Comments on: ANDY RODDICK IN CHINA: SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE http://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/ Tennis blog. Tennis news. Tennis gossip. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:22:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: judyhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10434 judy Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:36:07 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10434 i feel like i need to look at the full year schedule to think about this some more. interesting points on the surface changes. where to put the hard court events early in the year is a tough one, but maybe mr. 'thank god the hardcourt season is over' can make some helpful suggestions? ;) it's not like you can move IW or miami to the summer, prior to the USO, because there are many USO series tournies during that time. it is strange that there's a big jump from australia to north america early in the year. you know what i love about this site? it runs the gamut from deep thoughts on atp scheduling to naked/almost naked tennis hotties, like marat! GTT- where else as tennis fans would be rather be? :) i feel like i need to look at the full year schedule to think about this some more. interesting points on the surface changes. where to put the hard court events early in the year is a tough one, but maybe mr. 'thank god the hardcourt season is over' can make some helpful suggestions? ;) it's not like you can move IW or miami to the summer, prior to the USO, because there are many USO series tournies during that time. it is strange that there's a big jump from australia to north america early in the year.

you know what i love about this site? it runs the gamut from deep thoughts on atp scheduling to naked/almost naked tennis hotties, like marat! GTT- where else as tennis fans would be rather be? :)

]]> By: JFKhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10429 JFK Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:41:42 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10429 I agree what you said about having hard court masters right before clay. I think the Australian Open should switch places with the Masters in Miami Florida. I agree what you said about having hard court masters right before clay. I think the Australian Open should switch places with the Masters in Miami Florida.

]]> By: freakyfriteshttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10426 freakyfrites Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:28:22 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10426 OKay, you guys have convinced me that spacing is key to a good system. Why not start the year in Asia? Move the Australian back a few weeks and start with the Shanghai Masters and China Open. Move back Wimbledon because there's basically 5 weeks of blah between W and the the Rogers Cup. The question is what to do with the weird hard court season before the claycourt season. Personally, I LOVE Indian Wells - it is my tournament - but having IW and Miami back to back after the Australian and before the clay court season is just weird! I still think in the ideal world the tennis season is over at the US Open (except for the year end champs). It just feels like the natural stopping point and everyone loves a big finale. The question is how to get to Asia, Europe and America etc. in 9 months instead of 11. That said, none of this will never happen! Maybe the ATP can carve out an extra week or two. OKay, you guys have convinced me that spacing is key to a good system. Why not start the year in Asia? Move the Australian back a few weeks and start with the Shanghai Masters and China Open. Move back Wimbledon because there's basically 5 weeks of blah between W and the the Rogers Cup.

The question is what to do with the weird hard court season before the claycourt season. Personally, I LOVE Indian Wells – it is my tournament – but having IW and Miami back to back after the Australian and before the clay court season is just weird!

I still think in the ideal world the tennis season is over at the US Open (except for the year end champs). It just feels like the natural stopping point and everyone loves a big finale. The question is how to get to Asia, Europe and America etc. in 9 months instead of 11.

That said, none of this will never happen! Maybe the ATP can carve out an extra week or two.

]]> By: judyhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10421 judy Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:23:49 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10421 i think all of this discussion is very interesting and goes to show how challenging it would be to change the schedule or move events around. there are many issues involved. the top players are probably the ones heard most often complaining about scheduling difficulties because they are most likely to go deep in tournaments (shorter recovery, travel time) and they are the ones more popular in the press. i still think making points and tourny requirements lower might help because it wouldn't mean closing down tournaments, but it would give players options so they could stay healthier and consistently play at a high level. luckily the men's game is very strong right now, so most tournaments will have high profile players entering. maybe not fed and nadal, but many other talented players that would be exciting for fans to watch. isn't roger the president of the atp player's council. he should wield that power in the next meeting! :) even he had to pull out of two tournaments in asia due to injury. i think all of this discussion is very interesting and goes to show how challenging it would be to change the schedule or move events around. there are many issues involved. the top players are probably the ones heard most often complaining about scheduling difficulties because they are most likely to go deep in tournaments (shorter recovery, travel time) and they are the ones more popular in the press. i still think making points and tourny requirements lower might help because it wouldn't mean closing down tournaments, but it would give players options so they could stay healthier and consistently play at a high level. luckily the men's game is very strong right now, so most tournaments will have high profile players entering. maybe not fed and nadal, but many other talented players that would be exciting for fans to watch. isn't roger the president of the atp player's council. he should wield that power in the next meeting! :) even he had to pull out of two tournaments in asia due to injury.

]]> By: judyhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10419 judy Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:01:45 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10419 thank you ff! i think some of my posts need to be more concise, otherwise they disappear. thank you ff! i think some of my posts need to be more concise, otherwise they disappear.

