The end of the affair?

In the post-match debris, I find myself considering the nature of support.

For years, I didn't really align myself with any player. Temperamentally I always felt drawn toward the guys who are not-quite-the-best. The guys who aren't at the pinnacle but have the game to threaten those who are. Recently this has drawn me toward Del Potro and, going back a few years, it is what drew me to Novak. The fact that he also seemed like a nice guy, the kind I could imagine going to the pub with, placed him 'first among equals' in my tennis interest.

Then gradually it began to evolve.

I remember being surprised at how much I wanted him to beat Rafa at USO10.

I then remember being really impressed by his speech after winning AO11 and, at that point, I crossed the threshold into into being a fan.

As 2011 unfolded, well that is probably the most enjoyable sport watching of my life. The narrative was thrilling and seeing a sportsman bloom as an athlete and person was brilliant to watch.

Most of all it was fun.

Now it's not so much fun. I don't like arguing with umpires. I don't like habitual bad performances. And, after the events of week 1, I'm not even happy with baseline-only play. I had more fun watching Dustin Brown and SS than I've had in a long while watching tennis.

So now I'm thinking: what's the point?

Support is a fundamentally daft thing anyway. Giving emotional energy to a person or team who don't have a clue that you exist? It's crazy.

This is especially true in tennis.

A football team for example, will usually have existed as an entity before we were born and will continue to do so after we are gone. Players come and go but the team remains. You can inherit the support from a parent and pass it on to your child. It has some permanence.

But an individual tennis player will only be around for a few years. They must all grow older, decline and eventually retire. Disappointment is inevitable.

So, in a landscape where I'm regularly disappointed in the present and inevitably disappointed in the future, the idea of some distance from individual players seems pretty appealing right now.

Yes good points there but I suggest you stick with Novak as I am positive the good times will return for him. True all players grow old and retire eventually so best enjoying the player whilst he is still around. I have been there before when Andy has lost painfully not doing himself justice so I know the feeling. Just remember what Novak said after the match today 'You can't win them all' (or words to that effect).

Chin up HM.  

I think you're right Murdoch. I too enjoyed what Stakovsky did in the 2nd round more than any other tennis this tournament (in terms of the play!). I missed Browns matches but by all accounts they were fun.

I also agree on the player loyalty thing. My path to stupidity began rationally with sheer enjoyment of Federer's playing style, but then got too heavy (mainly because of the madness of old 606). It is inherently unsound though, you're right. Did you know Baden-Powell thought it degenerate to be a fan of sport and that only in participation did value lie? My Dad always said the same thing.

As Fed shuffles off I hope for a period of greater rationality to resume, though I fear this may tally with indifference. Unfortunately, if so, if and when Fed Mk2 comes along I'll probably get partisan.

Anyway, you've always been the most rational and objective fan on this forum so it doesn't surprise me to see you able to free yourself.

Thanks for the comments and nice words, chaps.

BB, interesting to see the similarity. What starts out as totally rational i.e. wanting to see lots of a player because we enjoy the experience, can quickly morph into something more emotional.

I hadn't heard the Baden-Powell (and Father BB!) quote but I think there is a lot of truth in it. I don't have a problem with watching sport but to elevate an individual to the extent that they can give or take away one's enjoyment does seem degenerate in the true sense of the word - it's a backwards step for sure.

I think the best mentality to adopt if you follow a particular player is that it is only a game. Sure it is important your player wins but at the end of the day you can't win them all. Defeats (like for Novak today) and the first four Murray suffered then makes you savour the victories even more after the losses. I'd hazard a guess that Roger Federer fans felt much the same about his Wimbledon win last year following lean times by his standards and a few painful defeats.

Don't be too down heartened HM

Tennis in a sense has been evolving. Slowly over time. First it was the technology. Once metal frames came in it killed the skill element because big hitters were blasting the skillful from the court and they had to adapt to the technology. Balls changed and strings became varied and what we saw was end to players such as McEnroe, Connors, Lendl, Edberg and Becker. It gave way to players such as Sampras, Courier, Ivanisevic and Scud where the big hitters had the advantage. Agassi was a maverick in a sense and became an insight to what the future would hold for tennis.

Tennis had to go somewhere and they homogenised the courts and bang the big hitters were no more the leaders of the game and baseliners became the new dominating breed.

What you have now is that people want change and it seems that the most realistic and easy fix solution is to revert the court surfaces to their natural speed and try to get the mix right with the calendar so we get the variation spot on. Bring back carpet and expand the grass season.

Wimbledon 2013 gave us a glimpse of Grass tennis. Throwback as it were. We saw skill. I found Janowicz quite exciting because for a big guy with a big serve he had a lovely touch and feel for the ball and also moved so well. Wasn't your baseliner, yet should some deft touches around the court.

