ATP Awards 2012

Every year, ATP nominates awards in several categories. The awards are announced and presented between doubles and singles sessions during WTF.

Last year I saw Milos Raonic receive the best young player of the year. It did make sense.
This year has some very odd nominations and I wonder who is it that decides the nominees:

1) FANS FAVOURITE: best singles player/doubles team

There is a list of singles players: Almagro, Berdych, Cilic, Del Potro, Djokovic, Dolgopolov, Federer, Ferrer, Fish, GAsquet, Haas, Hewitt, Isner, Kohlschreiber, Monaco, Monfils, Murray, Nadal, Nishikori, Raonic, Simon, Tipsarevic, Tsonga, Verdasco, Wawrinka

I suppose this is where the Facebook army hits out in full force.

2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD

"The player who, throughout the year, conducted himself at the highest level of professionalism and integrity, who competed with his fellow players with the utmost spirit of fairness and who promoted the game through his off-court activities."

Nominees: Cilic, Del Potro, Federer, Ferrer

Is Novak Djokovic ever going to be nominated in this category? And why Cilic, not Karlovic, for example?

3) MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR

"The player who reached a significantly higher ranking by year's end and who demonstrated an increasingly improved level of performance through the year."

Nominees: Chardy (103-31) , Matosevic (203-58) , Monaco ??!! (26-10) Soeda (120 - 55)

I would have nominated Andy Murray in this category

4) NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

"The player who, based on his ranking move in 2012, has made the biggest impact on the ATP World Tour."

Nominees: Goffin, Yanowicz, Klizan, Kuznetsov

Why not Benoit Paire?

5) COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

"The player who has overcome serious injury in re-establishing himself as one of the top players on the ATP World Tour."

Nominees: Baker, Haas, HP Matheiu, Querrey

.........................................................................

Are you happy with the categories an nominees?
Here's my addition :

* THE MOST MEANINGFUL WIN OF THE YEAR

The one and only Lukas Rosol

I was running through the 100 ranking players list yesterday and I was surprised by the many names I do not know. I used to know all of them, if not in the right order but that was many years ago....when the list was not changing as fast.

Tenez wrote:I was running through the 100 ranking players list yesterday and I was surprised by the many names I do not know. I used to know all of them, if not in the right order but that was many years ago....when the list was not changing as fast.

Is that from the days when you used to sleep with your laptop during AOs and USOs ?

Nope. It was the time before PCs even existed.

what at the turn of the 1940's???

Tenez wrote:Nope. It was the time before PCs even existed.

Those were the days....or were they?

luvsports! wrote:what at the turn of the 1940's???

no, just checked, the first laptops came out in 1978. I'm yet to get one, chained to my desk and Imac ... although I did sleep with my phone under the pillow a few times and checked the scores in the middle of the night
One night in particular beats the lot, it was during one USO in the middle of our house extension, the entire family slept on the floor in the SAME room. I managed to watch the entire Nole's match ON the Imac, without waking anyone up. Plus made a trip to the fridge and ate about a ton of cold grapes.
Now THOSE were the days

It was probably at the Becker time. I remember I was buying l'equipe (French sport paper) and waiting for the ranking every Tuesday. At that time it was pretty easy cause the players were not moving so fast down and up the ranking. However when I check it nowadays, I have complete blanks on some players...like I never heard of them.

I meant before the internet more than PC. The internet really started to be widespread at home in late 1990s. It was available mid 90s but essentially from dedicated work places...at least here in the UK.

Tenez wrote:It was probably at the Becker time. I remember I was buying l'equipe (French sport paper) and waiting for the ranking every Tuesday. At that time it was pretty easy cause the players were not moving so fast down and up the ranking. However when I check it nowadays, I have complete blanks on some players...like I never heard of them.

I used to do the same, cut out the articles and stick them in my scrap books. I wonder if they are stlll around. Will have to look for them.
And that was my school lunch money I was spending on the papers.... aaaaah....looks so unreal now in this Facebook/Twitter era!

