Didn't we use to have a tennis thread?

[The Camel]

Anyway, when a player is serving, and they get 3 balls thrown to them by the ballboy - they study the balls intently and then discard the two they don't want to use.

What exactly are they looking for?

[DungBeetle]

Anyway, when a player is serving, and they get 3 balls thrown to them by the ballboy - they study the balls intently and then discard the two they don't want to use.

What exactly are they looking for?

Newer balls are best for serving so think they are trying to identify the balls that haven't been involved in the longer rallies. Not sure what shows that. Maybe fuzzier balls are better?

[DungBeetle]

Although given that the balls are changed frequently I imagine the process is largely just a chance to gather yourself mentally before each serve.  Or think what's for dinner after the game.

[Tal]

Anyway, when a player is serving, and they get 3 balls thrown to them by the ballboy - they study the balls intently and then discard the two they don't want to use.

What exactly are they looking for?

Newer balls are best for serving so think they are trying to identify the balls that haven't been involved in the longer rallies. Not sure what shows that. Maybe fuzzier balls are better?

About 15 years ago, there's was a bbc advert with Tim Henman serving,  where the voice over said he looks for the furry balls because they go better through the air.

Can't find it to post here, but that's my recollection.

[tikay]

Here you go Keith, excellent piece from the New York Times which seems to cover all bases.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/sports/tennis/07tennis.html?_r=0

Click to see full-size image.

[arbboy]

http://www.changeovertennis.com/category/kelsey-andersons-blog/

This is an interesting read from the WAG angle of the tennis tour.

[bunnydas8888]

Why do they bother to put a ball into their pocket? Surely that must be uncomfortable running about?

Andy Murray out just now.

Has he been "lucky" getting to where he is in the world today? or is he going through a bad patch?

I for one said he would never win a Slam and was shocked when he won the US.  I felt his wimbledon win was due to a lack luster performance from Djok.

Is this just me being anti Murray or is he better than I give him credit for?

[nirvana]

Why do they bother to put a ball into their pocket? Surely that must be uncomfortable running about?

Andy Murray out just now.

Has he been "lucky" getting to where he is in the world today? or is he going through a bad patch?

I for one said he would never win a Slam and was shocked when he won the US.  I felt his wimbledon win was due to a lack luster performance from Djok.

Is this just me being anti Murray or is he better than I give him credit for?

Yes

[The Camel]

Why do they bother to put a ball into their pocket? Surely that must be uncomfortable running about?

Andy Murray out just now.

Has he been "lucky" getting to where he is in the world today? or is he going through a bad patch?

I for one said he would never win a Slam and was shocked when he won the US.  I felt his wimbledon win was due to a lack luster performance from Djok.

Is this just me being anti Murray or is he better than I give him credit for?

Murray is a fantastic player who is extremely unlucky to be playing in the toughest era of tennis since the game turned pro.

[The Camel]

Is Federer the first sports star that literally everyone loves?

[tikay]

Is Federer the first sports star that literally everyone loves?

Beckham never had too many haters, which in football is pretty rare, & Bobby Moore was admired by most. Doubt David Bryant had an enemy on earth.

[DungBeetle]

I think you're forgetting post 1998 World Cup Tikay when people were threatening to decapitate Beckham!

He's one of those guys that everyone loves now - not sure that was the case mid career as Federer has it.

[DungBeetle]

Think Agassi had it similar to Fed.  Goran towards end of career?

[david3103]

Is Federer the first sports star that literally everyone loves?

Beckham never had too many haters, which in football is pretty rare, & Bobby Moore was admired by most. Doubt David Bryant had an enemy on earth.

Are you saying that Leeds United and Liverpool don't have many fans?

Federer though. He just oozes class, never read a bad word about him. I'm not a tennis fan, have no real appreciation of the finer points but even I can see how good he is.

[tikay]

Is Federer the first sports star that literally everyone loves?

Beckham never had too many haters, which in football is pretty rare, & Bobby Moore was admired by most. Doubt David Bryant had an enemy on earth.

Are you saying that Leeds United and Liverpool don't have many fans?

Federer though. He just oozes class, never read a bad word about him. I'm not a tennis fan, have no real appreciation of the finer points but even I can see how good he is.

That's just group think. They would have loved him to play for their team.