I think the way forward is balance. Then we could see more varied tennis that the sport is yearning for.

HM Murdoch  Thank you for sharing your feelings.

You are correct in that support and giving emotional energy to a sports person is irrational. It doesn't make sense. But you also describe the pleasure you felt whilst watching Djokovic play. He may not know you exist but you did gain something from him... the fun you had during that "good" period. That was perhaps what made you "support" him? You wanted to continue watching a player that was responsible for your enjoyement? Maybe you expected to much even though Djokovic has achieved great things as a tennis player he is only human. Don't be too hard on him.

Djokovic isn't my favorite player although I do like him. He has also done a few things that I haven't particularly approved of. However I also feel quite grateful towards him because of some of the amazing matches that he's played and the fun I've had watching him. I've only ever seen him play once live but stood and cheered him both on and off the court. He may not know I exist but he deserved it for the pleasure he has provided.

I think Novak doesn't have enough natural ingredients to dominate on the very fast surfaces (i.e. relevant to the others) and hence if we got more fast conditions - he would be the one to suffer

I actually don't think tiredness was to blame and I suspect that's what our author thinks as well. It's been plain to that if you put Nole in fast hot conditions up against two very good fast court players he will naturally struggle

I'm quite please with how the year has gone. It's fair that Novak dominated the slower paced Aus Open and the same for Andy - 3 'major' Wimbledon finals on the trot, tells it's own tale. And fair that Rafa shows us he's the king of clay

This, for me, as always makes the US Open more interesting - it's slightly faster than the Aus, but not that fast, making it a bit of a lottery

Keep the faith HM. There is much to admire about Nole. The refusal to ever be beaten; the continual quest to advance his game (he is gradually incorporating more volleying even though it is far from natural) and his incredible sportsmanship. The guy deserves all the support he gets. It was also great to see his parents today go to congratulate Judy. For a couple who have received a lot of stick for their attitudes that showed incredible dignity. Novak had a bad day today but he is a formidable champion.

Its difficult to define the term Fan.

Traditionally short for fanatic, in some cases that is held true by an almost dangerous allegiance to a team or player that can blind them to the realities of being just a supporter, but in others, its just a way to show you like a player or team or follow them to watch their progress.

I support Murray, I'm a fan of his but I also embrace other players, teams, in the hope that I get entertained by their play. I support Chelsea, have done since a child, but I can't remember every single team member, the same as I can't remember every single Murray tournament win.

I don't take it too seriously, although today, I was on a knife edge at home in front of the telly, experiencing more heart palpitations than any Horror film, watching Andy Murray try to win Wimbledon, until that ball hit the net, I didnt know if he was going to do it but continued to watch in the perverse, sado-masochistic habit all we Murray fans have done, and that in itself tells me, I am prepared to go through that all again the next time.

Does that make me a fanatic or is it the fear and hope that comes with supporting a player or team that makes me fanatical.

I like to think I'm rational about such stuff, but in the heat of the moment, eyes glued to the TV, fists clenched, teeth grinding, rational thoughts go out the window and all focus is on one man and his actions. Its a crazy thing to do, but its what makes Tennis, for me, a wonderful thing sometimes. We become part of an instance, an alternative reality just for a little time and in some way manage to experience the life of one person doing something we'd never be able or have the opportunity to do.

Fanatic, supporter, follower, I don't think as an individual you can compartmentalise yourself into any one category, but how depressed or happy we are when a player wins or loses, I think that defines the extent of our fanaticism sometimes.

For you Murdoch, just enjoy tennis for what it is, don't turn your back on it, you may even find without support for any single one player, you may get more entertainment and enjoyment from matches than before, and anyhow, Novak has a tendency to bounce right back into the thick of it.

HE, thanks.

Everything you've said is correct.

Where I'm annoyed with myself is that this has been, I think, an excellent tournament. There's been some great tennis.

But in allowing myself to get to attached to a particular player, it ended on a sour note for me.

It seems silly to be like that and I'm cross that I let it come to that.

I still aim to enjoy Novak's matches but not to the detriment of other results.

That's the aim anyway!

Great attitude. Interesting to see some conflating not supporting a player with losing interest in tennis, whereas you are looking at the opposite.its not surprising folk think that way, we've all fallen into the same trap; I've even not watched Fed matches!! Now how thick is it to have enthusiasm for a style morph into not watching?

Tennis is such a gladiatorial sport that it's very difficult not to find yourself having a preference.

