Discussion around the players, their personalities, and the game
By riempie9
@riempie9 (1021)
South Africa
May 5, 2012 2:57am CST
Five years ago I knew nothing about tennis and then one afternoon the tennis was on - my son was watching - and I saw this tall bronze player with hair to his shoulders wearing a sweatband come sprinting out on the court. I stopped. I watched. I was blown away. It was the beginning of my infatuation with Rafael Nadal. I learned that Federer - the gentleman on the courts - was number one, but when I saw Rafa return the ball way from the other side of the court, I couldn't believe such strength and such accuracy. For a left-handed player he packs a helluva punch. Since then, I got cable tv and watched all the games. I got to know grumpy Murray - always the bridesmaid and never the bride. I got to agree that Federer was hard to beat not only for his game but his sportsmanship and courteous behavior on the court. I became jealous of his girlfriend and wished I looked like her and that I had been in Mallorca. When Nadal won the championship I screamed and jumped up on the couch. I don't believe there ever was a player like Nadal. Yes, he takes the longest of all the players to serve, and he picks his bum and has all kind of nervous rituals before he starts, but he is one of the all-time greats. I like Djokovic too, but Rafa will carry the cup again. Vamos Rafa!!
1 response
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
6 May 12
I have been a tennis fan for a long time and even used to play some on a casual level. I have never liked Nadal or Federer for some reason, they just rub me the wrong way. I have been a fan long enough that I used to watch Jimmy Connors and in spite of his temper(maybe a little because of it), he was my favorite for a long time. Being a guy I am really into the women players whose game can be much more interesting(especially before all the power players came along). Martina Hingis was my favorite for a long time because she had such a thinking game and she just flowed around the court with such great anticipation. My current active female player is Ana Ivanovic who after a great 2008(being No. 1) has had many problems because of injuries and loss of confidence. This year she is doing fairly well and may get back into the top 10. One problem that Ana has is that she is just too nice which is good but it can hurt her competitiveness.
@riempie9 (1021)
• South Africa
6 May 12
Nice informative answer, Stealthy. My son does not like Nadal; he is a Federer fan. He says Nadal is arrogant and cocky, but I think it is because I like Nadal. I must admit I got into the game because he blew me away when I first saw him. I believe he's going to be number one again. He and Federer are the best dressed on the court, and I love the snazzy hot colors and items he wears. Of course, Federer is more conservative in his play and with his clothes. About the women players, I am not logged in. I like Schiavone, but the two sisters leave me cold. I believe Serena is ill. Do you know what of?


