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Davis Cup 2015: Will it be France? USA? Australia? Canada?
47 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Switzerland’s exciting conquest of the Davis Cup this year inside a packed 27,000 seat soccer stadium in Lille, France is going to be a tough act to follow in 2015.
Sports betting site MTS reports that it’s unknown if superstars Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka will commit to defending the Cup, as both may prioritize to add to their Grand Slam major title totals instead of devoting potentially four weeks of the season to winning a second Davis Cup. Mats Wilander interviewed both Federer and Wawrinka after their triumph in the final vs. France.
Another major absence will also be missed in this year’s competition: Struggling Spain has dropped from the World Group and is now being captained by former professional woman player Gala Leon. Leon controversially replaced former ATP World Number One and Davis Cup hero Carlos Moya – a move that Rafael Nadal publicly called “strange.”
USA, under captain Jim Courier, has sputtered the last two years and must face England again for the second year in a row in the first round, which will be played March 6-8. This time the tie will be contested across the pond. England defeated the United States last year in San Diego behind the heroics of Andy Murray who beat Donald Young and Sam Querrey. USA will depend on John Isner, Sam Querrey (or perhaps Jack Sock or Steve Johnson) and the ATP World Number One doubles team the Bryan Brothers to get the job done.
Defending champ Switzerland opens it’s title defense on the road against Belgium which will likely be spearheaded by the ascending David Goffin, who skyrocketed up the singles rankings in the second half of 2014, winning several ATP and Challenger level singles titles. If the “Fedrinka” duo opt to pass on playing in this tie – as is expected – Belgium will be the favorites to defeat Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer.
Germany is an interesting team with Florian Mayer, Peter Gojowczyk, Benjamin Becker, Daniel Brands, and Philipp Kohlschreiber. But mighty France is standing in their path again. France edged Germany this year in the quarterfinal, 3-2, as Gael Monfils defeated Phil Kohlschreiber to save France. France will again be lead by it’s core unit of Gasquet, Monfils, Tsonga, Simon, Benneteau, and perhaps Paire.
The most interesting first round clash pits Australia vs. Czech Republic, which won the Davis Cup in 2012 and 2013 and reached the semis this year. Australia appears to be a very strong unit, anchored by veteran Lleyton Hewitt, and young guns Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic. Australia, winner of the Davis Cup 29 times, has never faced Czech Republic in this international event. Czech Republic will again be powered by Thomas Berdych, Radek Stepanek and Jiri Vesely.
Another intriguing first round battle will feature European powerhouses Serbia vs. Croatia. Serbia’s line-up could include ATP World Number One Novak Djokovic, Janko Tipsarevic, Viktor Troicki and doubles star Nenad Zimonjic. Croatia could call on US Open champ Marin Cilic, Ivo Karlovic and teenage sensation Borna Coric, who is the youngest player in the ATP top 100. This duel between two former Cup champions will be played in Serbia.
The classic South American soccer rivalry will play out on the tennis court as Argentina meets Brazil. Argentina’s top star Juan Martin Del Potro, who hasn’t played in Davis Cup since 2012 because of a dispute with captain Martin Jaite, may make his return to the competition now that Jaite has been replaced with new captain Daniel Orsanic.
Argentina also has Leonardo Mayer, Horacio Zeballos, Federico Delbonis and Carlos Berlocq available to play. Brazil’s best players are lefty Thomas Bellucci and Bruno Soares who won the US Open mixed doubles title this year.
Also, another intriguing first round showdown features Japan versus Canada in Canada (Canada def. Japan this year in Japan), with Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic expected to go head to head. The two top ten stars will likely renew their rivarly with US Open finalist Nishikori currently holding the clearcut edge in their numerous head to head meetings. Vasek Pospisil and Daniel Nestor will again back up Raonic for Canada this year.
