Highest ranked Irish player at the moment is James McGee at 356 which is a scandal.
Of course it's possible, but it would more likely be a person of rare talent, who trains abroad. We don't have a good system in place to develop a number of players at one time and let's be honest, we are a small country with a number of competing sports.
@stephenhiggins10 Do you think that there is also the perception there among the public that, like in rugby for instance, tennis is not a game for every one?
@Peter Towe I think the best 2 out of 3 sets till the semis when it goes 3/5 will offer up some shocks. Could suit a Murray, the fact that it takes place at Wimbledon is a big carrot to the players and they are all well up for it which they haven't been in the past. I'm going to take Novak.
@ Peter Towe Sadly it probably is the perception even though it isn't true. I've played in clubs all over the country, and the vast majority of players are nice people with no elitism at all.
You're right Jonathon, it can't really compete with the bigger sports in Ireland because there is no base in schools (Rugby) or in the community (GAA). Although that could be said of most other sports.
@Jonathon Lenihan Sad but very true. Amazing when you consider that we can compete in the like of golf at the highest level but can't produce one tennis player.
@ Shaun Cronin Well when you look at the facilities it makes sense. Irish golfers get to grow up on world class courses and they therefore learn the game properly.
Let's move on to the women's game. Serena Williams won again, is that good for women's tennis?
@stephenhiggins10 Can't argue with you there but Novak hardly had world class facilities growing up in war torn Serbia.
@ Shaun Cronin. They must be doing something right they've also produced Ana Ivanovic, Janko Tipsarevic and Victor Troiki.
@Shaun Cronin I agree Shaun, I think the Serb will be determined to make up for his semi-final exit, but Rafa will also be hurting obviously and Federer is determined to do 'the double' as they say.
@stephenhiggins10 Which is my point someone, somewhere is (excuse the pun) dropping the ball.
@Shaun Cronin Yes, but do Serbia specialise in any other games? Ireland has GAA, rugby and soccer, as well as golf and many horse racing followers, so it's hard to fit in tennis as well.
@Peter Towe Agreed good point but by the way even cricket in this country is doing better tennis.
On the women's side, it was good to see Serena properly tested anyway. She had to struggle through some tough matches and at least Radwanska didn't hand it to her. Serena's serve is a joke though. She can hit 120mph out wide at times. Federer would be delighted with that speed!
Wimbledon seems to have been dominated by the Williams sisters in the past decade. Why do they like it so much compared to the other grand slams?
@stephenhiggins10 Federer doesn't need a fast serve....
I might be clutching at straws but when you look at Hurling we are a nation of extremely talented ball strikers by nature so I do see why we can't produce at least one top 100 player.
@ Peter Towe I think it's a combination of reasons. They value Wimbledon above all the other slams due to its history. And the surface suits their games perfectly. The grass rewards their power more than the other slams.
@Peter Towe Surface suits them more then most. Shame Kim Clijsters fell early I though she might pull it out in her last Wimbledon!
Women's tennis seems to be more open in terms of who can win tournaments? Do you see anyone dominating in the next decade?
@Shaun Cronin Yes, and what happened to Sharapova?
@Peter Towe Not for the next decade not in the way the Williams sisters did it's way too unpredictable. For the love of god don't bet on it.
There are a number of strong players at the summit. Azarenka, Radwanska, Kvitova and unfortunately Sharapova will all be in the reckoning.
There are also some players just below like Lisicki and former no.1 Ivanovic who could make a breakthrough.
@stephenhiggins10 Unfortunately Sharapova? Not your favourite then Stephen?
@Peter Towe Maria was tired from winning the French Open. Its very hard to go back-to-back. Think they are bringing in an extra week soon between the change of surfaces that will help the clay courters.
@ Peter Towe I'm not a big fan no. I think her matches are awful to watch, just belting the ball down the middle of the court while screaming.
@stephenhiggins10 You may not like her game but you have to admire her commitment to the sport which is something you can't say for the Williams sisters.
On Serena 14 Grand Slam wins from 18 finals same as Sampras what a record.
@ Shaun Cronin I'd agree with you there. Her mental strength on court is also incredible. I just don't like how limited she is. She doesn't move particularly well, she can't slice or drop shot or volley. And her serve can be dodgy.
So if there are a good few in the running for titles then women's tennis should be exciting for the next few years at least. But I don't think there will be anyone to come close to Stefi Graf though.
@ Peter Towe No Steffi's achievements are on a different planet. 22 grand slams. At least four of each. I still can't believe the golden slam of 1988, where she won the calendar grand slam and the Olympic gold medal.
She may show the Williams sisters a thing or two about how to play. What about the Olympics? Who will win the women's title?
It's hard to look past Serena on grass. If she continues serving the way she did last week. Definitely her title.
Her and Venus should be nailed on for the doubles too.
So to conclude, there is little future for tennis in Ireland, Andy Murray will win a Grand Slam after Roger Federer retires, the Fed is the best player ever and things look exciting in women's tennis. Thanks very much gents for joining in and we look forward to the Olympics and US Open too later in the year.
I hope there's a good showing from Kvitova. She needs to kick on. She has incredible talent and could dominate the game, but she needs to find a way of playing when she isn't hitting the ball well.
Tomorrow, we look at the recent events surrounding Irish show jumper Denis Lynch who has had his nomination withdrawn for the Olympics in London. The Irish Examiner's John Tynan explains why and goes through the ramifications.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
