6. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia, 2001–2002
  7. Roger Federer (2), Switzerland, 2003–2004; 2006–2007
• Most consecutive titles:

1. Ivan Lendl, 3

1. Ilie Năstase, 3

• Most consecutive finals:

1. Ivan Lendl, Czechoslovakia, 9 (1980–1988)

2. Ilie Năstase, Romania, 5 (1971–1975)

2. Roger Federer, Switzerland, 5 (2003–2007)

4. Stan Smith, United States, 3 (1970–1972)

4. Boris Becker, Germany, 3 (1994–1996)

 

Agassi won WTF just once? Nadal may rest on that precedent? Lendl won five and was runner up 4 times? Shouldn't he be re-named Lendl Runner? Geeezzzz!!!!! And Borg just two? Even Hewitt has two.

Titles won	Player	Years Won	Runners-up
5	Ivan Lendl	1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987 (5)	1980, 1983, 1984, 1988 (4)
	Pete Sampras	1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999 (5)	1993 (1)
4	Roger Federer	2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 (4)	2005 (1)
	Ilie Năstase	1971, 1972, 1973, 1975 (4)	1974 (1)
3	Boris Becker	1988, 1992, 1995 (3)	1985, 1986, 1989, 1994, 1996 (5)
	John McEnroe	1978, 1983, 1984 (3)	1982 (1)
2	Björn Borg	1979, 1980 (2)	1975, 1977 (2)
	Lleyton Hewitt	2001, 2002 (2)	2004 (1)
1	Andre Agassi	1990 (1)	1999, 2000, 2003 (3)
	Jimmy Connors	1977 (1)
	Àlex Corretja	1998 (1)
	Nikolay Davydenko	2009 (1)	2008 (1)
	Novak Djokovic	2008 (1)
	Stefan Edberg	1989 (1)	1990 (1)
	Gustavo Kuerten	2000 (1)
	David Nalbandian	2005 (1)
	Manuel Orantes	1976 (1)
	Stan Smith	1970 (1)	1972 (1)
	Michael Stich	1993 (1)
	Guillermo Vilas	1974 (1)
0	Arthur Ashe		1979 (1)
	James Blake		2006 (1)
	Michael Chang		1995 (1)
	Jim Courier		1991, 1992 (2)
	David Ferrer		2007 (1)
	Wojciech Fibak		1976 (1)
	Juan Carlos Ferrero		2002 (1)
	Vitas Gerulaitis		1979, 1981 (2)
	Sébastien Grosjean		2001 (1)
	Yevgeny Kafelnikov		1997 (1)
	Carlos Moyá		1998 (1)
	Tom Okker		1973 (1)
	Mats Wilander		1987 (1)
	Juan Martín del Potro		2009 (1)

 

Experience vs results.

Would you say that most of the past greats would nearly double their Slam total if they could somehow start fresh on the tour as a 20 some year old again - knowing what they know now? Being through the whole experience, there certainly must be areas they could improve on massively second time around. But the end product they are faced with today was not entirely predicated on what came from within. Maybe more than 50% was controlled by events beyond their control. Maybe not.

If you agree to above BS even marginally, how then would you explain players winning majors while being totally 'green' and failing at the very location years later over and over again despite the added experience? Remember Sharapova won Wimbledon as a 17 year old? And it was done against a two-time defending champion and top seed Serena Williams by beating her at her own game. Since then she has not only failed but in the six years that have passed since, Serena has nearly destroyed her whenever they have met.

So maybe not knowing anything does count for something. It's like a clean slate not clouded with other judgemental logs and biases that being on the tour for some years inevitably adds to your psyche thereby impacting your free flowing game.

Of all the 8 and more Slam club members who do you think would benefit the most, if at all, from being sent back to the past? Could it be Lendl? He lost 11 Slam finals. Remember when you go back in the time machine, your competition doesn't change. You still have to battle the same clowns, who are somehow drained of the 'experience' benefit to make the exercise as 'real' as possible.

Photos.

Wonder why someone is wearing a light colored suit? Attempt to look big and tall?

Tennis player Serena Williams, left, watches an NBA basketball game between the Miami Heat and Phoenix Sun in Miami Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010. The person at right is unidentified.

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Is this surgery BS an endless adventure. She looks different every freaking time.

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2010-11-17