And last, Italy and the always unpredictable Fabio Fognini, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Seppi vs. Kazakhstan in Kazakhstan. Remember, the dangerous Kazakhs forced Switzerland to a deciding fifth match in the semifinals this year and could be a force to be reckoned with again this year with Andrey Golubev, who played a part in two of his country’s two match wins vs. the Swiss. Oleksandr Nedovyesov partnered Golubev in beating Federer and Wawrinka in doubles.
France is the betting favorite this year but with some of their curious captain match-up decisions over the years, it’s easy to overlook their chances to capture the cup this year. I expect Canada, Australia or Serbia to make competitive runs for the 2015 Davis Cup.
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Scoop Malinowski · December 18, 2014 at 11:09 am
Richard Gasquet made some interesting comments about losing to Fed in the Cup clinching match… Gasquet on losing to Federer in Davis Cup final: “It was very tough to lose that tie. There were so many people in Lille who came to watch. I tried my best in the last rubber. I tried to change my tactic, but I just couldn’t. I was beaten technically. He is a “monster” of greatness, it really wasn’t a mental block from my part. I didn’t have time to hit the ball that it was back already, Roger served well and I just didn’t make the difference with my backhand. His experience is incredible. On those kind of matches he is just perfect and he really isn’t afraid of the moment, the situation, he doesn’t feel the pressure of the event. I could have as well tried to agitate the crowd after every point, but it wouldn’t have made a difference. I had some little physical trouble, but he came from a tough and long season of tennis. Even without much training on the surface he knew what he was doing. His back injury wasn’t really serious. Maybe if I had 10 more matches won on my shoulders it could have been different for me” revealed Richard in a stream of words and thoughts.
Scoop Malinowski · December 18, 2014 at 3:55 pm
Also, Gasquet is practicing with Rafa in Mallorca right now. Interesting that Gasquet is allowing himself to be used as a sparring partner/punching bag. But then again it’s got to be physical brutal super intense training to keep up with Rafa.
Dan Markowitz · December 18, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Would you pass up the chance to hit/practice with Rafa, especially in a sunny warm locale? Also, you can look at it this way, Rafa doesn’t fear Gasquet at all to allow him to practice with him.
Scoop Malinowski · December 18, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Well, Young infamously passed on the Rafa invite a few years ago. It cuts both ways. Subject yourself as the hired sparring partner, or go in there and try to beat the man. Rafa doesn’t fear any player, he’d practice (beat up on) anyone. Wonder who Fed is going to fly over to Dubai this winter? Djokovic is in Monte Carlo with Raonic and a bunch of top 100 guys at the ATP training camp.
Dan Markowitz · December 18, 2014 at 9:39 pm
Wow, didn’t even know there was an ATP training site in MC. DY probably doesn’t like going to Europe any more than he has to.
I sent in application for Indy Wells, tough place to get credentialed as I learned in the past.
Scoop Malinowski · December 19, 2014 at 8:48 am
IW is tough to get accepted into, it’s a very hot tournament, media and fans rave about it being superior to Miami but I think Miami is the best of all. As far as location and overall presentation I like Miami as much as the US Open. Can’t rate IW because haven’t been there yet.
dan markowitz · December 19, 2014 at 8:56 am
Hard to say, I’ve been to Miami twice I think and while I like it, here’s what I don’t like about it:
1. It reminds me of D.C. The courts and site seem old to me, like they need a refurbishing. Then when you walk around the side courts, many have big bleachers around them and you can’t see who’s playing.\
2. Getting out to Key Biscayne, while it’s comely, it’s a pain in the royal butt. I’ve never driven my car out there. I’ve always ridden my bike and that’s not a great ride back to Miami Beach if you stay for the night matches. The cars always seemed bottlenecked and in jams.
3. It almost doesn’t feel like an American tournament to me. It feels more Spanish or South American.
4. I like New York City much better than Miami and the courts at the Open, especially after last year’s refurbishing, are much better arranged than Miami.
Indy Wells is cool, but there’s not a lot of energy out there because everyone’s either too cool Hollywood or they’re 80. It is hard to get a press pass, but then I see a fair number of press members who are not really tennis reporters, but they have some kind of sports web site that gets them the pass.