Tenez wrote:I meant before the internet more than PC. The internet really started to be widespread at home in late 1990s. It was available mid 90s but essentially from dedicated work places...at least here in the UK.

Internet was sheer pain before broadband came out. Remember the good old dial-up tone, one could have the dinner during the time it took for those dinasours to connect to the web

I suppose we, tennis fan evolve just like the game , I'm just not sure which way I prefer. I think I would've loved interned in the olden' days, those players were so much more interesting and freer to express their characters in the pre-PC era!

Its simply too much competition that killed the characters of the sport. Before they could have a life and win Wimbledon. Now they are like monks. Too much competition, pressure from sponsors and that has simply taken a lot of charm from the sport. We also see more physical prowess at the expense of talent. On the other hand we are seeing a player able to ride the most physical era thanks to an outstanding talent.

Woudl have Federer been as good and as impressive in the 90s? Maybe maybe not but his record woudl have been much better.

Tenez wrote:Its simply too much competition that killed the characters of the sport. Before they could have a life and win Wimbledon. Now they are like monks. Too much competition, pressure from sponsors and that has simply taken a lot of charm from the sport. We also see more physical prowess at the expense of talent. On the other hand we are seeing a player able to ride the most physical era thanks to an outstanding talent.

Woudl have Federer been as good and as impressive in the 90s? Maybe maybe not but his record woudl have been much better.

I suppose, just like in "real" life....you've got to strike the right balance with money, too much of it always ruins things.
Then again, some players would've been robots even in the olden days...It's more of the way this generation has been brought up than sponsors' pressure.

These days you're not even allowed to think, let alone have a fag after a match and dance the night away in the disco ...

Fed would've always been the same in any era I think .

1) FANS FAVOURITE: I already voted for the winner: Federer!

2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD Who else? Federer

3) MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR Matosevic (203-58), seems fair

4) NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR Goffin, not sure he's that new so I'd say Kuznetsov

5) COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR Baker / Haas close call, the former is a comeback story, true, but the latter has made a huge come back, directly to the top, he could have been nominated for the 3) prize here if he was not on a comeback... I'm going for Tommy

I'm not too unhappy with the nominees.

* THE MOST MEANINGFUL WIN OF THE YEAR

The one and only Lukas Rosol, for sure!

2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD : Will Rosol vote for Nadal? Berdych apparently voted for Nadal in 2010 and look how Nadal behaved at the WTF match.

1) FANS FAVOURITE: Rafael Nadal

2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD: Rafael Nadal

3) MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chardy

4) NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Goffin

5) COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Haas

* THE MOST MEANINGFUL WIN OF THE YEAR: Rafael Nadal French Open Final 2012, beating Borg's FO record.

1) Fans Fav: Federer. As I much I want to champion Murray, I think universally Roger has gone down a storm this year.

2) Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award: I would go with Ferrer. Can't say I have seen the guy act out of turn. Tsonga and Djokovic deserve a little mention.

3) Most Improved Player of The Year: Juan Monaco.

4) Newcomer of The Year: David Goffin. Looks quite the player.

5) Comeback of The Year: Tommy Haas. The guy was ranked in the 200's start of the year!

Most Meaningful Win of The Year: To the sport, Federer Wimbledon. Personally Murray's US Open win.

Amritia3ee wrote:
2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD: Rafael Nadal

Would you be kind enough to elaborate the reasons for your choice Amrit especially on this point??

It's a democracy ROTLA...
I can vote for the option of my choice, for reasons I decide.
You probably don't agree with them, I recognise that.

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:

Amritia3ee wrote:
2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD: Rafael Nadal

Would you be kind enough to elaborate the reasons for your choice Amrit especially on this point??

Rotla, she must have mistaken by another new award which is Lance Armstrong´s sympathy award, or by award for a huge activity in medical research as to "moribundus", I bet on this Moribundus award.

