ATP World Tour Finals

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

RE: ATP World Tour Finals

indiana · Tennis legend

Be interesting, and I do think there is potentially not just the issue of default of the older players going but whether the ongoing improvement ( which has been very marked this year by some ) within the young group overhauls an element of decline in the older group.

How good they can each become, particularly on the highest stage, and how quickly will unfold over time.

I make no predictions of a Slam from win from within the group this year but nor do I discount it. As I said it just feels to me a fair bit closer than at previous year ends.

Hey, and all the best to the remaining top 16ers, Thiem (25) and Nishikori (28), the inbetweeners, to yet produce a Slam title for the **** generation but here I do predict - it ain't happening.

Strongbow · All-time great

You should change your name to "Vandenberg" - but I think you're probably right wink

Oakland2002 · All-time great

A big congratulations to Jez Green and his team who have put Zevrev in a position to make the most of his talent, their job is only partly done as a win here is not even close to the physical demands of winning a slam, if he had had had to go 5 sets with Rodge, well he would have had a really problem reaching the final and then Novak would have probably been too much.

I think you under estimate the potential improvement in these guys who are still in their early twenties. The next couple of years will be fascinating as the noose tightens on the old guard and the commentators couch beckons.

-- Edited by Oakland2002 on Monday 19th of November 2018 11:07:51 AM

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

I've never quite got the 'begrudgingness' about Zverev.

Is it because he was - like Federer - a bit of a prima donna when he was 18 or so, before growing up a bit and becoming a good guy?

Or because he is extremely talented ?

Or because he's got a 'pushy' family ?

Or because the girls rather like him ?

He's been a fave of mine for several years now, a joy to watch.

It's true that people criticise his grand slam results - but he hasn't played that many - he's only just 21.

It's also true that peak stamina comes later than peak speed and peak strength so the five set format actually favours the slightly older players.

But I think he's a breath of fresh air. And with the other youngsters, he represents a group that the younger fans can get behind.

The interesting thing for me, and not too surprising, good money to be made, is the relative absence of the Americans, as seen by the group that Indy has listed, for instance (and I'd put Shapo in that list).
A couple of years back, most people had all the US guys (Tiafoe, Kozlov, Mmoh, Fritz, O'Pelka, Paul etc.) in the same bracket as Zverev. Some are on the fringes and a couple will get there - but they're conspicuous in their absence.
(NB Have great hopes for Félix Auger-Aliassime, too, as long as his medical problems don't stand in his way).

Julia Carrot · All-time great

I like his play and I like his looks and I especially like his intelligence and eloquence. Not that keen on the the bling he wears round his neck, but maybe it's there for sentimental or superstitious reasons, but still a bit 'flash'.

flamingowings · All-time great

Even Federer hadn't won a slam at 21!

Out of all the "Next Gen" players, so far Sascha has had the best consistent, sustained career but it's still so early on and I have high hopes that Tsitispas, Khachanov, Shappo, FAA et al will be the natural rivals to Sascha in years to come.

indiana · Tennis legend

Interesting article from the Guardian after Fed's first Slam title, approaching his 22nd birthday, in 2003. And bringing up the questions that were being asked in spite of his very clear talent.

www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/jul/07/wimbledon2003.tennis2

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Great post thanks Indi

JonH · All-time great

Shortlist for next hosts from 2021 named as London, Manchester, Turin, Tokyo and Singapore. Pros and cons with each - Tokyo is where the sponsors are from; Singapore hosted WTA Finals; Turin has big money and Italy done good job with Next Gen Finals; Manchester v interesting and apparently an excellent bid; London - enough said.

Asia of course has the minus of the different continent and what that means in terms of tennis calendar. be interesting to see what happens; I would like it to be Manchester but somehow doubt it, instinct tells me Tokyo will win.

Born2WinTennis · Club Coach

If Asia do get it then it won't make much sense having the Paris Masters just before it. The Asia swing would probably culminate in the Tour Finals. I selfishly hope, for viewing reasons it stays in London. London has done a great job. I doubt Manchester could sell out 20k seats each day.