Oze Open Rap Up! Tuesday, January 29, 2008
What a great final to finish up one of the best Australian Opens I can recall. The emergence of Jo Wilfred-Tsonga
was truly something special. The flashy frenchman posesses all the weapons neccessary to win a Grand Slam and
I look forward to seeing him on that stage again. Noone can ever know for sure, but I think he was a cross court forehand pass
away from winning the Australian Open. Djokovic's fitness looked in question when he was able to guess correctly and stave
off a break point at 5-5 in the 4th set. After a shaky first set Djokovic was able to get his forehand back in check
and use his backhand down the line which I beleive is the best backhand in the game.
As this is a forum I wanted to run a few ideas by you and see where everyone stands. The first is the Djokovic pre service
ritual of bouncing the ball up to 20 times. Personally, I have three problems with it. First, the time between points rule exists to
prevent players from regrouping physically after a demanding point. It doesnt seem fair that you can add an extra 15 seconds
onto the clock whenever neccessary if you are feeling the pinch from a tiresome rally. Second, it makes it very difficult for the returner to prepare for the incoming serve. It can come after 1 bounce or 20 and
to me it seems an additional mental drain that may not seem significant for one point but becomes relevent over the course
of a five set match. Finally, fans want to see tennis played without interuption. As a sports fan I get frustrated at the conclusion
of a NFL game or NBA game when the other team is calling time outs and nothing seems to be happening. This is not quite
the same thing but after a great point in tennis I want to see more. I don't want to watch a ball bounce 20 times.
Having said all this, the question is what to do about it? Umpires need to start taking a stronger stance with this and hit djokovic
with time violations. The rule is as follows "b) Time Violation or code Violation. A Time or Code Violation must be assessed if
the ball is not struck for the next pointwithin the twenty-five (25) seconds allowed,
except if the Chair Umpire extends the time for special circumstances defined by
the ATP."
Another event I found interesting during the Open was when an umpire gave Djokovic a time violation at five all in the first
set against Federer. Jim Courier was commentating and was appaled by this intervention calling it poor timing.
I did not agree with Courier and believe the rules are there to be followed regardless of the scoreline. I believe the
closer a match is the more the rules need to be adhered to. One thing that constantly amazes me is how players react to
being foot faulted. A linesman is taught to sit on the baseline and call a foot fault if the players foot touches the line.
As players, we are taught not to touch the line with our feet. We know the rule exists, know what the linesman will do
if we voilate the rule yet still seem to act like some hardship has been placed upon us. Maybe it's because I have never
had a foot faulting issue but I think if players cannot learn to stand behind a line then they have noone to blame but
themselves. Again there is no wrong time for the linesman to call a player out on this. If a server is touching the line
then he/she has an unfair advanatage and must be penalized.
Please Respond to these issues I have wrote about. Fans are often going to have
a different perspective than players so I would like to know what everyone thinks.
21 recent comments + add comment
Feb 5, 2008 10:19 am
Dam, just saw someone else posted about it.
Feb 5, 2008 3:40 am
Hey guys, This is match from the Dallas Challenger between Jesse Witten and Bruno Echagaray, where with Bruno serving at 5-6, second serve, in the third set tie-break, he gets foot faulted for the first time in the match. If you want to watch it type 'Bruno Echagaray' into youtube.
Feb 2, 2008 7:42 am
Last post was from me. Tsonga was a sort of revelation during the Aussie Open. I know that when Andy was drawn against him we were worried and when Andy lost, people got on his back. But I think that Tsonga really got into the groove this tournament and opened people's minds up with his style of play! Should be interesting to see how his season pans out. Must say it was very refreshing to see a new pair in the final!
Feb 2, 2008 7:39 am
Nole does is a very good player and does not need to keep that annoying routine up of the constant bouncing of the ball. It can be very distracting for the other players and time watsing. Surely this gives Djokovic an extra advantage. I really like the 25 secind clock idea. At least that should deter people like Novak from the constant bouncing.
Feb 1, 2008 9:30 am
Agree that a rule is a rule and foot faults should be called regardless of the score. I can imagine it is difficult for Djokovic's opponents to be prepared for the serve but he would probably find some other way to stall. Agree with Booty that he probably doesn't do this intentionally to throw off the opponent. Also agree that the time clock would be good. Good luck in Delray, Booty, and hope you're back soon, Fish.