I like several things from tennis:

a. Contrast of styles so long as they are evenly matched, I don't like seeing an S&V player smashing a baseliner off the Court, or a baseliner choking the life out of a player capable of gossamer-touch at the net.

b. Aggressive play - I like to see someone who is always looking to shorten rallies, but not at the expense of a few rallies

c. Stylish and effective players - I can't do players who look wonderful but can't make their style succeed.

d. The drama of a topsy-turvy match, the scoring system means that the winner has to play winning tennis at the end.  Thus whilst I like fast conditions, my like of suspense means that I don't like them so fast that an early break has effectively decided the set (1990's Wimbledon - no thanks).

e. On-court sportsmanship.

TMF has been the epitome of so much of what I enjoy for so long that I got sucked in to being a 'fan' of his and used to get very disheartened by his losses until he cracked the 15 in 2009.  Everything has by and large been bunce since then, with the glorious cameo of last year being extra enjoyable.  I accept that part of my dislike of Nadal is down to his 'nemesis' status.  

TMF is still my favourite player, but I am far less tied up about his results. I like Del Boy, who is a great sight when he's on song, but I remain mystified and slightly frustrated by his relative failure at the Masters Series tournaments. My second-favourite player is probably now Radwanska.

Fair words Murdoch. See how you feel again in a few days though.

@HM... Get a Macallan or two in your system (help SoCal too), and the world will be a bit more rosier.

This is like addicts trying to stop someone kicking it.

Excellent thread and all the points raised here are very well articulated and argued. For me it is quite simple: as much as I am a fan of Roger Federer's style of play, I have nothing in common with him. We are two different people and he is far wealthier than I am and has accomplished most of his professional goals while I am working on mine. I also have never held a conversation with the man or his wife, or been around his children, so he and his family are strangers to me.

These simple facts keep things in perspective for me.

Well, nice comments by Murdoch. Everyone likes what they like in a tennis player and no one has to permanently like a player, I know I liked Federer up till about 08, now I can't really stand him much. So Murdoch you cheer for those that you feel like cheering for.

For me I am not disheartened by this loss as much as I was the FO loss. But I feel like people are getting very carried away the man has been to every semi of a slam for 4 years now and has won quite a few. I find his game very watchable and as BornSlipy states he is constantly evolving.

I think Novak controlled himself pretty well considering some real morons in the stands who continually yelled out during points. These boobs apparently had never watched a tennis match live and had to be told not to yell out during the middle of the point. I think he comports himself well in a tough match. Murray had all the advantages and Djoko had a tough semi, it is hard to beat Murray at wimbeldon now and as always beat Nadal on clay, we can expect him to win every big tournament the field has some great players in there to stop him like the clay court GOAT.

Actually a brilliant article no idea how I missed it . You summed up some of my feelings pretty well, I have liked Tennis genius and never been a die hard fan for any player however enjoyed some great plays and sportsmanships.

I started watching Tennis coz of Ivan Lendl [Yes the very same name thats making headlines after 3 decades] , I was just born when lendl was close to his retirement so never saw him play but my cousins always bragged about him being the best player ever and none of the current 90's player could play like him, I understood nothing but thought Lendl might be the "Man of steel" , so wanted to experience what Tennis is all about and was mesmerized by Jim Courier's play, he was dominating early 90's and I seriously thought he is actually Lendl and nobody could beat him on his hey days, atleast what ever little I saw at my young age I believed nobody is better than him.

Lost track of Tennis and started hearing too much hype on Sampras being the best ever, watched him play and dominate player including Jim, what was painfull is the two wins of Jim from 2 sets down  , I never for once believed Sampras is better than Jim so it was rally hard to take it that time, but with Sampras making a mockery of that era people claimed he is the best ever and nobody could better his records. I patiently waited for a predator to rise to the occasion and break all Sampras records to pieces as a revenge to Sampras making mockery of Jim's career  

First when I saw Federer at Wimbledon 2011, I immediately believed this is the young predator I am looking for and he will beat all of Sampras records if he wins his first slam, sadly it took two years for him to convince himself, me and many others what we saw in him.

Then in old 606, many die hard Pete fans who could not tolerate Fed's success started to find different ways to degrade his success which I found quite appalling , some wums where so serious that they treated Fed like a War - Criminal   this made me defend him like many other tennis followers which eventually made me a serious fan of his.

Then came Del Potro, again inspite of his performance in mid 2008 people criticized him heavily, so I wanted him to prove all people wrong and was furiously delighted when he won USO 2009 beating two legends on the way.

Finally when Murray became a serial final loser people started to make more jokes of him, his tears after Wimbledon 2012 took my heart with him, I wanted this guy to not just win a slam but to become a dominant no.1 ahead of his contemporary peers, started cheering for Murray from Wim 2012.

