Monday, July 02, 2007

Wimbledon is Stupid

I don't really think Wimbeldon is stupid. But having an outdoor tournament in England is. Everything gets rained out. Of Monday's 22 scheduled matches, nine are currently suspended or postponed. And that happens everyday at Wimbeldon.

The decline of tennis has many reasons. Especially in the United States where there are no current superstars. Andy Roddick is a US star by default. He's an upper level player, but hasn't had nearly the success or fanfare of his predecessors like Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors or John "YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!!" McEnroe (who is still the greatest crybaby of all time...I mean that in as endearing a tone as is possible.)

But even when you think, "Hey, I'll catch a little Wimbeldon action today" you won't. It's in a rain delay. Trust me. It doesn't matter when you're trying to watch or whom. I can promise you it's in a rain delay.

This wouldn't be as big a deal if it weren't the biggest tournament the sport has. Could you imagine if the Superbowl, World Series, Kentucky Derby, Masters, or other championships had such a stacatto action? They'd bomb. And largely, Wimbeldon bombs as well.

3 comments:

Piccu said...

The main reason Wimbledon stinks is because there are no reasons to watch. No good Americans, no flashy Europeans, just bland characters who all hit a serve 300 mph and that's it. There are no long rallys and no drama. No reason to watch.

Travis said...

And today, 12 of 15 matches are currently suspended or postponed by rain. Unbelievable.

piccu has hit on a good point. The equipment has ruined the on court game of tennis. Yes, players are strong, agile, and athletic, but the raquets are too good now. No one wants to see 300 mph serves and no rallies. We want to see shotmaking.

Golf has a similar problem, but there is still so much shot making involved that the skills are still visable and necessary. A big serve will take you a long way in tennis. While the most talented shotmakers and hustlers can't win unless they can hit and return mach 3 service.

Change the raquets, save the game.

BRATCH said...

That's why women's tennis is 150,000 times more interesting than men's tennis. Even if the Williams sisters pretty much rule it with their mannish grunting yells every time they hit the ball.