Feb 1, 2008 3:09 am
Foot fault Bitch! haha
Jan 31, 2008 11:38 pm
Wow, that certainly didn't look like a foot fault and I too have never seen that called on a match point. I will say though, no matter how bad a call is, you can't carry yourself the way he did after the call, no matter how high the stakes are. There could have been children there who look up to these players and they have now been exposed to extremely disruptive behavior and can negatively draw from watching the match. Still in disbelief though that a footfault was called when like you said, he doesn't step into the serve. Very very bizarre.
Jan 31, 2008 10:18 pm
Did you see the call in the Bruno Echagary vs. Jesse Witten match in Dallas Challenger on Tuesday. Bruno serving down 5-6 in the 3rd set TB and they call first foot fault of the match on his second serve to give the match to Witten. Bruno got a little upset and broke a few things. You can see this on youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DnQp9YoLl68 Bruno wasn't even stepping forward on his serve. I watched the entire match, this was the only foot fault they called, 2nd serve down match point. If there was a footfault, which I doubt there was, it certainly gave no advantage (the guy never came in on his serve). This is a situation where it should not be called. Watch the video, what do you think?
Jan 31, 2008 10:17 pm
Did you see the call in the Bruno Echagary vs. Jesse Witten match in Dallas Challenger on Tuesday. Bruno serving down 5-6 in the 3rd set TB and they call first foot fault of the match on his second serve to give the match to Witten. Bruno got a little upset and broke a few things. You can see this on youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DnQp9YoLl68 Bruno wasn't even stepping forward on his serve. I watched the entire match, this was the only foot fault they called, 2nd serve down match point. If there was a footfault, which I doubt there was, it certainly gave no advantage (the guy never came in on his serve). This is a situation where it should not be called. Watch the video, what do you think?
Jan 31, 2008 12:24 pm
on the squeeking shoes thing there is no need to do that when someone is serving your waiting for the ball why would you move to get the ball untill the serve had been taken? or is that me just being thick? that reminds me a couple of years back roddick played a guy im sorry cant remember his name but the guy grunted as roddick hit the ball but the ump said he couldnt do anything . so speaking of roddick and umps i suppose the question of his outburst and what booty meantioned about how to point out your opinon to the umpire , was that outburst called for? thing about andy is he is witty and a kind bloke both off and on the court -(thats not just the fan in me talking )yes his outburst was a bit over the top but thats who he is much like johnny mac he is passionate about the game and his game , and sometimes it comes out well a bit upside down in the mix if that makes sense ,but people are different how they take things james blake trys to stay calm ,the bryan brothers have a few outbursts but not that many it just depends how it effects your game in the end of it your their to win if you feel an injustice has been done if keeping it in spurs you on then no different to letting it out ,
Jan 31, 2008 9:17 am
Fish, love the blog...my comments... 1. Jo-Willie is great for the game. 1, he's exciting to watch, anytime we are adding new stars to the game, its great for the sport. 2, he's humble and kind, which we know can be very rare on the tour and especially from a French player! and 3, France is such a huge tennis market, they host a grand slam and have something like 15 players in the top 100. However, they've never had a superstar to follow. Monfils showed flashes of excitement, Gasquet has had good results but never the excitement or personality that you really "love," and they haven't had a grand slam champ since Noah. (I'm not positive on that, but I can't think of anything off the top of my head). Onto Djoko....I hate the ball bounces. In my heart I don't think the goal is to intentionally throw off his opponent or is it a stall tactic, but i do not find it in the idea of good sportsmanship. Tennis has long been called a gentleman's game. I think little things like that will take away the reputation. I also compare it to the "shoe squeaking" that Ivanovic does after someone throws up a ball toss. Not against the rules and I believe she isn't intending to throw off her opponent, but I still don't like it and find it "unsportsmanlike." As for the "foot fault" issue. We are on the same page. I have no sympathy for anyone who complains about a foot fault call, possibly because I have never got one in my life. But, more than that, I do not like when players step into their serve. I DO NOT mean moving your back foot forward (I don't mind this), I'm talking the players who step forward with their front foot and then the back foot follows. I feel like they may as well take a running start if they are going to do this. Yhouzny is a big one who does this. He starts a foot and a half behind the line, steps forward with his left foot, then with his right before he serves. I think players who use this tactic should have to start further back, to be careful NOT to touch the line and should be "faulted" if they touch it, regardless of the time of a match. Someone like me, who does not move their feet, should have the advantage of being very close to the line because I never touch it. This is a rule of the game and should be followed regardless of the score. This year in Adelaide, I was the on the unfortunate end of what I thought was an incorrect over-rule by Steve Ulrich. He did it at 5-6, 15-30 on my serve setting up the other team with 3 set points. I was very upset and after the match, I explained that I thought he took the match into his hands and made an over-rule that changed the outcome of the match. I felt he shouldn't be over-ruling at 5-6, 15-30. He explained to me, that his job to monitor the linemen's calls at all times, regardless of the score and if he sees an incorrect call, it is HIS responsibility to correct it. My only response to that was..."I agree." I gained more respect for Steve as an umpire for this rationale, and I imagine he gained more respect for me as a player for not yelling, screaming and calling him names, but rather speaking rationally with him after the match. Any opinions?????