Amritia3ee wrote:It's a democracy ROTLA...
I can vote for the option of my choice, for reasons I decide.
You probably don't agree with them, I recognise that.

Of course you can vote for anyone you wish. And sure you must have your reasons. I just thought maybe you would like to let us know as well. Why keep those a secret?

Agreeing or not is a different thing.

paulcz wrote:

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:

Amritia3ee wrote:
2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD: Rafael Nadal

Would you be kind enough to elaborate the reasons for your choice Amrit especially on this point??

Rotla, she must have mistaken by another new award which is Lance Armstrong´s sympathy award, or by award for a huge activity in medical research as to "moribundus", I bet on this Moribundus award.

Not sure who is this 'she' you are talking about Paul

raiders_of_the_lost_ark wrote:

Amritia3ee wrote:It's a democracy ROTLA...
I can vote for the option of my choice, for reasons I decide.
You probably don't agree with them, I recognise that.

Of course you can vote for anyone you wish. And sure you must have your reasons. I just thought maybe you would like to let us know as well. Why keep those a secret?

Agreeing or not is a different thing.

Alright ROTLA, but to be fair I don't think anyone so far has really given much detail into their choices.

OK ROTLA, now i will expand on it.
This is my quoted comment, with an added line in italics explaining it.

Amritia3ee wrote:
1) FANS FAVOURITE: Rafael Nadal
This is pretty clear why.

2) STEFAN EDBERG SPORTMANSHIP AWARD: Rafael Nadal
I think Nadal's conducts himself very well in general. In AO final he was crushed, devastated, but he was very very polite and complimentary to Djokovic. His line after the MC final was funny too, 'Thank-you Novak for letting me win this time.'


3) MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chardy
His play has improved a lot this year, impressive given he's not the youngest player.

4) NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Goffin
Well this was simple for me, he's sprung onto the tour. Did fantastic at RG, I also believe he beat Isner a few days ago!

5) COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Haas
He has played some delightful tennis, including winning Halle this year.

* THE MOST MEANINGFUL WIN OF THE YEAR: Rafael Nadal French Open Final 2012, beating Borg's FO record.
Most FO titles out of any player in history.

actions speak louder than words.

How about nadal taking a toilet break just before federer served for the match at IW's or when he complained about Rosol and bumped into him, not particularly sportsmanlike is it?

Well, the toilet that wasn't great on Nadals part, although I was following on ATP live scores so I didn't see it.
Did you watch the Shanghai final? If Nadal had done what Federer did then there would probably be 5 articles on OTF slating Nadal for it.

He hardly barged Rosol, the way people make it out, one would think it was a Zidane style headbutt.

Anyway that's not to say Nadal has no flaws, he is human.
He has never sworn at the umpire like Federer though.

when did i say anything about federer for the award?
I was just saying nadal shouldn't.

It doesn't matter if he 'hardly' barged into him, he still barged into him despite rosol stopping for him, that is uncalled for and very unsportsmanlike.

and feds has never sworn at them 'he never said you are a f'ing idiot'.
Some of the things feds does are a bit tactless but I couldn't see him barging into someone like that.

Fed's case is not like you are making it to be. I'm not saying he was absolutely innocent, it could be deliberate attempt to stop play and gain some composure. But benefit of doubt can be on certain occasions. But if a player begins to abuse that benefit and becomes a repeat offender, he now will be held culpable. Now you have to judge it for yourself.

1. Fed didn't really wanted to come to Shanghai especially when he himself said he was very tired by the end of DC. How many times does he make such statements? He said he needed a vacation badly. He is 31 with a young family. But he still comes to Shanghai. He might have had some sponsorship pressure from Rolex because he already missed MC this year. He wasn't sure about his participation.

2. Was it raining? Yes, but light at that time. But who knows it could have got heavier. Thats why they waited for 1-2 mins to see if closing the roof was needed. Hard courts are dangerous when wet and he certainly wouldn't want to risk an injury. He was more paranoid about it than usual which is understandable. If I have to do something I didn't really want to, than its possible I'll be more scared about the risks.

