What is wrong with Tennis in the US?

Question

Why is the sport so down right now? Let me know your opinion. I wrote a blog post on Tennis, which was kind of humerous, but I think it has some good points. Shrek it out. Please share your opinions as well.

http://thoughtsfromthejockstrap.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-tennis-sucks.html

Answer 1

It's era of dominance.

Right now it's Federer, one of the greatest players of all time and Nadal one of the greatest Clay Court players.

In the 60s to mid 70s the Aussies absolutely dominated the sport, from the mid 70s through the 80s it was Swedes ( Borg, Wilander, Edberg ), the Czech Lendl ( most Slam Finals at 19 ) and the Connors/McEnroe who were more effective at Wimbledon and U.S. Open.

The 90s however saw a massive takeover by the trio of Sampras, Agassi and Courier.

Even so, the French Open has never been a strong point for American tennis, I mean, in North America it's not all that easy to find a clay court.

That's about it unless you want to go back to the amateur days of tennis in which case the Brits dominated Wimbledon, the French dominated French Open, Aussies dominated Aussie Open and Americans dominated U.S. Open.

Obviously national pride is boosted when a country has a national great racking up the titles, after Federer you have Warinka who's coming up, while the best American players are aging without winning anything, Roddick, Blake, upsets don't help them.

Answer 2

Tennis isn't a major sport in the U.S. Most americans are into Football, Basketball and Baseball. Everywhere you always hear them talking about the Raiders, or Lakers or the Giants, but you never hear anything about pro tennis players, only at tennis clubs, courts, etc. Tennis is bigger in Europe which would explain why the best players in the world come from that area.

Answer 3

I believe American kids see more of a future in basketball, football, baseball, than tennis these days.

Also it might have something to do with the fact that in the American tennis academies their just seems to be so many foreign nationals at these places these days.

Thirdly I just don't think the drive, focus and commitment level is their in the young American kids. A couple weeks ago I was watching an ESPN documentary on one of the more famous tennis academies in the US (I believe it was Nick Bolliterri's but I can't be sure) and they were profiling some of the kids attending these schools. While watching it, I got so pissed off with these young American kids because half the kids they profiled seemed more interested in wanting to get famous rather than become a world champion. Most of the guys were only talking about girls, girls, and others were giving their coaches problems with being late for practice and things of that manner.. and I am watching this, thinking to myself, "what the *&*% is wrong with these kids?!?! Do the not know how many people out there would give just about anything to have the opportunity that they are wasting?"

Answer 4

I don't really think there is anything wrong with Venus and Serena, like you wrote in your article. Yeah the Men's side for the US is all messed up, but Serena and Venus are dominating. To the point where I see Tennis fans on other forums complaining that they are absolutely eating up the weak competition on the Women's side(And they are in their peak years to boot!). But you brought up some very interesting point. If I'm going to look stupid playing something give me a sport where almost everybody else sucks at. Not one that you have to start at 4 or 5 years old to even think about getting good.

Answer 5

I dunno. The americans lose their confidence on the clay, and head into the other seasons with less confidence.

Answer 6

The US needs to train players at a really young age and get them to love the sport! The US needs more top people then Andy Roddick (he barely wins) and James Blake (he also barely wins). But at least we have serena and venus!

Answer 7

I think Tennis as a whole is in a great place. Fewer americans are willing to devote the time & energy necessary to reach the top. Basketball and golf have overtaken them.

Answer 8

To be quite honest, there is just too much competition among sports in the US. In other countries, other sports are nowhere near as big and successful as our leagues. The Europeans have a basketball league, as well as soccer, but that's really about it. In the US, you can wake up and everyday watch NBA, WNBA, NFL, UFC...unfortunately, tennis needs a true hero in order to get Americans involved, and we lost our last true hero when Andre Agassi retired. If Roddick starts playing the way Jimmy Conners is coaching him, he'll be a threat to bringing tennis back, but not now.

On another note, Wimbledon is played in England where the time difference is 5 hours. They may start playing here at 7am, but over there, it is noon.

I do miss quality tennis though.

Answer 9

Americans are more focused on other sports, like basketball, football, baseball, and even hockey.

There's nothing wrong at the youth level, my city has 6 teams with a total of over 100 kids. Eventually, we'll start turning out pros, but the other problem is that in other countries, school isn't always as important, and kids are allowed to practice for hours on end. Here in American, besides the fact  we aren't focused on tennis as a major sport, we're busy with school and homework and jobs.

I love the sport though. It's awesome.

Answer 10

no one likes it?? mayb?

Answer 11

Americans are no good at sports. even sampras and agassi are not American honestly. sampras is 100 percent greek. It's just that Americans are not good at sports. just stick to American sports.

Answer 12

You're too busy watching TV, playing on the computer, game consoles, watching movies, and eating junk food; don't worry we Canadian's are too! In fact we have no good tennis players really, at least you have The Wiliam Sisters!

Answer 13

no good pro players i guess? i kno we have venus and serena but i think we really need some guys that are really good too... its a shame i LOVE tennis its my life