[Jaxene]

Hey, I'm writing an essay on the doubles controversy involving the ATP changing the rules (Allowing only singles players to play it in the future, the score changing, etc). So I wanted to do a survey to include in my essay about what people thought about doubles and the direction that it's now taking.

Thank you! ^-^


(moved from poll/quiz forum )

Question 1: Do you enjoy watching doubles?
Question 2: Do you agree with the ATP's decision to change the rules?


OK, so you can pick 2 answers, so the top 4 are one question, the bottom 3 the other, so if you can pick one of each, I'd be much obliged
Thanks again

[Kristen]

From www.jonasbjorkman.com

2005-10-13
Through in strange double
Thomas Johansson and I are through to the second round in Stockholm, after beating the Wimbledon champions Wesley Moodie and Stephen Huss 5-3, 5-3. The new way of counting, with sets to 5 and game ball at 40-40, was practised. It´s no success. The game gets tensed and a little bit of a lottery. This has to be temporary. We will meet Garcia and Prieto, Argentina, in the next round.

[star]

I like watching doubles when there are singles players I like who are playing.

I watched Rafter and Lleyton play in one tournament. It was great.

But I'm not crazy about the doubles specialist teams like the Bryan brothers etc.

[nitsansh]

When thinking of my answer to the 1st question, I realized that I rarely have the opportunity to see doubles matches on TV... so how should I know if I like doubles or not??
The rare occaions that doubles are shown on TV are only when its an important match, like in Davis Cup, Olympics or latter stages of Grand Slams... so of course I would watch them, but not because it's doubles but because of the importance...
If I had a free choice what to see on TV, or if I went to a tournament (unfortunately there's no professional tournament near my home in recent years), on most occasion I would prefer to see the singles, unless there's a doubles match involving my favorite players... so after some deliberations between options 1 and 2 I chose #2...

About the new rules... I can't really judge because I didn't have a chance to see a match with the new rules... my gut feeling is like ToJo's comment, that a game with no ads and Deuces is sort of a lottery, and I don't think it's a good idea... The reduction of games in a set to 5 is a change I can live with, it's just shortening the match a bit but not really significant... my vote then was "I agree in part"...

[Kat!]

I enjoy watching doubles as much as singles & I prefer the old doubles rules

ATP has to realise that in order for something to be popular..... promoting it might help, not killing it.

[joeb_uk]

Personally, I hate doubles. I find it boring to watch, hence I dont watch it (when its on tv, or when I am at a tournament). I will avoid all doubles matches when I am at tournaments, simply because I dont like the style of play doubles makes.

Although, the rule change is bad for the game! I do not think it should have happened, and I feel doubles is good for tennis overall (even though, I really dislike watching doubles, I can still put forward an unbias opinion). I think the scoring should have been kept the same. Doubles provides an area for singles players to improve their game, and also improve their skills (so I think doubles deserves its place in tennis).

[peteslamz]

Although I enjoy watching singles than doubles because I'm much familiar with the players, I am not in favor with the no-ad scoring. What the double needs os promotion to gain more exposure. But if there's a coverage of doubles matches which is oly rarely happens (only during grand slam final and davis cup ties) then
I also watch it.

[*Ljubica*]

Originally Posted by star

I like watching doubles when there are singles players I like who are playing.

I watched Rafter and Lleyton play in one tournament. It was great.

But I'm not crazy about the doubles specialist teams like the Bryan brothers etc.

I totally agree with Star on this one I enjoy watching doubles when singles players I like are taking part - the recent Gaston Gaudio/Mariano Puerta doubles combination was great for me.................But in general, I find the doubles' specialists like the Bryans and Knowles/Nestor extremely boring. If I go to a tournament I tend to be like Joeb and avoid watching any doubles unless one of my favourites (who are all primarily singles players) happen to be involved. As for the new rules - I do feel sorry for the guys who are trying to earn a living as doubles' specialists and feel it is a little unfair on them - but on a personal note - the changes don't bother me and I can understand the ATP's decision.

[ae wowww]

You know my thoughts on the matter

[Jaxene]

Just thought I'd say that I really appreciate all the comments, you're helping so much! And it's great to hear all the different views! Keep them coming!

You know my thoughts on the matter

Aww, don't you care to develop that thought more? Though I think I do know your thoughts on the matter judging from your signature

Thanks again!