3. What was the match situation? Was it on match point? NO. The score was 40-40 and a long game in the 3rd game of the 2nd set scores 1-1.

4. How many times has Fed sworn at the umpire? You didn't hear the entire conversation between them. Fed said he wanted a challenge but was not allowed considering it to be too late a call. And then Delpo was allowed. Rules say a challenge has to be made immediately. Fed said Delpo was taking over 10 seconds and was still being allowed. Will such bias not lead to frustrations? I can understand the crowd backing an underdog, but umpires can't make judgement based on emotions.

5. How many times have we seen that when a player is behind in a match, everything starts to bother him. The crowd, the lights, the linesmen everything which is possible. Could it be one of those situation where the slippery courts scared or bothered him more than they would normally have.

We of course can't know what actually he had in mind. I'm just trying to look at the possibilities. So on that occasion a benefit of doubt can be given in my opinion.

Nadal or any other player would also get such benefits of doubts. Have we not seen occasions like these before in matches not involving Nadal or Fed? Of course. My objectivity remains the same. But if a player like begins to become a repeat offender, he doesn't get it.

Take someone other than Nadal or Fed. Murray. I don't believe Murray when he talks about or shows injuries in a match. I earlier believed him, but with time he has become a repeat offender. Now I don't count his words about injuries for anything.

Have you heard the story about the "wolf cry"?

I thought Federer swearing at the umpire was disgraceful. It's simply a no no and also refusing to shake one's hand too shows how low he can take 'Sportsmanship'

Tennis players are human for crying out loud. I don't expect all of them to be whiter than white.

They all piss me off at some stage with their antics. That said I would have never put Nadal for Sportsmanship award. I always find Ferrer or Tsonga ones who conduct themselves the best on court.

But for a 10 year career under the heaviest pressure I find Federer's conduct nearly perfect....like his tennis.

Who did he not shake hand with?

Fergus Murphy. Can't recall how long ago it was.

All players are under the same pressure to win matches. I find that players will show behaviour or conduct which is not pretty on the eyes or ears.

Nadal this year had a bit of a bad year. There was the FO final and his encounter with Rosol. In pressure points in those matches he let himself down with his conduct.

Thing is all players have shown poor conduct. Just differences in frequency. Federer stopping play in Beijing against Murray was poor form in my eyes.

Blinkered as I am I can't remember any poor conduct from Nole.

noleisthebest wrote:Blinkered as I am I can't remember poor conduct from Nole.

Smashing his chair at the FO this year perhaps?

Wasn't he warned?

Idon't count smashings. They are not gamesmanship, trying to gain any advantage

It is poor conduct which is what you suggested?

No shifting the goalposts now. It counts as poor conduct in my books.

In fairness to Nole NITB I don't find any of his court behaviour "offensive"

However the way him and Murray moan to their box is rather annoying and conspicuous.

legendkillar wrote:
Thing is all players have shown poor conduct. Just differences in frequency. Federer stopping play in Beijing against Murray was poor form in my eyes.

And that "frequency" is everything! Some are serial offenders. Others exceptional offenders.

BTW I have not seen what happened in Beijing but wanting to stop play because of rain, even if small drops, would not typically shock me.

[quote="Tenez"]

And that "frequency" is everything! Some are serial offenders. Others exceptional offenders.

By all means I agree. The very best are septical to moments of frustration or tactical gestures to gain advantage.

BTW I have not seen what happened in Beijing but wanting to stop play because of rain, even if small drops, would not typically shock me.

It was a few drops of rain. Hardly really for me enough to stop play. Federer was within the rules to ask the question. Nadal did the same thing at the FO was lambasted for it. The same exact gesture should be met with the same criticism. I didn't like seeing Nadal do it and I didn't like seeing Federer doing it. Both within the rules, but for me you play until the umpire calls it.

