Red, White, (Black) and Blue July 1, 2008
Posted by Neil in : Uncategorized , 1 comment so farThe second Monday of the Championships is traditionally the best day in tennis (in my opinion) during the entire Grand Slam calendar. All 16 combatants left on the men’s side and the 16 survivors on the women’s side are all on court battling for a place in the Final Eight at the most prestigious tournament in the game. While the Williams sisters and fashionista Bethanie Mattek all stepped on court on this special day, there was not one American male left in the second week of Wimbledon. While such a result wouldn’t be shocking or even overly worrisome if we were discussing the French Open last month, the fact that no American male reached the last 16 at the Big W is a downright scary reality check for the USTA and American tennis fans.
As American tennis fans, we were completely spoiled by the previous generations of success. From Connors to McEnroe to the Sampras, Agassi (Courier and Chang) era we expected Grand Slam championships, and an American (or Americans) in the final of Wimbledon and the US Open was as automatic as Federer firing an ace down break point (during the rare times he faces one) on the plush lawns of the All-England Club.
While the second week of the tournament has already provided some stirring moments including Andy Murray’s glorious comeback from 2 sets to love down in the fading light over the gutless Frenchman Richard Gasquet (he is the 4th most talented player in the world on grass but is an embarrassment to the sport with the way he competes), and F Lo and Mario Ancic’s 5 set Round of 16 triumphs. There are the great stories of Arnaud Clement and Marat Safin as well as the potential looming final between Nadal and Federer. However, while the second week of the fortnight is a wet dream for the hardcore tennis fan, it is off the radar map of the casual American sports fan.
While personally I don’t care if John or Jim America doesn’t watch the rest of the tournament because no American male is present, it is disenfranchsing for me that American men’s tennis has sunken into oblivion in recent majors. The counter-argument is that we still have 2 of the top 10 players in the world (which is impresssive unless you are Spain). However, the fact is that America has only one top 10 player. I know James Blake is a nice guy and everyone likes him, but I have no respect for him as a competitor and in my opinion he is not a real top 10 player.
Here is my brief and forthright synopsis on the state of American men’s tennis:
The Vets: Robby Ginepri and Mardy Fish: I have a lot of respect for these guys, but they are who they are. Mardy has the talent to jump up and bite someone (as any dangerous fishy can), as evidenced by his amazing run at Indian Wells which included a demolition of a subpar Federer. However, he is injury prone (to say the least), and even when healthy is only a guy who should be between 20-35 in the rankings. Meanwhile, I give a ton of props to Ginepri. He is also fairly oft-injured but will battle the best in the world with his heavy groundstrokes. He is another guy who is not a top 20 player talent-wise, but he has reached a Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open and pushed Andre to the limit in that epic 5 setter. How many Grand Slam semifinals has Blake made? The same amount as I have.
The young guns (or maybe more like water pistols): Sam Querrey and Donald Young (and others): Querrey has top 15 potential if he stays healthy and improves his movement. He won’t win a Grand Slam (likely), but will be a solid top 30 guy for the next 8 years and I really like how he competes. As for Young, I also think he will max at around number 20. He should be a consistent top 30 in a few years, as while I am disappointed by his lack of weaponry, his ability to move is highly impressive. He has a bit of a confidence issue with the way his career started, but once he starts winning some matches he will be one of the best competitors on tour.
Andy Roddick: Let me preface this by disclosing that I am the resident A-Rod Apologist on YSNC. Since playing this guy in the juniors, I have been impressed by his brashness, confidence, and humor. I have grown to like the guy as a person, but also recognize his flaws both as a person and especially as a player. I am happy for him that he won the 2003 Open because if not he probably wouldn’t have won a Slam. He may sneak away with another one (like this year’s Open) in the next 3 years in Flushing or London, but if he doesn’t I honestly don’t think he has much to apologize for.
Although technically he may be one, he is not in the category of what is categorized as one-slam wonders. That mantra is better left for guys like Thomas Johansson, Albert Costa, or Gaston Gaudio. Guys who were not consistent top 5 players yet got hot enough (or enough help, if your Thomas you better thank Safin and his harem every day for that Aussie title). Roddick has not only won the Open, but has been number 1 in the world, and gotten to the finals of 3 other Slams (1 Open and 2 Wimbledons). The only person he has lost to in a Slam final is the best player of all-time Roger Federer and he gave him close matches in those finals, especially once in London.
Most importantly, Andy is one of the best competitors on tour. As he said recently in a presser after his disappointing second round loss to the Serb Janko Tipsarevic at Wimbledon, he could coast on his talent (namely big serve) and not train as hard, and be a top 10 player for the next 5 years, continue to make an absurdly great living and retire with his one Slam. However, his competitive streak and desire to attain another Slam to address his doubters is precisely why (in addition to his still subpar backhand, stone hands, and heavy and slow movement) he has largely struggled in the Slams in recent years. However, the thing that I respect most about him is his desire for greatness.
James Blake: Again, I think the world of Blake as a person. Always courteous in the limited interactions I have had with him, and by all accounts one of the best gentlemen in the history of the game. His body language and lack of piss and vinegar on the court absolutely disgust me.
James is the anti-Roddick. He may be competitive inside and his horrific Slam performances may be killing him, but he exudes carelessness and disinterest once a couple of things go against him and he is down 2 sets to 1 in a Slam. Gulbis and Scheuttler are nice players (especially the talented young Latvian), but it is a joke that Rainer is prepping for a Wimbldeon quarterfinal against Clement tomorrow while Blake has been back in Florida for a week. That type of loss is unacceptable to a guy like Roddick, but now is routine for Blake.
Blake has the talent of a top 10 player. With his big forehand, large serve, and beautiful movement, he should consistently be competing in the final weekend of majors. However, he lacks the crucial ingredients that a champion must have. Unyielding desire and fortitude. While James walks on the court wanting to win, once a couple of things go wrong for him he starts slapping balls all over the court, and lays down for inferior opponents. James, it is great that you reached a Masters Cup Final and get deep in TMS Indian Wells and Cincy on most occasions. It is a joke that you have not reached a Grand Slam semifinal. A credible top 10 player must do so (or at least get to the quarters consistently).
My advice to the next generation of American stars: Watch and admire James for the wonderful man he is off the court. However, if you want to be a champion, observe the competitive fire that burns within Roddick.
