Wimbledon prize money!

[chrisd]

How glad am I that they've put the prize money up this year cos I have jut played my first game of tennis for 15 years this evening. I played for about 10years in between football and finding golf. The brain was sharper than the legs but volleys went well and I hadn't forgot how to slice and topspin the backhand.

So long as I avoid Novak in the quarter finals I reckon Murray should be an easy three setter!

 

[richart]

I don't understand why they need to put the prize money up. It is not as if the top players are going to boycott Wimbledon. They should pay to play in the tournament.

Wow you are old Chris if you have a sliced backhand. Actually I have a sliced forehand, and the young pups hate it with the ball keeping so low. Seem to have problems getting their big top spins up the back of the ball. Also great for drop shots, as most players are allergic to the net.

 

[chrisd]

I don't understand why they need to put the prize money up. It is not as if the top players are going to boycott Wimbledon. They should pay to play in the tournament.

Wow you are old Chris if you have a sliced backhand. Actually I have a sliced forehand, and the young pups hate it with the ball keeping so low. Seem to have problems getting their big top spins up the back of the ball. Also great for drop shots, as most players are allergic to the net.

OLD! I'm only 60 but with a reconstructed knee and 2 new hips I'm not the same player i was before seriously surprised how I hadn't forgotten everything.

The guy I knocked with is 67 and his daughter was number 4 ranked British lady some years ago and played Wimledon.

 

[Foxholer]

Prize money is going up to allocate more to the early round losers - and to winners in qualifying tournament.

Politically incorrect but, with only 3-setters, Ladies aren't doing as much work for their money imo. In their case, I also agree that the prize-money weighting should be more towards the last week participants, as the quality of 1st/2nd round losers is nowhere that of the equivalent in mens.

Haven't picked up a racquet in nearly 20 years. Umpiring at Wimbledon qualifying - and potential school, that didn't work out - was the excuse to come over here! I had a mean American Twist 2nd serve (taught a Davis Cup player how) and a would-be Ken Rosewall backhand!

 

[richart]

Prize money is going up to allocate more to the early round losers - and to winners in qualifying tournament.

Politically incorrect but, with only 3-setters, Ladies aren't doing as much work for their money imo. In their case, I also agree that the prize-money weighting should be more towards the last week participants, as the quality of 1st/2nd round losers is nowhere that of the equivalent in mens.

Haven't picked up a racquet in nearly 20 years. Umpiring at Wimbledon qualifying - and potential school, that didn't work out - was the excuse to come over here! I had a mean American Twist 2nd serve (taught a Davis Cup player how) and a would-be Ken Rosewall backhand!

Crikey if you know which end of the racket to hold, you must be ranked in New Zealand.:rofl:

Good to know that the losers are getting more money.

 

[richart]

OLD! I'm only 60 but with a reconstructed knee and 2 new hips I'm not the same player i was before seriously surprised how I hadn't forgotten everything.

The guy I knocked with is 67 and his daughter was number 4 ranked British lady some years ago and played Wimledon.

I played against a top 5 ranked under 18 womens junior a few years back in our Mixed League. She went off to the States, but not sure what happened to her. She had a 110 mph left handed serve which was almost impossible to return. Great from the back of the court, but not so hot around the net. She played for Aldershot, and although we were in the third division of the mixed league, their team of six had four professionals. It is strange that in golf professionals can not play in amateur competitions, but tennis leagues are open to amateurs and professionals. Needless to say we got a a bit of a thumping.

 

[Foxholer]

Crikey if you know which end of the racket to hold, you must be ranked in New Zealand.:rofl:

As far as I can remember, a Kiwi has made it further in Wimbledon than any English player since 1936!

In fact, a chap from my home town won Wimbledon Singles 4 times consecutively - and it would have been more except for some classically English (and French) daft Generals! Oh and Wimbledon Doubles 4 times too - and a few Davis Cups too!

 

[richart]

As far as I can remember, a Kiwi has made it further in Wimbledon than any English player since 1936!

In fact, a chap from my home town won Wimbledon 4 times consecutively - and it would have been more except for some classically English (and French) daft Generals!

True, Chris Lewis. Easy to forget him at Wimbledon as the final did not last long. Mind you he was beaten by John McEnroe at his peak.

Didn't know about Tony Wilding. I note that his parents were English, so I am sure we can claim him. Tennis down under does seem to have struggled over the last few years, which is a shame. It has struggled since Fred Perry in England.

 

[Foxholer]

True, Chris Lewis. Easy to forget him at Wimbledon as the final did not last long. Mind you he was beaten by John McEnroe at his peak.

Didn't know about Tony Wilding. I note that his parents were English, so I am sure we can claim him. Tennis down under does seem to have struggled over the last few years, which is a shame. It has struggled since Fred Perry in England.

Tame Final alright, though the Semi against Kevin Curren would have rated as one of the top matches of all time even if he'd lost. That must have taken some oomph out of Lewis who was recognised as the fittest player of the time - sponsored by MacDonalds too.

To me, Kiwi tennis had (probably still has) a 'problem' with population, a 'committee approach' (been there done that) and a slight lack of drive at certain levels of coaching. British tennis has the same 'committee approach' (possibly the one thing it invented and is still the world's best at) a bigger 'uninspired coach' issue. It doesn't have the population problem but does have a distance one - talented Juniors have to be ferried around by parents - so it excludes a whole section of the population that it does have and is then seen as elitist. And there are still nowhere near enough indoor facilities! That's all ignoring the fact that football is so dominant at that age too!

The Murray family's story actually demonstrates, to me, all the problems of British Tennis! Fortunately, it also shows that, with determination and support, they can be overcome by a better approach! I have also seen the results of a different approach elsewhere (US of course), though that isn't without its 'difficulties' either.

Most of the issues (not facilities though) that British tennis has also applies to Golf imo!