Jan 31, 2008 9:17 am
Fish, love the blog...my comments... 1. Jo-Willie is great for the game. 1, he's exciting to watch, anytime we are adding new stars to the game, its great for the sport. 2, he's humble and kind, which we know can be very rare on the tour and especially from a French player! and 3, France is such a huge tennis market, they host a grand slam and have something like 15 players in the top 100. However, they've never had a superstar to follow. Monfils showed flashes of excitement, Gasquet has had good results but never the excitement or personality that you really "love," and they haven't had a grand slam champ since Noah. (I'm not positive on that, but I can't think of anything off the top of my head). Onto Djoko....I hate the ball bounces. In my heart I don't think the goal is to intentionally throw off his opponent or is it a stall tactic, but i do not find it in the idea of good sportsmanship. Tennis has long been called a gentleman's game. I think little things like that will take away the reputation. I also compare it to the "shoe squeaking" that Ivanovic does after someone throws up a ball toss. Not against the rules and I believe she isn't intending to throw off her opponent, but I still don't like it and find it "unsportsmanlike." As for the "foot fault" issue. We are on the same page. I have no sympathy for anyone who complains about a foot fault call, possibly because I have never got one in my life. But, more than that, I do not like when players step into their serve. I DO NOT mean moving your back foot forward (I don't mind this), I'm talking the players who step forward with their front foot and then the back foot follows. I feel like they may as well take a running start if they are going to do this. Yhouzny is a big one who does this. He starts a foot and a half behind the line, steps forward with his left foot, then with his right before he serves. I think players who use this tactic should have to start further back, to be careful NOT to touch the line and should be "faulted" if they touch it, regardless of the time of a match. Someone like me, who does not move their feet, should have the advantage of being very close to the line because I never touch it. This is a rule of the game and should be followed regardless of the score. This year in Adelaide, I was the on the unfortunate end of what I thought was an incorrect over-rule by Steve Ulrich. He did it at 5-6, 15-30 on my serve setting up the other team with 3 set points. I was very upset and after the match, I explained that I thought he took the match into his hands and made an over-rule that changed the outcome of the match. I felt he shouldn't be over-ruling at 5-6, 15-30. He explained to me, that his job to monitor the linemen's calls at all times, regardless of the score and if he sees an incorrect call, it is HIS responsibility to correct it. My only response to that was..."I agree." I gained more respect for Steve as an umpire for this rationale, and I imagine he gained more respect for me as a player for not yelling, screaming and calling him names, but rather speaking rationally with him after the match. Any opinions?????
Jan 31, 2008 2:00 am
That suggestion of having a clock run is fantastic. I agree, they have it above the basket and on the scoreboard in basketball, so why not have it next to the time of match at the tennis tournaments? The ATP would probably have to hire extra people to do that at the matches as the chair umpire might not be able to handle that extra task :P And yeah, the catching of the serves gets annoying. I understand if the conditions are tough with wind and other factors, it may throw off the toss but I remember seeing some WTA player at the championships catch her toss 3 times in a game which is far too many. I still haven't decided if Nole does the inconsistent bounces because of nerves or because of tactics. Another interesting point to bring up would be noise control. I couldn't stand it when I saw Shriekapova live. There should be some sort of noise control too.
