I got a email from USTA about advance purchase of Sampras vs Federer match @ MSG on March 10th, 2008. When I first heard about the three exhibition match swing in Asia, I was upset that it is not anywhere close to home. As a tennis fan, I should be ecstatic that the game is happening in my city and be rushing to get tickets, right?
Not so fast. I am starting to see it as more of a marketing scheme rather than a true gem of a match. March is a vacuum month for tennis. Aussie Open is wrapped up by the end of Jan. French Open doesn't start till late May. It definitely make sense for Federer to schedule a match in to play with Sampras who still has a lot of game left. But what about the quality of the match? Federer is in his prime, Sampras is past his. I love Petey, rooted for his low profile image, superb game since I moved to this country in the early 90s. Federer came to form in the early 21st century and has been dominant since. It is never fair to compare player from different eras. Let alone have them compete against each other. Pete is 36, it is a dinosaur age in tennis. Would any one pay to see Nolan Ryan pitch against Barry Bonds? or Kobe posting up against Magic? These type of exhibition are unthinkable in other sports, so why in tennis?
Lets leave the athletes be in their eras and lets remember how dominant they are in their prime, shall we?
With that off my chest, here are my pick for the Aussie Open. ( I haven't seen the draw yet though). Federer, Djokovic, Murray and F Gonzo in men. Henin, William sisters and Li Na in women. Yes, i said it. Li Na from China, baby!
No comments:
Post a Comment