After watching Wimbledon for nearly 50 years

[Ash Williams]

I have decided that I am sick and tired of them having to wear white all the time. I understand it’s a tradition. It’s a stupid tradition. They look like they’re running around in their underwear on laundry day. If they’re still doing this 100 years from now, I’m going to be really pissed.

Also, if you had any doubts that Djokovic was the greatest of all time, watching him at age 39 physically break down a 25-year-old over a five hour match should set those doubts to rest.

 

[theBlues]

Yes, Novak is the GOAT.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

I have decided that I am sick and tired of them having to wear white all the time. I understand it’s a tradition. It’s a stupid tradition. They look like they’re running around in their underwear on laundry day. If they’re still doing this 100 years from now, I’m going to be really pissed.

Also, if you had any doubts that Djokovic was the greatest of all time, watching him at age 39 physically break down a 25-year-old over a five hour match should set those doubts to rest.

I’d still take prime Roger, but it’s a great argument between any of the big 3. He is amazing though. I’d love to see him win.

 

[Starrcade]

I love Novak. I was hoping he could sneak one more in with Alcaraz out, but I don't see him going through Sinner and then Zverev at his age.

I'm drawn to Coco because of her serving troubles. That was the best women's match I've seen in some time yesterday, but she came up short. Double faults killed her.

The Fery tail is about to end for GBR.

 

[Glenn's Take]

Did they ever get the racquet under control? The men's game especially got unwatchable to me. A serve. Sometimes it got returned and then a volley back. The game got really boring.
Or maybe it's just me.

 

[theBlues]

Did they ever get the racquet under control? The men's game especially got unwatchable to me. A serve. Sometimes it got returned and then a volley back. The game got really boring.
Or maybe it's just me.

There were a few years decades ago when almost everybody served and volleyed almost every point at Wimbledon...but nowhere else. It's been a very long time since the game has been played the way you describe, even at Wimbledon. Not one of the 4 guys in today's semifinals normally play the serve and volley style.

 

[MidseasonTweak]

Surely Sinner has this the longer this goes. He's the betting favorite and far younger. Should have more stamina.

 

[theBlues]

Surely Sinner has this the longer this goes. He's the betting favorite and far younger. Should have more stamina.

That makes sense in a general way but Sinner is the one who has had problems in very long matches. Djokovic doesn't seem to even know the definition of "fatigue".

 

[Buckwheat Otay Is Dead]

I have decided that I am sick and tired of them having to wear white all the time. I understand it’s a tradition. It’s a stupid tradition. They look like they’re running around in their underwear on laundry day. If they’re still doing this 100 years from now, I’m going to be really pissed.

Also, if you had any doubts that Djokovic was the greatest of all time, watching him at age 39 physically break down a 25-year-old over a five hour match should set those doubts to rest.

It a tradition going back since it started. Seems like I remember them trying to change the dress code back in the 70s but fans likes the all white.

 

[Glenn's Take]

There were a few years decades ago when almost everybody served and volleyed almost every point at Wimbledon...but nowhere else. It's been a very long time since the game has been played the way you describe, even at Wimbledon. Not one of the 4 guys in today's semifinals normally play the serve and volley style.

It's been that long since I watched.

 

[mjj_2K]

I’d still take prime Roger, but it’s a great argument between of the big 3. He is amazing though. I’d love to see him win.

I'll always favor Federer, but Djokovic is undoubtedly the "achievement" king, the most consistently hard to beat player (minus Nadal on clay) ever.

But Federer on his best days was a step above. I think his best days were better than Djokovic's, but he couldn't do it as consistently. Mainly because it took him too long to admit that his backhand was exploitable and he needed to be more aggressive with it.

As to the all-white thing, I think they did go away from it for a while (though only to the extent it could be predominantly white, and didn't have to be 100%), then went back. I could probably live with a "white shirt" rule as a nod to tradition, though the collar thing has always seemed goofy (why does a player need to wear a collared shirt to do some extremely vigorous running for 4 hours?)

 

[Starrcade]

That makes sense in a general way but Sinner is the one who has had problems in very long matches. Djokovic doesn't seem to even know the definition of "fatigue".

Roddick said it best about The Joker:

"First he takes your legs, then he takes your heart."

 

[MidseasonTweak]

I'll always favor Federer, but Djokovic is undoubtedly the "achievement" king, the most consistently hard to beat player (minus Nadal on clay) ever.

But Federer on his best days was a step above. I think his best days were better than Djokovic's, but he couldn't do it as consistently. Mainly because it took him too long to admit that his backhand was exploitable and he needed to be more aggressive with it.

As to the all-white thing, I think they did go away from it for a while (though only to the extent it could be predominantly white, and didn't have to be 100%), then went back. I could probably live with a "white shirt" rule as a nod to tradition, though the collar thing has always seemed goofy (why does a player need to wear a collared shirt to do some extremely vigorous running for 4 hours?)

Whether it's Federer, Djokovic or Nadal, there has been some truly terrific play in the Open Era over the last 25 years.

