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Some Great Players Simply Show Their Best Tennis Away From The Slams
17 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Andy Murray crushed Rafael Nadal 6-love in the third set in the Tokyo final. I didn’t see the match but Murray must’ve played fantastic tennis to manhandle Nadal like that. Murray looked lethal in his semi-final bombardment of David Ferrer in two routine sets. For Murray, it’s another title and another example of his best tennis – where it seems to show itself most frequently – outside the Grand Slams.
There have been other players who have performed wondrous tennis outside of Slams – Marcelo Rios for example. In his dream year of 1998 he won Indian Wells and Miami – back-to-back Masters Series titles over Greg Rusedski and Andre Agassi, respectively. Another great performance I will never forget was Cedric Pioline at Monte Carlo in 2000. The athletic Frenchman was just pulverizing winners all over the court for winners, forehands and backhands. Dominant tennis. A couple of years ago I asked him about it and he agreed that was some of the best tennis he’s ever played. Pioline beat Hrbaty in the final, and Hrbaty could play some incredible tennis now and then.
Fabrice Santoro clobbered Pete Sampras once in Rome or Monte Carlo, 60 61.
David Nalbandian was on fire that year when he got into the 2005 year end World Championships after Roddick pulled out with injury. Nalbandian was down two-sets to Roger Federer in the final but came back to win the match. And in 2007 Nalbandian won Madrid and Paris Masters consecutively.
Ivan Ljubicic was a tennis-wrecking machine in Davis Cup in 2005, totally obliterating the American Davis Cup team in California.
Caroline Wozniacki can’t go without mention here. She is the best female tennis player in the world but she has consistently come up empty in the majors.
And we can’t forget, perhaps the greatest week in tennis history – Nicholas Massu’s Olympic double gold in singles and doubles, in Athens in 2004. Both were in five sets vs. Mardy Fish and in doubles with Fernando Gonzalez defeating Germany’s Kiefer and Scheuttler, from four match points down (2-6) in the fourth set tiebreaker.
Some players, for whatever reasons, just play their very best tennis away from the Grand Slam second weeks. Amazing tennis is still amazing tennis, where or when it is played shouldn’t matter, it’s still a joy to watch.
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Andrew Miller · October 11, 2011 at 2:06 am
Scoop – I agree with the Murray-Nalbandian comparison. One difference: Murray has made 3 slam finals and Nalbandian only one – but Murray is the “king of non slams” so long as Novak Djokovic is not playing.
Gotta wonder though if the “improve every day and never say die” attitude of Nadal and Djokovic had been part of Rios’ outlook whether Rios too would have won a slam (Petr Korda controversy aside). Gotta wonder too whether Murray, seeing Djoko’s success and knowing this is a guy he measures himself against given they are of similar age, also has a sense that he too will flip the switch and move into his best form as soon as next year come slam time.
Was it not only 1 year ago where Djokovic too had only made a few slam finals (one memorable AO slam win aside, almost considered a fluke given Federer’s illness in 2008?) You gotta think Murray is telling himself that his time is coming fast.
Scoop Malinowski · October 11, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Not sure about Murray. Murray is one of the great mysteries of the sport. He picks up titles – singles and doubles – all over the place but when it comes Slam time it’s always the same old story. He must be playing really well to dominate Ferrer and Nadal. I didn’t see these matches but before that, did you notice his new show of emotion, which he started this summer, the short Nadal-like punch? He does this after winning big points. I actually believe this is good for Murray, to feel comfortable showing positive emotions on the court, something which he seemed uncomfortable and inhibited with. Feeling free lets you play your best, most uninhibited free tennis. Though it must be said it seems he copied this from Nadal. I think it’s going to take experimenting with subtle changes like this that will make the difference in Murray winning his major. Though I am sure Dan and Michael will criticize this idea.
Steve · October 11, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Murray’s failure to win a slam is just a karmic thing for all those times he feigned injury, limping around like he was on the verge of collapsing and then ripping winners against off-guard opponents. He doesn’t do this as much anymore. So maybe he’ll get a slam soon.
Kind of interesting that his most famous coach, Brad Gilbert, also did poorly at slams but peaked at 4 in the world (though Murray has been as high as #2).
Michael · October 12, 2011 at 6:54 am
@Scoop: “She [Caroline Wozniacki] is the best female tennis player in the world but she has consistently come up empty in the majors.”
I don’t even think she really believes she’s number one anymore. Are you so entranced by the ranking system. No way can I give someone with such an abysmal record at the Majors props as #1 player. Any doubt in her mind (my mind was made up before) must have ended when Serena crushed her at the USO.
