Will Maria reach 10 Slams? More?

[MashaFan]

Hmm, so, you're basically stating that Maria has improved her "footwork," "angles," and added other variety to her game, correct?

Um, what did I write - or as you claim, harshly criticize Maria for - that she should work on, that has left a bug up butt ever since.

You're claims that she has improved on the very things I wrote she needed to improve on, just proves I was correct, and your negative attitude is just displaced.

Thank you!! But, like and ex-lover, I think it's time you moved on!

Don't twist my words - All I said was that Masha already master all the improvements you suggested well - yeah even better than most and I've provided proof. - My opinion is based on facts

You stated:

Anything is possible, but, I just don't think she's athletic enough

Yet you can not explain what you mean by your "athletic enough" - You just state something without any explanation and when asked what you mean by "athletic" - you list some champs of the past and of course your precious Serena - That's no explanation!!! - that's just lose babble

You stated:

I mean she's winning, and winning a lot, but she should be learning angles, slice and how to volley.

and

You state you've seen her volley - my mom can volley - doesn't mean she's very good at it and couldn't find improvement. You stated you've seen her use angles. The only time Maria uses angles is when she hits the balls late and/or it's a mishit. You've stated you've seen her hit a dropshot, ya, and she's terrible at, more room for improvement.

Like a magician you just grab some statements outta the thin air without bothering to present some well grounded reasons or proof and you don't even understand how condescending your statements are - You just assume that everybody else is going to trust the myths you're spreading
Well - I provided proof that Masha can volley well - she can hit drop shots well and she can hit spectacular angled shots - shots down the line and what not from both wings - It's no accident that Masha is the #2 in the world today - So next time you wanna criticize Masha and what she should improve on then you better present some proof which make your statements credible instead of spreading your biased myths

 

[SingleBackhand]

[video=youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEMw8XK6Jao[/video]

[video=youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3mGbbHkKMs[/video]

[video=youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSKSnijWewY[/video]

Although the quality of the vids is pretty bad the vids however show a variety of great shots. It's easy to forget how skilled Maria really is. I don't know how many slams she'll win during her career but I'm sure that she is not done yet by far

 

[10isfan]

Yes, it is easy to forget how skilled Pova is because she rarely hits anything other than a top spin FH, top spin BH, and a swing volley. If that is not one dimensional, I do not know what is. She can get away with it because she hits so hard.

 

[tented]

The poll now sits at 93% yes, and 7% no, however that represents only 14 who voted no, and one yes.

Everyone please take a minute to vote and provide even a brief explanation of your choice. Thanks!

 

[MashaFan]

Yes, it is easy to forget how skilled Pova is because she rarely hits anything other than a top spin FH, top spin BH, and a swing volley. If that is not one dimensional, I do not know what is. She can get away with it because she hits so hard.

- You and Calvy are of course entitled to your own opinion and spread these myths if it make you happy but your opinion clearly is not based on any valid facts but merely on a personal dislike of Masha -

- My 3 video clips clearly proof you wrong

Yes - Masha is a baseliner and she usually plays her shots from there - Those video clips however show that Masha can volley well at the net when needed - She can hit excellent drop shots when needed - and find angles from both wings - Have you never heard TV commentators in awe when Masha does one of her spectacular shots? - It happens in nearly every match - She also has the best backhand on the tour and her forehand isn't to shabby either - So to repeat a statement like yours which is based on nothing at all doesn't make it true - It's maybe time to take off your sunglasses which darken your sight

 

[MashaFan]

Exactly, so stop getting all upset because me make CONSTRUCTIVE criticism you don't like.

"constructive criticism"? - So far I've only seen lose statements based on nothing - You may call that "constructive" - I don't

Forums are for discussion and debate, if you don't like a certain opinion, debate it and not take it as a personal attack on your favorite, which you do.....OFTEN!!

As I said - I debate and for that purpose I have presented visible facts instead of arguments - These video clips proof you wrong and whatever you have said after I've presented my clips hasn't made your "constructive criticism" more credible - Nothing of value there!

