2021 Tennis

[Buzzo]

4 British men through to the third round of the US Open for the first time in the Open era.

Andy Murray plays 13th seed Matteo Berrettini this evening. He seems to be fitter than we’ve seen for years. Fingers crossed.

[Buzzo]

Beginning of the end of an era.

A legend.

[ame]https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1570401710685945856[/ame]

[Fredo]

The GOAT!

[Shaggy]

It's mad isn't it. In some ways - many ways - he's the GOAT. When he was running away with the number of slams, he was obviously the goat. I still think in terms of all round game, grace, style, versatility, he might well be. In numbers it's Rafa, though it'll likely end up Djokovic imo, and - my view only and I know others disagree - I think Djokovic's versatility, compared to Nadal's clay-heavy record, puts him ahead anyway and Nadal is #3.

But I think when they're all long gone, and the dust has settled, the majority of tennis fans might go for Federer, despite Rafa and Novak eclipsing him numbers wise. I seem to remember he emerged at a time when massive serve and volleyers dominated, and he completely changed the sport.

[wiw]

It's mad isn't it. In some ways - many ways - he's the GOAT. When he was running away with the number of slams, he was obviously the goat. I still think in terms of all round game, grace, style, versatility, he might well be. In numbers it's Rafa, though it'll likely end up Djokovic imo, and - my view only and I know others disagree - I think Djokovic's versatility, compared to Nadal's clay-heavy record, puts him ahead anyway and Nadal is #3.

But I think when they're all long gone, and the dust has settled, the majority of tennis fans might go for Federer, despite Rafa and Novak eclipsing him numbers wise. I seem to remember he emerged at a time when massive serve and volleyers dominated, and he completely changed the sport.

Rafa winning 14 of his 22 slams on clay puts a major dampener on him for me.

Still remember Wimbledon the other year very clearly...Fed serving at 40-15 for the championship and he ****ing blew it. Was so gutted for him.

[Shaggy]

Loving the images and vibes this week. Feel oddly emotional about it all. Sad it's coming to an end but an era that'll never be bettered in our lifetimes.

[Buzzo]

I've loved Tennis my entire life, and the era that is drawing to an end is the best I have seen. There are some obvious reasons for that. But the main one has been the quality of the contest. The four above pushed each other to limits we have never seen before.

Clearly there is a top three. But in terms of finals reached, these four are the best players I have ever watched. Each, on their day capable of some breath taking tennis. Each knowing that to beat the other perfection was required. And it was Federer who first set the bar so high.

Also, in the main, they handled their accomplishments with class and dignity showing other sports people how to be as a winner and as a loser.

A proper golden era.

[red g]

Do you think if MUrray was at his peak now he would be hoovering up Grand slams? If we discount those 3?

[Shaggy]

Yes

[Buzzo]

100% yes - he was toe to toe with all three and lost umpteen finals on the finer margins for years. I do think they propelled him to his best tennis, but then he also did the same for them.

He would have won more Slams if it weren't for injury, he also only once got to a final that did not have either Federer or Novak on the other side of the net.

And peak Murray would be picking up a couple of Slams per year if he were playing now.

[RichC]

Take the other 3 away and Murray (fit) would have scooped up so many more GS. He lost 9 slam finals to either Djokovic or Federer

[Buzzo]

[ame]https://twitter.com/lavercup/status/1573460606274895890[/ame]

[Buzzo]

[ame]https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1573461290164551681[/ame]

[Shaggy]

https://twitter.com/lavercup/status/1573460606274895890

Honestly when it cuts away from a tearful Roger to a tearful Nadal, I went

[Shaggy]

Christ