 

[Drcats2025]

Novak doesn’t have enough left to go through the gauntlet and win again. Still remarkable to be making semis at 39. I’d expect he makes next year his last.

Prime Federer is the best I’ve ever watched, but to me, you have to consider Novak the goat.

 

[Drcats2025]

The hardest question is who is the women’s goat? Graf? Serena? Martina? Court? For me, Graf was the best to ever play.

 

[MidseasonTweak]

The hardest question is who is the women’s goat? Graf? Serena? Martina? Court? For me, Graf was the best to ever play.

I think it isn't that hard. Comfortably Serena

 

[Catman100]

Who cares if it is all white? Did you see that thing that Osaka wore for a warm up? Now that should be banned.

Novak is unbelieveable. Age 39 and can go 5 sets to make a semi. Just wow.
Turned pro in 2003. And no US mens player has won a grand slam in all that time.
To me, that is hard to believe.

I think Coco choked in that last set. A double fault and then all she had to do is get it over the net and she probably wins the match.
She is not Serena.

And Serena is the goat. Not even close.

 

[Drcats2025]

What makes Serena’s body of work clearly better than Grafs?

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

There were a few years decades ago when almost everybody served and volleyed almost every point at Wimbledon...but nowhere else. It's been a very long time since the game has been played the way you describe, even at Wimbledon. Not one of the 4 guys in today's semifinals normally play the serve and volley style.

Serve and volley is great. That’s why I loved Roger. He could beat you from the baseline or use his incredible serve and volley to win points.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

What makes Serena’s body of work clearly better than Grafs?

Graf was my favorite ever woman for sure.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

Boris Becker changed his name to Anthony Michael Hall

 

[mhs1964]

I have decided that I am sick and tired of them having to wear white all the time. I understand it’s a tradition. It’s a stupid tradition. They look like they’re running around in their underwear on laundry day. If they’re still doing this 100 years from now, I’m going to be really pissed.

Also, if you had any doubts that Djokovic was the greatest of all time, watching him at age 39 physically break down a 25-year-old over a five hour match should set those doubts to rest.

If you’re pissed a hundred years from now you are in a place most of us hope doesn’t really exist. And yes, Djokovic is truly unbelievable

 

[mhs1964]

I'll always favor Federer, but Djokovic is undoubtedly the "achievement" king, the most consistently hard to beat player (minus Nadal on clay) ever.

But Federer on his best days was a step above. I think his best days were better than Djokovic's, but he couldn't do it as consistently. Mainly because it took him too long to admit that his backhand was exploitable and he needed to be more aggressive with it.

As to the all-white thing, I think they did go away from it for a while (though only to the extent it could be predominantly white, and didn't have to be 100%), then went back. I could probably live with a "white shirt" rule as a nod to tradition, though the collar thing has always seemed goofy (why does a player need to wear a collared shirt to do some extremely vigorous running for 4 hours?)

What’s wrong with tradition. Would you want to see the Pope in hot pink

 

[Vek96]

I love the Wimbledon traditions.

 

[rick64]

If Federer had the backhand he had the last few years of his career earlier on……WOW!!!!

 

[Feral Manatee]

There were a few years decades ago when almost everybody served and volleyed almost every point at Wimbledon...but nowhere else. It's been a very long time since the game has been played the way you describe, even at Wimbledon. Not one of the 4 guys in today's semifinals normally play the serve and volley style.

As someone who was a competitive junior in our small state, you are exactly right. The days of Stefan Edberg or Boris Becker at Wimbledon are long gone. This is a baseliners game now, even at Wimbledon. I was a short-ish baseliner who didn't get any free points on his serve, but I was a better baseliner than most and had a wicked forehand. I adore the current game and anyone who can should get tickets for the Cincinnati Open in August because seeing these guys up close is bonkers. They turn a tennis court into a ping pong table. TV doesn't translate what tennis is like in person. Go to an early round, find a side court with two top 50 players... And just marvel. It's brilliant.

 

[mjj_2K]

As someone who was a competitive junior in our small state, you are exactly right. The days of Stefan Edberg or Boris Becker at Wimbledon are long gone. This is a baseliners game now, even at Wimbledon. I was a short-ish baseliner who didn't get any free points on his serve, but I was a better baseliner than most and had a wicked forehand. I adore the current game and anyone who can should get tickets for the Cincinnati Open in August because seeing these guys up close is bonkers. They turn a tennis court into a ping pong table. TV doesn't translate what tennis is like in person. Go to an early round, find a side court with two top 50 players... And just marvel. It's brilliant.

Amen on that last part, and I especially encourage getting a ground's pass for one of the opening days. It's fairly cheap, and while you won't be seeing the best of the best on a stadium court, what you can do is stand 20 feet away from the next level best players in the world as they either play or practice.

 

[Feral Manatee]

Amen on that last part, and I especially encourage getting a ground's pass for one of the opening days. It's fairly cheap, and you while won't be seeing the best of the best on a stadium court, what you can do is stand 20 feet away from the next level best players in the world as they either play or practice.