I can accept "constructive criticism" as long as it is based on the truth - but I just won't stand by when you spread your myths and call them "constructive criticism" - I hope that that is OK with you? - Thank you
Just be honest - your statements were not meant to be "constructive criticism" but written with the intention to belittle Masha - You wrote it like you were the grand master of tennis and Masha was just some newbie - Come on - do you really wanna us to believe that your "constructive criticism" had any value what so ever? - Anyone can write unfounded "constructive criticism" about any player - which doesn't make it true - How many real tennis experts have stated the things you have? - I read loads of tennis articles about Masha and never have seen any of the tennis experts saying the stuff you've stated - So how credible is your "constructive criticism" - that's the main question here!

 

[MashaFan]

And you've just presented another example of how you're unable to debate objectively without some harsh toned response.

Lemme see - is that comment your opinion of how a sensible debate should be performed? - Is that your example of an objective reply?

 

[MashaFan]

Anything is possible, but, I just don't think she's athletic enough to win 6 more slams with the current crop of players.
I believe one of the things that have held her back from having won more at this point is her athleticism or lack of, yet she, like Davenport, has done more than usually for someone lacking in the athletic dept.

I've no problem with your opinion that Masha can not win 6 additional slams - Your guess is as good as anyone's - I've a problem with your reasoning why - You haven't been able to define what you mean by athleticism - or lack there of - It is therefor a statement which makes no sense

Also, as a tennis players there is no growth in her game. I mean she's winning, and winning a lot, but she should be learning angles, slice and how to volley.

And you've not presented any proof that there is "no growth in her game" - Its a statement based on nothing - Masha's steady climb to the top from 2009 up until today contradicts your statement

You haven't presented any good reasons why she should "learn" these things either as she clearly already has those abilities. - That's what our whole debate is about - I've given you visible proof that Masha does volley and does it well - that she can hit drop shots and she does it well and that she can hit spectacular angled shots from both wings - The fact that she doesn't run to the net to volley or hit drop shots in every game doesn't mean that she has not the ability to do so which the video clips so clearly show - So far you've said nor presented anything thereafter which contradicts my proof or can back up your statements

My conclusion is therefor that you've just been babbling and that you "constructive criticism" is worth nothing - Why you just grab these invalid statements outta your hat - only you know

 

[MashaFan]

Anything is possible, but, I just don't think she's athletic enough to win 6 more slams with the current crop of players. I believe one of the things that have held her back from having won more at this point is her athleticism or lack of, yet she, like Davenport, has done more than usually for someone lacking in the athletic dept.

Also, as a tennis players there is no growth in her game. I mean she's winning, and winning a lot, but she should be learning angles, slice and how to volley. Evert strenghten her serve when Martina took, Serena has learned patience and how use angles more effectively. Martina N learned to use her forehand more effectively. In each case, it extended there slam lives.

Again, I think it's possible Maria could win 10 slams, but, I don't foresee it happening.

If that's your opinion of a debate or diskussion - that I'm not impressed

 

[Calvy]

Yes, it is easy to forget how skilled Pova is because she rarely hits anything other than a top spin FH, top spin BH, and a swing volley. If that is not one dimensional, I do not know what is. She can get away with it because she hits so hard.

Exactly, a swinging volley is not indicative of good volleying skills.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I don't know why all this arguing about Maria's skill. Limited though it may be she has still proven herself a force. I don't think I buy the variety argument you laid forth MashaFan. I have seen too many times where Maria either could have ended a point early by coming in and didn't or just poor execution attempting to change it up. Probably because there is a discomfort level there. The only real noticeable difference in Maria's game is the movement has improved. That is why Maria was able to control most of the match against Serena until Serena dug in at Miami because even Serena noted that Maria is moving better.

 

[10isfan]

Pova has no variety. That is a fact, not a myth. A drop shot or slice or volley once in a blue moon means nothing. The commentators make a big deal because she hits these shots so rarely. Mashafan, please stop insulting Pova. You are implying that she has mastered these shots but is too dumb to use them against Serena and Vika. We all know Pova does not play with variety not because of low IQ but because she cannot pull it off.