The area is beautiful, but it’s expensive to stay out there because even the Motel 6 in Indio, which looks like a jail cell, costa like $70 a night. Why do I go out there? Basically, it’s usually a better tournament than Miami I think and I like Cally better than Florida.
Scoop Malinowski · December 19, 2014 at 9:48 am
The Miami site could use a face lift, compared to the US Open, yes it’s quite outdated. But in a way I like that old school feel. I miss old Yankee Stadium, old Shea Stadium, the Montreal Forum, The Spectrum. The Miami site has that historic feel, like Newport and DC which is nice One thing about Miami is there are so few shady spots and you have to wilt under the sun if you watch a lot of matches. There’s no escape front he sun at any court. Wish they could find a way to construct a canopy or screen or half cover or wall or something to block some of the sun. The food court is shaded by umbrellas and trees. Driving to Crandon Park is fine if you leave early. Gotta stay nearby. This year I stayed near the Univ of Miami Coral Gables and it was a breeze every day. Staying in Miami Beach is much more complicated as I learned two years ago. Agree Dan, biking from South Beach is an adventure, it’s a bit too far to bike a couple days in a row, let alone even one.
Dan Markowitz · December 19, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Do you know they are re-doing the Hall of Fame at Newport? I don’t know if they read this web site and how I said the last time I visited there I thought the Hall was outdated and didn’t have enough interactive technology. I feel Newport is oldish looking and feeling because it’s historic tournament, but D.C. and Miami should update their facilities. But Delray hasn’t done anything to upgrade their site either.
Scoop Malinowski · December 19, 2014 at 12:58 pm
No matter what, someone is going to call for changes. Whether it’s venues, the Davis Cup format/schedule, it will never satisfy all. I actually like Newport and Davis Cup, as Billy Joel would sing… just the way they are.
Dan Markowitz · December 19, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Jack Sock had recent hip surgery and will miss Aussie Open. Not what Sock was hoping for to start his 2015 I’m sure. Raonic has come back nicely from hip surgery so that’s got to be comforting for Sock, but wow 22 and you’re already getting hip surgery.
jg · December 20, 2014 at 8:04 am
It’s the hard courts, I wonder what surface they are practicing on in monte Carlo, I assume it’s clay even with the AO coming up?
Scoop Malinowski · December 20, 2014 at 8:33 am
jg they have hard courts at Monte Carlo CC too.
Scoop Malinowski · December 20, 2014 at 8:34 am
Tough luck for Sock hope he’s doing yoga now as a preventative measure.
Dan Markowitz · December 20, 2014 at 9:42 am
Sliding on those hard courts must do havoc to the hips. This is going to be a big hill for Sock to climb back from. He already had an injury early in his career that set him back. This injury could rob him of his effectiveness in 2015.
Scoop Malinowski · December 20, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Let’s hope Sock and Jamie Hampton do not fall off the face of the tennis planet like poor Brian Baker has. With how hard all these kids are training and how physical the sport has become, unfortunately there may be more of these examples of careers hampered by and cut short by injury.
Andrew Miller · December 20, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Who knows. Would think Sock will be ok. Haas is fine, but maybe that’s because Haas is (1) German (knows a good process leads to a good outcome) and (2) a former world #2 (3) he’s done it before. Haas has come back so many times so he says, no problem – I’ll do it again, what a great challenge, and what else am I going to do anyways?
Hampton who knows.
What I do know:
Lots of coaching changes this off-season. Think the most interesting ones in terms of potential pay outs involve the women’s tour. Radwanska with Navratilova – two master strategists on the same court. Hantuchova with Carlos Rodriguez – Carlos basically puts talent towards its optimum use so you have to believe Hantuchova will be seeing some good results this year (given she’s a confidence player – needs a lot of matches and good vibes – I’d think she needs a few tournament wins and a deep slam).
