Gulbis on Big 4

[Riotbeard]

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2013/05/gulbis-big-4-are-boring-interviews/47674/#.UaZnJevt7Gs

Cronin editing issues aside. I really like this attitude and it has definitely further endeared Gulbis to me. Curious to hear other opinions.

 

[Denis]

Gulbis is good to have around but can't really blame the top 4 for their statements, they are in a different situation. Everything gets magnified a lot what they say. But it would be fun if they would add a bit more spice and character in their interviews. So no blame, but praise if they would show some more of themselves and what they really think. Like Roddick.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I will assume he is talking about their interviews, not the way they play, because all of the big four at some point in a match take your breath away...it could be a Roger forehand, Rafa passing shot, a Murray sprint or a Nole return...

Does he have a point as far as interviews go? Maybe...but see, he has never been in their position, where everything said is analysed, major sponsorships are on the line and kids look up to you as role models. You tend to tone it down a bit then, no?Last time anybody cared about anything Gulbis said was when he said "dada" as his first words...downhill from there...

Also, when was the last time an interviewer asked a clever question that brought passion from these guys? It does take two in an interview you know...

 

[Denis]

^ yes, exactly, interviewers could make an effort too. Like 'Do you think tennis should ban the second serve?' Lol, just kidding .

Don't agree on those sponsorships though. Who cares what Nike thinks.

 

[Front242]

I like Gulbis' attitude but Murat pretty much said it all, in that they rely on sponsorship deals and if any of the top 4 acted like twats they probably wouldn't be able to command such lucrative deals. Also, forget the rubbish as usual cut and paste Matt Cronin garbage on tennis.com. Here's a more detailed article with more of what he said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/may/29/ernests-gulbis-french-open-rant

 

[justapasserby]

The interviews i think, give away the secret of these 4 on consistent, long term dominance in the game. be it genuine or fake, a controlled mindset has been the very reason for the dominance they are exhibiting and a "boring" interview is just a manifestation of that. I would like a stare down contest, some trashtalk and in-your-face arrogance between them once in a while but hey, they let their racquets do the talking which is why they produce the best tennis for longer.
they just cannot do away with anymore I guess.

also, i guess they wouldn't need to talk their way into anything if their very presence on court already disheartens their opponents more than any staredown or trashtalking.

but it would be nice to have a lively top player.

 

[Riotbeard]

I will assume he is talking about their interviews, not the way they play, because all of the big four at some point in a match take your breath away...it could be a Roger forehand, Rafa passing shot, a Murray sprint or a Nole return...

Does he have a point as far as interviews go? Maybe...but see, he has never been in their position, where everything said is analysed, major sponsorships are on the line and kids look up to you as role models. You tend to tone it down a bit then, no?Last time anybody cared about anything Gulbis said was when he said "dada" as his first words...downhill from there...

Also, when was the last time an interviewer asked a clever question that brought passion from these guys? It does take two in an interview you know...

I get this from a practical, if I was in their position type thing... but that doesn't mean Gulbis is wrong. Certainly McEnroe and his antics added some flair to the game. Even the tension of the Sampras/Agassi rivalry. That aggressive and evocative approach is definitely lacking in today's game which I think is a shame. I think Roddick is a great example of someone who balanced being a real, honest persona with being a decent person, and his attitude really added interest to the game.

 

[Front242]

I will assume he is talking about their interviews, not the way they play, because all of the big four at some point in a match take your breath away...it could be a Roger forehand, Rafa passing shot, a Murray sprint or a Nole return...

Does he have a point as far as interviews go? Maybe...but see, he has never been in their position, where everything said is analysed, major sponsorships are on the line and kids look up to you as role models. You tend to tone it down a bit then, no?Last time anybody cared about anything Gulbis said was when he said "dada" as his first words...downhill from there...

Also, when was the last time an interviewer asked a clever question that brought passion from these guys? It does take two in an interview you know...

I get this from a practical, if I was in their position type thing... but that doesn't mean Gulbis is wrong. Certainly McEnroe and his antics added some flair to the game. Even the tension of the Sampras/Agassi rivalry. That aggressive and evocative approach is definitely lacking in today's game which I think is a shame. I think Roddick is a great example of someone who balanced being a real, honest persona with being a decent person, and his attitude really added interest to the game.

Yup, I really miss Roddick. His interviews were a breath of fresh air, like Gulbis'.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

^Ditto...Roddick was fun to listen to...But see , he had a lot of success, backed his talk up. J Mac? Backed it up...Connors? Backed it up...Pete, Andre? Backed it up...Borg? Did it quietly...So, when Gulbis talks, with his 2-17 record against the big 4, I don't really care how intelligent he thinks he sounds...or how boring he thinks the other are. The job , still, is to play tennis.

 

[Front242]

Well onto Wimbledon and hope he does better there. Would actually be happy if he knocks out Berdych again. Just incase

 

[Mog]

Well onto Wimbledon and hope he does better there. Would actually be happy if he knocks out Berdych again. Just incase

Yes I like his game but he has to bring it consistenly. I think he is wasting too much energy by going to night clubs and talking too much(crap).

 

[huntingyou]

since nobody cares about losers, and Gulbis it's a loser; he has the freedom to open his big mouth and stink up the joint. I personally would like to see players be more forthcoming when analyzing matches and rivalries but I understand the root of tennis.....it's a gentleman sport. Gulbis can always switch to boxing and test the waters there........

 

[Alex]

Whenever Gulbis talks like this, inevitably some people respond saying that he doesn't back up his talk, he's a loser, he needs to bring it... I understand that to some extent, but on the other hand, Gulbis isn't claiming that he's better than the top four or top ten or whatever. He's just calling it like he sees it. And come on, it's not as though he's ranked #400 and running his mouth.

I think there's something to the "sponsorships" reasoning, but on the other hand, I wonder if a player with the right combination of charm and honesty would actually be MORE popular than the politically correct version of himself (therefore appeasing the sponsors in another way than just acting PC at all times).

Anyway, I think he's completely right, and I think that tennis would do well to have some bigger personalities on the big stage. I'd probably love someone who showed some more personality, and also, sometimes loving to hate someone is just as fun as loving someone. What he said about Fed is so true - that the image of a Swiss gentleman works perfectly for him, but not everyone should feel as though they must adhere to that image too.

 

[isabelle]

I'm sorry that he lost vs Monfils
I like his game and his half nuts personality
Hope he can have a good grass season