By Scoop Malinowski
There comes a time when the most beloved, vibrant, inspiring champions lose their magic and the public loses their passion and devotion for the certain player.
I remember when I first realized this aspect of tennis, talking about the US Open with my friend LeRoy Neiman, the renowned artist. I remember his exact quote which is still in my head, “I’m tired of watching Agassi.” This was in the last two or three years of Agassi’s career.
It was exactly true. Agassi had begun to become – may I dare say – boring? He was the old man still lingering around the sport, taking money, fame and prestige from the younger players. He was overstaying his time. People want to see the young talents blossom. There comes a time when the old champions need to step aside and let the new guard take over. Chrissie Evert even called Serena “greedy” last week.
You have to wonder is Federer greedy too? He’s won enough, earned enough, it’s time to step aside and let players like Tsitsipas, Thiem, Zverev, Moutet, Fritz, Tiafoe have their time in the spotlight.
In yesterday’s epic match vs Kevin Anderson, it seemed the Wimbledon crowd did not have the same animated enthusiasm for Roger as they have in the past, at least to this tennis observer. “There is no doubt that Federer is crowd favorite. But in past few years, even at Wimbledon, we have seen how biased the crowd becomes whenever he is down, be it against Raonic, Djokovic, Cilic. Yesterday, the crowd was pro-Fed but not exactly loud pro-Fed which we have seen in past. In fact, when Anderson won the set points, there was a loud celebration. Feels like the crowd failed to lift him up this time. I am sure if they would have started cheering unforced errors, faults and double faults by Anderson, he would have crumbled in fifth. But it never happened.”
Did you notice this turning of the tide? Is it possible, Federer could be losing his powers of appeal to the public or at least a segment of the public? And if so, how much will it affect Fed’s performance and inspiration to keep playing?
The day is eventually going to come when Federer is no longer the premier crowd favorite and most popular player. It’s inevitable that a new young player is going to replace Federer. And it could even possibly happen at center court at Wimbledon or the US Open this year.
Things can change quickly in sports. I remember seeing it happen at the Lennox Lewis vs Vitali Klitschko fight in Los Angeles in 2003. Lewis had barely beaten the unknown Ukrainian in a vicious bloody superfight but shockingly the crowd took to Klitschko because of they way he fought so bravely. The fight was stopped because of cuts on Klitschko’s face though he was winning after six rounds. He wanted to continue but the referee stopped the fight. The crowd resented the stoppage too and took it out on the long-standing honorable champion Lewis, who always was an example of class and integrity in a sometimes crazy sport.
The crowd at the Staples Center cheered the bloodied, little-known warrior from Ukraine and booed Lewis when his image was shown on the scoreboard after the stoppage. In an astonishing display of undeserved disrespect, they even booed Lennox, one of the greatest champions in history, as he left the ring. Lewis decided to decline the big money Klitschko rematch and never fought again.
Yes, things can change so very quickly in sports.
catherine · July 12, 2018 at 11:29 am
Scoop – the public can be so fickle. Yesterday’s idol can be today’s firewood. How long will Anthony Joshua be the crowd favourite ? What if he loses to Wilder ?
I wouldn’t agree Serena’s ‘greedy’ – strange thing for Chris to say 🙂 But she wants that record and then she’ll maybe retire. Delicate moment for a champion when they realise they’ve worn out their welcome. Happened to BJK. I can see Federer doing an Old Soldier – he’ll gently fade away…
Hartt · July 12, 2018 at 11:33 am
I have been ready to see some different faces winning big titles for some time now. But it’s not just Roger, but Rafa and Novak winning so much that has become too predictable. But, in the end, the other guys, both the more senior players and the youngsters, need to be able to take it from those all-time greats.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2018 at 1:22 pm
Catherine, Wilder is a total fraud. All of his fights were controlled if you know what I mean. He’s never fought anyone dangerous, all of his opponents have been under the control of his manager Al Haymon. Wilder’s team thought they could create him into a fraud champ but they did not expect to see Joshua emerge as a great. They never expected Joshua to fight and KO Klitschko. That sensational win made Joshua into a superstar. Joshua’s results make Wilder look like the phony pretender he is. Team Wilder has no confidence to challenge Joshua and are lying and pretending to want the fight while trying to make Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn out to be the duckers. I am 1000% percent of this. Joshua and Tyson Fury are the two best of this era, Wilder is the no class, big mouth pretender. Take that to the bank Catherine.
catherine · July 12, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Scoop – every day you read over here that the fight is on but the whole thing is shrouded in mystery. Like Fury’s next fight. I don’t doubt your knowledge. Boxing has always been shady in Britain, but probably not so much as in the States.
Who’s the person who is going to say ‘I’m tired of watching Federer/Nadal’ ?
It’s funny – the women’s draw had a good shakeout this W’don and everyone complained. Except Serena 🙂
catherine · July 12, 2018 at 2:33 pm
My comment disappeared. I’ll try again.
Who’s the first person who’s going to say ‘I’m tired of watching Roger Federer’ ?
