Fed Cup (Saturday - Sunday USA EST)

World Group

Russia vs Spain(6 AM - 5 AM)
Sharapova, Kuznetsova, Petrova and Makarova vs Martinez Sanchez, Suarez Navarro, Parra-Santonja and Llagostera Vives

Belgium vs Serbia(8 AM - 7:30 AM)
Wickmayer, Flipkens, Hendler and Van Uytvanck vs Jankovic, Jovanovski, Krunic and Kostic

Italy vs Ukraine(9 AM - 9 AM)
Schiavone, Pennetta, Errani and Vinci vs K Bondarenko, Tsurenko, Savchuk and Beygelzimer

Germany vs Czech Republic(6 AM - 5 AM)
Lisicki, Goerges, Kerber and Groenefeld vs Kvitova, Benesova, Zahlavova Strycova and Hradecka

World Group II

United States vs Belarus (1 PM - Noon)
S Williams, McHale, V Williams and Huber vs Azarenka, Yakimova, Govortsova and Kustova

Japan vs Slovenia (10 PM Friday - 9 PM Saturday)
Morita, Date-Krumm, Nara and Fujiwara vs Hercog, Rampre, Kolar and Klepac

Slovak Republic vs France(7 AM - 6 AM)
Cibulkova, Hantuchova, Rybarikova and Cepelova vs Parmentier, Razzano, Cornet and Rezai

Switzerland vs Australia(5 AM - 4 AM)
Voegele, Sadikovic, Bacsinszky and Bencic vs Stosur, Gajdosova, Dokic and Dellacqua

Gasquet, Tsonga, Monfils, they're all bums.

THe only that surprised me was Tsonga, what a failure. Last time I root for you, Jo. Ya darn losers.

Maybe we should give the French credit for having so many players in the top 50 (hell, the top 20!).

I can just imagine the fuss in my own country (Britain) if we ever achieve that - actually on reflection it is literally incredible - impossible to imagine!

Bravo Les Francaise.

EPO won't solve the mental collapses the French have become known for!

In Tsonga's defence, as hot as it was that day in Oz, the smaller, more compact man is going to have a huge advantage, esp. one who gets a ton of balls back.
Nishikori did the same thing to Marin Cilic on a brutally hot day at the U.S. Open. Lasted just a few games in the next round.

The comments were even more revealing than the article. First comment ignored the subject completely and listed Shedule of play for Fed Cup. Second commenter showed his disgust (rightly so). And as for 3rd commenter Jason5...lol.

Actually I was shocked at Monfils losing to Kukushin even more shocked at Tsonga losing to Nishikori... I think Gaaquet has loads of talent but he seems mentally fragile to me.

"Tsonga outweighs Nishikori by a good 50 pounds and has a four-inch height advantage. But, as the five-setter wore on, Tsonga seemed to lose the physical battle"

That is why he lost. A four inch advantage but a 50 pound baggage. Tsonga is athletic, but has to work extra hard, is susceptible to injury and tiring because of that extra weight.

This is after he lost a few lbs from last year.

He needs to lose another 15 lbs, and not only will he be a little more agile, but also physically better conditioned so that when he has to battle for a few more strokes in some rallies, he'd be ready.

I had picked him to toppled Murray, but he never even got there

France has many players in the top 50 because it's a really big tennis nation, just like Spain. Lots of facilities and an active federation, many big and small tournaments, pro or amateur. I'm not sure about Britain but i guess it's not nearly as big there. Why the French do not have big winners like Nadal or other retired Spaniards, and haven't had any in ages, remains a mystery. But looking at how the best french players are doing (good, but never enough), something obviously needs to be changed. maybe they are too spoiled and not pressured enough, maybe the coaching methods are missing something when it comes to training future pros. France just doesnt know how to breed tennis champions. Or maybe there's something in the french collective unconscious. Does the whole country need therapy ? Then again, maybe it's just chance.

gasquet won 9 games, not 5

Can't disagree more with this article!
Thank you for the French at the AO, as opposed to the rudimentary American males!
But I agree with African Child to some extend and totally with Shripathi:

Monfils- Was injured, while on the other hand Khuskusin played an amazing attacking tennis, all in style! He was done for the rest of the tournament.
Really someone losing to Ferrer? Even Gasquet? Imagine that!!!!
Tsonga got kit by some heat stroke and deflated like the court they've punctured lol
Any of you weighs about 200 LBs and tries to move like him by any chance?
I don't think so.
'Nough said. Bye!

