lolol seen that vid of dave, what a nutter!!!!!!! can't get reg. tv for tennis bc nobody watches. tournys got decent attendence but not possible to carry that from live to tv. no stars no more with rafa out & safin too old, the atp is kinda sorta dead. fedmug could give everyone a good time tho & retire! :D :D :D

fore i go i gotta ask> you a adam helephant hater or what? he an ex bf or something?!!!!!!!

It's hard to watch tennis because there is no time frame. Most people can allocate 2 hours for football matches or basketball but with tennis, the sky is the limit...

golf's got no time frame torres, funny how tennis gets the shaft but not golf. can't understand that one. also team sports look better on tv i think.

is golf popular?

i don't get into it but yea very big in the states. go look at the big $$$$$$$$ that sport makes & you won't believe it. dudes in ugly shorts following a little white ball around w a crooked stick. whats the appeal i will never know. maybe tennis is hard to play for average joes & golf is easy like basketball or football.

Certain individual sports can be tough to promote if said country doesn't have top-caliber players. The US gave up after the Sampras/Agassi era was over, not realizing that tennis can be successfully advertised as an international sport.

trixxyfest- I don't know Adam Helfant personally. I harbor a level of skepticism for anyone in a position of power who does not have enough relevant experience to justify their job title. He would have passed by my radar without a problem had he been made top marketing guy, not THEE top guy. I have voiced dissent about his appointment before, seeing how he has no viable tennis experience other than calling himself a fan. I'm a fan as well- a lot of us are. Doesn't mean we are qualified to assume control of the Tour.

I wonder if you might have a point about the difficulty level of the sport for an "average joe" as you said. Ricky plays tennis- he would be much better qualified to address that issue.

Thank you for the comments, much appreciated as always. :)

And let's hope they don't point us to Tennis Channel. A few good matches, and with DirecTV, pretty good coverage for the slams (until NBC here in the States takes over!), but I get oh so tired of Destination Tennis, Murphy's whatever that show is, and old Fed Cup matches! I pay premium satellite money for this?

As far as leadership of the ATP - I hope Roger & Rafa keep this issue on the front burner and keep the pressure on.

Hello Rafterfan- thank you for adding your comment. :)

Like you, I have TC and I rarely watch it. I'm not up to date on their restrictions or licensing agreements with this, that and the other tournament. This is just my personal opinion, but it's not worth the money I pay for it. The programs you mentioned have been rerun so many times, I can't even count.

I wonder if people would be willing to pay a premium price if guaranteed premium coverage.... NBC is ridiculous with its butchering of the matches. Utter comedy on that front, as is the ESPN coverage (at least in my area) that elects to rerun a Williams doubles match rather than live men's singles.

So true about Tennis Channel, Rafterfan. Eh, watching matches I have seen 5 times before is only interesting if the match was good, and Tennis Channel isn't selective.

Tennis should be more popular than golf, I'm sorry, I wish I lived in Europe, where I'm told the coverage of tennis is slightly less lopsided in respects to golf.

Oh my word, the Prodigal Daughter returns! I vowed to give you until the Open before I commissioned a rescue team to collect you. LOL. Greetings Dear, tis quite a treat to see you. I fear I cannot stay but I shall return in the late afternoon. Early evening at very latest.

Foo! Ah well, I fudged. LOL. Before I mosey off I must concur, Mr. Adam Helfant ESQ. was a rather peculiar choice of successor to Mr. Etienne le Disney.

no Stuttgart ... no Bastad ... I couldn't even find a live stream, which means nowhere are these matches being broadcast.
Here "O Canada" we can't even get the tennis channel ... and yes on a rather continuous cycle golf invades every sport broadcasting station. More tennis on TV please ...
Tennis is no harder to play then golf or baseball ... besides you only need one other participant and a neighborhood court.

Thanks Kelli. In the beginning with Tennis Channel, it all so great - tennis 24/7! Then, you slowly come to reality - boring! I thought at least they would have some good instruction pieces (that aren't rerun ad nauseum), I kinda like the bag check, and good, quality tennis matches. I mean, really, how many times do we need to see reruns of current and "classic" Davis Cup/Fed Cup matches? I get showing classic slam matches leading up to whatever slam is coming up, but this the best they can do? Really? I'd even like to see WTT, especially Kastles/Sportimes and the throwdown! They do show some WTT, but it's hit or miss, and you have to search, and search, and search......

Try living in UK. It's football, football, football month in month out! At very specific times you get Ashes coverage or Wimbledon, a bit of the Opens but very limited and ends early.
Rocket Queen( and Trixxyfest,)where oh where have you been?? Blog seems mainly to be rafa and Roger fans shouting at each other very LOUDLY!

I think golf is popular among the rich and famous ppl. I can't imagine youngsters getting excited watching golf. I dunno how it's a proper sport when it does not involve any physical exercise except walking.