It's hypnotic watching them even practice. I reaaaaaally loved watching Nadal in his practice sessions up there because he would push things to the Nth degree - it was just his way. But I usually avoid the center court for the early rounds. Find a side court and get a front row end zone seat (best perspective) and eat that s*** up.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

I love the Wimbledon traditions.

Yup just like the Masters.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

As someone who was a competitive junior in our small state, you are exactly right. The days of Stefan Edberg or Boris Becker at Wimbledon are long gone. This is a baseliners game now, even at Wimbledon. I was a short-ish baseliner who didn't get any free points on his serve, but I was a better baseliner than most and had a wicked forehand. I adore the current game and anyone who can should get tickets for the Cincinnati Open in August because seeing these guys up close is bonkers. They turn a tennis court into a ping pong table. TV doesn't translate what tennis is like in person. Go to an early round, find a side court with two top 50 players... And just marvel. It's brilliant.

Yeah I went to the Cininnati Open the last year Agassi won it. It was amazing. Great venue and awesome matches all over the place. Pro players are so ridiculous.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Amen on that last part, and I especially encourage getting a ground's pass for one of the opening days. It's fairly cheap, and while you won't be seeing the best of the best on a stadium court, what you can do is stand 20 feet away from the next level best players in the world as they either play or practice.

Yes! Watching them practice is so much fun and tickets are super easy to get for all day. I stayed from morning until the main night match and it was amazing. I went for three days.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

It's hypnotic watching them even practice. I reaaaaaally loved watching Nadal in his practice sessions up there because he would push things to the Nth degree - it was just his way. But I usually avoid the center court for the early rounds. Find a side court and get a front row end zone seat (best perspective) and eat that s*** up.

Yeah the small side courts are so good. Find like the 20th ranked player in an early round. It’s so good. I watched Safin, Agassi, Kuerten, Ferraro, Marty Fish, Leytton Hewitt. It was awesome. I think it was 2004.

Federer was really young and I believe lost in the first or second round. I remember Agassi was under seeded and had to play Carlos Moya fairly early in the draw and he had to be a top 5 seed then. Nadal was there, but was nothing on hard courts at the time and he lost really early too. I loved Fernando Verdassco back then and Tommy Haas was coming back from injury and was a Wild Card.

I totally forgot Tim Henman too. He was really good then and was trying so hard to win Wimbledon in those days.

 

[theBlues]

Yeah I went to the Cininnati Open the last year Agassi won it. It was amazing. Great venue and awesome matches all over the place. Pro players are so ridiculous.

The only time I've seen the pros play was an exhibition match in Florida a long time ago. I went to see Jimmy Connors play a long haired 15 year old I'd never heard of before. It was clear that the 15 year old was going to be a star; his forehand was incredible. Jimmy had partied too hard the night before I guess so the match only lasted one set, with Jimmy puking everywhere and all. I'm sure you can guess who the kid was...but of course it was Agassi.

 

[Vek96]

Yup just like the Masters.

Exactly.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

The only time I've seen the pros play was an exhibition match in Florida a long time ago. I went to see Jimmy Connors play a long haired 15 year old I'd never heard of before. It was clear that the 15 year old was going to be a star; his forehand was incredible. Jimmy had partied too hard the night before I guess so the match only lasted one set, with Jimmy puking everywhere and all. I'm sure you can guess who the kid was...but of course it was Agassi.

Agassi is my favorite player ever.

 

[Drcats2025]

Agassi is my favorite player ever.

His run in 05 was my introduction to tennis. The wins over Blake and Ginepri to make it to the US Open final were the most excited I’ve ever been watching tennis

 

[wildcatdon]

I have decided that I am sick and tired of them having to wear white all the time. I understand it’s a tradition. It’s a stupid tradition. They look like they’re running around in their underwear on laundry day. If they’re still doing this 100 years from now, I’m going to be really pissed.

Also, if you had any doubts that Djokovic was the greatest of all time, watching him at age 39 physically break down a 25-year-old over a five hour match should set those doubts to rest.

Are you drinking? What a post. Yikes.

 

[wildcatdon]

I have decided that I am sick and tired of them having to wear white all the time. I understand it’s a tradition. It’s a stupid tradition. They look like they’re running around in their underwear on laundry day. If they’re still doing this 100 years from now, I’m going to be really pissed.

Also, if you had any doubts that Djokovic was the greatest of all time, watching him at age 39 physically break down a 25-year-old over a five hour match should set those doubts to rest.

Are you drinking? What a post. Yikes.

 

[wildcatdon]

Did they ever get the racquet under control? The men's game especially got unwatchable to me. A serve. Sometimes it got returned and then a volley back. The game got really boring.
Or maybe it's just me.

Its just you. What do you mean did they get the racquet under control? When was the last time you watched a match?

 

[Ahnan E. Muss]

Yes! Watching them practice is so much fun and rickets are super easy to get for all day. I stayed from morning until the main night match and it was amazing. I went for three days.

Huh, I would think being out in the sun would be enough to prevent rickets. Were your seats in the shade?