Week 39 - Kuwait F2 ($10,000) - Meshref (Hard)

Salmon · Tennis legend

RE: Week 39 - Kuwait F2 ($10,000) - Meshref (Hard)

Salmon · Tennis legend

Yes, that photo has to make you smile - two polar opposites.

Whilst tennis is much better than basketball, swimming, gymnastics etc., I am not sure if it is a good example of a sport where you can make it to the top without being tall. Some people do it, but they are generally exceptions to the norm. Football and cricket, though, are two sports where being short can have its own share of advantages.

korriban · Challenger level

Salmon wrote:
Nah, Marcus is one my favourites.

It is also possible that he has some kind of disorder (I have no idea about his medical history) as some people have a low BMR, but the point is that the extra fat will always prevent him from giving his best. It's just the way it is, unfortunately, and I'm sure he is trying to rectify it.

Sorry Salmon. He's also one of my favourites - a really great all court game.

But based on the comments from his "friends and family" reported on this forum at the recent Futures in SW London, I think his disorder involves enjoying beer and burgers too much. The life of a professional sportsman is a dream job for many and can bring tremendous rewards to those with talent and determination, but does require sacrifices.........cutting out junk food isn't usually regarded as one of those sacrifices, since professionals tend to be very disciplined individuals, but in this case it clearly is........and it appears to have been a sacrifice too far for Marcus to date, even with very generous financial support. Frankly, I just don't get it!

indiana · Tennis legend

I think that we may have done the Marcus physical condition thing a bit to death now. And yes, I've played my part !

He has a past, where he has clearly not had the proper mindset and dedication, and it is maybe expecting too much for a total turnaround during the season.

But real faith is being shown in him by A1, he has taken the initial fitness improvement steps and has soared up the rankings. A1 is very clearly aware of the issue and has promised a leaner, fitter Marcus for next year.

Lets's see how all that faith, the encouragement of this rankings rise and further targets, now galvanises him to work like never before in the coming clise season.

The start of the next year and beyond will tell us much about Marcus Willis, but personally I think this has ran its course for now.

I'm personally cutting the guy some slack for now. There's nothing as strange as folk, and we all have our faults.

john · Top national player

Fair play, well said indiana. He's clearly a very talented guy, just hope for the best for him. I believe he has massive potential.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

R1: Lewis BURTON (GBR) / Marcus WILLIS (GBR) [1] def. Ali AL-QALLAF (KUW) / Ali ALHERZ (KUW) 6-0 6-0

QF : Lewis BURTON (GBR) / Marcus WILLIS (GBR) [1] v Ken ONISHI (JPN) / Shunsuke SHIMIZU (JPN)
Ivo KLEC (SVK) / Lewis THOMPSON (GBR) v Thomas STATZBERGER (AUT) / Tristan-Samuel WEISSBORN (AUT) [2]

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Blast, Onishi broke serve. 5-6* and is serving for the match . . . and double faults at 0-30 down so three BPs . . . and he wins the third one so TB . ..

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 07:58:59 AM

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 08:01:43 AM

freerider · Futures level

if you're worried about what people say about his fitness on a public forum how on earth are you going to manage when and if the press comment upon it (assuming he makes his wimbledon target without further fitness conditioning).

-- Edited by freerider on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 08:02:16 AM

freerider · Futures level

korriban wrote:
freerider wrote:
if you're worried about what people say about his fitness on a public forum how on earth are you going to manage when and if the press comment upon it (assuming he makes his wimbledon target without further fitness conditioning).

-- Edited by freerider on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 08:02:16 AM

But we LOVE his guts

lol - sorry couldn't resist.

but yes I agree lets let the tennis do the talking for a while, all the best to Mr Willis. (and mr burton too!)

-- Edited by freerider on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 08:28:26 AM

Josh · Challenger level

Marcus's match report: biggrin

"Got the win! Was 63 65 and a break down. Ken the 5ft 4 Japanese ninja was hitting monster kickers and rrrrripping inside out and inside in ferehands to which willy Willis had little answer. However. At 0-15, ken made a rookie error. I can allow him it this once because he is young. But after kicking it to the Willis forehand (wise) he earnt himself a gershunken short ball and decided to go for the old back behind and in combo play, what he didn't realise was he was making a rookie error as he approached to the wilder beasts forehand there was only one outcome. The swinken swunken swirler of a pass that threaded the needle line for 0-30. Then Willis gave him a disapproving look and carried on. 36 76(5) 60 later, the win was mine. #sillyken #fingerwaggle #rookie #obvs #hadnt #heard #amer #mirza #paulclutchins"

-- Edited by Josh on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 11:40:50 AM

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Quite clearly, A1 Tennis Academy get top marks for training their players in "Media Skills". smile

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 12:15:16 PM

johnnylad · Tennis legend

Marcus is 4-2 down first set

johnnylad · Tennis legend

3-6 1-1

A1 tennis academy · Satellite level

I thinks it's totally inappropriate to consistently go on about somebodys weight particularly on a public forum - in fact I think it's out of order !!!

If he is overweight and he's climbed 600 places this year what are the Slim guys that are sponsored by Aegon doing wrong ?

johnnylad · Tennis legend

3-6 3-2

I think that point has already been made Gary