So yes it looks stupid to be a loyalist for just one player, however liking a single player is not a mistake but loyalist? yes that sounds crazy to me as well, today Murray won I am so delighted like many as if I won but the reality I didn't and for the man whom I am was praying from my bottom of heart to win wouldn't even know I exist in this world and the worst part is even if he would have lost he still would have been happy to have made the finals and to collect the big runners up cheque. 

So we have to understand one thing thou, its nothing wrong in celebrating a players win but its really sad to waste time in degrading some players success by any means, coz they ended up achieving something where as we wasted time by being a sadist in discussing comments questioning their achievements. May be time to change  

Once again brilliant article HMM.

I must say, if I was a Novak fan before the final, my admiration for him would not have sagged one bit. You can't win them all - this was a match I had Djoko as marginal favourite for but a Murray win was not a huge shock, and 3-0 looks big but it was always tight. As ever Djoko was a sporting and gracious presence and CC recognised that with the reception he got.

He's not my favourite, but I like him and I think tennis is very lucky to have him at the top. He undoubtedly has more slams left in him, and I think he'll get RG one day. He might need a slight sprucing up in the coaching team - Murray got the one man whose career experience mirrored his own and could tell him face to face how that gap was bridged. Is there anyone out there who could reignite the Djoko spark now that he faces the challenge of going to another level?

I know how HMM feels, lord knows being a Rafa fan has its ups and downs. He can be so frustrating to watch at times, and gets embroiled in things he doesn't need to. But we are drawn to these players for reasons that persist beyond one painful loss.

HMM, I feel that Djokovic is a more complete player these last 2 months even though he's suffered 2 painful losses now. You cant give up on Djokovic because of a few difficult times...you're not a fair-weather glory hunter right? His frustration with umpires, etc, is because he's not winning like before. All players go through great/average patches...Djokovic cant be in 2011 form forever. But stick with him and I'm sure you'll once again be looking forward to USO and see your man have the opportunity of rising triumphant there. Then the pleasure in following a particular player is somewhat vindicated as you watch them overcome adversity/setback.

Anyway, for what it's worth I actually prefer to watch Djokovic over Murray. He demonstrated greater variety and is more attack minded. It didn't happen yesterday, and his frustration showed, but it will again...keep the faith

I too can relate to what you have said HMM.. its a game of tennis when all is said and done.. I have to say for a while there I became ambivalent about this year´s Wimbers when out went Rafa and Fed... but I confess to not watching the final because my final was the match between Delpo and Novak... and for me Juan Martin gave me a whole knew perspective its certainly easier than being a fan of anyone in particular and the atmosphere in which it was played was for me so very refreshing.... he for me was the hero of Wimbledon this year.. what a delight to watch

Good article HM.

I really enjoyed the final yesterday because I love to watch Novak and I wanted to see Murray win Wimbledon, so good all around!  But I was totally relaxed, very pleased with the result, but when for a while Novak looked to be coming back, my heart didn't start pumping and adrenaline didn't start rushing through my veins - it was lovely, so relaxing and enjoyable.  In fact, with this new sanity, I remembered how much fun watching sport could be.

Why have I felt so different watching Fed all these years?  Okay during a tournament there are other matches which haven't featured TMF, but then I am frequently wanting the result that is most advantageous for the super Swiss - and quite frankly the tournament is then more enjoyable in retrospect in the old days, savouring the win!

It is a bit different for we Fed fans now because the great man's powers have waned slightly and the younger guns have caught him up and overtaken him (except for some rare days of sublime genius) so our expectations are not the same as those of Novak, Rafa or Andy fans.

The moral is - it gets easier!  But, as far as Novak is concerned, as others have said, there are many more slam victories left in him I feel.  He had an exhausting RG semi, all the more so because he lost, and an exhausting and brilliant W semi - that is taking nothing away from Murray who played wonderfully and fought for the win, but I am expecting to see Novak come back and be very, very hungry for the USO!  He is too competitive an animal not to be determined to assert his authority over his nearest two rivals.

Thanks for the comments.

I'll continue to enjoy watching Novak, of course, and I'm sure I'll continue to like him as a player as a person.

I just want to adjust my focus a bit so that my main enjoyment comes from the quality of tennis I'm watching and not the particular fortunes of Novak.

It's more enjoyable to be a fan of the game than a fan of a player!

Very pertinent ending point there HM.

Because I love feds game so much, I have grown to love that game more than the sport itself and when he hangs up his racket I will probably seppuku myself.
If you don't get too attached you can move on with an easier transition.

HM Murdoch wrote: I just want to adjust my focus a bit so that my main enjoyment comes from the quality of tennis I'm watching and not the particular fortunes of Novak.

It's more enjoyable to be a fan of the game than a fan of a player

Amen to that. I think I am in a similar state, but anno domini has forced it on me!