[Nimi]

I remember being super-impressed with Gambill last year in LA & the US Open, & now also in Qatar.
How come he has never reached the top 10, seeing as about 50% of the tour is on HO?
Is it because he is useless on other courts?

 

[ktwtennis]

He was injured often last year whenever he got momentum going, so we'll se what this year brings...

 

[marra horra]

Gambill just doesn't move fast enough compared to anyone currently in the top 20. I like his game, but he's worn down by people quicker than him, gets injured, and just never threatens the elite. If he had a consistently good return, or serve, or both; he might just make it. But alas no. Koubek really showed up his limitations today. I think it says it all when Gambill can't even beat Dent at Wimbledon; Dent being a poor mover himself.

 

[J. Corwin]

I think he shows sparks of brilliance on court at times.

 

[Dissident]

Ken Doll needs consistency. That´s correct.
I have a serious problem with his two handed forehand, but it´s undeniable he is a good player on hard courts.
But performances like the one today is what KILLS him most of the time. Koubek was great, but KD was almost pathetic considering the rest of his week.

 

[TheBoiledEgg]

Doha was the 1st tourn in his career he made to even the semifinal stages outside the US

So you can call him HardCourt specialist
But will he win his FIRST ever match in 6 attempts in Melbourne ???

 

[Layla]

He was injured often last year whenever he got momentum going, so we'll se what this year brings...

Well that doesn't really explain anything. He couldn't have been injured more than say Ferrero or Henman or Hass, yet compare their rankings at the end of the year.

I agree with Dissident. He needs consistency (well, who doesn't really these days). He can have moments of great inspiration but then sink back into mediocrity the next day.

I personally don't believe he will ever be top 20 material but I could be completely wrong. Anyway, I think Eggy grounded this topic rather well.

 

[Experimentee]

I remember he was playing awesome when he thrashed Hewitt in straight sets in the 1st round at Wimbledon, and then went on to make the QF, losing only to Sampras. A guy who can play like that can surely make the top ten, but i dont know why he hasnt. I guess its his injuries. Hes double handed on both sides so i guess that affects his mobility and reach, kinda like Monica.

 

[King Aaron]

He's often injured when playing well.

 

[Dissident]

Experimentee...

Take an example:
Johansson. His run to the Aussie Open title last year wasn´t brilliant?? And, unlikely Ken Doll on that Wimbledon, he DIDN´T lose to anyone. Even so, he finished the year with a not better than regular ranking.
Why? CONSISTENCY! You need to do that on a regular basis. Hewitt led the rankings for all the year because of that. He had some moments of briliance, but even when he didn´t, he was usually in semifinals, or at least quarters.

KD can go well untill he starts facing big names, and sometimes neither that is necessary. (ie Doha)

 

[Lee]

Experimentee...

Take an example:
Johansson. His run to the Aussie Open title last year wasn´t brilliant?? And, unlikely Ken Doll on that Wimbledon, he DIDN´T lose to anyone. Even so, he finished the year with a not better than regular ranking.
Why? CONSISTENCY! You need to do that on a regular basis. Hewitt led the rankings for all the year because of that. He had some moments of briliance, but even when he didn´t, he was usually in semifinals, or at least quarters.

KD can go well untill he starts facing big names, and sometimes neither that is necessary. (ie Doha)

I agree with you Diss, he seriously lacks consistency. Even in same tournament, he can serve up a storm in one match and totally off in the next and his serve is his best weapon. Once his serve is off, he doesn't have other weapons to take his opponent out or staying in the match. When someone rely on his serve that much, he can't be on and off in his serve like turning a switch. If he can be consistent with his serve, he has a very good chance to stay in top 20.

 

[Gonzo Hates Me!]

Because he sucks