ABOUT THOSE TENNIS SPORTSCASTERS!
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo
FLORIDA TENNIS readers sent me interesting comments regarding tennis sportscasters. Most people mentioned their objection to sportscasters talking while points are being played. Surprisingly, feedback was about 50/50 for sportscasters who throw in remarks not pertinent to the match being viewed. Some readers enjoy the “side bar” comments and some readers find them annoying. One reader sent in a detailed response putting current sportscasters into categories. I cringe every time the commentators offer opinions about tennis racquets, strings and tensions because they often pass along wildly incorrect information.
Recently I noticed that the commentary tends to be more pertinent in the beginning of matches, then degenerates to conversations about other players and matches, is followed by conversations about other sports or personal tidbits, and ends in periods of blessed quiet interspersed with a few more pertinent comments. The recent French Open provided opportunities for multiple channels to broadcast as many as three commentators at one time holding conversations among themselves which often had little direct bearing on the match underway. The on-air “personalities” even talked over each other!
I have been able to watch matches on live feed in the stringing rooms of various pro tournaments. This type of viewing has NO comments from anyone. It's just like watching it from the stands. There are no instant replays and no analyses. You can hear the ball pop and the effort of the players. It's the most refreshing viewing I have ever experienced.
Constantly chattering sportscasters greatly detract from the only game where the majority of the spectators are regular players. They don't need all the explanations as in other sports. I object to hyping and over-dramatizing or “dumbing-down” tennis for the uninitiated spectator. I would like to see Barry MacKay and all other offenders fined $10 every time they say HUGE, and donate the money to charity.
I was an unfortunate witness to Mary Carillo and Mary Jo Fernandez making remarks about Mardy Fish's name; they went on for several minutes making jokes about it. I wanted to tell them “Hey, there's a match going on, you are on TV, HELLO!” Stick to the sport, and for heaven's sake, keep QUIET while the points are being played!
Lief Shiras and Katrina Adams seem to stick to the match at hand and keep quiet when they should. They are low key (presumably low-ego also) and do not distract attention from the players on the court.
For me, the bottom line is, tennis needs sportscasters like fish need bicycles, but it's just my opinion. I appreciate your comments and respect your opinions, even if they don't agree with mine.
COPYRIGHT 2007
By Vince Chiarelli, MRT, PTR, Owner String Along With Vince, Largo, FL
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