Nadal's USO Absence: What Do The Players Think?

Just like when a teacher reads many essays on the same topic and is able to glean a lot about the writers themselves, so can we have fun by reading what some of the top players think of Nadal's withdrawal from US Open:


Roger Federer: "It’s
not a surprise, because I wrote him and he told me like it wasn't
looking good at all. I kind of knew. Saw it coming. But obviously when
it's official it's disappointing for tennis, there's no doubt about it.
I would love to have him in the draw. In particular, sort of the 12
days before the Open you figure he might still have time to fix what he
has to fix to get ready. If he pulls out that early before the Open, it must be something serious. That's
why it’s sort of scary. There is obviously the whole debate going on
if he is going come back for this year. I hope he will. He's
definitely got some more weeks off now because of it. I
hope in hindsight this is a very smart decision by him. But it's
obviously a big blow and disappointing news for the tennis world."




Novak Djokovic:
"He's a great competitor, and he’s somebody I know really well on and
off the court. I'm sure that if he was able to perform in the U.S. Open
he would come. So I wish him a quick recovery. The fact is that tennis
is going to lose a little bit because of Rafa not being there and
playing, because he's somebody that has made a history of this sport.
We all know how good he is and how popular he is. There is everybody
else except him who is going to play there, so I am sure we will have a
good tournament."



Andy Murray:
"Obviously a shame. I like Rafa a lot as a friend. I'm disappointed
for him. But I think for tennis and also a major competitions, it's a
huge benefit when you have the top players playing. It’s obviously
tough for him. He's had trouble with his knees in the past. So I hope he
can rest, doesn't come back too early, and gets them fixed so he can
get back to playing his best tennis."


Juan Martin del Potro: "Everybody
knows Rafa. He's a big fighter. He will be with us very, very soon,
and could be dangerous for us when he come back because he gonna be much
better than the rest of the players. He's still very, very young. He
has many challenge to do it, so he will be ready very soon. I wish all
the best for him because he's a nice guy."



Sloane Stephens:
"I love Rafa, so I love seeing him at tournaments. I get star struck
when I see him. I'm like, 'Oh, my God I wish I could touch him.' It
will be sad with him not there. He's such an amazing player. I like
seeing him practice. He's on Practice Court 1 and he's
always on the first court so everyone can see. I like eating my lunch
and watching him. I'm kind of bummed he won't be there."

WHoi is Sloane Stephens?

We see so well here how the circus works. It's those top players that make the sport popular and they need each other to increase the sponsors in the game.

Nadal can be replaced but only by another "charming" player. Nole and Murray have not that easy cheesy smile which can get the hearts of those millions of fans. Whether they are right or wrong it doesn;t matter. It;s about selling sits.

Tenez wrote:WHoi is Sloane Stephens?

We see so well here how the circus works. It's those top players that make the sport popular and they need each other to increase the sponsors in the game.

Nadal can be replaced but only by another "charming" player. Nole and Murray have not that easy cheesy smile which can get the hearts of those millions of fans. Whether they are right or wrong it doesn;t matter. It;s about selling sits.

Scary but true.
These days everything is so PR-ed to death, these younger generations are unable to think free-range as their grey cells have been stunted from day one by mobile-phones and video-games.
the only thing with tennis, they'd have to find someone who can win, not just smile.
I'm expecting a lot of ATP PR investment into Nole for that matter

Maybe this could help:

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

noleisthebest wrote:These days everything is so PR-ed to death, these younger generations are unable to think free-range as their grey cells have been stunted from day one by mobile-phones and video-games.

That is so true! What are the chances of having a character like Connors or McEnroe loved by the masses nowadays? None. They woudl be told off in press conf and by sponsors.

the only thing with tennis, they'd have to find someone who can win, not just smile.
I'm expecting a lot of ATP PR investment into Nole for that matter

Nole is working hard to be popular but I think his origin (small country), haircut, even name, does not appeal to the crowd. You know how fickle they are. Federer had an amazing game and then an amazing winning rate to attract attention and appeal from the crowd. He was looked at as a special phenomenon. He was the real "prodigy".

"Nole is working hard to be popular but I think his origin (small
country), haircut, even name, does not appeal to the crowd. You know how
fickle they are. Federer had an amazing game and then an amazing
winning rate to attract attention and appeal from the crowd. He was
looked at as a special phenomenon. He was the real "prodigy".

what's wrong with Nole's hair :shock:?

Tenez wrote: He was the real "prodigy".

Umbrella or handbag?
You choose! :x

I have your umbrella! So has to be the handbag!

You asked for it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BfvEhIHAn0

What do the players think? Not the same as what they say, I bet :lol:

Who is Sloane Stephens?

Those are pretty standard responses,the kind youd expect from anyone,none of them are going to kick a player while he is down in the media.I would love to be a fly on the wall in the locker room cause my bet is that there are some very different opinions to what they just expressed