“And we can’t forget, perhaps the greatest week in tennis history – Nicholas Massu’s Olympic double gold in singles and doubles”
It’s by definition not the greatest week because it occurred at the Olympics which is still a distant second (or worse) to the Major’s. But this is where we are fundamentally at odds (and, I guess, explains why we differ over Woz as well):
“Amazing tennis is still amazing tennis, where or when it is played shouldn’t matter, it’s still a joy to watch. “:
Maybe to you it shouldn’t matter. But it does matter. It makes all the difference where you played it. It may be your best tennis but does it matter unless the context matters. If Nadal kills Murray or vice-versa at the public park in a practice match hitting winners he’s never been able to hit before does it matter ? If he does it at a 250 event ? I think not. And it is not only the tournament itself it is, as I’ve postulated before, because I don’t think you can be sure you are ever getting 100% unless you are watching Major tennis. So if you’re opponent isn’t giving his/her all — is it great tennis and does it matter ?
For me, great tennis, the kind of tennis people talk about 10, 20, 30 years later are when two players are playing at a Major each ideally at or near the top of their games. Few (other than the two players or maybe some of their peers) will remember or care that Murray killed Nadal at a non-event some random week in the calendar. I saw most of the match (TIVO a la tennis channel). Nice match. Yes, it can be joyful to watch but I forgot about it until I read your post. Federer’s loss to Djokor at the USO semis will be talked about as long as people still like talking about tennis. That was amazing. That forehand was amazing.
Scoop Malinowski · October 12, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Michael; Red Ayme told me a story for my book about Marcelo Rios about watching Rios play Arias for a dollar a point at Bollettieri and he said it was as competitive and entertaining as any ATP match because he said the players actually seemed to be trying harder as it was their own money at stake. I thought it was very interesting and makes the point that some of the best tennis you will ever see doesn’t always happen at Center Court or Chatrier, Ashe or Rod Laver Arena. I know people who still are in awe of watching some of Rios’ practice sessions with the likes of Arazi, Delgado, Kuerten. Your point about the Olympics is right regarding America as the American public just does not seem to appreciate and value the Olympics like most other nations. What Massu did in Athens was superhuman – and a feat that Nadal and Federer and Djokovic will never match, or come close to matching.
TC · October 13, 2011 at 1:19 am
When’s your book out Scoop?
Michael · October 13, 2011 at 1:59 am
“What Massu did in Athens was superhuman – and a feat that Nadal and Federer and Djokovic will never match, or come close to matching.”
If you mean coming close to winning singles/doubles at the Olympics then probably true because despite the occasional pronouncement the Olympics is just not that big a deal in tennis and as a consequence the top players are not scheduling/working toward that goal.
If you mean coming close in terms of tennis feats that matter then I’m putting the statement right up there with winning a MX title at a Major makes you a target. A young gun ripe for the top singles players.
Andrew Miller · October 13, 2011 at 2:33 am
I agree with Scoop that Massu’s feat was huge. Gotta feel good for Mardy Fish these days – he’s overcome the 2004 Athens Olympics and has arguably had a better career than Massu and put himself in position for more “golden” chances. I love the Mardy Fish story. I would have liked to see him close out Tsonga in 4 at the Open (or even in 3). He would have had to maintain his 3rd set momentum to win in 4. I wanted to see Fish taken on Federer in the most important match he’d ever played – but to do that he had to win the 2nd most important match he’d ever played up until that point!
Scoop is also right about tennis played away from the majors – it can be awesome. Seriously some of the quali matches I saw even in DC (mind you: it was Soderling vs. Dancevic for a spot in either the final round of qualis or the 1st round of Legg Mason 2001) were thrillers. And I will remember them – even Dancevic’ squeaking shoes (you kind of felt he was on the verge of a major injury at any moment the way his shoes squeaked with each movement and the way he grunted with every point).
I had no idea how good both of them were. I just remember my friend telling me “sheesh..those guys are 16? 17? They are amazing”. Pretty much – they really were.
Scoop Malinowski · October 13, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Very very soon Thomas. I corrected the final proof version and added a new chapter (after getting some new info at US Open) last week, should be very soon but don’t have an exact date. Thanks for asking and sorry for the delay, it’s a tricky thing publishing yourself when most of the interaction is done by email! (Geeeesh)
Scoop Malinowski · October 13, 2011 at 12:24 pm
All winners are targets in tennis Michael. Whether it be a satellite, challenger or mixed doubles title, everyone wants to knock off the champion. I haven’t lost in two years in singles down at our local courts and you better believe I’m a target just like Jack Sock!
