Tennis

[zebedee]

I disagree. If you know anything about tennis, Henin was regarded as a cheat by her fellow players. As well as a cheating tendency, she also had a massive incentive to dope. First, she hated Clijsters. Second, on her own admission, she couldn't see a way of muscling past the bigger players.

Whether that translated into doping is unknown but I don't think it's going too far to make the connection. After falling off her perch a bit from reaching No 1 in 2003 she upped sticks to Florida and came back ripped. In 2007 she was virtually unbeatable in tournaments, but still spent most of the year off tour which is what tennis players do when they dope. She was certainly rumoured at the time to have juiced, though a lot of it may have been put out by others with a grudge. The WTA circuit is a catty as you'll get anywhere.

 

[Andynonomous]

Henin had a beautiful traditional game, that didn't rely on her physical attributes (the Female "Roger Federer").

Unfortunately, since doping is likely rampant in the women's game, I suspect that Henin doped to keep up with the big bruisers.

At least Henin had genuine tennis talent, and didn't rely on just physical attributes to win.

 

[SeriousSam]

Serena Williams has genuine tennis talent as well. Every top player has. This isn't cycling where it's all about athleticism.

 

[zebedee]

At least Henin had genuine tennis talent, and didn't rely on just physical attributes to win.

So what you're saying is, all players dope equally but some are more equal than others.

Now where have I heard that before?

 

[the sceptic]

Is this a semi in a grand slam or a man playing against a little boy?

I dont understand how anyone can watch this and think its real. I would expect some tennis purists at least would protest a bit.

 

[Bicycle]

Is this a semi in a grand slam or a man playing against a little boy?

I dont understand how anyone can watch this and think its real. I would expect some tennis purists at least would protest a bit.

They've all got their heads in the sand and are quite happy that way.

 

[frenchfry]

Is this a semi in a grand slam or a man playing against a little boy?

I dont understand how anyone can watch this and think its real. I would expect some tennis purists at least would protest a bit.

Williams could crush Froomdawg with her little finger. Like a little bug.

Errani should change doping doctors.

At least they aren't shreiking each time they hit the ball.

 

[SeriousSam]

Djokovic v Nadal tomorrow, hopefully it will be an epic game. At the Australian Open in 2012, they played for almost 6 hours. Here's a BBC journalist's recollection of the game:

How on earth did Djokovic win the most physical and intense sporting event I have ever witnessed, just 48 hours after taking nearly five hours to beat Andy Murray?

Yes, how on earth? Must be his gluten-free diet.

 

[zebedee]

Super-juice has a bead on him this time. Wait and see.

 

[the sceptic]

Tomorrow will be a great show. Tennis is like cycling a couple of decades ago.

 

[blackcat]

Williams could crush Froomdawg with her little finger. Like a little bug.

Errani should change doping doctors.

At least they aren't shreiking each time they hit the ball.

no, she would bench press him post coitus and use his skull as a jane fonda thigh blaster

 

[The Hitch]

It started 15 minutes ago and so far this is one pretty intense science experiment. I think they have covered about 4000m in sprint alone already and Nadal is packing more power into his forehand than a Mike tyson right hander.

Looks like it will be straight sets for Nadal though.

 

[SeriousSam]

Another epic masterclass from Rafa and Novak, surpassing the limits of human capability. This is sport at its best. Frankly, I'm glad they don't test in tennis like they do in cycling.

 

[Andynonomous]

Nadal beats Djokovic 9-7 in the fifth set. Another grueling win for Nadal.

Of course, Nadal is guaranteed to win the final (no-one else but Djokovic has ever consistently challenged Nadal on clay).

Tennis's version of Lance Armstrong. Unfortunately, Nadal is better protected.

The UCI is corrupt, but the ITF is worse.

 

[blackcat]

Nadal beats Djokovic 9-7 in the fifth set. Another grueling win for Nadal.

Of course, Nadal is guaranteed to win the final (no-one else but Djokovic has ever consistently challenged Nadal on clay).

Tennis's version of Lance Armstrong. Unfortunately, Nadal is better protected.

The UCI is corrupt, but the ITF is worse.

$$$

ATP major economic influence

 

[Jeriko]

The men's final is going to be lame. At least it won't be as ridiculous as Serena vs Errani, I suppose. Am I right in thinking Errani will walk away with the same prize money as Djokovic?

 

[thrawn]

The men's final is going to be lame. At least it won't be as ridiculous as Serena vs Errani, I suppose. Am I right in thinking Errani will walk away with the same prize money as Djokovic?

Yes.

On another note Ferrer is smoking Tsonga. What a clean final this will be...

 

[Bicycle]

I'm heartily sick of these farces and get no pleasure from watching them. If doping were allowed it would be better at least we wouldn't have the pretence that what we're watching is clean. Still the public seem to love it and while the $$$ keep rolling in noone's going to rock the boat.

 

[blackcat]

Yes.

On another note Ferrer is smoking Tsonga. What a clean final this will be...

treating him like a bong?

 

[Miburo]

Missed the game Prob some dope involved, it's kinda crazy what they do.

Running the whole time and keep delivering that power.

 

[SundayRider]

Missed the game Prob some dope involved, it's kinda crazy what they do.

Running the whole time and keep delivering that power.

Big looping, moonballs from Nadal much of the time. Djokovic had a was a break up in the decider but gifted it back.

 

[iejeecee]

Big looping, moonballs from Nadal much of the time. Djokovic had a was a break up in the decider but gifted it back.

Because he touched the net with his hands, what a (d)joke.

Now we get Dopingboy 1, vs Dopingboy 2. Only dopingboy 1 is a hyper-responder, so that will make for a glorious 6-0 6-0 6-0 finalzzzZZz

 

[Bernie's eyesore]

Nadal beats Djokovic 9-7 in the fifth set. Another grueling win for Nadal.

Of course, Nadal is guaranteed to win the final (no-one else but Djokovic has ever consistently challenged Nadal on clay).

Tennis's version of Lance Armstrong. Unfortunately, Nadal is better protected.

The UCI is corrupt, but the ITF is worse.

In terms of gruelling, that was nothing between those two despite what the final scoreline may have suggested. They could have gone on for another two hours at least at that tempo, probably more.

 

[Bicycle]

Usain Bolt will give the trophy to Nadal on Sunday. If you listen carefully you can hear the Gods laughing.

 

[staubsauger]

Are there any blood test in Tennis or are they just taking urine samples like in soccer?