The 2013 U.S. Open Men's 2nd Round - New York Verses John Isner

I've been watching the U.S. Open and very much enjoying it until lastnight (8-29-13).  Poor John Isner playing Frenchman Gael Monfils (both to their credit topnotch players).  Both players put on a dazzler display of tennis, chasing down shots that were unbelievable gets, making shots that I can only dream about making, and so on.  I don't want to diminish either player for their game they are both excellent athletes; but what happen to the American crowd?  I can understand wanting to see more than three sets especially when both players are sooooo good at what they do, but when did we turn on are own players?  I could not believe the lack of respect for Isner, never mind the lack of support.  Can you imagine going to some big university football game (I'll say Michigan State for example) and the students, staff, and parents cheering for the opposing team instead of their own boys on the field?  Sure they may clap or say good job when the opposing team makes an incredible play but they certainly would not be cheering, and chanting their name (actually they probably wouldn't clap for a good play either - but you get my meaning). 

They New Yorkers were cheering 10 maybe 20 times louder for shots Monfils was making and giving mild claps to shots that Isner was making all the time chanting Mofiles - Monfils.  I found myself getting embarrassed and be that as it may angry at the lack of integrity the U.S. crowd was showing for their own American Player, even Serena Williams has found herself being dejected by American Fans during matches.  I'm not saying that we Americans need to belittle the opponent (of course not) we should show our enthusiasm when they make a great play as well, and even help encourage them when they're in a slump so we can appreciate a great match from two worthy opponents (I don't have a problem with that - At All), but when we our rooting feverishly against our own I have to ask, "What's That About?". 

Furthermore kudos to you John Isner; I was fit to be tied after the match and I was wondering, "okay what's Isner going to say during the interview if he wins?" and as the true professional he is Isner spoke with the utmost diginity.  I don't think I would have had the maturity to do that, but Isner thanked the crowd, said he understood why they were cheering more for Monfils than for himself and so on.  But I know he must have been boiling inside and wondering what he did to incur the crowds wrath rather than encouragement.

I always thought I would like to go to New York and watch the U.S. Open however, not sure now though if that's and open I would care much to go see since there American players don't seem to get the adoration of the American Tennis Fan.  I'll have to mull this over for a while.  Well that's the end of my venting - thanks for listening.  If you have a point of view you would like heard on this subject or any other please let me know.  Thanks!  TennisFan

Pro Tennis Lessons by James Jensen - Faults and Fixes

Sorry that I got a little behind on my blog but I got crazy busy this summer as I'm sure you did as well.  I'll hopefully make up my absents by giving you a REALLY GOOD video to watch.  This clip is another from James Jensen on how to correct your forehand.  James goes into a lot of detail on stance, racket preparation, and so on.  I personally think he does a great job of explaining proper technique.

Hope you enjoy this video and thanks for returning to the TennisFan webpage.