 

[MashaFan]

I don't know why all this arguing about Maria's skill. Limited though it may be she has still proven herself a force. I don't think I buy the variety argument you laid forth MashaFan. I have seen too many times where Maria either could have ended a point early by coming in and didn't or just poor execution attempting to change it up. Probably because there is a discomfort level there. The only real noticeable difference in Maria's game is the movement has improved. That is why Maria was able to control most of the match against Serena until Serena dug in at Miami because even Serena noted that Maria is moving better.

Pova has no variety. That is a fact, not a myth. A drop shot or slice or volley once in a blue moon means nothing. The commentators make a big deal because she hits these shots so rarely. Mashafan, please stop insulting Pova. You are implying that she has mastered these shots but is too dumb to use them against Serena and Vika. We all know Pova does not play with variety not because of low IQ but because she cannot pull it off.

Yeah well - Y'all come with a lot of claims but no valid proof - Have you guys even watched the videos? - I guess not - else I would not have to read the one misinformed comment after another - The proof is there - THREE videos which display extraordinary volleys - angles - drop shots - down the line shots from both wings and lobs - Yet you 3 keep on claiming that Masha should learn how to do those things - Really ridiculous you guys -

No offense but your claims are just plain stupid seeing that I presented hard evidence - and you have not - You really think that you are some tennis experts who's claims can override the evidence I've presented? - Get real will ya!!! - No commentator or tennis experts has ever claimed that Masha should learn how to volley - and whatnot - They possibly have said that she maybe could use those shots more often - which is a whole other matter

So puleeese - don't take yourself so serious as long as you can't back up your claims with evidence - Show me video clips or articles where the the likes of Evert - Davenport - Mary Jo Fernadez or other tennis tv-commentators/experts claim that Masha should "learn" to do those shots - else refrain yourself from writing these unfounded and ridiculous claims 'cause y'all are just making fools outta yourself - Those unfounded claims - no matter how often repeated - don't make them true - It however make you guys look like wannabe experts who THINK that they know something about tennis and who so much like to share their "constructive criticism" about Masha the current #2 with the rest of the world but in reality are just a bunch of amateurs who have no idea what they're talking about - There is plenty of evidence - which my 3 video clips have shown - which contradicts everything you've claimed

 

[10isfan]

Mashafan, then why does Pova not use variety to beat Serena and Vika? Ballbashing is not helping her overcome these two while well executed drop shots would enable her to win. Please watch any Pova vs Serena or Pova vs Vika match and post how many times she uses a shot that is not top spin BH/FH or swing volley.That would be enough evidence to lay this debate to rest. Incidentally, what is your tennis background? I wonder whether you are speaking out of ignorance or intentionally choosing to be blind about Pova. If the former, there are many on this board who can educate you. If the latter, there is no point responding to you any further.

 

[MashaFan]

Mashafan, then why does Pova not use variety to beat Serena and Vika? Ballbashing is not helping her overcome these two while well executed drop shots would enable her to win. Please watch any Pova vs Serena or Pova vs Vika match and post how many times she uses a shot that is not top spin BH/FH or swing volley.That would be enough evidence to lay this debate to rest. Incidentally, what is your tennis background? I wonder whether you are speaking out of ignorance or intentionally choosing to be blind about Pova. If the former, there are many on this board who can educate you. If the latter, there is no point responding to you any further.

What is the matter with you - Do you really think that your "advice" has any value at all? - Do you seriously think that YOU are someone who holds this important information which can give Masha a chance to beat Serena or Vika? - Man - you really make tears run down my cheeks from laughing so hard

Do you really think that whoever on the wta tour can "learn" how to beat Serena or Vika by listening to your advice? - BTW - the latter is hardly that superior to Masha (H2H 8-5 in Vika's favor) which once again shows your incompetence - Can't it be so simple that Serena simply is the better player and that no matter what Masha does - Serena has an answer? - If it was that easy as you suggest then all the tennis experts and commentators would have been all over it and brought forward these issues time after time in every Masha match they comment -Since they however have not I must conclude that your "expertise" isn't that credible but only lose claims to boost your ego or to discredit Masha for some reason

 

[Billie]

Mashafan, some people are just more confrontational than others, that's all. It is funny reading some of the posts on these boards, but ultimately somebody who doesn't like one player will be biased, no other way around, it is in human nature.