6 French and 1 American in the third round of Oz. Maybe the focus of criticism should be elsewhere?

I know mofils is a major flake, but I think it's fair to note that he was injured in the match he lost, and carried on pretty much with one hand tied behind his back, to the benefit of the spectators.

Gasquet was trying hard against Ferrer and he needed to win first set...
For him, Ferrer is probably the worst player to play especially in best of five match...And don't forget that Richard took out Tipsarevic who was seeded 8th in straight sets. I would say good tournament and good play.

Tsonga lost to a game opponent in the 5th, probably should have pulled that match out but there's no shame in losing to Nishikori, even Djokovic did it last year.

Monfils loss was the most pathetic and idiotic performance I have seen on a tennis court in years. To go down set point in the 2nd, he throws in a completely unnecessary 360 spin shoestring volley and drops the point, loses the set. What a chump. Will never cheer for him again.

Now Simon is an example of an overachiever - the guy is 150lbs soaking wet and can push Federer to 5 sets. Him I'll cheer for.

Monfils is the worst of the bunch. He is the Harlem Globetrotter of tennis: a good showman that will never win the big prize.

I have never had much faith in Gasquet, ever since he pulled out (scared) of Davis Cup a few years back. He needs a mental overhaul!

Lastly, Tsonga was very disappointing at AO2012. Besides perhaps an occasional win over Federer during this season, I don't see him advancing past the quarters of any major this year, especially if he faces any of the current 1-8 players, except maybe Fish on clay or Ferrer at Wimbledon.

"Simon is an example of an overachiever - the guy is 150lbs soaking wet and can push Federer to 5 sets. Him I'll cheer for. "

+1

Love Gilles Simon!

Cute article.

Pete

Thanks

May I say that the French players are given great technicque due to their wonderful Junior Program.Alas the 'one glaring flaw in their games is they havent the fighting mentality'.When you consider that Richard Gasquet was deemed a 'child prodigy' he hasnt lived up to the expectations that he showed from such a young age.Maybe he cant handle the pressure that went along with that 'tag'.

Speaking to a French man at Sydney tournament who closely travels with the French Guys to Australia he told me his thoughts on some of the French Players.....

Gasquet indeed lacks the fight

Monfils A talented athlete who at the present time needs a proper coach,not the trainer he has with him at present

Tsonga Apparently he can be difficult to work with and he feels at the present time Joe without a coach maybe a good thing in the short future.

I'm glad that this conversation has come up. I felt that had Monfils and Tsonga been able to give Murray some worthy challenges in the quaterfinals and fourth Rd. the semifianl match with djokovic and Murray, and the finals would have been shorter. These 2 Frenchmen are overrated.

Clearly Djoker would have to be on guard against this sort of thing going into Roland Garros. We can't forget how Fognini's antics last year threw him off rythm against Federrer.

I know it has been said before but the writing ability/tennis insight of Pete and Steve is truly worlds apart...how a 50 pound weight differential necessarily confers an advantage to the heavier player in a 5 setter is totally beyond me.

I know Tsonga is a tall strong guy with a big frame - but I've been saying for 6 months that he could stand to lose some weight. He does seem to tire far too easily for a guy ranked that high and it slows him down. Floats like a lead balloon. A disciplined fitness regime certainly couldn't hurt if he's going to stay serious and injury-free. For all the joking about EPO and whatnot, the country that's home to the Tour de France has plenty of great mountains to go cycling in. For starters.

Tina

I agree with you Joe needs to lose weight

A few years ago after he had some knee surgery done..his team thought it best to lose weight not muscle jue to his long standing knee complaint.

May I add this extra weight he is carrying now dosent help him in his movement around the court at all

When you compare Joe in 08 when he made the final of the AO

He is not the same player in many respects.

Maybe Joe needs a coach sooner than later

If there is a Moderator here

May I ask you to go to 'Shot of Dream' post page 5

There is a comment @8.00pm that should be deleted

The post has got out of hand

Thank You

AM,

I've just got back in and have had a look back at that post. I totally agree with you it has definitely got out of hand. A certain poster ought to be banned, totally out of order. Well done for calling for the moderator.