]]> By: Van Siashttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10397 Van Sias Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:29:32 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10397 Hey FF! I like what Judy and Mary are saying here. I wrote something along those lines last year because in all the years I've been following pro tennis, I never got the complaining about the schedule deal. I still don't! I know the game's more physical now, but it is possible to take time off to train, even during the season. And a lot of the top, top guys are so far ahead of the pack, they really don't have to worry about falling too far from their ranking spot. Hey FF! I like what Judy and Mary are saying here. I wrote something along those lines last year because in all the years I've been following pro tennis, I never got the complaining about the schedule deal. I still don't! I know the game's more physical now, but it is possible to take time off to train, even during the season. And a lot of the top, top guys are so far ahead of the pack, they really don't have to worry about falling too far from their ranking spot.

]]> By: Maryhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10394 Mary Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:44:03 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10394 I doubt that the French Open can be moved to mid-May (even if that's just a 10-14 day difference to the current late May program).....remember there's the small important issue of clay masters to be fitted in within the very small window of spring-summer sunshine pre-wimbledon in Europe.....so the FO has to come right at the end of May. Maybe the only feasible thing is to move the AO to February.....but that will barely change the packed scheduling 'coz Fo, Wimbledon & US open will remain at about the same time. I doubt that the French Open can be moved to mid-May (even if that's just a 10-14 day difference to the current late May program)…..remember there's the small important issue of clay masters to be fitted in within the very small window of spring-summer sunshine pre-wimbledon in Europe…..so the FO has to come right at the end of May.

Maybe the only feasible thing is to move the AO to February…..but that will barely change the packed scheduling 'coz Fo, Wimbledon & US open will remain at about the same time.

]]> By: Jess Steinhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10393 Jess Stein Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:33:32 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10393 I'm fine with the schedule. We did not have those in top 5 this year in Thailand Open but the stadiums are almost packed. Good up-and-coming new guys and the tie-games make them all exciting. I get to watch some new player -- love some already! So, totally agreed that the top 5 can rest and let the others shine during their rejuvenating period. I'm fine with the schedule. We did not have those in top 5 this year in Thailand Open but the stadiums are almost packed. Good up-and-coming new guys and the tie-games make them all exciting. I get to watch some new player — love some already!

So, totally agreed that the top 5 can rest and let the others shine during their rejuvenating period.

]]> By: lorriehttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10392 lorrie Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:01:43 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10392 in the meantime these top 20 guys need to do what's best for their health and longevity and maybe then the atp will get the message. these tv execs and sponsors really are all about the money. maybe they should think about televising more of the other events so the public gets to know other players.....a real tennis channel. that way there might be less pressure on the top 10-20 and expose other talented players who would become inspired and gain confidence by going further or winning a tournament. tournaments can remain w/some adjustments to point value and add more pts. to majors. in the meantime these top 20 guys need to do what's best for their health and longevity and maybe then the atp will get the message. these tv execs and sponsors really are all about the money. maybe they should think about televising more of the other events so the public gets to know other players…..a real tennis channel. that way there might be less pressure on the top 10-20 and expose other talented players who would become inspired and gain confidence by going further or winning a tournament. tournaments can remain w/some adjustments to point value and add more pts. to majors.

]]> By: MarKhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10388 MarK Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:22:04 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10388 Actually, i think the slams CAN be spaced out better, and particularly with taking weather into consideration. The AO should be played in late February, toward the end of summer there, so there is much less chance of extreme heat. The FO should be played in mid-May, again decreasing chances of very hot days. The Wimbledon can stay where it is. Then the USO should be moved to late September when the weather is usually very nice in NY - once again with much less chance of terrible heat. Unfortunately, FO and USO seem to be governed by American TV networks that just love to utilize Memorial and Labor Days for showing fourth-round tennis (and Independence day for the Wimbledon). And somehow a way should be found for leading players to not have to play so many non-slam tournaments. Actually, i think the slams CAN be spaced out better, and particularly with taking weather into consideration. The AO should be played in late February, toward the end of summer there, so there is much less chance of extreme heat. The FO should be played in mid-May, again decreasing chances of very hot days. The Wimbledon can stay where it is. Then the USO should be moved to late September when the weather is usually very nice in NY – once again with much less chance of terrible heat. Unfortunately, FO and USO seem to be governed by American TV networks that just love to utilize Memorial and Labor Days for showing fourth-round tennis (and Independence day for the Wimbledon).
And somehow a way should be found for leading players to not have to play so many non-slam tournaments.

