Title: Guga
liam_valid - February 27, 2007 12:32 PM (GMT)
One of the most charismatic players of recent times, and arguably one of the greatest clay courters in his prime, how far can Guga rise back up the rankings? He is currently 804 in the rankings, but recently won his first match in 18 months, and is now through to the round robin phase of Las Vegas. Guga for the FO (if Tim doesnt win anyway ;) )
MrInvisible - February 27, 2007 12:44 PM (GMT)
Sorry to be pedantic, Liam, but Kuerten won another match the other week - he beat Volandri I think in 1st round of Brazil Open, then lost to countryman Flavio Saretta.
Guga is probably my all-time favourite claycourter. In his prime, he had a flair and panache over and above nearly all the other claycourters out there. His tennis was a joy to watch, and he really endeared himself to the Roland Garros crowd.
It is a shame that his glory days are behind him, but I think we may see the odd spark of magic from him during the claycourt season (providing he gets the wild-cards). A win or 2 against some high ranked players is more than a possibility at Roland Garros too...
Nick Cica - February 27, 2007 01:13 PM (GMT)
I agree he was a joy to watch in his prime but I always had to turn the sound off! Why such an attractive player felt the need to groan like that is beyond me.
Realistically, he could chalk up some big wins but I doubt he'll ever regain the consistency needed to win tournaments. Let's hope he gets plenty of wild cards.
liam_valid - February 27, 2007 01:25 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (MrInvisible @ Feb 27 2007, 12:44 PM) |
Sorry to be pedantic, Liam, but Kuerten won another match the other week - he beat Volandri I think in 1st round of Brazil Open, then lost to countryman Flavio Saretta.
Guga is probably my all-time favourite claycourter. In his prime, he had a flair and panache over and above nearly all the other claycourters out there. His tennis was a joy to watch, and he really endeared himself to the Roland Garros crowd.
It is a shame that his glory days are behind him, but I think we may see the odd spark of magic from him during the claycourt season (providing he gets the wild-cards). A win or 2 against some high ranked players is more than a possibility at Roland Garros too... |
that was the win i was talking about MrI!!!! I have not mentioned his win in Las Vegas as he is still playing in the tournament. But Volandri is over 700 places higher in the rankings than Kuerten so thats no mean feat (although i expect the home crowd would have played a part)
MrInvisible - February 27, 2007 01:30 PM (GMT)
Yes, the Guga groan wasn't to everyone's taste...I heard it said that he sounded like someone had just punched him in the stomach after each shot...
liam_valid - February 27, 2007 01:32 PM (GMT)
Well i am one of the few that actually encourage the groaning, i think it adds to the atmosphere, which is probably why i liked Guga so much
Nick Cica - February 27, 2007 01:55 PM (GMT)
Last year, I was watching Nadal playing another groaner and my wife, who was in the next room, thought I must be watching a gay porn video! I'm still awaiting a scientific explanation of how Dementieva is able to groan before she hits the ball.
BIG-TODGER - March 4, 2007 11:51 PM (GMT)
Watched many a great match with him,
he always looked knackered by about half way through the first set though, i kept thinking-he won't make it much longer, but somehow he always did