The Golden Age of Tennis

We are in a golden age of men’s tennis, and not very many Americans seem to care.  I’ve written about the topic now a few times, but nothing has changed since the last time.  It seems like every year Wimbledon comes around, and I’m thinking the same exact thing.  This is one of the greatest athletic competitions in all of sports, yet why do so few Americans tune in?




Growing up, my mom always had a deep interest in tennis.  She watches almost all the tournaments, big and small.  As a kid, I hated it.  I would get so annoyed when she was taking up the TV because she was watching the tennis tournament of the week.  As I grew up, I gained an appreciation for the game.  Would I call myself a fan?  Borderline at best.  But when people toss around ignorant statements about how stupid tennis is and nobody cares, I’ll defend the game because I appreciate it.  If you have ever played a sport, how can you not admire the speed and quickness of the players in the top level?  Even deeper, how can you not admire such a competition that is played with incredible grace at the same time? 



The top 3 players in the world on the men’s side are Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer with Andy Murray on the outside with the best look in.  Unfortunately this group does not include my personal favorite tennis player, Gael Monfils.  This big three in tennis is absolutely dominant.  Dating back to 2003, the trio of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer has won 32 of the past 36 grand slam majors.  Yes, that is a .889 winning percentage for all of you that were wondering.  The Celtics’ big three never came close to that during their prime.  The Heat’s big three hasn’t come close.  Since the Big 3 era started in Miami, the Heat are 104 and 44 in the regular season.  They could go on a 200 game winning streak and still not match that winning percentage!  Rick Reilly has a great piece on the tennis big 3 from last week. 

My point is, put aside your preconceived notions about the game of tennis.  Give it a chance.  When Tiger Woods was at his peak on the PGA Tour, people started giving the game of golf a chance.  Popularity boomed because of Tiger.  Federer is the Tiger Woods of tennis, and amazingly he now has two guys on his same level something Tiger has never had.  It is amazing competition to watch.  You’re really not a sports fan until you watch some of the top level competition in any sport.  As a sports fan, you would be remised if you didn’t check out at least the final round of Wimbledon this weekend. 

Just because their are no top level Americans, does not mean tennis is not a sport.  If you are a sports fan, you can appreciate these athletes.  The Wimbledon finas are this weekend.  Why won't you be watching?