Lynne

Well that poster has been going over the line for sometime and what the poster said twice is just disgusting.I did alert the moderator there but I thought it maybe best to say this on the current post.

AM,

Yes, he is aptly named !

Lynne

Could be a 'she' lol!

Hidey ho tennis lovers

Just to lighten the mood I have posted a link to the ongoing saga of Novak's shirt being thrown into the crowd. It seems someone paid $5,000 for it with the proceeds going to charity. What gets me how did someone get the women's address.

http://bit.ly/xKlhE8

well , here we go again
bashing the French
I am not surprised , Pete , I know you don't like those guys very much .
And I am not about to claim that they have lived up to their potential. That would be ludicrous .
That they are gifted with world class tennis talent and have produced mediocre results is pretty plain to see. We get it .
So why must we bash them - again ?
It's not like Mardy Fish - the number 1 American -covered himself or his flag with glory in Oz when he lost in the first round. So where's the critique of Mardy ?
Nor did Verdasco - the number 3 Spaniard - glow as bright as his neon yellow ensemble when he went crashing out early. He is clearly as headcasey as some of the men you single out in this article.
The French had 6 men in the third round / 2 in the second week of the Slam .They were in the finals of Hopman Cup and a winner / finalist combo in a warm up event .
Not exactly bad showing . Why are you picking on them ? What's the point ?

I like Gael and Jo but I don't think either of them are consistent enough to win a GS. My absolute favourite French tennis player was the magical Fabrice Santoro - and he didn't win a slam either but he was pure magic to watch.

Beth

Hi!

I thought that may get your blood boiling:)

ATP Friday Order of Play

Montpellier at 7 AM: Rufin vs Simon followed by Berdych vs Mahut ending with Nieminen vs Monfils
Zagreb at 8:45 AM: Haase vs Lacko
Zagreb at 11 AM: Berrer vs Melzer
Zagreb at 11:45 AM: Youzhny vs Karlovic followed by Baghdatis vs Dodig
Vina del Mar at Noon: Berlocq vs Delbonis
Montpellier at 1 PM: Gasquet vs Kohlschreiber
Vina del Mar at 2 PM: Souza vs Chela
Vina del Mar at 3:45 PM: Gil vs Chardy
Vina del Mar at 6:45 PM: Monaco vs Montanes

Lynne

No love for Yannick Noah who won RG

Angel,

I can't get that link to work but I think the engineers are working around and about our area - I will just have to imagine it for the moment !

hi, AM!
yeah - it does hit a nerve
But , Pete is right - the three of them have underachieved in their careers . Simon , OTOH , is an over achiever

No, no, no, AM. I couldn't stand the man, ever !

Beth

Its sad cause they are beautiful players to watch with their technique

I could watch Richards b/hand any day...they he strikes it is a joy to watch

Lynne

I knew his hair would not do a thing for you lol!

I quite like Gael's hair, AM !!

Have to agree with the article to some extent, but the Americans better get the same treatment, especially Fish a top ten player. Monfils was struggling with his back from the end of the last set on and still managed to push the match to a fifth set. JoWilly's loss was more about conditioning, so a slight rebuke may be warranted. Have to agree with Tina that he could stand to lose a few lbs.
And I must admit, I completely forgot about Gilles...indeed, he was a non factor at Oz.

Lynne

No Comment from me

Anyway I need to take another antibotic and have a nap

Later everyone

AM - yes, Gasquet does play a beautiful game when it is on . And as a fan , I guess I just have to accept that and enjoy to watch . At least the french are entertaining.
I read somewhere - one of the young french men - it may have been Richard - talking about how he was taught to play . It was in comparison to Rafa who wins although his game is not exactly textbook classic looking tennis.
The youngster said that they were taught to play "beautiful " tennis . That proper stroke production was the focus. Not so much strategy or grinding out / extending the point. Perhaps - that is the problem.More emphasis on "winning ugly " . Apparently , that winning ugly motto was not embraced by the FFT :)

Gael's hair - well it is interesting
One never knows exactly what it is gonna look like from event to event :)

and I will agree that JWT is bigger than the average tennis pro. His size , like Philipoussis before him , is more of a detriment than a help in his game. His body takes a fierce pounding on a tennis court .