I think Tiger Woods is the reason why it has become popular.

i used to think that too torres9, but they said, it's really a good sport. you not only compete with others, but more so with yourself. but i guess it's more on intellectual side than physical. But then again, i think it is only entertaining to watch by those who play golf themselves. Unlike with tennis, you can enjoy watching it even if you're not a tennis player. But money speak louder in GOLF :)

holy cripes who let rocketwench out of the pokey?!!!!!! wb loonie i gotta say i missed u, where ya been at? :D :D :D torres is right i think & also tennis makes you use your brain more. what kinda brain do the golfers need, they just walk around & put the ball in the cup. tennis players anticipate & plan & use shot selection. it's crap the golfers make so much more $$$$$$$$ than tennis players. compare fedmug & his buddy woods, fedmug is one poor church mouse.

Hello yourself Miss RQ, I hope you are well. Prodigal Daughter nothing, I was on break doing research. :)

Helfant was hired for two reasons, I believe. One, he had the more desirable resume and was a proven commodity at Nike. Two, he's a salesman, and a damned good one, I'm sure. Marketing people specialize in schmoozing people, greasing them...he probably came across the most put-together in the interview. I'm sure he filled everyone's head with the promise of a serious cash-flow turn around.

Wow, I learn something new all the time. I had no idea that the coverage in Canada and the UK rivaled ours for the worst on record. Thanks smr and deuce, now I know we're not alone.

Rafterfan- I like bag check as well. See, there is a good idea. Keep people involved and interested. :)

Hello torres and jennyger- thanks for adding some discussion about golf. Golf is an absolute powerhouse where I live. It completely dominates the airwaves, sometimes to the exclusion of everything else.

not sure what the worst annual coverage tragedy is because there are many, but I'd probably go with one of the Wimbledon semifinals not being shown live

will say this weekend is not bad though. Nine of the remaining 10 matches this weekend (Indy and Hamburg combined) will be on live television in the US.

Hello Ricky, many thanks for making an appearance on this side of the board. :)

Wimbledon coverage was particularly awful here. I couldn't believe the number of times they pre-empted live coverage of the men's matches to repeat Serena and Venus playing singles and, even worse, doubles.

Good to know the fans will have a break from that kind of thing this weekend. A 9/10 split works nicely.

Ricky: doubt if British TV knows where Hamburg is!! Athletics at Crystal Palace for us..but..have just seen Usain Bolt running so compensations!

Cheers everyone! Ricky, deuce and even you trixxybrat. LOL. Aye, off on a research hunt you say? Of course Dear, of course. Would this research jaunt have included a wild maned man from oh, let's say Argentina thereabouts? I hear things Dear, there are many little canaries around! I am away through this week's end taking care of my under the weather Mister, but I shall try to return some time before Monday.

Sorry I seem to be here whilst you were not. We are like two snippy princesses passing in the night. Speaking of princesses, I was off to greet Cheryl on her Roger blog. Oh good lord, how her readers mix it up like wild dogs! LOL, I ran away with my tail tucked between my pins. Regards lovely Cheryl, I hope you hear me from this end.

darling RocketQueen: just glad to see you back ...and trixxyfest too, who makes me laugh and laugh..in a completely good way!! Let the good times roll!

In my country, golf dominates the sports channel but ONLY when there's no European football to show live. I think the big money comes from the rich tycoons who probably can't play running sports so they will play golf. I never see people screaming in coffee shops when they watch gold though. I only watch some Golf on like the final 3 holes on final day when Tiger Woods is in contention.

Cheryl and Ricky both have passionate followers, it's true. As for the "canaries," I plead the 5th. See you later RQ, take care of yourself and your ball and chain. :)

I wonder what I'm missing with golf. My father loves it, several uncles, some friends. I have tried to play and I stink. I have watched golf on tv and I nod off. It generates so much revenue and garners so much attention here, and yet, it doesn't seem very exciting to me at all. A lot of the tennis guys seem to enjoy playing though....

It's enjoyable to play but to watch it is a different story... THe only exciting part is when it is on the final day where it really matters. Tiger Woods could be behind 7 strokes and still win the tournament. For tennis players, you can't afford to be worse than your opponent for a day and still be in a tournament the next day.

And how sad that the online "pay for" service tennistv.com doesn't even cover these tournaments?

Hello miri- thank you for adding your comment. I've heard several complaints from people who have paid for that service. A shame to pay, then not have access to whichever tournament you want to see.

It's a bad idea all around- people feel duped and cheated if they've paid money, but are left out of the coverage area. I have always refused to pay and will continue to do so- perhaps your "warning" will encourage others think twice before lining the pockets of ttv. :)

Kelli: have got to disagree, it's the only way someone like me is going to see any tennis outside the Opens, so I've got a 3 year sub and am very pleased. They were certainly showing the tournament featuring Mathieu and Davydenko too.

got it & hated it. i won't do it again.

