Roddick says players may discuss tour issues

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TEN_RODDICK_PLAYERS_GRIEVANCES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-10-10-10-09-18

SHANGHAI (AP) -- The top men's tennis players may still meet this week in Shanghai to discuss their grievances with the ATP tour despite the absence of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Andy Roddick said at the Shanghai Masters on Monday he hopes other players are still "passionate" about the problems and open to discussing ways to resolve them.

Roddick has been among the most vocal proponents for a collective response to the top players' complaints about the tour, notably the length of the season and the number of tournaments players must enter.

The issues came to a head during the rain-soaked U.S. Open. Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roddick voiced concerns about the conditions of the courts and the condensed schedule that forced Nadal to play three matches in three days.



***i know not many DUers follow tennis -- but i do & i know a couple of others do.

[TBF]

1. You bet I do -

Murray has backed down a bit but Roddick has been strong and I admire him for it.

I'm glad they are meeting and that Roddick is involved. If Djokovic, Murray, Nadal, and Federer all refuse to play a big tournament you can bet your ass people will listen to them.

Sure they are athletes who make a lot of money - but the tournament owners are making a lot more.

[xchrom]

2. a ton more.

this is as much about pimping out the top players as anything else -- you want top players at your tournament for the draw.

but it hurts the little guys who can't get around the way other players can.

[ChiciB1]

9. I Agree With You On This... There Are Many Very Good Players That

I really, really like, but since the top 4 are always playing to get their points, it's hard for the others. Love Tsonga, Berdych, especially Jaun Martin DelPotro, D. Ferrer and more. And Fish has really come up to speed and going gang busters.

But you also have to admit that the top players have to keep upping their game. I think it's really tough on them

And let's not forget the women... they have to play just as much. I'm not sure I like the set-up because of so many tournaments going on all the time. I DO have a DISH and can watch so many of the tournaments on the Tennis channel, but many of my friends can't! Of course, you can always sign up and watch through ATP and other places, but it's not the same to me.

[ChiciB1]

6. But There's The Factor Of "Burn-Out" To Consider! n/t

[joeybee12]

3. I saw last week he mentioned they might discuss unionizing...he backed off

a bit and said it was a possibility...most of the top players feel the schedule is too long.

[xchrom]

5. i think it's an exhausting schedule.

nadal looked terrible at the end of this year.

[ChiciB1]

4. This Is So Very Important... While Roddick Isn't MY Favorite Player

he does have a VERY VALID POINT! Both men & women are having to play more and more tournaments and I don't see how this can continue.

I understand why Novak Djokovic & Roger Federer aren't there. It has nothing to do with them not WANTING to forward. Nole is probably either taking a break or participating in Davis Cup. He's has a fantastic year, but must need a long over due break if he's not playing Davis!

MY BIG FAVORITE... Love Nole, a super duper NO. 1 player!

[TBF]

7. I heard Novak is getting married -

Roger takes breaks because he can. I've been watching him since he came out of juniors and he always takes care with his schedule - that and his impeccable form (and a little luck) are probably the reason he's played virtually injury free for so long.

Although a longtime Federer fan I like watching any of the top 4 - they are all so good right now and it makes for great matches.

[ChiciB1]

8. Uh Oh... Roger Got Married... His Game Seemed To Suffer! But, I've

been one of his (Djoker) biggest supporters since way back! My son worked for a VERY, VERY famous woman tennis player and I talked to her about him back in 2008. She told me then he looked good but felt he might get a "big head!" Yes, he did get one... but that's the racket he plays with I think. That's wasn't what she was referring to thought. I think I did read in my Tennis magazine that he uses a 100" one, up from the 95" that many use!

She has since been very complimentary of him. I'm not saying who she is because she has always seemed "weird" about me mentioning her. She has since left this area, but she was a favorite of mine for a long time. She & Chris Everett has quite a rivalry, but are now friends.

Nuff said!

But good luck to Nole! I've seen his girlfriend but was unaware they were getting hitched. He's just great and has really pulled himself up and fought really hard. How long he'll stay on top is something we'll have to wait and see. The way they play the game now I've been worried that their bodies are going to break down at a younger age than in the past. Seems a LOT of wear and tear from back in the McEnroe days!

Rafa just got beat in the finals by Murray... so things can change quickly!