Beth

Just saw your post before I shut my computer down

Well The French Federation Junior program is a leading one in the world

I remeber Wally Massur going over there to watch some of the programs they have in place with their juniors.He said Australia was lagging behind in their junior development compared to the French and how their teach the correct technique...which goes without saying.

Still I prefer to watch players with the correct technique any day.Just my thoughts

Anyway bye for now

Yeh, those dumb French Fries; if only they were more like the Stars n' Stripes. O, wait.

Lynne I like Gael's hair as well. I just think he has wasted his talent. I use to love watching him play now he just frustrates me. Agree that Gasquet has a great bh but their are other players whose bhs are just as good. However, I do like Jeremy Chardy.

Beth- nice to see you around:)

Gael's hair sort of suits him, I can't quite see him with a 'normal' haircut.
The tale of Nole's shirt is amusing, but I still felt bad for the little girl. Her wall of Novak stuff was cute.

Angel,

You know what people say - variety is the spice of life. Gael has wasted his talent to a certain extent and with all the injuries he has suffered, my heart just sinks when he throes himself around on the cement. But he is a very entertaining player and one never knows quite what to expect of him.

I, for one, refuse to give up on Tsonga. There's just something infectious about the guy. Plus, his athleticism is way up there. But, he will need to focus, now that he's shown he can go without injury for a decent stretch, on the finer points of his conditioning. I don't expect that it will be easy for him, but I think he can do it. The brilliance he showed the world in completely dismantling Nadal in the semifinals of the 2008 Australian Open suggests he could be one of the game's brightest stars. I will always keep believing in Jo-Willy, even if he doesn't truly believe himself.

Monfils is a bit of a puzzle. Amazingly gifted physically, as gumby-like as Djokovic, he just seems unable to put it together completely. I'd like to see him start getting himself into the net, or at least closing of the angles more at the baseline, and going for his shots, initiating the attack. But it seems he's content to put on a good show. Still, another likeable Frenchman, one I find myself pulling for often.

Don't even get me started on Richard "Head Gasket" Gasquet. I've just never seen what others see in his game. Yes, extremely talented (like 100 to 200 other players on the tour). Produces some great things from the backhand wing (and some real duds, too). I thihnk his serve is mediocre, at best, for his ranking. And I've rarely seen him fight through the tough ones and prevail -- save for his two-sets down, comeback win over Roddick a few year back. His is not a personality I can identify with at all, either. Adding it all up, I find it difficult to root for him.

Eww, just went to the Herald Sun and read about the shirt saga. It's a little distasteful of the mother to spend $5000 to buy the shirt for her daughter.
Both parties are just foul in this story.

One last thing... if it is beautiful tennis one wants, Cedric Pioline was the Frenchman who had that in spades. Henri Leconte had flair galore -- what a shotmaker. Noah was a brilliant athlete who often made the game look remarkably easy, when he wasn't making it look so impossible. There have been many others, including Davis Cup Captain Guy Forget, but these are the Frenchmen whom I have always enjoyed watching most.

should go to bed but have to wave at beth and anybody else that wasn't here before I left for house duties...

beth are you coming to Indianapolis?,the week-end is going to be crazy here for Superbowl,Pappi and the girls are going ,Mouha and I will say home and watch but Saturday I'll go watch LMFAO...
and Indianapolis weather is beautiful this whole week,the 60ties in February,unbelievable!

I do feel a little sorry for Richard and I do love that beautiful backhand of his. I often wonder if he hasn't quite lived up to the hype because he has a bit of an inferiority complex due to his lack of height. Or maybe it's just because he seems to be the shy and retiring type - either way it's a real shame he hasn't had more success.

Lynne I was very little when my brothers and big sisters used to root for Yannick Noah,at that time I did not know anything about tennis but used to join the band wagon and clap for Yannick,talk about following the herd...lol!

Aube,

For some reason (and I don't quite know why) I could never stand the man. It isn't very often that I feel that way and especially towards someone I don't even know, but there it is. I'm afraid I can't pretend otherwise!

BTW, have you seen Carol around yet?

no Lynne and I'm so awaiting her to come back, I miis her and just hope she doesn't put an x on tennis.com...

Me, too, Aube.

