Nitto ATP Finals, 2021, Turin, Italy

[don_fabio]

Novak looks full of energy and will to play since USO loss. Great performance against Daniil in Bercy and now on a good run here.

 

[Fiero425]

Novak looks full of energy and will to play since USO loss. Great performance against Daniil in Bercy and now on a good run here.

Just watched a You Tube video of presention of his 7th YE #1 Ranking trophy! It was a nice, long speech in Italian! Novak's just amazing!

 

[tented]

But Carol is trying to say that Hurkacz might withdraw, leading them to need Karatsev. But I looked for that, in English, Spanish, Italian and French, and I found nothing.

The Tennis Channel just said Karatsev is there, practicing. Only the third time in this event’s history they’ve had to bring in a third alternate.

 

[Moxie]

The Tennis Channel just said Karatsev is there, practicing. Only the third time in this event’s history they’ve had to bring in a third alternate.

It get it now...it's a "just in case," since they ran out of alternates.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

the mighty cameron norrie is ready to wow the world.

 

[Fiero425]

The Tennis Channel just said Karatsev is there, practicing. Only the third time in this event’s history they’ve had to bring in a 3rd alternate.

It's what has "put me off" Pro sports! Years ago it was an honor and a privilege to play in this tournament; NOW not so much with expected WD's! The elites don't have to GAF; coming and going as they please if points aren't needed! If on top and a senior player like Fed, "you can leave your name in the rankings" vulturing the system staying in the top 10 for some ridiculous amount of time without playing! I was no fan of Graf, but IIRC she told the WTA to take her off the "ranks" after her last appearance in '99 Wimbledon final she lost to Davenporte! Roger IMO has shamelessly abused his position of "good will," that Karma's paying him back after he overtook Pete in less than a decade! He has 2 players who have surpassed him while still playing! TRUE Karma!

 

[tented]

It's what has "put me off" Pro sports! Years ago it was an honor and a privilege to play in this tournament; NOW not so much with expected WD's! The elites don't have to GAF; coming and going as they please if points aren't needed! If on top and a senior player like Fed, "you can leave your name in the rankings" vulturing the system staying in the top 10 for some ridiculous amount of time without playing! I was no fan of Graf, but IIRC she told the WTA to take her off the "ranks" after her last appearance in '99 Wimbledon final she lost to Davenporte! Roger IMO has shamelessly abused his position of "good will," that Karma's paying him back after he overtook Pete in less than a decade! He has 2 players who have surpassed him while still playing! TRUE Karma!

Throughout the history of the tournament, it’s only the third time they’ve had to bring in a third alternate, the last time being in the late 90s. It’s not as if this has become a regular occurrence.

 

[tented]

It get it now...it's a "just in case," since they ran out of alternates.

I was confused, too, since there was the rumor (?) of Hurkacz withdrawing.

 

[tented]

the mighty cameron norrie is ready to wow the world.

I like Norrie, so I’m glad he’s getting a chance to participate.

 

[Fiero425]

Throughout the history of the tournament, it’s only the third time they’ve had to bring in a third alternate, the last time being in the late 90s. It’s not as if this has become a regular occurrence.

Again it has to do with the unrealistic expectations from us all of "also ran" players to the Big 3! Novak and Roger have owned the event over the years with only recent success of the NG's! Novak can survive without the record, allowing Roger a little piece of history by winning his record 6th YEC ages ago! Novak was about as successful in London over Roger as he was "down under" year after year in those AO SF's! Roger would otherwise have about 10 champ at all 3 events (AO, Wmb. & YEC).!

 

[Carol]

The Tennis Channel just said Karatsev is there, practicing. Only the third time in this event’s history they’ve had to bring in a third alternate.

Yep, something is going on because he is in Turin already

 

[tented]

Yep, something is going on because he is in Turin already

They always have two alternates on site in case someone drops out. Since two players have dropped out, they brought in Karatsev as a new alternate in case someone else drops out. His presence is not an indication a third player is definitely going to drop out.

 

[Carol]

They always have two alternates on site in case someone drops out. Since two players have dropped out, they brought in Karatsev as a new alternate in case someone else drops out. His presence is not an indication a third player is definitely going to drop out.

Well I hope there are not more injured, there are enough already!

 

[Moxie]

Yep, something is going on because he is in Turin already

I would think that when Berrettini was unexpectedly injured, and knowing that Tsitsipas was carrying one, that they may have made a deal Karatsev to get on a flight yesterday and pay him something. I would have, if I were running the tournament. EDIT: I see tented explained above that they would have brought him in, anyway.

 

[Moxie]

No Cinderella story for Cam, but good effort and nice payday. $$

 

[Moxie]

Novak looks full of energy and will to play since USO loss. Great performance against Daniil in Bercy and now on a good run here.

I thought he looked really focused and frighteningly good today.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This tournament is turning into a ATP500.

 

[Moxie]

There are now rumblings again that the 'season' is too long,that is a story for another day.Usually at this time of the year,players have niggling injuries.

I know if we want a deep debate about this, it's not the thread, but since Carol and Fiero have been so disdainful of the withdrawals in this YEC, I thought it OK to respond. The tennis season IS long, even though they shortened it a few years back, and players DO carry small niggles to larger complaints by the end of the year. This is a reason that Bercy complains about its place in the calendar, and why it has had more surprise winners than most MS across recent-ish years. I would add, because it has been said by players like Djokovic, that the pandemic "bubbles" probably haven't helped. I don't know exactly what it has been like for the players, tournament by tournament, but there is some general complaint about lack of practice time. That may be what is making this YEC so uncharacteristic for withdrawals. Just a thought.

 

[Moxie]

This tournament is turning into a ATP500.

Do you say that because of withdrawals, or based on where they started? Because I would call Sinner, Norrie and Karatsev creditable alternates.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I know if we want a deep debate about this, it's not the thread, but since Carol and Fiero have been so disdainful of the withdrawals in this YEC, I thought it OK to respond. The tennis season IS long, even though they shortened it a few years back, and players DO carry small niggles to larger complaints by the end of the year. This is a reason that Bercy complains about its place in the calendar, and why it has had more surprise winners than most MS across recent-ish years. I would add, because it has been said by players like Djokovic, that the pandemic "bubbles" probably haven't helped. I don't know exactly what it has been like for the players, tournament by tournament, but there is some general complaint about lack of practice time. That may be what is making this YEC so uncharacteristic for withdrawals. Just a thought.

I dont think we can blame the Pandemic,because some players have been complaining for sometime,before the pandemic 'the season is too long'....seeing the withdrawals in the YEC this year,is kind of alarming,though it is the end of the season,players carry niggling injuries,also the 'off season' is short,players need vacation,before they train again for the new season.I have always thought the AO for example could be moved to allow players more time to get ready and travel to Australia,though I doubt it will happen,only happened last year because of players having to quarantine for 2 weeks.The main reason AO is scheduled in January is it is the school holdiays,though playing it at the end of January could still be feasible.