Andrew Miller · December 20, 2014 at 6:46 pm
I like Harrison’s return to Doyle also but I’ll keep Harold’s comments in mind and take a “wait and see” approach to team U.S.A. will say that quality coaching gets quality results and some coaches, who otherwise should be effective, give in to players (maybe who don’t want to try new things or be mindful of some habits or on court patterns).
Scoop Malinowski · December 20, 2014 at 8:02 pm
Carlos Rodriguez with Hantuchova is very interesting and a surprise that a lot more players weren’t burning up his phone lines. He has a tremendous record of success with Henin and Li Na. Might be a bit too late for Hantuchova but hey you never know, Mauresmo, Schiavone, Novotna and Capriati won late finally so it is possible.
Andrew Miller · December 20, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Wouldn’t recommend practicing with either. I’d hope players go “Rosol” on the top 10. Respect them to the degree you’ll work hard enough to beat them.
That said – Sampras used his practice sessions with Lendl to show Lendl the door. Pete Fischer must’ve still been in his ear, told him what to expect and use it.
Scoop Malinowski · December 21, 2014 at 7:40 am
Funny how we see the ATP stars taking a young player under their wing and training withhim (Lendl-Sampras, Fed-a bunch, Moya-Nadal, Gulbis-Thiem, Nadal-Lajovic) but you never hear of examples of prominent WTA players taking a young girl pro under their wing and training with them.
Andrew Miller · December 21, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Wta, too many issues. Bouchard- no friends, doesnt think you can do it. It is the old thing where guys can fight and be ok but it is different on the wta ledger – a fight means a cold war that lasts a career. Some of the reason i think the wta plauers are more prey to bad intentions, control by coaches etc. Really is like a war for those players. For the guys it is ok, we will practice.
Andrew Miller · December 21, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Berdych has my attention. Clearly Wawrinka and Cilic have woken up their peers and lit a fire. Thank Rosol again.
The Czech recently hired Dani Vallerdu as his new coach, and also switched trainers. (AP Photo)
Berdych wants new team to rejuvenate his game
KAMAKSHI TANDON | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014
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Tomas Berdych says he is looking to new coach Dani Vallverdu to improve his strategy and take a new approach to his game.
Berdych, who had attempted to get Andy Murray’s former coach Ivan Lendl to work with him, said he asked Vallverdu to join him following his decision to leave his longtime position as Murray’s assistant coach.
“When I finish, I want to be able to say I tried everything and in that sense I was looking to make the decision to change my team… the news came up that Dani was available and it helped in all my decisions. I approached him and it all started,” Berdych told the ATP website.
“The thing I like most about Dani is that he’s a fresh new guy who’s going to come and work with me. He’s going to see my tennis with different eyes, which is very important because I think when you’ve spent a long time with a certain team, you can kind of lose the wider angle.”
The former Wimbledon finalist also has a new trainer, and is changing things up following a season in which he reached one Grand Slam semifinal but won just two titles overall, neither above the 500 level.
Berdych wants his new team to get him contending for the majors once more, saying, “Dani is very strong in knowing the players and making strategies for matches. That’s something I was missing a bit.
“It’s about trying to bring a bit more variety in my game, having options, and knowing what is the right thing to do in each moment. I think these details can make a big difference in the end.
“I’m giving myself the opportunity that when I step on the tennis court, I’ll have all the cards in my hand and can use them in the match. It’s going to be all about getting those details and the things that Dani can teach me with his different view and try to replicate them on the court.â€
However, the 29-year-old sees it as a long-term effort. “It’s not about miracles,†said Berdych. “It’s about the constant preparation and constant work. It’s like building a house. You have to start with the foundations; you can’t start with the roof. Let’s say the roof is the results and we have to start with the base. We’re in that preparation stage and working hard.”
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Scoop Malinowski · December 21, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Berdych has to go all the way and hire Lendl, whether it’s part of full time, hire Lendl. Vallverdu doesn’t know how to win a major. Lendl does. I have a hunch that Lendl is going to work with T Berd but out of loyalty and respect to Murray, he’s making it seem like the decision process is a long difficult one. We’ll see. Lendl is the key element IMO to uplift Berdych to the winner’s circle of a major.