Monfils has had coaches but they end up leaving. I don't think Monfils and co would of been entirely happy with their results at the AO. My problem with Monfils match against Kuku was I watched his previous match off and on and he looked fine, then when he had to play Kuku who should of been dead due to his five setter in his previous match came out firing. Monfils did look injured then all of a sudden he comes back from two sets down. The umpiring in this match wasn't that crash hot either. I think Monfils got distracted late in the 5th due to a giant tennis ball which was thrown onto court.

It is not only the men who have a problem but the women also with the exception of Bartoli. Marion seems to have the fight in her to make her compete with the best even if she loses. Getting the most out of her game and body. To me her loss early in the tournamen was a big disappointed moreso than the men as I didn' think any of them would get to the semis. Who knows what happen to Cornet through her career as she looked like she had some potential.

As a fan of the American players, I can agree that their collective poor play was disappointing. The French had their disappointments, but went further was pointed out. The French-Spanish comparison is skewed by Rafa, as he is the only one in the mixture who has multiple Major titles. The Spaniards will mostly 250/500 clay tournies that Rafa doesn't play in, but the Majors and Masters 1000's Rafa wins would have mostly been won by non- French/Spaniard players.

I am talking about the last few years, as I know Spain has had at least a Major winner during the past several decades. Noah was the last French champion, I think.

Good morning,

Busy night again on TW and some of it ugly as it's lately the case. Sigh.

Pete,
Thanks for this article about my favorite school of tennis. The French have learnt how to play this sport by the book and it's been a pleasure to watch them for decades. At present only JoW and Monfils seem to have a chance to win tournaments but as it has been pointed upthread (nods to Slice) lack of confidence, fitness issues and injuries have impaired to achieve much.

I'd have liked if you had mentioned that Arnaud Clement has just retired during the AO after his loss with Phau. He was another gifted player like Santoro and Grosjean and a colourful character on and off the court. I have fond memories of the match at RG in 2004 against Santoro going 5 sets and over 6 and a half hours. Beautiful tennis.

I wonder how long Llodra will keep playing. I try to watch any of his matches wherever he plays for there is much to admire.

I love French players! Not giving up on Jo either. Really, he can make it one day.
Gasquet I gave up long ago, but still when he is on absolutely wonderful to watch.
Monfils is amazing to watch, esp. live! I was so exited for his Doha brilliance and ended up so sad for his AO disaster (that injury sure did not help)
Simon is one of those guys nobody wants to play. Tough as they come, baseline counterpounchers

Although they have possibly tough draw, if Serbia can not do it this year. I would love a Davis cup win for France!

That could give them wings for sure

I know you have a hate-on for Richie Gasquet but seriously, he was the better Frenchman among the three. At least, he didn't lose a match that he should've won.

Sorry Zeljana the DC is going to Argentina this year.

Morning, everyone. :)

I still think whoever it was said that the French players all share one brain and only one of them gets use of it at any one time was more right than not. Linz, I think. :)

To me Simon is an exception to the prevailing French style, and I can't see Gasquet losing to Ferru as disappointing, either.

Mardy Fish was the only American man whose performance I thought was disappointing. Isner won one marathon and was likely a bit tired for the next round - he really needs to find a way to stop exhausting himself so early - and Roddick could hardly help being injured.

I agree with what Charles Darwong wrote at 5.39 PM. Good thoughts of somebody who knows the French Tennis situation (that's not the case of some other comments here...).

I would just add that in a world now fascinated by success and records no matter what they cost, the French Tennis is maybee still prisoner of its old humanistic way of looking at sports (as when Coubertin said "l'essentiel, c'est de participer"...). Maybee that explains the lack of killer's instinct (Tsonga, Monfils). For Gasquet there is another snag : his lack of confidence against the guys who are at higher ranking than him.

"I still think whoever it was said that the French players all share one brain and only one of them gets use of it at any one time was more right than not. Linz, I think. :)"

Et tu, jewell?!?! Now, that is unusually harsh even when, or maybe especially when, presented as a joke.

I don't think that the French players have shown any special weakness in those elements of the game that require greater dependency on the brain. As many commentators have said, Monfils has the ability to hit "all the shots," and sometimes he seems so intent on being an entertaining player that he chooses the wrong (dramtic rather than appropriate) shot to play. But, other than that....

Maybe, maybe. Sorry...

"I still think whoever it was said that the french players all share one brain and only one of them gets use of it at any one time was more right than not", by Jewell.

