Roger Federer was an artist, he played improvisational, free style, elegant, evolving tennis. He wasn’t limited to anything. I think he should take the same philosophy for his brainstorm Laver Cup exhibition.
The World vs Europe format is not interesting or exciting like it’s blueprint inspiration Ryder Cup which features USA vs Europe. Laver Cup vs Ryder Cup is a complete failure, Ryder Cup is far more exciting, dramatic, emotional and thrilling. It’s a unanimous knockout win for golf.
Time for Federer to improvise and break out of the Europe vs World chains. And evolve Laver Cup to a new frontier, a new plateau.
As a creative minded person who loves tennis, I will offer some ideas.
How about #nextgen vs #oldergen, under 22 vs over 22? Or best lefties vs best righties, for bragging rights. Or the four regions – North America, South America, Europe, and Asia/Australia. Or everybody use wood racquets?
Or change it up and be creative to whatever the old master Roger wants to try. Anything but limiting to World vs Europe, which I’m sorry to say, has run its course and needs an adjustment.
Hey Roger, no consulting fees for these suggestions but if you read this and like the ideas, invoice coming!
Steve · September 18, 2024 at 8:09 am
Good ideas. Other than Rafa & Roger playing doubles together I found it hard to get into. I much prefer UTS.
Of course, Gasquet would dominate a wood racquet tourny. 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · September 18, 2024 at 11:13 am
Should be creative and improvisational like RF was as a player. Surprised Sinner isn’t there. This edition of LC could be a big bust.
Scoop Malinowski · September 18, 2024 at 11:58 am
Steve, haven’t seen a lot of UTS but it seems to have a lot of bells and whistles and flashy lights. I don’t think tennis needs all that gimmickry, the tennis sells itself. Like to see the traditional quiet simple presentation like from the past but maybe I’m out of touch, pro sports trends now towards obscenely loud music, lights, pizzazz and all that jazz. Do you like how UTS does it?
Steve · September 19, 2024 at 12:02 pm
I’m actually a traditionalist when it comes to the rules of tennis so was surprised I liked UTS. I think you would like that players like Bublik and Kyrgios can break as many racquets as they want, yell and throw tantrums without penalties. In encourages personalities to express themselves. I also got to watch some players I never would focus on otherwise like Garin. Some of the gimmicks are fun and the players are really trying to win as opposed to the hit & giggle garbage of Agassi playing with Sinner, Mac & Alcaraz.
Scoop Malinowski · September 19, 2024 at 2:07 pm
Steve, Good mix of personalities in Monf, Bublik, Nick, Garin. I saw Agassi with Carlos vs Djokovic and McEnroe at US Open and it was a lot of talking and joking but it was hilarious, Agassi was the funniest guy on the court. It was H&G rubbish as you would say but it was fun to watch. Did you see that? It’s on you tube, just about ten minutes.
Steve · September 19, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Yeah, I saw it. I’m not into it. If Andre wants to try his hand at stand-up he can book a gig a Yuk-Yuks. lol
Scoop Malinowski · September 19, 2024 at 4:06 pm
I’ve become a big admirer of Agassi since his book Open and seeing his recent interviews. he will replace McEnroe as the voice of the sport imo. best analyst of all time, funny smart astute diplomatic but also free from establishment restraints.
Steve · September 20, 2024 at 8:21 am
By playing and promoting pickleball he lost a lot of fans, at least the people I play with. “His” book was great but it was written by someone else.
Scoop Malinowski · September 20, 2024 at 8:52 am
He says he really loves pickleball and it seems to be authentic from his heart but of course he is paid handsomely for those two PB exhibitions he did the last two years in Florida. When I read Open I hear it in his voice, it feels and sounds 100% Agassi. I would guess the writer JD Mohringer helped with structure and some vocabulary though Agassi has always been very articulate.
Douglas Day · September 26, 2024 at 5:25 pm
….If a tad “WOKE”
Scoop Malinowski · September 26, 2024 at 9:22 pm
Doug, hope you’re okay down there with this storm. Agassi is non political, never gets involved in anything political. Seems he doesn’t care at all about anything to do with politics.