I'm so bored of the ATP...

wimdledont · Challenger level

I'm so bored of the ATP...

Jeff Stelling · Club Coach

Men's tennis is undeniably superior to female tennis, both in terms of the spectacle and the quality of what is on offer.

While I wouldn't go this far myself, you hear plenty of ATP fans at the 250s say they barely consider women's tennis to be a sport. This is unquestionably a trifle harsh as clearly there is a large degree of competitive endeavour in the WTA. The fact remains that myself and many others would gladly watch any number of obscure ATP matches however I think the only WTA matches I've watched in the last six months are Konta's L16, quarter-final and semi-final in Melbourne.

-- Edited by Jeff Stelling on Wednesday 11th of May 2016 09:07:35 PM

James · Satellite level

Jeff Stelling wrote:
Men's tennis is undeniably superior to female tennis, both in terms of the spectacle and the quality of what is on offer.

While I wouldn't go this far myself, you hear plenty of ATP fans at the 250s say they barely consider women's tennis to be a sport. This is unquestionably a trifle harsh as clearly there is a large degree of competitive endeavour in the WTA.

I'm not sure I quite know where to start with these statements. Have I been transported back in time to a gentleman's smoking clubs in an episode of Jeeves and Wooster?

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Well we are drifting into dangerous territory here, aren't we smile

In comparing the men's v the women's game, I am going to try and choose my words carefully. Anyone who looks at my "posting pattern" here on this forum will know where my interest lies, but it is just that - MY interest. I have neither wish nor reason to cast aspertions on the women's game in either its quality or spectacle, but it just doesn't catch MY interest, in the same way that (for example) horse racing or boxing doesn't catch my interest either. That doesn't mean that it is inherently boring or "less of a sport", it's just not for ME. It is purely a personal thing.

As for the ATP itself, I have said many times that I prefer to visit the smaller tournaments much more than the large ATP events. Overall, I am far more interested in what goes on between the rankings of 100-1000 than what goes on in the Top 10. Sure, I get excited when Andy is going well in a slam or Davis Cup etc, but that is as much for patriotic reasons as any other. And clearly I have a particular interest in watching Kyle's progress (amongst others) having had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions. But if you gave me the choice this week of going to watch live either Federer v Nadal in Rome, or O'Mara v Clayton in Lisbon, I would be on the next plane to Portugal in a shot.

Vandenburg · Futures level

Good topic.
Who remembers the early 00s of men's ATP. I think when this generation calls it a day, so 5-6 years time, it will go back to the dark ages.

It was so open, from slams to masters, and rankings ,points distribution was all over the place. I even remember tommy hass being ranked number 2, not sure he even reached a slam semi???
And then the slams, were also so open, the likes of clement reaching a final and Tomas Johanson winning a title.

Yes those days were fun, as it was so unpredictable, but I also like where we are now, as I feel the standard is so high.

Vandenburg · Futures level

James wrote:
Jeff Stelling wrote:
Men's tennis is undeniably superior to female tennis, both in terms of the spectacle and the quality of what is on offer.

While I wouldn't go this far myself, you hear plenty of ATP fans at the 250s say they barely consider women's tennis to be a sport. This is unquestionably a trifle harsh as clearly there is a large degree of competitive endeavour in the WTA.

I'm not sure I quite know where to start with these statements. Have I been transported back in time to a gentleman's smoking clubs in an episode of Jeeves and Wooster?

Agreed with first points. I get so f..... off when they complain about not getting the same prize money as men. The women should be so grateful, as women's tennis is one of the only few sports where the women's game receives anywhere near the same attention as the men game.

Womens football, cricket, rugby, are complete unknown to the public.

Spectator · All-time great

We're all going to have our preferences, aren't we ... and I suspect it will be less often a generic gender-based phenomenon than a player-based phenomenon. So, for example, I could spend a whole day watching Johanna Konta play as she did today. Ditto Petra Kvitova on one of her "on" days, when she's virtually unplayable. And Radwanska, just for the sheer variety of what she can do. And Serena Williams, when she's "on" for the sheer "I am a champion and I will do what I will do" intensity. But that doesn't mean I like all women's matches. Same among the men: leaving aside Mr Murray, Roger Federer's tennis on a good day is beautiful to watch. Stan Wawrinka's power, on a good day, is extraordinary. Nadal on clay ... Gasquet's backhand ... Monfils anytime doing almost anything (except giving up in frustrating fashion midway through a match) ... Goffin's tenacity ... lots to like. But I can think of a number of men's matches that I wouldn't find particularly exciting and wouldn't make an effort to see.