Jan 30, 2008 6:15 pm
Timing of foot fault calls: I think Courier was echoing a sentiment shared by many tennis players, which is that umpires shouldn't wait until a critical point to make a foot fault call. Most people who foot fault do so on almost every point; if the official identifies this earlier, the player can adjust so on critical points it won't hurt him or her. This is like a referee in basketball allowing handchecks all game, but then calling one with 4 seconds left in a one-point game. Or like an umpire in baseball using a narrow strike zone for 8 innings, but then calling anything near the plate a strike in the 9th. As a game or match progresses, athletes adjust to what the officials are actually doing. They rely on this later in the game, so consistency throughout by the officials is important. That being said, if a player actually doesn't foot fault until 5-5, deuce, then I agree it's fair game. I suppose on the ATP Tour this is more realistic, especially if officials call every foot fault they see. Consistency probably isn't as big a deal at that level. But for your typical amateur who plays at tournaments with a roaming umpire, the foot fault call at 5-5 is extremely frustrating. A more appropriate solution is for the official to notify the player that he is very close to foot faulting and that you'll call him for it in the future.
Jan 30, 2008 3:57 pm
i so agree about challenging foot faults and being able to challenge, as fir the bouncing of the ball to many times from a fans point of view it doenst bother me it just another quirk that players do if your gonna time pelenty that hen hat should include the ball toss that anoys me so so much when the player tosses the ball then catches it i know they say sorry but man thas anoying
Jan 30, 2008 3:13 pm
The 25 second rule should be enforced all the time, players should be given a warning, and then they will lose the point every time they do it from then on. There is no need to bounce the ball twenty times, there is no arguement against enforcing the rule.
Jan 30, 2008 3:13 pm
The 25 second rule should be enforced all the time, players should be given a warning, and then they will lose the point every time they do it from then on. There is no need to bounce the ball twenty times, there is no arguement against enforcing the rule.
Jan 30, 2008 5:31 am
I love the idea about a 25 second clock where all the fans can see. It adds a little suspense and makes it impossible for players to not play within the 25 seconds. The good thing about our organization is that the players in theory own half of it. Not sure if you guys know that but the ATP is 50% comprised of the tournament directors and 50% of the players. Thus any suggestions you guys have that we really think sound great we can run it by our player council reps who then in turn run it by the ATP Board members and can maybe implement some of this stuff. At the next meeting I will definately suggest both the foot fault challenge idea and the time clock. Thanks all you guys for giving us feedback. Fitz you are spot on with the consitancy comment also. If players know the serve is coming after ten bounces then it makes it easier to prepare for the return.
Jan 29, 2008 10:19 pm
I believe that a clock should be mounted that ticks off the 25 seconds between points. If you don't serve in that time, you lose the point. It is used in football and basketball-why not tennis. That way whether you are a grand slam champion serving at 5-5 or a wildcard entry serving at 0-0, you are treated the same. As for foot faults, why not make it a call that you can challenge. It seems to me that if we have the technology to determine whether or not a 150 mph serve is in or out, a camera can be set up to see if your foot crosses the line.
Jan 29, 2008 8:27 pm
I think Nole is a great player and I root for him often but I don't like the excessive bouncing and the fact that it is inconsistent shows that it is not part of a ritual routine that you see with other players. I feel as if the extra ball bounces are equivalent to a player going to the towel for an extra 5 seconds or getting off the bench late after time is called. He needs to make it consistent because he does tend to wait forever on some points, and then rush the serve on others. If he made it a routine to bounce it 10 times and it stayed consistent, I would see no problem with it. And one of my favorite players, Mr. Hewitt, is the king of foot faults and always feels the umpire is wrong which is a shame. I would think his service motion would have been corrected by now so that his foot doesn't slide too far forward. I didn't get to watch many of his matches at the Open but I wouldn't be surprised if he had foot faults in every set he played.
Jan 29, 2008 8:24 pm
Love to hear what you players think. The Djokovic pre-serve routine is very annoying and I empathize with the players who are trying to time their split step and get ready to return serve. It was obviously frustrating to Jo-Willie in the finals.