Scoop Malinowski · December 21, 2014 at 6:21 pm
Women veteran players not taking young upstarts under their wings is an issue that should be further discussed. Serena and Venus should be more helpful to the young Americans. Connors-Krickstein. Nastase-Connors. Lendl-Sampras. Vitas-Johnny Mac. Fed-Stan. Gulbis-Thiem. Stan-Paire. Rios was helpful to Gonzalez and Massu. WTA players should strive to be like this. Serena especially.
Andrew Miller · December 22, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Wawrinka and Cilic showed slams are possible for players that aren’t Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Murray (the Del Potro victory should have shown that also in 2009, but that turned out differently for now). I expect the “big four” remains in the hunt – with a few filling out slam semifinals, but the pressure this year from everyone else will be greater.
I think anyone in the top 20 has a slam chance.
For the women. I think we’ll see a let-down from Bouchard and Halep – their results this year should spell “slams” for 2015 but I’m going to say “sophomore slump” time for both, especially after firing coaches that brought them to this point. I’ve seen this before – what happens when you replace a good coach with decent coaches. It’s no sure thing for any player and tennis by its nature is volatile.
Sometimes you have to believe in coaches, so I think Carlos Rodriguez will get Hantuchova ready to do well – she can get slam quarters or better. I think also that players like Ivanovic may be even better this year – not unlike Capriati’s return to the winner’s circle, Ivanovic’s return in terms of re-gaining her form has been “AWESOME”. Radwanska and Wozniaki are also “back in the mix”.
Like the men’s tour the women’s will still have the top players as the favorites – Williams, Sharapova, Kvitova, etc. But their road to slams should be (even more) competitive this year and I just don’t see “champ in waiting” Bouchard getting her name etched on the slam trophy just yet. Maybe she does – but her form dropped off a cliff after Wimbledon.
Scoop Malinowski · December 23, 2014 at 8:55 am
Think Bouchard made a mistake not hiring Carlos Rodriguez, she is so close but that last step will be very hard for her. Rodriguez has a history of being able to coach his girls to win majors (Henin and Na). For as good as a coach as Saviano is to help guide Bouchard to this point maybe he couldn’t take her any farther. Wonder what the reasons were for the parting, probably $. Bouchard is a big target now for the other girls, it’s gonna be difficult for her. Clearly Bouchard is being groomed as a future face of the WTA which is only going to increase the pressure. The Bouchard story this year will be interesting to follow. There are several players under the radar to watch out for: Pliskova, Stephens, Muguruza, etc.
Andrew Miller · December 23, 2014 at 10:10 am
Bouchard’s game is solid but it was exposed – players started hitting deeper, straight down the middle.
That said she has the champion pedigree, i dont think she will be Dementieva or even Zvereva in terms of slam finals performance. To me it is a question of when, not if. I just am doubtful that when is now. But who knows, her confidence may come back, boost her results.
Scoop Malinowski · December 23, 2014 at 3:12 pm
I felt the same say earlier this year Andrew, but the failure at Wimbledon final to Kvitova and the subsequent struggles have weakened my confidence in her to go all the way. Certain players have their crack at it and when they come so close and fall short, they crumble to some degree. Examples of this are: Coria, Kournikova, Philippousis, Rios, Zvonareva, Safina, Zvereva, Mary Joe, Mal Washington, Rusedski, Huber, Youhzny, Gonzalez, etc.
Andrew Miller · December 23, 2014 at 9:29 pm
Rios, Phili had the champion pedigree. Everyone else came before Wawrinka!
I like Bouchard’s toughness, she has a mean streak to her on court.
Bryan · December 23, 2014 at 10:32 pm
Dan I hope you do get a press pass to Indian Wells. I don’t see why they don’t rubber stamp it. It’s a bigger, more prestigious tournament to win than Miami even if they have the same amount of ATP points. Worth the trip, although personally I’d boycott them if they didn’t give me a pass.