I highly doubt Azarenka volleys better than Maria. I know Serena plays doubles a lot more than your averge tennis player and I will give her that, but why is it so important (volley) when they don't go to net more than 10 times during a match, if that even?

I think that Maria's biggest problem lies in her head. She needs one big win against Serena to actually believe that she can do it. Just like playing on clay, remember in 2007 or 2008 when she said she was moving like a cow on clay. And look at her today, the force on clay.

 

[10isfan]

You did not answer my question about your tennis background. I have no problem discussing with people who know very little. We all were novices to the sport at some point. But, it is obvious to me that you have no interest in learning. I refuse to waste time trying to convince you of something you do not want to believe. You can live in your happy world where Pova has as much variety as Schiavone.

---

I think Vika is a better volleyer than Pova. She plays doubles. I also think Pova's problem with Serena is not in her head. I actually believe Pova is the most mentally tough player on tour. She has not been able to win because her power does not bother Serena. Pova can blow others off the court, but not Serena or Vika.

 

[kskate2]

Mashafan, some people are just more confrontational than others, that's all. It is funny reading some of the posts on these boards, but ultimately somebody who doesn't like one player will be biased, no other way around, it is in human nature.

I highly doubt Azarenka volleys better than Maria. I know Serena plays doubles a lot more than your averge tennis player and I will give her that, but why is it so important (volley) when they don't go to net more than 10 times during a match, if that even?

I think that Maria's biggest problem lies in her head. She needs one big win against Serena to actually believe that she can do it. Just like playing on clay, remember in 2007 or 2008 when she said she was moving like a cow on clay. And look at her today, the force on clay.

Billie,

Vika actually does volley better than Maria. I think the volley or drop shot is important because it gives you more options and shots to throw your opponent off balance. Even if those shots are only tried 10 times a match (executed properly), that would be almost 3 games' worth of higher winning percentage points.

There's no denying Maria is a great player and a force on the WTA. My argument is she can be even better than she is now, which could be scary for the rest of the field.

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You did not answer my question about your tennis background. I have no problem discussing with people who know very little. We all were novices to the sport at some point. But, it is obvious to me that you have no interest in learning. I refuse to waste time trying to convince you of something you do not want to believe. You can live in your happy world where Pova has as much variety as Schiavone.

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I think Vika is a better volleyer than Pova. She plays doubles. I also think Pova's problem with Serena is not in her head. I actually believe Pova is the most mentally tough player on tour. She has not been able to win because her power does not bother Serena. Pova can blow others off the court, but not Serena or Vika.

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I have to disagree somewhat. Maria's problems w/ Serena are two-fold. In the mid-2000s it was purely technical where Serena had no problem handling Maria's pace and even returning w/ more pace of her own. But after losing to Serena so many times in a row, it has become mental as well.

Yes, she probably needs one good win and that would restore her confidence, but just getting that win will require her to step out of her comfort zone and do some things differently. i.e. her serve to Serena is very predictable. Although her movement has improved tremendously, Serena isn't worried about Sharapova coming to net anytime soon or attempting a drop shot, so Serena matches Maria's power or throws in an offpace shot and controls many of the baseline rallies.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

^^^^This, kskate2! Thank you for putting it in better terms!

 

[jhar26]

I think that Maria's biggest problem lies in her head. She needs one big win against Serena to actually believe that she can do it. Just like playing on clay, remember in 2007 or 2008 when she said she was moving like a cow on clay. And look at her today, the force on clay.

I think that Maria's biggest problem against Serena is that Serena is just the better player. I'm not saying that because I prefer Serena (I'm a bit of a Masha supporter actually) but because I believe it to be true. But yes, part of her problem may be mental as well. Maria is mentally arguably one of the strongest players in history, but it's hard to keep believing when you keep losing from someone time after time after time. It's true on the mens side as well. Rafa is also a mental giant, but after he had all those losses against Novak in 2011 I bet he also started thinking, "Oh no, not him again" when he saw Novak standing at the other side of the net. But I hope that one of these days Maria will beat Serena - both because I like Maria and because I think it would be good for the game. The interest of the public goes up when they don't consider the outcome of a match a foregone conclusion.