Jacques White · July 12, 2018 at 3:18 pm
Hartt is so right on! The younger, new players have to wrestle the winning mantles away from the old guard. Because when you defeat your idols, it means everything!
Only Christine Marie Evert can tell you what she really meant by declaring Serena as “greedy,” but, if you got it, flaunt it. I heard the comment when Chrissie said it, and it appeared to be a compliment and a mere observation. Title holders become title collectors! When champions say, “I’ll be back next year,” it’s sparks immediate applause!
We are living in a gilded age right now! Champions are fitter, stronger, faster, better and earning six million dollars a year! More power to them! I’d love to see Rafa play until he’s forty! May the Force be with you! #VamosRafa
Duke Carnoustie · July 12, 2018 at 3:45 pm
To be fair, that crowd was full of more tennis fans than Fed fans. You can bet your last dollar that center court would have been a mob of Fed hyenas.
Fed is still fun to watch. Tom Brady is someone I am tired of. Go away. I don’t even watch football and I’m sick of the guy.
Wonder if Leroy Neiman ever met Leonard Nimoy. Just a thought.
catherine · July 12, 2018 at 5:06 pm
I met Leonard Nimoy in a hotel elevator in Detroit sometime in the late ’70s. He was on his way to post a letter.
Just thought you’d like to know that.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Catherine, Trust me the fight is not happening for years. Wilder and his protectors know their fraud will get destroyed by Joshua quickly. They are faking it. Same scheme as when Mayweather pretended to want to fight Pacquiao for six years but used a litany of excuses and fake retirements to constantly duck the fight. Mayweather was finally forced into the fight by CBS boss Les Moonves, that’s the only reason it happened, Moonves wanted the big money fight with Pacquiao and was tired of small money Floyd fights versus easy opposition. Wilder is going to try the same route as Mayweather, his controllers are the same people. Trust me Catherine, it’s all just a smoke and mirrors deception by the Wilder side, recycling their list of excuses to duck the fight and blame it on Joshua. They have invested a lot in Wilder and he still doesn’t generate any money and they don’t want to sacrifice him yet. Joshua is the real fighter, his promoter keeps making offers to Wilder, who say they agree but don’t sign the contract.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2018 at 8:06 pm
Jacques White, Rafa still loves to play and like Mima Jausovic said, playing tennis and winning seems still to be the most important thing in his life. His body is holding up and he’s playing and moving as well as ever. Pretty soon we will see Fed in that situation where old Sampras vs young Roger happened at Wimbledon, I think it will be old Fed vs young Tsitsipas and that will be the changing of the guard moment if Tsitsipas wins which I predict he will. Yes Chrissie said it not with any kind of edge or insult or disrespect but still she said it, she put Serena in the same sentence with the word greed. It was a gentle truth bomb or truth firecracker if you will. The great champions are greedy and they do have an insatiable thirst for glory, fame, and the unique high that winning at tennis provides. It’s an addiction, a healthy addiction.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2018 at 8:07 pm
Not sure about that Duke, but he did know and was friends with Peter Falk, Lee Majors and Bo Derek.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2018 at 8:08 pm
Catherine, thanks for sharing that info about Dr Spock, I beg your pardon, Leonard Nimoy. Any other details? Was he doing anything besides standing there like a mannequin?
q10 · July 12, 2018 at 10:06 pm
i’m been waiting several years for new slam champs on the men’s side…. but yes definitely requires that they step up
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2018 at 11:36 pm
Anderson has shown the best mental approach by openly saying that he can play as well as Fed and Rafa and then he backed it up yesterday. But it took him ten years to get to that point of confidence to speak out his bold ambitions.
Duke Carnoustie · July 13, 2018 at 1:21 am
Amazing development in Winnetka challenger. Collin Altamirino has won 6 straight matches – 3 in qualifying and is now in the semis. He had only been playing in futures events all year and now is taking down the big boys on the Challenger circuit.
You may remember he trounced Donaldson to win Kalamazoo as the first unseeded winner ever there. So he knows how to win the world is counting him out.
A guy like this has the drive and desire to win unlike the Socks and Querreys of the world. Altamarino may be a real American tennis hero.
How about Mike Bryan defying time to become No.1 in the world. Give him all the credit, amazing stuff.
Duke Carnoustie · July 13, 2018 at 1:38 am
Great last line here…
Q. Yesterday the club gave an award to Gabriela Sabatini who made much for tennis in South America and Argentina. What do you remember about her and how is her image in your vision?
JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: No, she’s an idol for me and for our country. She deserve to get this mention. I couldn’t see her yet, but it’s an honor always for us to meet her and to have a chat or whatever.
She’s also nice-looking and everybody loves Gabby, yeah.
catherine · July 13, 2018 at 2:33 am
Scoop – Nimoy wasn’t doing anything, just leaning up against the wall of the elevator. He didn’t acknowledge anyone. And vice versa. He was in Detroit playing Sherlock Holmes in some small production which got bad reviews so maybe that’s why he kept a low profile. I didn’t notice his ears 🙂
If Wilder ever meets Joshua in Britain Wembley Stadium won’t be big enough for the crowd but I’m with you in suspecting this match will never happen.
