2022 Wimbledon

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 03:35 PM

Alcaraz up against it as he loses the first set 6-1 to Sinner.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 03:41 PM

Sinner breaks in the first game of the second set.

One way traffic so far.

**He's here!** · 03-07-2022 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by Sir David Gray

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I often wonder what people's true opinions were of John McEnroe at the time of him playing.

I was only 6 when he retired so I don't remember him at his peak so I wonder if people thought the same of him as they do with Kyrgios.

Obviously nowadays he's thought of as a legend of the sport and a respected commentator but at the time of his tantrums and confrontational behaviour towards the officials did anyone on here who is old enough to remember McEnroe and who also dislikes Kyrgios think that McEnroe was a "prick", a "bully" and "bad for tennis"?

I know McEnroe had the "superbrat" tag from the tabloids but I wonder if there's anyone who dislikes Kyrgios but who actually quite liked McEnroe and, if so, why that is the case? Kyrgios will never win the 7 Grand Slam titles that McEnroe won so perhaps that has something to do with it.

For me, whilst I think Kyrgios is a bit of an arse, undoubtedly takes things too far on a regular basis and actually becomes a bit boring with his tirades, I do find him fascinating to watch as outside of his drama (which I must admit is part of his appeal for me) he is also the ultimate definition of a maverick. He is so talented and has so many unorthodox shots that you never know what is coming next with him.

Outside of the obvious players of Murray, Federer and Nadal, a Nick Kyrgios match is one of the matches I would make a point of watching, for the unpredictability and genius shot making just as much as the inevitable tantrums and ill-discipline he brings to the court.

McEnroe was certainly hated by a big percentage of tennis fans. Only Nastase before him had been anything like as outspoken on court. He was also up against one of the most beloved Wimbledon icons of all time, Bjorn Borg, so most were instinctively against this brattish young Yank who also LOOKED annoying with his tight perm and scowling face.

He deserved most of the flak he took IMHO. However, as he grew up and learned to channel his anger he gained more respect and backed things up by winning multiple slams. Krygios has bags of talent but looks unable to mature in a similar way.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 03:54 PM

Quite gutted I'll be missing the Kyrgios match tomorrow as he's first up on Centre Court at 1.30pm so I'll be at work which is disappointing!

Nadal is on third on Centre Court so I'll see that hopefully.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 03:56 PM

Goffin-Tiafoe has gone into a fifth set.

I did think that one had final set potential when I saw the draw.

***SHODAN*** · 03-07-2022 04:08 PM

News interrupts the deciding game of the second Norrie-Paul set so we can hear about the latest Tory sleaze. Joke.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 04:26 PM

Sinner now two sets up v Alcaraz.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Diclonius

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News interrupts the deciding game of the second Norrie-Paul set so we can hear about the latest Tory sleaze. Joke.

Norrie went onto BBC 2 whilst the news was on.

They've done that throughout the tournament by switching between BBC 1 and 2.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 04:35 PM

Norrie a break up in the third set now.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 04:35 PM

David Goffin beats Frances Tiafoe in five sets.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 05:01 PM

Norrie through in straight sets.

***hibeg*** · 03-07-2022 05:29 PM

Just in and see Alcaraz is 2 sets down. Surprised tbh. Has Sinner played really well or Alcaraz been off it ?

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by hibeg

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Just in and see Alcaraz is 2 sets down. Surprised tbh. Has Sinner played really well or Alcaraz been off it ?

Sinner was excellent in the first set, outplayed Alcaraz.

Second set a bit more even but Sinner edged it.

Third set has also been quite even.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 05:40 PM

Alcaraz wins the third set 7-6.

***hibeg*** · 03-07-2022 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Sir David Gray

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Sinner was excellent in the first set, outplayed Alcaraz.

Second set a bit more even but Sinner edged it.

Third set has also been quite even.

Cheers. Just seen the tie break, wow !
I’ve watched Alcaraz since Round 1, the boy is class.

Come on Carlos

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 05:47 PM

If this goes to 5 sets Djokovic might not get finished tonight.

***DaveF*** · 03-07-2022 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by He's here!

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McEnroe was certainly hated by a big percentage of tennis fans. Only Nastase before him had been anything like as outspoken on court. He was also up against one of the most beloved Wimbledon icons of all time, Bjorn Borg, so most were instinctively against this brattish young Yank who also LOOKED annoying with his tight perm and scowling face.

He deserved most of the flak he took IMHO. However, as he grew up and learned to channel his anger he gained more respect and backed things up by winning multiple slams. Krygios has bags of talent but looks unable to mature in a similar way.

Agree with that. There was no love lost between McEnroe, Connors, Lendl but it rarely got personal on the court.