Bryan · December 23, 2014 at 10:37 pm
As for Davis Cup, IMO the US players with Isner and Sock (if he’s the one) and Bryan Bros are a formibdable lineup. They should go all out to win their ties. Seems many countries’ best players are emphasizing it, so it could be a way to but US men’s tennis back on the map. If Fed and Warinka bail it’s an even better opportunity.
Bryan · December 23, 2014 at 10:40 pm
“Bouchard is a big target now for the other girls, it’s gonna be difficult for her. Clearly Bouchard is being groomed as a future face of the WTA which is only going to increase the pressure.”
Agreed Scoop. Genie’s crash and burn at Montreal showed she’s not yet able to manage pressure. It was shocking and I’d never seen her crumble like that before. Maybe it’s an experience every young player has to go through, where they get through it and it doesn’t occur anymore. As a Genie fan that’s what I hope anyhow.
Dan Markowitz · December 24, 2014 at 7:35 am
Thanks, Bryan. Haven’t heard back yet, but did send in application. I like Indy Wells. When I lived in California I went there for the NCAA championships back in the 80’s with Jonathan Stark from Stanford winning, I believe.
I’ve gone back twice since for the pro event. I like how the press can eat in the player’s cafe. When I was with Spadea writing the book, I had great access, sitting there eating lunch with Vince while the other players milled around and Vince made comments about them.
I like how a lot of the European players like Nadal and Monfils play futbol on the big green outside the players’ locker rooms. And I like how the weather is always sunny and dry, well, it did rain a couple of times the last time I was out there. I’m trying to sell a story on Monfils and if this is his year as he turns 29 next month and after playing 32 slams, to win a slam.
Scoop Malinowski · December 24, 2014 at 8:31 am
Let’s hope Courier can keep the troops motivated for Davis Cup. Isner could be at the age to lose interest and focus on his ranking. Isner is the key, if he is fully committed to Davis Cup and Sock or Querrey can step up and win some big matches this year the USA will be a force, Bryans are a guaranteed point every tie. Again, the key is Isner’s dedication and commitment.
Scoop Malinowski · December 24, 2014 at 8:33 am
Genie is now expected to win Bryan, and the early round matches will be battles for her, all those unseeded girls want her scalp. Genie’s season and how she copes will be one of the intrigues for 2015.
dan markowitz · December 24, 2014 at 2:10 pm
I’ve watched Bouchard play a good deal and while she did surprise me with the leap she took last year, to me, she’s Sharapova-lite. She’s not as big as Maria and doesn’t hit as hard. Her serve is not a weapon as far as I’ve viewed it.
I’ll go on record saying she won’t win a slam until she’s at least 22 and maybe never. To lose the way she did to Kvitova at Wimbledon this year and to lose to Makarova at the Open this year, she played horribly after Wimbledon.
Scoop Malinowski · December 24, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Bouchard has a similar game to Li Na, I think she will go all the way and win a major or two or three. This year is important for her. If she can’t do it this year she could lose a lot of confidence and drive. She could gradually nosedive like the other glamour girls Kournikova and Carling Bassett.
Andrew Miller · December 24, 2014 at 10:09 pm
Bouchard is great ! Still a lot to learn, but cant teach her tiger like approach to the sport. For now she is dementieva clone. Not bad raw material.
Tennis Observer · December 25, 2014 at 7:03 am
Bouchard is another dumb WTA baseline basher. The Wimbledon final showed that nicely. If she can outhit someone she can win, otherwise chokes on Plan A. Fortunately for her the current WTA is a joke, so she will have chances especially after the Serena/Sharapova retirement in a couple of years.
Scoop Malinowski · December 25, 2014 at 7:37 am
Tennis Observer, can’t call Bouchard dumb, to get to where she is now takes smarts and great tennis. Baseline bashing is modern womens tennis. To be top ten at it is brilliant achievement. Bouchard is right in the mix to take he next step forward, or back, we will see. Thanks for your comment and welcome to the site.
