Running tennis thread for 2023

Good a time as any to say this is one of my favorite pieces ever

https://vault.si.com/vault/2006/07/17/coming-into-focus

 

Since the 1990s, the clay courts have become faster and the grass courts slower. The differences in the surfaces today are about as narrow as they have ever been. That's a big reason you aren't seeing the "specialists" on a surface like you once did.

 

Is this due to different clays and grasses being used, the balls, other equipment, players' techinques, or maybe a combo of some or all of that?

These kind of changes always fascinate me. Sort of like the NFL players, or Premier League players, saying the field or pitch is different because "they let the grass grow" or "they cut it shorter" or something. I guess it's like tightening the rim on a goal or having a stiffer net for basketball.

 

Wimbledon is using Slazinger balls, which are generally said to be heavier and with less bounce.

At the French, they tweak the moisture on the courts. Putting a little less than usual speeds everything up.

 

Passing of the torch, or a sign of the torch passing in like 2025? Let's see how New York goes.

 

Alcaraz is the future, but will he be joined by others to form another Big Three or (generously including Murray) a Big Four?

Amazing how this group (Fed, Rafa, Djoker) dominated for almost exactly two decades.

 

Tsitsipas is close but he needs to get over the hump. Feels like Medvedev has a couple more Slam wins in him. But Alcaraz's true rival might not be on the tour yet.

 

Don’t forget McEnroe made the French Final in ‘84(?) against Lendl and was up but then Lendl prevailed.

Yeah it was quite a difference in surfaces back in 70’s-80’s which is why Borg is so revered, he won both in one year several times. Unfortunately couldn’t conquer NYC.

 

The Wimbledon championship raised Vondrousova's ranking 32 places, from 42nd to No. 10.

 

She missed last year's tournament (and others) with an injury. Isn't having to defend any points. Can only go up in the rankings for awhile.

 

All I remember about Bridgette Wilson is the satire about her in GQ years ago.