The Doubles Thread

[Moxie]

He is really playing like hell. Well, of course, he is the guy with the one handed back hand out there...

(Note: "playing like hell" in English generally means "badly." But I get your point.) And don't start with the one-handers, please. I have looked into my heart, and there is no monkey-skull. Good final. A small factoid about Zeballos: only player besides Roger, Novak and Murray to beat Rafa in a final on clay. That's why I always root for him. Seems that he has moved on to doubles.

 

[Horsa]

I have a question for this thread, but I wanted to let it get going before adding this wrinkle: What do people think about Mixed Doubles? It's only played in Hopman Cup, at Majors and the Olympics, so pretty rare at the pro level. But a good opportunity for players to make some money, if they're around anyway.

My answer to your question is I like mixed doubles. I guess you're going to be amazed here that I've kept things short & sweet.

 

[Chris Koziarz]

I have a question for this thread, but I wanted to let it get going before adding this wrinkle: What do people think about Mixed Doubles? It's only played in Hopman Cup, at Majors and the Olympics, so pretty rare at the pro level. But a good opportunity for players to make some money, if they're around anyway.

I think mixed doubles are also an opportunity to have some fun on court, since the stakes are usually not as high as in other types while courtesy becomes the most important element.
I don't think many players are looking for money here, because the wages are the lowest here. They may be looking for something beyond money though. Prime example: I think Fed found his relationship with Mirka, that developed into successful marriage, by playing with her at HC.

 

[Moxie]

I think mixed doubles are also an opportunity to have some fun on court, since the stakes are usually not as high as in other types while courtesy becomes the most important element.
I don't think many players are looking for money here, because the wages are the lowest here. They may be looking for something beyond money though. Prime example: I think Fed found his relationship with Mirka, that developed into successful marriage, by playing with her at HC.

I do think they have fun playing mixed. And I just looked up the prize money: it's the one area that didn't go up in the recent increases/redistributions over the years. Still, it can help pay expenses...most people playing mixed aren't Federer.

 

[Chris Koziarz]

most people playing mixed aren't Federer

No. By playing HC with Belinda 3 times in a row in last 3y (and winning twice) Fed is one of the significant mixed players. And he confirms it by saying HC is his best preparation for AO. In the past he also played with Hingis.
Edit: Sorry I initially misread you intention. I agree those relatively "poor" players may be playing MD for extra money, as opposed to Fed who obviously does not.

 

[mrzz]

Reviving this thread as I watched a few doubles matches at the Rio Open. A Brazilian duo won, not one a particularly root for, but happy for them nonetheless.

Alexander Muller, who later today is playing the singles final in Rio, earlier this week just out of the blue came with a "watch more doubles" line after one of his matches. It was nice from him. Seems like a pretty centered nice guy

 

[mrzz]

Arevalo and Pavic just won IW doubles decimating a handful of single specialists along the way.

 

[Fiero425]

I watched a little of the ladies' dub. final, but it doesn't hold my interest as in my era where all the top players played doubles! I miss those days where life-long partnerships are still recognized today holding records that may never be surpassed; esp. if you chk. Martina Navratilova's resume! Who will ever come close to surpassing her 59 Majors, 31 in Dubs, 10 in MxD? Us oldsters remember someone coining the ideal Dubs team it w/b "McEnroe & anyone else!" On the ladies' side it was all about the doubles prowess of Navratilova; IMO to the detriment to her Singles' record! She overplayed; usually participating in all 3 Events! She helped BJK get her 20th Wimbledon crown, gave substance to Pam Shriver's record never getting over the hump of #3 in the world w/ the likes of Martina, Evert, Jaeger, & Austin! She upset Navratilova at the US Open a couple times, but Evert ended her in '78 & '82! I'm venting; harking back!