Scoop Malinowski · December 25, 2014 at 7:37 am
Concur Andrew. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.
Dan Markowitz · December 25, 2014 at 9:12 pm
Yes, second Scoop in wishing everyone a very merry Christmas, Hanakah, Kwanzaa and a healthy happy New Year with lots of great tennis moments.
Peace on Earth!
Andrew Miller · December 26, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Don’t see why Bouchard can’t win one or two, or more. She has a lot of desire and tenacity, at least showed this before the Montreal Masters, where everything just hit rock bottom (and very quickly). Some of it maybe was that she had so much success so soon and probably wasn’t up for the day to day grind (not like a seasoned champion in Sharapova who sees the day to day grind as the means to the big trophies).
Some other posters noted that Bouchard was no Seles – this is true. She doesn’t have the angles or the “lefty” mentality, or something else – the player who felt she always had something to prove (like Serena Williams).
I think Bouchard’s game does have some holes – Tignor at Tennis Magazine said Kvitova more or less exposed those issues. Suddenly Bouchard’s attempt to make the court smaller (by playing well within the baseline) exposed too much court for Kvitova, who gladly hit deep and hit behind Bouchard throughout that masterpiece (or masterclass, or beatdown – however you want to call it).
Some other things came out about Bouchard that maybe factored a little more too – that she more or less “stole” coach Nick Saviano from her then-friend Laura Robson (maybe Saviano was the problem, given that he seems to have moved away from coaching Robson, too). They have been friends since age 9. Bouchard famously said something that, though true in some ways, isn’t popular to say – about the tour being no place for friends (this isn’t quite true).
The fallout from that made Bouchard look as if competition were the only thing. I think if anyone reads say an Agassi book (Open) or Federer’s statements – tennis is about way more than the competition. Love of the competition certainly makes for a champion, but if the champion doesn’t see the sport as more than the competition alone then it’s an awful lonely existence (if not narrow minded and basically false). Yeah it IS a gladiator sport. But to be a gladiator sport, you need a crowd, tv watchers, twitter followers – and if that group turns on you (say they think you are a shallow person that ditches your friends when it is convenient), well, one less reason to cheer you on.
Look no further than Federer, who has probably won a lot of matches based on the crowd treatment. Even in Miami versus players who had a shot to beat him because of the Miami latin crowds, maybe sometimes they had less of a shot because of Federer’s popularity.
Scoop Malinowski · December 26, 2014 at 6:53 pm
I think the Bouchard loss to Kvitova at Wimbledon final is deceiving. It was her first major final – she was tight. Kvitova’s second. She played a great match. When Kvitova has her A game going like that she is devastatingly lethal, big lefty, big serve huge forehand. Tough matchup for ANYONE, let along a young Canadian in her FIRST major final. Bouchard battled well it just wasn’t her day. The disappointment carried over for months. It was a huge disappointment to come so close and lose in straight sets. Takes a while to bounce back from that. Bouchard will come back with a vengeance. Her game is solid, she is mentally tough. Reminds me of Li Na. Solid, good balance, great form and she drives the ball well. I like her game a lot and her mental strength. No shame at all losing that final to Kvitova. I think Kvitova could have blown out Serena that day. When Kvitova is on she can blow out anyone.
Andrew Miller · December 26, 2014 at 11:33 pm
I dont dispute Bouchard game – she plays tough and she doesnt let up easily. But her game has huge holes – she isnt Seles or Williams so even if she plays her best their best (kvitova, williams etc ) should win out. She needs improvement but with that solid base of desire she should be a contender.
Im less convinced of her chances because other players are improving. Williams, Wozniaki, Ivanovic, Sharapova, Radwanska…even Hantuchova have upped their games with new coaches or new training etc.
It will be harder so Genie needs to have more versatility. She is more than capable. But as Agassi said you cant phone in your slam wins.
Scoop Malinowski · December 27, 2014 at 9:04 am
Nadal may have phoned in a couple of his FO wins 🙂 Not 2015 though, Djokovic is taking it.