In any case I don't think it detracts from Federer being the perfect role model for children and budding pro's. All I am saying is even the very best have their moments

i would give it to novak, he applauds people a lot and doesn't brand anything a 'lucky' shot.

I think there was A LOT more at stake in FO final . What sort of a slam final was it when it was not played he best of 5 in ONE day.
The organisers blew an almost certain once in a lifetime chance for one athlete to achieve something historic.
I know most of you thought he was not worth it but that's YOUR problem!

Ah yes. Djokovic and his racquet always gesture great shots.

Federer and Murray are more verbal. Murray makes me laugh as he just goes "yep" if he is passed by a good shot. Federer normally says "shot" and has even tapped the racquet.

noleisthebest wrote:I think there was A LOT more at stake in FO final . What sort of a slam final was it when it was not played he best of 5 in ONE day.
The organisers blew an almost certain once in a lifetime chance for one athlete to achieve something historic.
I know most of you thought he was not worth it but that's YOUR problem!

Again I agree the organisers really had a shocker at the FO this year. The scheduling was mad.

Nadal halting play was within the rules yes. However, I did percieve it as tactical as Nole was turning the tide I believe to this day had play continued or at least resumed the same day, Nole would be in the history books. Nadal wasn't in a losing position in the match, but momentum wise was.

Federer in Shanghai did the same thing albeit in different circumstances. He was down in the match and clearly was buying some time to recompose himself.

It is within the rules. But it is crap it can be abused though.

I think all players are human we have to recognise that.

LuvSports, I don't think Nadl's bump against Rosol was Rafa intentionally trying to injure him or something, I was at Centre Court at the time, and also have seen it a few times on you-tube; I think Nadal was 'zoned-out' not concentrating on what he was doing. Thus he walked forward quickly, when normally he waits for the opponent when crossing over.

Immediately he apologised though, three times. Still he should be more careful in future, no doubt.

Tenez wrote:But for a 10 year career under the heaviest pressure I find Federer's conduct nearly perfect....like his tennis.

Who did he not shake hand with?

Well I agree with you that on general he is polite and conducts himself well, however there are a few occasions where he has let himself down (he is human after all!).



Vs Del Potro USO final 2009

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koTTY3QuLcQ

Says to the umpire 'I don't give a sh!t what you say... You don't have to tell me the rules....Don't talk to me.'

I know Del Potro's challenge was late, but cmon that swearing to the umpire was OTT.



Vs French crowd, playing Del Potro FO QF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R8VI6kSV5A

'SHUT UP'

I think Roger lost his cool there, after the audience were talking during the point. This happened in the USO final (people talking during points) and both Nadal and Djokovic politely talked to the umpire at the change of ends to advice the crowd to stop, rather than yell 'shut up' to the crowd.

I can understand why Roger would yell that, but it's not very sportsmanlike.



Vs Rafa Madrid Final 2011

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPBwjZwpOKw

The umpire sees the ball as in. The line-person sees the ball as in. Later Hawkeye shows the ball is in.

Yet Roger points to a mark which shows the ball is way out. It's clear there are two marks, and Roger points to the wrong one in order to mislead the umpire so he wins the point. Even when the umpire makes his decision that the ball was in and shows the correct mark, Roger still argues with the umpire having a go at him as they walk back.

Hawkeye shows the ball as in, yet Roger points to a mark which shows the ball is way out.

legendkillar wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:I think there was A LOT more at stake in FO final . What sort of a slam final was it when it was not played he best of 5 in ONE day.
The organisers blew an almost certain once in a lifetime chance for one athlete to achieve something historic.
I know most of you thought he was not worth it but that's YOUR problem!

Again I agree the organisers really had a shocker at the FO this year. The scheduling was mad.

Nadal halting play was within the rules yes. However, I did percieve it as tactical as Nole was turning the tide I believe to this day had play continued or at least resumed the same day, Nole would be in the history books. Nadal wasn't in a losing position in the match, but momentum wise was.