There was also no Hawkeye and line calls were the basis of 99% of McEnroe's tantrums back in the day. His lefty service action is a thing of beauty and probably what got me into tennis (plus I had the Mac rage factor minus all the talent)

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 06:13 PM

Sinner breaks in the fourth set.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 06:17 PM

Jannik Sinner take a bow!

0-40 down to hold serve and go 4-1 up fourth set!

***hibeg*** · 03-07-2022 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by Sir David Gray

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I often wonder what people's true opinions were of John McEnroe at the time of him playing.

I was only 6 when he retired so I don't remember him at his peak so I wonder if people thought the same of him as they do with Kyrgios.

Obviously nowadays he's thought of as a legend of the sport and a respected commentator but at the time of his tantrums and confrontational behaviour towards the officials did anyone on here who is old enough to remember McEnroe and who also dislikes Kyrgios think that McEnroe was a "prick", a "bully" and "bad for tennis"?

I know McEnroe had the "superbrat" tag from the tabloids but I wonder if there's anyone who dislikes Kyrgios but who actually quite liked McEnroe and, if so, why that is the case? Kyrgios will never win the 7 Grand Slam titles that McEnroe won so perhaps that has something to do with it.

For me, whilst I think Kyrgios is a bit of an arse, undoubtedly takes things too far on a regular basis and actually becomes a bit boring with his tirades, I do find him fascinating to watch as outside of his drama (which I must admit is part of his appeal for me) he is also the ultimate definition of a maverick. He is so talented and has so many unorthodox shots that you never know what is coming next with him.

Outside of the obvious players of Murray, Federer and Nadal, a Nick Kyrgios match is one of the matches I would make a point of watching, for the unpredictability and genius shot making just as much as the inevitable tantrums and ill-discipline he brings to the court.

I’m old enough to have seen McEnroe in his prime. I loved the tantrums because believe me the game was so boring back then and he brought it into the limelight ,along with Nastase who was mainly just before my time.
As I remember McEnroe gave plenty abuse to umpires and spectators
Ironically last night I watched the film Borg McEnroe. If factual, he was telling Jimmy Connors to gtf as well so assume he gave grief to his opponents if things were not going to his liking.
I enjoy watching Kyrgios as well, baggage and all.
Can see the similarities

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 06:40 PM

Sinner wins in four sets on his 6th match point.

I'm sure Alcaraz will be back again soon but Sinner was just too good today. His forehand is an absolutely brilliant shot.

**HUTCHYHIBBY** · 03-07-2022 06:41 PM

Oh well, no escape from Alcaraz after all. 😀

***hibeg*** · 03-07-2022 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY

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Oh well, no escape from Alcaraz after all. 😀

He will win it in the not too distant future I think. Needs a bit more experience
Impressed with Sinner as well, don’t think he has had many games on grass courts

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 07:08 PM

Jamie Murray and Venus Williams out of the Mixed Doubles after an incredible match.

18-16 in the final set tiebreak.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by hibeg

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He will win it in the not too distant future I think. Needs a bit more experience
Impressed with Sinner as well, don’t think he has had many games on grass courts

I think he needs to forget about doing so many drop shots.

He reminded me a little bit of Andy Murray in his early days as the drop shot was one of his main tactics but it didn't really work too well.

Sinner seemed to come out on top in most of the rallies where Alcaraz tried a drop shot.

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 07:23 PM

Ons Jabeur wins in straight sets v Elise Mertens and keeps alive her chances of becoming the first ever African female to win a Grand Slam singles title.

***hibeg*** · 03-07-2022 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Sir David Gray

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I think he needs to forget about doing so many drop shots.

He reminded me a little bit of Andy Murray in his early days as the drop shot was one of his main tactics but it didn't really work too well.

Sinner seemed to come out on top in most of the rallies where Alcaraz tried a drop shot.

I agree, the drop shot he played at 2-5 to make it 15-40 was ridiculous, he had the whole court to pass Sinner. He played it at lot in earlier rounds as well.
He will learn though. I’m not sure if this was his first Wimbledon, or even one of his first grass court events, but his shot making, movement and natural power impressed me
Next year Carlos !

**Sir David Gray** · 03-07-2022 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by hibeg

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I agree, the drop shot he played at 2-5 to make it 15-40 was ridiculous, he had the whole court to pass Sinner. He played it at lot in earlier rounds as well.
He will learn though. I’m not sure if this was his first Wimbledon, or even one of his first grass court events, but his shot making, movement and natural power impressed me
Next year Carlos !

This was his second appearance at Wimbledon, he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the second round last year which was his first senior tournament on grass.