]]> By: Maryhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10386 Mary Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:56:34 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10386 In theory, this is a very good idea....but in practise, tennis is governed by the weather 'coz most tournaments are outdoor events......so each country wants to squeeze in tournaments in their respective spring-summer seasons. As someone pointed out, AO is in Jan -Feb 'coz it's summer down under......then Wimby can only be held in June-July 'coz that's the time of 'assured' sunshine in England, & even then, numerous rain delays...same to French open when they have to hold it in their spring season. Then US open can only be in Sept...any later & I suppose it's rainy autumn in New York & the tournament would have to run to three weeks. From the US open, they're playing indoors where weather is not a problem. So in this sense, as it is, I suppose it's impossible to space out the grand slams 'coz tennis, unlike other sports, cannot be played in the rain. The only way I see this working is if some grand-slams are moved to more tropical countries (highly unlikely though 'coz which country would even think of giving up it's slam?)......or.......building roofs over most courts, then spacing out the slams (again unlikely 'coz they're meant to be outdoor tournaments & building all those roofs would be highly expensive). In theory, this is a very good idea….but in practise, tennis is governed by the weather 'coz most tournaments are outdoor events……so each country wants to squeeze in tournaments in their respective spring-summer seasons. As someone pointed out, AO is in Jan -Feb 'coz it's summer down under……then Wimby can only be held in June-July 'coz that's the time of 'assured' sunshine in England, & even then, numerous rain delays…same to French open when they have to hold it in their spring season. Then US open can only be in Sept…any later & I suppose it's rainy autumn in New York & the tournament would have to run to three weeks. From the US open, they're playing indoors where weather is not a problem.

So in this sense, as it is, I suppose it's impossible to space out the grand slams 'coz tennis, unlike other sports, cannot be played in the rain. The only way I see this working is if some grand-slams are moved to more tropical countries (highly unlikely though 'coz which country would even think of giving up it's slam?)……or…….building roofs over most courts, then spacing out the slams (again unlikely 'coz they're meant to be outdoor tournaments & building all those roofs would be highly expensive).

]]> By: dootsiezhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10383 dootsiez Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:31:26 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10383 Probably not a shorter season, but better spaced slams. I believe it's the fact that the French Open, Wimbledon and indeed the US Open are so closely spaced together that basically causes the burn-out. That's 6 weeks of solid, all-consuming best-of-5 set tennis within a 3 month period. Throw in another 2 Davis Cup ties. If the slams were more evenly spaced I believe the problem post-US Open would be better. But it would never happen. None of the slams would ever want to move. Probably not a shorter season, but better spaced slams. I believe it's the fact that the French Open, Wimbledon and indeed the US Open are so closely spaced together that basically causes the burn-out. That's 6 weeks of solid, all-consuming best-of-5 set tennis within a 3 month period. Throw in another 2 Davis Cup ties.

If the slams were more evenly spaced I believe the problem post-US Open would be better. But it would never happen. None of the slams would ever want to move.

]]> By: Yasminhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10362 Yasmin Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:29:19 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10362 I really like the idea of moving the Australian Open February as it makes the season shorter and there already feels like there is too much time between the Australian and French Opens. I've always thought that the French Open should be a bit earlier because it feels like Wimbledon starts as soon as the French finishes. The two surfaces are so different that I think the players should be given a bit more time to adjust. This will also enable the tour to add another grass court tournament, which I think definitely needs to happen. I really like the idea of moving the Australian Open February as it makes the season shorter and there already feels like there is too much time between the Australian and French Opens. I’ve always thought that the French Open should be a bit earlier because it feels like Wimbledon starts as soon as the French finishes. The two surfaces are so different that I think the players should be given a bit more time to adjust. This will also enable the tour to add another grass court tournament, which I think definitely needs to happen.

]]> By: Maryhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10379 Mary Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:03:59 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10379 "maybe they could make the points and requirements lower so players aren't forced to overwork themselves?" I agree.....the length of the season should remain as it is, but players should be able to choose what tournaments to play in without having to incur a penalty. Missing a tournament already costs ranking points, so I see no need for extra penalty for missing a mandatory event. Maybe only Grandslams should be mandatory? I doubt it's possible for all top players to miss a specific tournament at the same time, so the particular tournaments where someone like Fed or Rafa withdraws will not suffer from small crowds. And I think the current top10 is very strong and all more or less crowd pullers...obviously not to the level of Fed & rafa...with these, fans hang from rafters to watch. lol "maybe they could make the points and requirements lower so players aren't forced to overwork themselves?"

I agree…..the length of the season should remain as it is, but players should be able to choose what tournaments to play in without having to incur a penalty. Missing a tournament already costs ranking points, so I see no need for extra penalty for missing a mandatory event. Maybe only Grandslams should be mandatory? I doubt it's possible for all top players to miss a specific tournament at the same time, so the particular tournaments where someone like Fed or Rafa withdraws will not suffer from small crowds. And I think the current top10 is very strong and all more or less crowd pullers…obviously not to the level of Fed & rafa…with these, fans hang from rafters to watch. lol

]]> By: Maryhttp://gototennis.com/2009/10/06/andy-roddick-in-china-somethings-gotta-give/#comment-10377 Mary Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:48:46 +0000 http://gototennis.com/?p=13062#comment-10377 Thank you! Thank you!

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