That's the most stupid comment I ever read. Here no brain, that's sure... Bitter tea...

Oh gosh - I am sorry my comment caused offence! It was originally made out of the sort of frustation a fan can feel when players don't fulfil the expectation their talent gives, and meant in good humour - not as a serious judgment about the players' intelligence.

Well, I still love all these French players - along with previous player generations like Noah and (especially) Leconte. They bring variety and style to tennis, IMO. Have to admit, though, I was disappointed in Monfils and Tsonga at the AO, though, particularly after their performances in Doha. Not going to give up hope - be optimistic, their streaky brilliance might happen at a Major, just for once :).

I have placed a few senses of humor I found in the lost and found box...whoever are the owners can pick them up! :)

Fed Cup (Saturday - Sunday USA EST)

World Group

Russia vs Spain(6 AM - 5 AM)
Maria Sharapova vs Silvia Soler-Espinosa
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Carla Suarez Navarro
Maria Sharapova vs Carla Suarez Navarro
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Silvia Soler-Espinosa
Makarova/Petrova vs Llagostera Vives/Parra-Santonja

Belgium vs Serbia(8 AM - 7:30 AM)
Kirsten Flipkens vs Jelena Jankovic
Yanina Wickmayer vs Bojana Jovanovski
Yanina Wickmayer vs Jelena Jankovic
Kirsten Flipkens vs Bojana Jovanovski
Hendler/Uytvanck vs Jankovic/Krunic

Italy vs Ukraine(9 AM - 9 AM)
Sara Errani vs Kateryna Bondarenko
Francesca Schiavone vs Lesia Tsurenko
Francesca Schiavone vs Kateryna Bondarenko
Sara Errani vs Lesia Tsurenko
Errani/Vinci vs Beygelzimer/Savchuk

Germany vs Czech Republic(6 AM - 5 AM)
Sabine Lisicki vs Iveta Benesova
Julia Goerges vs Petra Kvitova
Sabine Lisicki vs Petra Kvitova
Julia Goerges vs Iveta Benesova
Groenefeld/Kerber vs Hradecka/Zahlavova Strycova

World Group II

United States vs Belarus (1 PM - Noon)
S Williams, McHale, V Williams and Huber vs Azarenka, Yakimova, Govortsova and Kustova

Japan vs Slovenia (10 PM Friday - 9 PM Saturday)
Date-Krumm vs Hercog
Morita vs Kolar
Morita vs Hercog
Date-Krumm vs Kolar
Fujiwara/Morita vs Hercog/Klepac

Slovak Republic vs France(7 AM - 6 AM)
Hantuchova vs Parmentier
Cibulkova vs Razzano
Cibulkova vs Parmentier
Hantuchova vs Razzano
Cibulkova/Hantuchova vs Cornet/Mladenovic

Switzerland vs Australia(5 AM - 4 AM)
Bacsinszky vs Stosur
Voegele vs Gajdosova
Voegele vs Stosur
Bacsinszky vs Gajdosova
Bacsinszky/Sadikovic vs Dellacqua/Dokic

Tipsy, Milos, Jo and Gael, all guys who played or made finals in the pre-AO tournaments all went out on or about the same day. So i think capacity also comes into it, where a slightly down day physically and/or mentally can cost a lot.
Only Ferru of the pre-AO tournament successes went anywhere and he is a killer robot and probably half a class above the others mentioned as a professional at this stage.

Love this picture, reminds me so much of home :-)), though I'm not missing frezzing weather

http://tinyurl.com/86b9bwv

lol at the boots

Obvious: the best French player in recent years, by all stats, was Simon. They always somehow omit him from the list of French players. He is a better player than any other French. He is the only one who was a top ten at any time.

...and, to me, Simon is still the best (I should have used 'has been' instead of 'was').

"He is the only one who was a top ten at any time." huh?!

sokol,
the F Cup site has a couple of great pics too:
http://www.fedcup.com/media/108792/108792.jpg
http://www.fedcup.com/media/108797/108797.jpg
http://www.fedcup.com/media/108796/108796.jpg

are/were you a muscovite? or 'just' russian?

Are all the photos of Maria? LOL But she's lovely

arbiter: I'm going to assume that your comment about the lack of top 10 French players refers to current players, in which case you may have forgoten that Tsonga is currently #6 and was a member of the top 8 for the last WTF. (If you were thinking of the past, you'd need to be reminded about Noah, Leconte et al.)

