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brent-o · 06-18-2006, 04:43 AM

Why do players switch doubles partners so often? I've noticed in one tournament they'll play with a certain person and have considerable success and then the next move on to someone new. Do they tire of each other? Or does the ATP/WTA automatically assign a partner at random (believable considering some of the odd pairings we've seen)? Or is it like a hitting partner, where they sign up to play with whoever's available? I find this discouraging because I'd like to be able to stick with a team and root for them. This applies mostly to singles players who play doubles (i.e. not Black/Stubbs, Raymond/Stosur, etc. because obviously doubles-only teams have more longevity). Maybe this is why doubles is not more popular. I dunno, anyway, anyone can explain this to me?

GermanBoy · 06-18-2006, 04:52 AM

I can't! All I can say is that I hate the AGTP forcing two stars playing doubles together like Murray/Grosjean or Malisse/Philippoussis. There are far more examples! These players don't make a good team and to be honest, would they ever play together if they could choose....

Fee · 06-18-2006, 05:23 AM

Its all a function of the rankings and what you have to do to be one of the Top 16 teams in the draw. It also comes down to who you feel comfortable playing with, who you've played with before, who you might want to play with again, who is looking for a partner, etc. Most of the 'doubles specialists' know each other and get along well, so they don't have a huge problem with it, but the lack of job security and low paychecks wears thin after a while.

ae wowww · 06-18-2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fee

Its all a function of the rankings and what you have to do to be one of the Top 16 teams in the draw. It also comes down to who you feel comfortable playing with, who you've played with before, who you might want to play with again, who is looking for a partner, etc. Most of the 'doubles specialists' know each other and get along well, so they don't have a huge problem with it, but the lack of job security and low paychecks wears thin after a while.

Sorted!

Boris Franz Ecker · 06-18-2006, 11:00 AM

Doubles are meaningless for a players career. Most players want to play with friends, have no real interest in the contest.

ae wowww · 06-18-2006, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris Franz Ecker

Doubles are meaningless for a players career. Most players want to play with friends, have no real interest in the contest.

I love this guy! All 52 of his posts have been absolute crackers, I didn't think Germany did comedy!