Yes – Chris probably meant Serena’s greedy for titles. So was she. So was Margaret actually, and every other champion.
Duke – interesting from Del Potro on Sabatini. Gabriela’s an enigma still. She retired so early and let no great legacy behind her or inspired Argentinian girls . Even in the very rare interviews I’ve read she evades questions and once again quietly slips away. Her beauty was a burden to her.
catherine · July 14, 2018 at 3:06 am
Read the press today and you’d think Federer had never existed.
Hartt · July 14, 2018 at 12:58 pm
Wow, Angie Kerber just won Wimbledon in SS over Serena. Serena had an off day, but Angie played some terrific tennis, with a good balance between playing aggressively and having good defense. When she saw her name on the list of champions she said this was her dream when she was a little girl.
She’s had experience now with the attention this win will bring, so it should be easier for her. A poster living in Germany said the match was covered on 2 main TV channels, the first time that happened since Graf played (and lost) in 1999. This will be huge in Germany.
catherine · July 14, 2018 at 1:11 pm
Hartt – I posted below – ‘she did it’ !
I think Angie planned her whole season around W’don – this is the one she wanted and after all her ups and downs I can’t think of any player who’s more deserving. She and her team obviously had a plan to beat Serena and it worked.
Like you, I think she’ll cope better now.
Women’s tennis seems in a bit of a disarray after this W’don. Interesting to see how things unfold.
catherine · July 14, 2018 at 1:48 pm
The pressure came from Angie’s serve, which was very good today, and her FH, DTL and X court – Serena made 24 UEs. I really don’t think she was expecting the level Kerber displayed today. I liked the way Angie skipped and bounced up to get the trophy. No genteel teetering there.
Hartt · July 14, 2018 at 3:44 pm
Catherine, yes indeed, she did it!
She played well throughout the match and if she can keep up that level she will be a threat in any tournament. I forget the number of UFEs Angie had, but it was very small. She is now No. 4 in the live rankings, about 100 points below Stephens, so this win also helps her seeding.
Hartt · July 14, 2018 at 5:44 pm
So Jack Sock and Mike Bryan won the Wimby doubles title over Klaasen and Venus. The 2nd one for Jack, I don’t know how many Mike has won. Whatever his problems in singles, Jack is a superb doubles player. They won in 5 sets, 7-5 in the fifth, so at least it wasn’t another crazy marathon, although it was certainly long enough.
Scoop Malinowski · July 14, 2018 at 6:05 pm
Maybe the media is moving on to the post Fed era. Looks like Fed will not add to his 20 total majors.
Scoop Malinowski · July 14, 2018 at 6:12 pm
Congrats to Kerber and Sock and Mike Bryan. Kerber is now a tennis legend and will be in the Hall of Fame. She played smart and well enough to disconcert Serena, which is very very hard to do. Serena bluffer her way to the finals, she didn’t look close to her best vs Giorgi but she found the way. Kerber is a different animal than Giorgi. Sock is a doubles legend and the best doubles player in the world today, maybe this will spark his singles. We’ll find out soon enough. The Djokovic win vs Nadal amazed me, it was possibly the best match I ever saw. It might have been Rafa’s best match even though he lost. Djokovic is back and thank the tennis gods for that. The quality of points today of Rafa vs Djokovic was unreal. Even Jelena Djokovic shook her head in disbelief at the end, and McEnroe called it impossible and he said the match made him feel proud to be a tennis player. Unreal match, maybe the best match ever played. Strokes of genius may have been exceeded.
catherine · July 15, 2018 at 2:15 am
I know it’s over but a couple of things irritated me about Serena’s post match comments – first, ‘I was playing for mom’s everywhere’. Really ? Serena’s not the first mother to reach a GS final and like all players ‘everywhere’ she was actually playing for herself. She entered Wimbledon, reached the final, and was beaten on the day by the better player. And that’s it.
Second, her comment that this was ‘just the beginning’ or similar words, as if she’s shortly going to regain her supremacy and opponents like Angie will be toast. Not only does this diminish Kerber’s win but I simply don’t believe it’s true.
Serena has had her day in the sun. She’ll get fitter and tighter in matches but I doubt her competitors see her as unbeatable. Just a fact of life and ageing.
Bill Simons will have to find another heroine.
Scoop Malinowski · July 15, 2018 at 8:50 am
Catherine, you and many others may be tiring of the Serena schtick. She’s been a fine champion and inspiration but I do wonder if it’s time to move on and if the sport would be better off with her departing at US Open. The whole playing for mothers angle rings disingenuous, she’s playing for her own ego and as Chrissie suggested, “greed.”
catherine · July 15, 2018 at 12:43 pm
Here’s a bit of symmetry:
2015 W’don r/up Muguruza
2016 W’don r/up Kerber
2017 Wimbledon winner Muguruza
2018 Wimbledon winner Kerber
Should have put a bet on that last 🙂