Scoop Malinowski · October 13, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Andrew you sure saw some great tennis in DC, still remember your memories of Rios there which will be in my book. I love that tournament too, the venue is not brand spanking new but it’s a great place to watch tennis and usually the draw are solid. So many good memories there from attending it three years. Saw Isner make his amazing breakout there, Soderling vs. Berdych slugging away, Hewitt vs. DY on center court.
Andrew Miller · October 14, 2011 at 4:34 am
Hi Scoop – it is a pretty interesting place to watch tennis in Rock Creek Park, DC – first, it’s a natural environment; second, if you can withstand the heat wave (a big if!), on the outer courts you can put your feet on the same court the players are on. It is pretty unbelievable when watching these players hit shots and think – yeah, you know she really did play that one a little safe, or even wonder: sheesh, you know I cant believe we play the same sport! On TV it seems sometimes that players and rec players dont play the same sport. In person though it’s pretty special – you see you DO play the same sport. And it’s also unbelievable when there are tons of people out – tennis can be an isolating experience. You recognize there is a lot of love for the sport on the ground level.
Thanks a million Scoop – my memory of Rios is pretty humble. He was one of the few players I’ve ever seen who I still believe: “this is one of the players where we actually DONT play the same sport”. Watching him practice was an education. Only a few players in practice remind me of how the game CAN be player when played creatively – Nadal, Federer, Baghdatis, Nalbandian, Agassi (in terms of pure marksmanship – no spot he couldnt hit), but the godfather has to be Rios. Seeing him hit around, people were just shaking their heads – they knew that they couldnt play like Rios either!
Scoop Malinowski · October 14, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Well said Andrew Rios did play a different game, a grand slam champion in doubles said the exact same thing, he was ahead of his time, his time hasn’t even come yet. You, and a photographer and and a certain champion are the only three who have said it that way. Great minds think alike : – ) Not going to tell you who the champion is, leave that as a surprise for you when hopefully you read the book “Marcelo Rios: The Man We Barely Knew.” (shameless plug)
Andrew Miller · October 15, 2011 at 3:45 am
Scoop did Guga like how Rios played? They were 2-2 (one retirement from Rios – that’s basically like the Rios-Agassi matches, where you let the Rios match in Miami, the 2002 match, let the third set be played and Rios may well have been undefeated vs. Agassi. But Kuerten and Rios were 2-2, with Rios retiring during one match, Rios might have come back and won it.
Kuerten also was a special player. He was awesome in practice. An excellent release off each side – well trained. Real natural.
With some players, like Kafelnikov – watching him I thought so-so serve, unbelievable backhand. The backhand was magic, the forehand not Edberg’s (basically a pushed shot – maybe Brad Gilbert even had a better forehand!) but nothing to write home about. Kafelnikov was also clever – not Marcelo Rios clever, but very clever nonetheless.
Safin – he was just sick. I mean he hit a lot of sick shots. Safin’s the other extreme – another guy with too much talent, but this time the talent is sheer power. Safin though I thought – another Safin will come along, a guy who should win way more than he does. Rios I was like sheesh, I really don’t think many of these guys will come along in a lifetime.
On the WTA side, Patty Snyder was another player who hit some seriously great shots. However she could only go so far – she was also no Rios. But I think she played like him sometimes.
Scoop Malinowski · October 15, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Andrew, I never got to talk to Guga about Rios as he wasn’t around for the last few years. I got an account of a Rios-Guga practice in Miami by a fan who watched it in awe. Rios dominated Guga in juniors and in their first ATP matches but then Kuerten reversed it and finally beat Rios. I have included a match study account from a DVD of one of their matches in Masters Series on clay the year after Guga won French Open and Rios dominated him easily. The commentator actually says Rios is toying with Guga as he bagels him in the set. Kafelnikov was one of the players who gave Rios a lo to trouble, Jiri Novak was another. Kafel was too steady and just physically stronger than Rios. Schnyder definitely had a bit of the Rios flair, her husband/coach Rainer Hofman loved Rios and was his hitting partner very early in his career. Hofman remembers Rios when he first came to Bollettieri, he shared some unique insights about Rios. Safin was a marvel, like a young Herschel Walker, Andrew Golota, Mike Tyson, just an unstoppable force when his head and heart and focus were all on the game.
Andrew Miller · October 15, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Scoop – maybe Rios’ perfectionism got him? Not just the injuries – the lack of “never say die” and if things not quite going his way, quit during the match? He also seem to have a depressed side – the moody demeanor.
Today’s champions – Federer doesn’t retire and I don’t remember Nadal retiring too much. Djokovic retires and has been criticized heavily for it.
Scoop Malinowski · October 15, 2011 at 6:42 pm
It was a combination of things which brought down Rios from his #1 ranking, as you will find out in the book.