[StatRacket]

I have respect for tennis players, but especially those who try to make it with so little assistance. These guys have got to compete against players with more money and all the benefits that come with it (better coaches, accommodation, equipment etc). The sad thing is that at 24 and never been top 200, it is very unlikely that Weintraub will ever make a decent living from tennis. I hope he does though!

[abraxas21]

i wonder why amir doesnt mention any names

[abraxas21]

there are many guys like amir. with stories like this one tends to feel sorry for the lad and make you even want to pull for him in the tournies he plays. however, why pull for him in particular when there are many others in similar circumstances, most likely even the rivals he's playing against?

i don't mean to direct this post to anyone in particular... it's just a thought i wanted to post here.

[jazar]

very interesting

[StatRacket]

Originally Posted by abraxas21

there are many guys like amir. with stories like this one tends to feel sorry for the lad and make you even want to pull for him in the tournies he plays. however, why pull for him in particular when there are many others in similar circumstances, most likely even the rivals he's playing against?

i don't mean to direct this post to anyone in particular... it's just a thought i wanted to post here.

I was thinking the same thing. I think it's because Amir took the time to write that. The reason why anyone goes for any player (other than those of their nationality or something like that) is usually down to sheer chance. Had some Fed fans started following tennis in 2008 instead of 2004, they might have been Nadal fans instead .

[Or Levy]

Well, I translated it here because I found it interesting. Not often to you see real blogs from pro tennis players (It's not really a blog, it's a column on a website, not sure it is going to be a habit).

But if it can get him a few fans, why not. You root for someone you can connect to.

This is a video of him beating Dudi Sela in the Israeli championship a few weeks ago. Third set TB.

http://www.sport5.co.il/articles.asp...=91307&lang=HE

[chewbacca74]

Thanks a lot for the translation... Amir "everyday life" is really interesting.

At least Amir has gained +11 ranks in the ATP rankings, he is now #270 !

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/P...raub.aspx?t=rh

I think it explains why a lot of players tend to play Futures & Challengers
in their local area. Last year I was wondering why so few US players were playing
challengers outside the US. Even if it is natural that all the player like to play
on home soil, the money saved in travelling is an important factor also...

[Action Jackson]

Originally Posted by abraxas21

there are many guys like amir. with stories like this one tends to feel sorry for the lad and make you even want to pull for him in the tournies he plays. however, why pull for him in particular when there are many others in similar circumstances, most likely even the rivals he's playing against?

i don't mean to direct this post to anyone in particular... it's just a thought i wanted to post here.

Stick to following the top 10.

The lower level this is why it's called the jungle.

[Or Levy]

Originally Posted by chewbacca74

Thanks a lot for the translation... Amir "everyday life" is really interesting.

At least Amir has gained +11 ranks in the ATP rankings, he is now #270 !

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/P...raub.aspx?t=rh

I think it explains why a lot of players tend to play Futures & Challengers
in their local area. Last year I was wondering why so few US players were playing
challengers outside the US. Even if it is natural that all the player like to play
on home soil, the money saved in travelling is an important factor also...

Well, as an Israeli, Amir (and the rest of the Israeli players) are sort of stuck. Israel has one challenger, no futures I believe, and they can't play locally in the middle east, so they must travel abroad, which means flights.

Very expensive.

[chewbacca74]

Originally Posted by Or Levy

Well, as an Israeli, Amir (and the rest of the Israeli players) are sort of stuck. Israel has one challenger, no futures I believe, and they can't play locally in the middle east, so they must travel abroad, which means flights.

Very expensive.

It seems that at least some Futures tournaments are held in Israel:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tourname...nger-Tour.aspx

But it is true that the life is even harder for Israelis...

[Or Levy]

Yeah, I wasn't sure. Anyway, 10,000 futures are no help for Amir.

[Action Jackson]

Thanks for the translations of course.

[latso]

Thumbs up for the story and the translation

thanks a lot

[Nidhogg]

Thanks a lot for doing the translation. It's always interesting to get a view of what it's all about from another perspective with these kinds of stories.

[Ouragan]

Very nice. But, is there really internet for just one hour a day in this French territory. I'd be surprised...