Comments for Ted Robinson's Matchpoints

Comment on Time Only Enhances Wimbledon Triumph By Nadal by SoCal Gal

SoCal Gal — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:24:36 +0000

Missing you on your tennis blog but enjoying your work at the Olympics. Can’t wait for Aug. 25!

Comment on Does Wimbledon Win Make Nadal Worthy Of No. 1? by Steve

Steve — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:22:50 +0000

Ted,

Great call for a great match. I had Giants –Dodgers tickets at PacBell so I had to watch the fifth set on DVD later in the day and avoid the buzz in the crowd. Yes, people in the stands were talking about the match.

The fact that Nadal has won the French and Wimbledon in the same year has given me a new appreciation for Borg’s accomplishment of completing this sweep 3 years in a row; a very difficult feat.

I also am reevaluating my rankings of best all time tennis players of the open tennis era as we get more match results. So here are my rankings.

1. Federer – Great success on all surfaces. He is clearly the second best player in the world on clay in addition to being the best on all the other surfaces. Without a great clay court player like Nadal he probably would have a French title by now. Other players are not even close to Federer’s achievements even if he retired tomorrow.

2. Borg - His ability to win 11 grand slams on clay and grass distinguishes him as # 2. We now know how hard this is to accomplish the French/Wimbledon double. Plus, Borg has 4 US Open final appearances in his “worst” major losing to Mac and Jimmy. He only played Australia once. You must assume he could have won several Australia Opens on grass to reach 13 or 14 Grand Slam titles if he so desired. I was never a fan of Borg but Nadal’s win puts Borg’s feat in perspective.

3. Lendl/Sampras - Tie. The conventional wisdom is that Pete is #2 and Lendl never enters the discussion, maybe because of his lack of popularity. However, Lendl won 8 Grand Slams and was successful on all surfaces. We know he couldn’t win Wimbledon but was in the semis 7 times and then reached the finals twice before losing. Compare that to Pete’s poor record on clay only reaching the French semis one time and never the finals. Lendl actually was in more grand slam finals than Pete (19 vs. 18). Unfortunately for Pete’s place in history, I think his lack of clay court performance is a major detractor, especially since Lendl, Borg and Federer could play on all the surfaces.

I will try to call you on KNBR next time you are on to discuss as I try to call in when I hear you are guest hosting.

Steve (from Belmont)

Comment on A Williams Sisters Final Holds Great Promise by nicole

nicole — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:37:58 +0000

You are really annoying…. you pseudo moral judgements on this family is ludicrous….You need to do something about your loose tongue its really aggrivating.

Comment on Pressure Of Slam Tennis Evident At AELTC by VBrooks

VBrooks — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:57:41 +0000

And your point is? So what if you can’t think of another top American in recent years who has stated uncertainty about playing on grass! “So words like that even if true only support………….” Dah, so lie is that your point. And is there a problem with an American player or any player for that matter being more skilled on one-surface and being comfortable talking about it. Perhaps there is much to be said for honesty and much more to be said about commentators who know nothing about the sport and the talented athletes that they pontificate about.

Comment on Nadal Leaves Federer Helpless, Fans Speechless by faecoleman

faecoleman — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:24:37 +0000

I too enjoyed Rafas thrilling performance. Sheer perfection. He’s for me the most exciting player I’ve ever watched. Never a dull moment in Rafa’s game. Roll on wimbeldon Rafa, we love you!!!

Comment on French Open Twist — Federer, Nadal In Tandem by tennis fan

tennis fan — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:38:37 +0000

Ted, you are the only person in the media to call Dr. Montalvan out on his low blow comments. Why did he feel the need to take a pot shot at Roddick anyway?

Comment on Nadal Leaves Federer Helpless, Fans Speechless by Johanna

Johanna — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:07:33 +0000

Thanks for your insights - I appreciated one comment in particular. After the match was over and the awards ceremony had begun, Roger Federer was being escorted by a young ball girl. As he reached the steps, he acknowledged her by touching the back of her head. It was a small and genuine gesture from Federer to this little girl and you noted it. Even though he must have been feeling horrible and humiliated in front of the whole tennis world - he was still gracious to this little girl, who’ll never forget escorting Roger Federer….

Thanks for your work!

Comment on Nadal Leaves Federer Helpless, Fans Speechless by tennis fan

tennis fan — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:51:46 +0000

I would LOVE to see Andy Roddick bust up the “Trivalry” at Wimbledon. He is flying under the radar right now so that would be the perfect opportunity for him to strike. Nobody would see it coming and nobody would know what hit them! go Arod!

The French Open final was absolutely brilliant tennis from Nadal. I burned it to DVD to watch over and over again. It’s not everyday you see a master schooling another master. I love how Nadal knocks Federer off his throne every year, Federer’s ever growing ego needs to be humbled every now and then.

Comment on Ivanovic, Safina Deliver In French Final by APM

APM — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:48:15 +0000

“…Makes me wonder if the tennis world will have to get used to the Serbs.” Some might call that would be a racist comment. Try saying that about any other nationality or race and see how far you get without being bombarded with complaints. I sat near Richard Williams at Serena’s Wimbledon semi-final last year, and he didn’t stop shouting after every point. Either way, Ivanovic’s camp was no more noisy than any other. The fact is, it is plain to see throughout the match what a bad sportsperson Safina is, forever whining, looking up at disgust at her box when what was going wrong was entirely in her own hands. Look at Federer, arguably the best player that has ever lived. Does he throw tantrums and blame everyone but himself when he loses a point or, rarely, a match? No, he does not. That is why he is such a great champion, as much as the incredible talent. You’d think other players would have worked that out by now.

Comment on No Tennis Event Has More Buzz Than U.S. Open by SoCal Gal

SoCal Gal — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:02:06 +0000

Ted:
I always look forward to watching the US Open on USA, especially those late-night marathons! My only concern is that, since the Tennis Channel is a premium on my cable service, I can’t watch it on every TV in my home. Not all my TVs have the digital “box.” It seems to me that tennis is going to only be accessible by the “elite” who can afford the extra expense. Not exactly a welcome trend, IMHO.