Hey torres and sky...and the rest of the fedfans....niloofar...et al...just touching base.....and thought this thread was kinda interesting bearing in mind that just returned from watching partial stage of tour de france...was the 15th stage where UK's very own bradley wiggins was at one point...third...now dropped back to fourth at 21st stage..(last I knew)....and the great lance armstrong...at one point second and only a minute from first position...now dropped back to third.....

and there seems to be a twisting and a turning on the nadal thread....so for now....torres...interesting to read what you have said.....and as this is the nearest fedthread........well....how amazing that in an interview with a swiss version of UK hello mag...it was strongly stated that the feds were expecting a boy...only to be met with twin girls! Hilarious!.....I...like you torres...think that fed is such a crowd puller...I mean wimby 11 million viewers for the final....the most EVER.....EVER.....

and here an interesting partial interview given by sampras (after playing a round of golf!....so kind of links...)......i think these are exciting times for fed...i really do...and i cannot wait for the start of Montreal...tho' torres...fedfans...will fed play? (it states he will on RF...)......nadal back and how he is going to perform......

anyways......gorafago...interesting to read what you said......torres and sky..this is for you....take care and catch you later.....(i hope!).... sky...i cannot see anything from you recently on any of the threads so hope that you are well my friend....

Baby steps no impediment for Federer, says Sampras
Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:00am EDT Email | Print | Share| Reprints | Single Page[-] Text [+]
By Mark Lamport-Stokes

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The arrival of twin girls in Roger Federer's life will have no negative impact on the Swiss master's tennis career, according to Pete Sampras.

World number one Federer became a father for the first time when his wife Mirka gave birth to daughters Charlene Riva and Myla Rose in Switzerland Thursday.

"I don't see Roger changing diapers at four in the morning," Sampras, 37, told reporters with a broad grin on Monday, the first day of the LA Open.

"I don't think it will affect his career. It's a life changer for him but he is focused on his tennis and he's got the help from his wife and his parents and whoever else," added the American, who is a father of two boys.

Federer became a father 23 days after beating American Andy Roddick in a gripping five-set final at Wimbledon, clinching a 15th grand slam title to break the record held by Sampras.

"I am content with the 14 that I have and I am amazed with what Roger has been able to do," Sampras said. "It's incredible."

NO REGRETS

Asked if he had any regrets about ending his career at 32 with 14 grand slams, Sampras replied: "I was happy when I stopped.

"It was more than a number for me. I wanted (Roy) Emerson's record, I got it. I wanted to win one more, and I did. And then I won the U.S. Open and I was cooked.

"Emotionally I was spent. I didn't have much left in the tank. When I was done, I felt I had put up some numbers that nobody would touch.

"Little know did I know that Roger was going to come along and surpass me in eight years. He saw 14 as his goal and now he has 15 and he's going to go on and win some more."

Although reluctant to compare great players of different era, Sampras said he would probably name Federer as the best of all time if pushed.

"It's a hard question to answer and I just feel each generation has its player," he added.

"You had (Rod) Laver in the sixties, (Bjorn) Borg in the seventies and the eighties, me in the nineties and Roger today.

"The greatest player of all time? It's hard to say but I would give it to Roger.

Hey there, malty, guess you must be busy. Thanks for the article. ^^

no...torres...not busy torres...went to france for a few days to catch some of the action at the tour de france...and then caught train to italy for a few days rest....but has taken me a while to catch up on what has been going on....on the threads...you seem to be holding your own my friend....and it doesn't surprise me at all that the usual suspects think that the fed fans are scared? scared of what? I am really pleased that rafa appears to be fighting fit and back on the tour again.....i read an article from simon reed.....who does not seem so certain about rafa's recovery.....i guess we all have our own take on it.....but have to wish a great sportsman and great rivalry with fed (our wonderful champion)....to continue.....
the third test of the ashes start tomorrow at edgbaston and another great sportsman with a dodgy knee - andrew flintoff - is back on tomorrow...(we hope).....that damned knee! you wouldn't think that it could have such major consequences.....he is such a fine athlete (flintoff)...in terms of cricket and with this thread....a real 'crowd puller' in terms of media money/spin/modelling/fashion/ bla bla.....

torres always a pleasure to read your posts......have not seen anything from sky for over a week.....where's he gone! Sky! Hi! Come back! Zoey.....get back on this forum girl....do what you gotta do and get back on!

C'mon! Allez Federer!

Malty! I've posted a few things along the way you've probably missed. I'm getting the impression you are in trouble with the admistrator. I hope I'm wrong. I REALLY REALLY do! I miss your imput FED comrade! Find a way. Be good! Be beautiful! Be STRONG! Be Happy! C'MON :)

Absolutely spot on, kelli :yeahs As ( almost ) allways :D
Should I tell we jad in Romania both Stuttgart and Bastaad on TV starting Thursday? Still not enough if you ask me but better than USA fans.
Still waiting for that harassment, btw.......

malty got deleted... T.T...