Post by gp calliauwIn general, I have the impression
Post by CraigPost by gp calliauwthat he likes to hear himself talk and that is NEVER a quality
for a
Post by CraigIt is on Eurosport. Chris knows full well most of his viewers have
never even
Post by Craigheard of either player in most matches. He is not commentating for
tennis
Post by Craigexperts like yourself, or even viewers like me who mainly watch
only if one of
Post by Craigour favourite players is involved.
Correction. I don't consider myself a tennis expert at all.
That may be one of the reasons I don't like the Bradnam style of
commentary. He doesn't add anything. I don't hear anything I don't
already know or can't see for myself. IOW I could give that kind of
commentary too, thereby proving its redundancy.
But it isn't you or I Chris is primarily speaking to, but the channel surfer
Eurosport is desperate to hold onto. They have invested a lot in their WTA
coverage haven't they and must rate Chris very highly, as he is their principal
commentator, his style must appeal most to the more 'general' sports fan and
occassional tennis watcher.
Eurosport know you will be watching the next tournament with them come what
may, no choice is there.
Post by gp calliauw[....]
You're a women's tennis expert, don't you
Post by Craigknow your sport is in crisis?
Yes, I do. I wouldn't call it crisis. but it's true that the
interest is waning again.
And in all likelihood for the same reasons it started to attract
audiences seven or eight years ago. The glamour factor.
Or because many of the sports more 'attractive' personalities have in the last
year or so disappeared or almost disappeared from the top of the sport, for one
reason or another, and are seldom seen on TV any more? Dokic and Hantuchova the
two obvious examples.
Or because there are too many tournaments and players have finally realised
they cannot play every single event like they did in previous years? Even
Hantuchova missed Antwerp, the first ever time she voluntarily missed a
tournament she would have been expected to play in. Even she is maybe learning
the lesson, finally.
There are too many tournaments and Eurosport ends up broadcasting matches
between players the occassional tennis viewers that the channel and WTA must
attract (and keep) can't identify with.
Chris' primary job is to keep those people watching, not to speak only to
lifelong tennis fans.
Post by gp calliauwWhile the interest grew commentators could and should have been
pointing out how women's tennis is a different sport instead of
turning into it "Chris and Jo's comedy hour"
If only. That would make even a match between Pistolesi and Martinez worth
tuning into :)
and the obligatory
Post by gp calliauwcomments on the outfits.
Which are mostly horrible these days.
Women's tennis is interesting in itself for
Post by gp calliauwthose who want to look beyond the surface. Sakari summarised it
rather well here last week. Women's tennis is slower, and therefore
easier to comprehend and feel. The psychology of it is sometimes
more obvious. Less muscle flexing and bravado. And for the average
viewer who doesn't care about serve speeds it's just as exciting.
I think Chris always stresses points like this. You cannot deny his great
enthusiasm for the women's game comes across strongly I hope, I mean for the
game itself, not just for the 'attractive' players. He loves the sport it's
clear.
If you don't like Chris, which male commentator on Eurosport do you like?