Hi TV, I think Gasquet won in 3 sets in Paris. Maybe someone can confirm. Have a read of this
Comment: Australia revels in British misfortuneBarry Flatman of The Sunday Times
It does not require a study of in-depth psychology to appreciate there is something in the Australian mentality that delights in mocking the short comings of anything or anyone from the mother country. List the things that promote the biggest smiles in this part of the world and knocking the Poms, especially when they are struggling to look anything other than a distant also-ran, takes some beating.
So imagine the joy that is flooding around the grounds of the Australian Open at the British display that is nothing short of risible. Not a solitary player in the women’s singles or doubles and every British male sent packing after the first round.
But the thing that really appeals to the Australian sense of humour is the fact another lamentable chapter of failure appeases the jealousy that has been fostering with all the stories about the extravagant spending of the wealthy Lawn Tennis Association who just a few months ago collected another £25 million from the profits of Wimbledon.
How, they ask, can the British justify an outlay of £40 million on a National Training Centre at Roehampton when there are no players to fill the courts? How can Brad Gilbert still be on the LTA payroll, supposedly on the pretext of coaching Alex Bogdanovic, when the player was accompanied by another highly paid advisor Peter Lundgren during the qualifying rounds. How can Paul Annacone, the former mentor of Pete Sampras and Tim Henman, be the Head Coach of British Men’s Tennis when, like Gilbert, he lives in California?
Related Links
Nadal survives early test to advance
Henin pushed hard by Schiavone
For those who really study the subject, there is some reason for the Aussies to feel aggrieved as the LTA poached Ann Quinn, reputedly the most accomplished sports scientist in the world, to head up a department at Roehampton that is proudly lauded as the simply the best. But it is what happens on the courts that really causes the amusement of the paying public at Melbourne Park since Andy Murray went out the competition before the sun set on the first day.
The mockery reached new levels today when the centre spead of the Melbourne Age's sports section featured the most facetious attack that was humiliating for a resident of the United Kingdom to read but completely justified in its' content. The headline said it all: "Land of no hope or glory."
For too long there has been a sense of denial in the ranks of British tennis and Murray’s rise up the rankings once again served to cloud the issue that, regardless of the vast sums of money that Roger Draper, the LTA chief executive, and his team have been spending on the game in the last 18 months, there is a huge anomaly between outlay and results.
One man not prepared to hide is Murray’s elder bother Jamie and his admission, after losing in the first round of the men’s doubles, was the most memorable thing to come out of a British mouth all week. He acknowledged that there is good reason to ask questions after a dismal showing.
“If you look at all the Eastern European countries, they get no funding and yet have so many players in the main draw,” Murray said. “Look at Britain, we had two guys in the singles and two who also lost in the first round of the doubles. I think we have got some work to do.”
But where does that work begin? Perhaps a start would be a realisation on behalf of the LTA that their basic role of a federation is not specifically to fund what they perceive as the elite players. Instead they should be concentrating their prime resources and energy on ensuring that more and more youngsters actually play the game.
Tennis is not alone in British sport in struggling to find raw material but unless something changes very soon we are set to be the brunt of Australian mockery at this tournament for decades to come.
The LTA has more money than sense, like the Football Association. The LTA needs to focus on finding young talent. We don't have any elite players.
And again, some people don't like to hear this - but's it's reality. Andy Murray won't get anywhere near a grand slam title playing a pusherman's game - unless he changes his mentality and starts playing more aggressive and trying to dictate play more often.
Laurie, do you mind if i split that post and put it in a new thread, 'cos that's quite an interesting discussion about the state of British tennis?
It definitely seems like Britain has a problem in terms of training up high class players. The fact that it's seen as an achievement to get two players in the top 100 possibly says something about the mindset of the british players?
I suspect more needs to be done in terms of attracting youngsters to the sport and getting them to remain dedicated to the sport. It's interesting that France has 6 players in the third round and 6 men's doubles teams entered, as well as a huge number of players in the top 100. What is it about France and even Spain that means that they are able to produce so many good tennis players? I wonder if they throw as much money at it as we do, or if they put a focus on tennis in schools? :unsure:
This old chestnut again.
I believe the core problem is how the sport of Tennis is perceived in this country.
Tenez mentioned on another thread how tennis in France is probably the nations second favourite sport.Why because unlike our country tennis probably isn't viewed as elitist.
If i'm correct doesn't just about every tiny village in France have a public tennis court to play on which doesn't cost money.
I think in England the first problem is the cost for the average kid or adult to play is just too much.Compared to say football it just is astronomical.The clubs themselves much like Golf perceive their sport as something important,and I'm sorry if this cause offence,but they want to keep the common working class people out.
The other problem for me lies in the fact that tennis seems sissy to in comparison to the much more manly games of Rugby and Football here.Can you imagine a dedicated Newcastle fan taking up tennis.It's not my view,but a national psyche of something tribal.
Sorry for what must seem like complete rubbish,but there are many reasons why Britian continues to flounder which all all add up to a big mess of underachievement on the world stage.