If it’s because of the slump Federer is in, then how about Nadal?
Sampras-Nadal encounter should attract about the same audience if not more, don’t you think?. Or are you not even thinking about it because of the huge likelihood of getting your face smashed in by Nadal’s camp?
Shouldn’t Nadal then be accused of not making himself available to promote the sport?
You see, the BS that you have to go through just taking care of basic stuff while on the tour is a massive task – from travelling to hotels to practicing etc. etc.
To add anything to that already hectic schedule is bound to take it’s toll sooner or later. Remember Sampras talking about how much he sacrificed by being totally focused by eliminating everything not relating to him getting better – rudely?
Why do you think he is into exhibitions now? He has had his fill. But the reason no one asked Sampras for exhibitions during his playing days, with the regularity someone else has faced, is partly due to the regimen he had.
There was just no time. And like he said, he was not in it for limelight or any other crap. What did he say? ‘You can’t have the cake and …..?’
Djokovic temporarily went after that cake after that AO win, but now seems to have realised the folly and is righting the ship one step at a time.
Freaking point is this: You have to decide at the outset what you are after. You cannot just sway mid stream just because you have achieved unexpected success and the perks that come with that windfall are just too much to resist.
If you do, what will follow will lay squarely on your shoulders, as it’s as predictable as death and taxes.
Unless you have the single-mindedness of a Le Bron, Kobe, Jordan etc. to the ABSOLUTE exclusion of everything else, the bigger prizes will always shy away like lion from fire.
Travelling, I think, is the biggest drain on the human body on the tour. It has a cumulative effect over time and could be one of reasons for the tennis peak to be at just 26.
If you have ever travelled constantly you will know what I am barking here. Otherwise just believe it. Geeeeezzzz!!!!!
If you doubt any of the above, just ask Uncle Tony.