And then there's the doubles. I love high-level doubles (men's and women's). Not everyone does.

Like Bob, too, I have things that may not be the best tennis ever but that I'd choose because they are just fun to watch. People at the start of their careers gradually learning to use their talents to the fullest. People who could be on the "champions tour" cheerfully taking apart people more than a decade younger. (Yes, I like contradictions). Someone in mid-career suddenly making a breakthrough. Someone like Timea Baczinsky rediscovering her gifts and love of the game. There's just so much to enjoy ...

indiana · Tennis legend

Yes, very much individual choices.

Lots of folk love the top ATP, lots of folk love the top WTA, lots of folk love smaller tournaments, lots of folk love doubles. Some might even like mixed

And many others will comparatively not get much at all from one or more of these.

It's just as Bob says looking at different sports. I'm a pretty general sports lover and with nothing else taking my fancy I'll even at times watch sports I don't really know or am not into. Now basketball, watched enough that I have a reasonable understanding of it all, watched enough to know I will never ever take to it, all these tall men going up and down the court scoring at times 200 points a match - anathema to my love of football where scores, indeed individual incidents, are often so crucial. But I know basketball has a big following, no doubt including for nuances that will never swing it for me. Still all the best to basketball and its millions of followers.

Anyway back to tennis, re the ATP I wish it was a bit more unpredictable, but it is what it is just now with top players tending to fall into bands, and not too many shocks But the general quality is very good and there is still the interest of watching players try to beat the hierarchy and of course all ultimately trying to beat Novak.

I like women's tennis too but apart ftom the established differences, what is so different for now is that there is very little real established hierarchy, more so as Serena perhaps wains. If the men's is arguably too predictable, for me from a general neutral point of view it is almost too random, too unpredictable and these last two weeks even more so, whether that be because its clay or just the general inconsistency of the top players. Here again looking neutrally I would prefer to be seeing some more consistent top players with others having to play really well to break through. However, I am not neutral, my main support going to Brits and the current mad WTA world makes Jo's matches in particular and some other matches much more interesting for the potential consequences.

I generally like both ATP and WTA. For now, for me, the ATP is a bit too predictable, the WTA too unpredictable ( others will see it differently ). But time will move on, they will change - remember the women's having a few dominant forces in the past, recall the men's being very unpredictable with little established hierarchy early this century pre Federer. If it was always kind of as we'd like it that would maybe be really too predictable

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Personally I think it's a bit like a kid who doesn't like their food, if they've tried it and don't like it that's fine. Fortunately the tennis menu is vast, tuck into what you fancy. For me big fan of red, white and blue food, take a dollop of that regardless of whether it's meat or veg, two of the same or even a combination.

Very pleased that meat and veg are similarly priced, not interested in the relative difference of high end quality as the price is all about the ethics of encouraging expansion of the farming of both, particularly when red white and blue.

I love understanding how red white and blue dishes are created, how the ingredients sourced and prepared.

For me it's all a fabulous distraction and I need to do much more of it.

Robin · Lower Club Player

Give the females a 1 point advantage each game and put everyone in the ATP?

Oakland2002 · All-time great

What blend the meat and veg ridiculous suggestion.

Constant · Lower Club Player

It's an individuals choice but as my postings have all been in the male section that is where why interest lies. I do root for those guys that I think can achieve and make the big events. If I can I make time to watch the Evo's, Broady's and Ward matches on stream as I find them more interesting. I like watching how they develop and Ii find through this site they are easier to follow. I have watched the female matches especially when the Aus Open is on but that is mainly to show support for the Brit. Other than that they are there and I can hear them but that's about it.

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

I prefer the men's game but I have almost as strong an interest in the women's especially when it comes to our girls. I don't like doubles as most of you know.

brendan · Strong Club Player

I believe that any 2 random good players who are in form can provide an entertaining match and whether they have a penis or not is irrelevant

paulisi · Tennis legend

I really used to find Andy Murray really boring to watch, but he seems to have added a more aggressive dimension to his game and I don't mind watching him now.

I understand what you mean about the ATP. It's all about power and good defence and one break will normally be enough to take a set. The top players are so dominant that results are very predictable.

The women's game has a little more variety in style and is a little more interesting as it is less predictable at the moment. There are no stand out players bar Serena and Azarenka and anyone win on their day.