Gee, why are tennis artings down on tv?

[tennis4you]

I tried to watch the Serena vs. Clisters match tonight. Of coarse, I knew the result of the match from the internet 3 hours before the match was ever show. I would say that is the biggest mistake. I mean, would they announce the winner of the Super Bowl and then 3 hours later show it on tv? I realize that the masters series tournaments are not the Super Bowl, but come on people!!!

SECOND! They jumped forward in the match by (3) games 3 times! What a joke! Like previous, would they skip the 2nd quarter of the Super Bowl?

And I am sure they are still wondering why tennis ratings are down. lol...

Sorry all, just had to vent!

[Marc]

I see your point, but I think you also are in the minority when you say you check the match results before watching. It really probably doesn't make a difference for most folks. Also, you can't expect soaring ratings unless it is like Wimbledon or the U.S. Open, not these little mini ones like now. In addition, you have to consider things like the NCAA tournament are grabbing most sports fan's attention.

[tennis4you]

Oh, I hear ya knocking, but this is not a mini tournament. This is a "super 9" masters series. And yes, to the average sports fan they may seem small, but to tennis enthusaists they are a big deal, they are the next best things to slams!

I doubt I am in the minority on the checking the match status! If you have a favorite player I am sure you are anxious to see how he/she did! I see more posts on newsgroups and message boards about the outcome of matches before they are shown on television, anywhere... I am doubly sure that if you had a bet on a match you would want to see the score ASAP! I never bet, but I love to see the results. Furthermore, most tennis is not shown on tv, so we are all in the habbit of going to ESPN to get the updates, and with the internet, we get them all the sooner!

As far as the NCAA basketball, that just goes to show you tennis' ranking in the world today. I can't think of too many sports that tennis ranks ahead of anymore. Maybe horse shoes.

[coach tom]

I would normally buy all the network crap about keeping tennis to a limited amount of time to keep it interesting, and the fact that they put it on during odd hours because they have higher rated shows (like March Madness) but whenever they say that they contradict themselves. Venus and Serena at Indian Wells was not going to be tape delay. ESPN nearly croaked when Venus pulled out just before going on court. They were going to carry it live.

Scott, you are right, they don't fast forward through the Superbowl (which I understand the networks lost money on this year) or even golf or professional bowling. Tennis is quickly becoming a minor sport because it is not dominated by US players. The only reason it was live on Friday night was because it was Venus and Serena, two yanks. Serena was in the final yet they went tape. Its the Europeans.

The last time I remember being fast forwarded in a televised match was back in 1977 when CBS carried the WCT from Montego Bay every week. But that was every week, and one hour per show. It was on for like two months. They had an excuse.

ESPN has none...

[snowman]

i'd like to say the only reason golf isn't treated as a secondary sport is because of tiger! samprass an agassi can't draw the same crowds they used to. thats why tennis isn't on every other week? no, i believe it's lack of intrest and lack of excitement. they really need to do something to get more people to view. how about more interviews or something? just a thought! thanks

[Peck]

Yeah ur right it does happen alot here in singapore.........since barely anything is live and also same with ESPN with hockey there is lots on ESPN2 but singapore doesn't have that either!!......since in singapore we don't get canadian channels and when i wanna watch hockey its usually on thursday at 11 o'clock and i have school!!!!