NR: Interesting point about the finalists and winners of the pre-AO tournament and their performances in the AO. I hope that doesn't have a negative effect on the draws for future pre-AO events. The "tip of the top guys" usually take the pre-AO week off, for example,and the tournaments need those 2nd tier players to keep interest/attendance up.

I'm happy that most posters here like the French players(Slice, AM, Zenggi, Nam1, Zeljana, just to name a few)!

If those were movie packages, then I'd take the Frenchmen as my second choice, after the Top 4, but ahead of the Spaniards and Argentians or other Europeans!

The Americans would be close to my bottom choice....

How is your own tennis going guys?

I've won last night, but I'm still struggling with a minor injury (at least I'm learning how to serve better, more lose arm, racket head drop and the throwing motion).

I kind of like the fact that the Frenchmen are not all winners all the time.

I have to say I like all the French players, though Gilles Simon is my favourite.

Its easier to identify with them and it makes tennis viewing interesting.
I mean, I would rather watch Monfils play brilliantly against Rafa one day and then fall apart completely the next day.

Much rather watch that than boring John Isner serve and serve and serve over and over again and schlep all over the court like he is 60 years old.

(no offence to Isner fans, I am sure he has some)

I guess to each his/her own.

Bismarck, thanks for the pics, they are great, looks like they had a fun time,... but very cold

"are/were you a muscovite? or 'just' russian?"

I am a muscovite. It's so nice to see pictures from my hometown

I loved the picture in the gallery where they're all in the air, how were they able to get that shot? :-))
http://www.fedcup.com/En/photos/galleries/gallery.aspx?id=108518

It's impressive France has so many players in the top 25. There is no shame in losing to players like Ferrer. Last time I checked he was a top ten player and Spain had some pretty talented players as well. Like other posters have mentioned, Bodo's comment about the Tsonga Nishikori match is absurd. Smaller players often have an advantage in battles of endurance. Does the name Michael Chang ring a bell? Nishikori is a talented up and coming player. He reminds me a little of Janko Tipsarevic, who has also put up good results against taller, larger players.

Bodo should cool it with the zenophobia. The US would be happy to have that many top 25 players. It's hard to be number one. Only one person out of many can hold that spot, lol. Last time I checked his name was Novak Djokovic. Even Djokovic had trouble choking in tough matches in the past. Tennis is a tough sport and there can be only one winner in these big events.

Keep your zenophobia out of things, and right a substantive article next time.

"I have placed a few senses of humor I found in the lost and found box...whoever are the owners can pick them up! :)"

Lol, Temes. Perfect. :)

I don't know why people say Simon is an overachiever....
His results in GS are disappointing, only 1 quarter-final at 27 years old (2 good sets against Nadal at this stage in Australia in 2009).
As for his game, he has a nice technique and counter-punching abilities, he can play defensively, offensively (thanks to his technique, he can generate power whe he goes for his flat strokes) and at the net effectively when he's confident.
His problem is that he can be too defensive at times, his serve can be bad and he's not that good mentally anyway...
For me, the example of an overachiever is rather Ferrer IMO.

And Gasquet is overrated: yeah he has a good backhand and net abilities but his forehand technique is bad, this shot can be a real problem against good players cos too short sometimes, this is the reason why i don't understand why people keep saying that he has a perfect technique...

You just named 4 top flight French players...who have at least won something fairly recently......Wlhat have Roddick, Fish or Isner accomplished really? I would rather be in France's position than US's in men's tennis

Mr.Bodo, its fun to play this game of generalizations and cliches. Its fun! Must be the bread and butter of the journalistic world. What about the American's then? I would characterize them as the country of jerks and A-holes. Cocky, brash, uncouth. Even no-real-achievement Fish acts like a he is a gift from the heavens to the tennis world. Connors, McEnroe, Agassi, Sampras were all full of themselves as is Roddick. Imagine how much worse Roddick would be if he had actually won any more than the lone slam title! Must be something in the water.....

@fairangel,

post your vile anti-American rants somewhere else. this is an American website fyi.

Does anyone know the link to watch Gael and Tomas's match?

Pete: you are such a nationalistic pro-american journalist feeding into cliches and stereotypes. What have the French done to you?