You’re spot on about the Grand Slams. I’m an English tennis player. I love the French Open. I have long loathed Wimbledon - haven’t even watched on free TV for 25 years, except semis and finals featuring Federer or Nadal.
Wimbledon gathers in one place everything I despise about England : royalty, deference, celebs, crappy English players, nationalism, tradition, conservative bourgeois values, phoney “good” manners, snotty po-faced officialdom, and a BS belief that it’s the best tournament of all. And the dead hand of the BBC.
As for the playing surface, it’s appalling. After about day 3, the base lines are like cart tracks. So virtually every baseline shot is a gamble.
I’ve been to the Roland Garros tournament once. C’était ëpoustouflant - je l’ai adoré. Vive la France.
Re your comment on Wimbledon, you don't HAVE to eat anything. Strawberries and cream are traditional and available. And I have seen players in non-white tennis clothes often.
Above all, nothing is perfect so just sit back and enjoy the outstanding tennis!
How could anyone love Roland Garros? The huge, brutal stadium (once an internment camp for 'undesirables') leaving spectators unprotected under a baking sun. The players stained with red brick dust like participants in some Sub-Saharan civil war. Entirely Orwellian. Give me green grass and a degree of intimacy any day.
This really made me LOL, I see your points. In fairness some players do seem to be fighting unseen enemies so maybe the clay is a metaphor for the civil war within.
I've been to Wimbledon and US Open, loved both since Grand Slam tennis is just so thrilling to watch. Looking forward to going to the French based on your description!
Didn't know Boisson had ACL surgery just last year, what a run for her!
Please share that Honey Deuce recipe once you've got it mastered (good luck on the PT - knee extension/quad strength priority number [and two I guess]!)
Great write-up on the French Open, Hailey. If you are new to sports writing, you have a bright future! I think you are right on every count on the playing conditions at the French Open as opposed to other Grand Slams. Although, from what I understand, the Australian Open has the best atmosphere and spectators. I wish the tournament wasn’t so hard to get to. Then again, maybe that is what makes it that much more special!
Thank you so much! I didn’t know that about Australian, it certainly feels very electric there whenever I can get up early enough to watch a match. I’ll put it on my bucket list!
Who is your pick in the men’s final today at Roland Garros? I like both players. But if I was forced to choose, I am going to cheer for Carlos! I was glad to see Coco win the women’s final because she was able to overcome the strength and power of Aryna and her horrible screaming!
Thanks.
You’re spot on about the Grand Slams. I’m an English tennis player. I love the French Open. I have long loathed Wimbledon - haven’t even watched on free TV for 25 years, except semis and finals featuring Federer or Nadal.
Wimbledon gathers in one place everything I despise about England : royalty, deference, celebs, crappy English players, nationalism, tradition, conservative bourgeois values, phoney “good” manners, snotty po-faced officialdom, and a BS belief that it’s the best tournament of all. And the dead hand of the BBC.
As for the playing surface, it’s appalling. After about day 3, the base lines are like cart tracks. So virtually every baseline shot is a gamble.
I’ve been to the Roland Garros tournament once. C’était ëpoustouflant - je l’ai adoré. Vive la France.
Wow, you hit the nail on the head! I’ve heard it’s very difficult to go to Roland Garros - was that the case for you?
I’m still mad at NBC for not broadcasting the French anymore sad emoji
This TNT thing was definitely weird! I associate them with basketball. I liked that they got Agassi to commentate though!
Re your comment on Wimbledon, you don't HAVE to eat anything. Strawberries and cream are traditional and available. And I have seen players in non-white tennis clothes often.
Above all, nothing is perfect so just sit back and enjoy the outstanding tennis!
So true! And it’s been a great tournament this year.
How could anyone love Roland Garros? The huge, brutal stadium (once an internment camp for 'undesirables') leaving spectators unprotected under a baking sun. The players stained with red brick dust like participants in some Sub-Saharan civil war. Entirely Orwellian. Give me green grass and a degree of intimacy any day.
This really made me LOL, I see your points. In fairness some players do seem to be fighting unseen enemies so maybe the clay is a metaphor for the civil war within.
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I've been to Wimbledon and US Open, loved both since Grand Slam tennis is just so thrilling to watch. Looking forward to going to the French based on your description!
Didn't know Boisson had ACL surgery just last year, what a run for her!
I hope you get there soon!
Such a good read, thank you! Shame Beverage didn’t get past Coco but she won in the end, beating Sabalenka in a great match.
What a great match!
Please share that Honey Deuce recipe once you've got it mastered (good luck on the PT - knee extension/quad strength priority number [and two I guess]!)
As my #1 PT consultant I will be texting you :)
Great write-up on the French Open, Hailey. If you are new to sports writing, you have a bright future! I think you are right on every count on the playing conditions at the French Open as opposed to other Grand Slams. Although, from what I understand, the Australian Open has the best atmosphere and spectators. I wish the tournament wasn’t so hard to get to. Then again, maybe that is what makes it that much more special!
Thank you so much! I didn’t know that about Australian, it certainly feels very electric there whenever I can get up early enough to watch a match. I’ll put it on my bucket list!
Who is your pick in the men’s final today at Roland Garros? I like both players. But if I was forced to choose, I am going to cheer for Carlos! I was glad to see Coco win the women’s final because she was able to overcome the strength and power of Aryna and her horrible screaming!
Layton, what a MATCH!! Incredible comeback by Carlos and insane play on both sides. I hope you got to enjoy! I feel lucky to have seen it.