Federer in Shanghai did the same thing albeit in different circumstances. He was down in the match and clearly was buying some time to recompose himself.

It is within the rules. But it is crap it can be abused though.

That's why tenns is so thrilling and fantastic to watch: the drama, the sweat, the tears.
Your opponent's having a great day, you having a horrible day.
The rain, the , sun, the wind.
The crowds, the organisers and last but not the least.....yourself!
All by yourself on that court with no place to hide.

noleisthebest wrote:

legendkillar wrote:

noleisthebest wrote:I think there was A LOT more at stake in FO final . What sort of a slam final was it when it was not played he best of 5 in ONE day.
The organisers blew an almost certain once in a lifetime chance for one athlete to achieve something historic.
I know most of you thought he was not worth it but that's YOUR problem!

Again I agree the organisers really had a shocker at the FO this year. The scheduling was mad.

Nadal halting play was within the rules yes. However, I did percieve it as tactical as Nole was turning the tide I believe to this day had play continued or at least resumed the same day, Nole would be in the history books. Nadal wasn't in a losing position in the match, but momentum wise was.

Federer in Shanghai did the same thing albeit in different circumstances. He was down in the match and clearly was buying some time to recompose himself.

It is within the rules. But it is crap it can be abused though.

That's why tenns is so thrilling and fantastic to watch: the drama, the sweat, the tears.
Your opponent's having a great day, you having a horrible day.
The rain, the , sun, the wind.
The crowds, the organisers and last but not the least.....yourself!
All by yourself on that court with no place to hide.

By all means I agree it makes tennis exciting.

For me I would've let the players continue because I felt they were both immersed in battle.

I blame mother nature!

I don't blame.....I am just

Amritia3ee wrote:

Tenez wrote:But for a 10 year career under the heaviest pressure I find Federer's conduct nearly perfect....like his tennis.

Who did he not shake hand with?

Well I agree with you that on general he is polite and conducts himself well, however there are a few occasions where he has let himself down (he is human after all!).



Vs Del Potro USO final 2009

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koTTY3QuLcQ

Says to the umpire 'I don't give a sh!t what you say... You don't have to tell me the rules....Don't talk to me.'

I know Del Potro's challenge was late, but cmon that swearing to the umpire was OTT.



Vs French crowd, playing Del Potro FO QF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R8VI6kSV5A

'SHUT UP'

I think Roger lost his cool there, after the audience were talking during the point. This happened in the USO final (people talking during points) and both Nadal and Djokovic politely talked to the umpire at the change of ends to advice the crowd to stop, rather than yell 'shut up' to the crowd.

I can understand why Roger would yell that, but it's not very sportsmanlike.



Vs Rafa Madrid Final 2011

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPBwjZwpOKw

The umpire sees the ball as in. The line-person sees the ball as in. Later Hawkeye shows the ball is in.

Yet Roger points to a mark which shows the ball is way out. It's clear there are two marks, and Roger points to the wrong one in order to mislead the umpire so he wins the point. Even when the umpire makes his decision that the ball was in and shows the correct mark, Roger still argues with the umpire having a go at him as they walk back.

Hawkeye shows the ball as in, yet Roger points to a mark which shows the ball is way out.

The issue at hand is that in 2012 you felt that Nadal should get the Sportsmanship Award. It's your opinion and your entitled to it.

However as Mac would say: "You cannot be serious!"

This year Nadal let himself down massively in 2 matches.

Djokovic smashed a chair and sent splinters everywhere.

Federer didn't like a few spots of rain.

Murray and dramagate.

Berdych refused to shake Almagro's hand (I think it was Maggy)

The whole point is not to bring up Federer's dirtsheet, but to look beyond these players possibly and look at other unsung players who demonstrated better conduct.

I think Ferrer or Tsonga for me deserve a mention in that category.

How abou poor Karlovic for what he had to endure and endure he did valiantly on the court against Murray during last Wimbledon?