If Iga were American, she would be carried on her arms. Either she's boring, she has a weak personality, she wins too much, she has no competitors, her matches are too short, she doesn't wear make-up... or worst of all, she doesn't like her style of tennis... XD and other absurdities. You also repeat some of them here in your conversation. There hasn't been a great number one for many years who has been at the top for 3 seasons. Neither Barty nor Oska was that regular. Even Wozniacki, who had a problem playing with big hitters in slams.
@@mireafelder8194 hey shut up about carlos, i am sick of him. Two years ago he was proclaimed the GOAT. I used to like him but western media hype around him made me want him to lose the games.
The American media and US fans are trying to convince themselves that Coco is better than Rybakina this year, and let's be honest, Rybakina has won 3 WTA500 tournaments this year and played the WTA1000 Final. Do you know how many finals Coco has? yes, zero, only won one 250 tournament. If we have to force it, Aryna and Elena, when they play their best tennis, are the BIG3. But in reality there is Światek... then the rest. Iga already has more titles in her career than Coco, Elena and Aryna. That says a lot.
Amy is dumb as hell, just another trashy Coco apologist. Coco had one and a half great months. She may develop someday but for now she's basically raducanu
I can't say I enjoy watching Iga's tennis. I tend to prefer more a player like Vondrusouva, or Muchova, more variety. But I admire her reign. Not sure what happened at the US open, a total aberration.
Gill attempted some comparison between Rybakina's movement and Gauff's forehand as things that could hold them back from beating Swiatek. That comparison doesn't really work, because Rybakina has a winning record (4-2) against Swiatek, while Gauff has a miserably losing record (1-11) against Swiatek.
Actually I’m surprised to hear about Rybakina movement. She gets to many balls and wins long points too. I’d say her disadvantage is staying fit, she’s had some crucial withdrawals this year.
Djokovic should definitely skip Wimbledon. Focus on the Olympics then you still have 1 more major this year to gun for in the US Open. Then just get 100% for 2025.
skippng Wim would be dumb because his chance at Wim are 10x better than olympics. Novak even in his prime was bad at olympics and now he is even worse in 3 sets matches. He got older and weaker
I think the answer to the WTA “big 3” thing is very clear- it’s about the head-to-heads. There’s this very satisfying rock-paper-scissors relationship in the matchup advantages (Iga beats Saba, Saba beats Ryba, Ryba beats Iga), and at the same time, it feels like any of the the three could beat the others on the right day. Coco doesn’t fit as nicely into that equation specifically because of her matchup with Iga, even if she does as well if not better against the rest of the field.
Nobody beat Iga regularly… NO-BO-DY… she is dominant. She went undefeated in United cup, won 4 masters and a Slam this year 😂!!! She only has 4 losses and nobody beat her twice… Nobody else comes close…
@@goldwolf0606your comment shows that you just started watching WTA tennis this year. Rybakina defeated Iga 3 times last year…Aussie open, Indianwell all straight sets then Rome which Iga retired after Elena was moving her around like some new TikTok dance move 😒
Best episode in a long time! And that's not even a knock on the quality being bad at all, in fact quite the contrary - this episode was just amazing. Loved the almost academic breakdown of the concept of Three, one that I'm also kind of obsessed with, i have my theories too, mostly about groups of 3 friends, or people in a conversation etc etc. I'll be happy to expand if asked to, but this meta conversation really really spoke to me! 🙌🙌🙌
Joel, Amy & Gill - agree with all THREE! Djoker: No Wimby-24. Hamburg is a beautiful city-HH. Seeing Novak & Rafael @ Hamburg & Paris Olympics should be Wunderbar und ausgezeichnet!! Thanx guyz. Best, Milan p.s. Amy - yes it would shock me for Rafa @ Wimby-24.
He is the best player on grass even in his shell of a state he’s in. He would have a small chance. Doubt Alcaraz will repeat and who the he’ll else is gonna win? Maybe Sinner but he’s banged up. This is the year of some random like Kevin Anderson making the final that one year that Cheatvak stole it from GOATdal.
@@goldwolf0606 Would love to see Nadal make another run, but news he will definitely be playing doubles with Carlos at the Olympics also got me upbeat today- it will be awesome if they end up on the top of the podium together. And yes, I also am still ticked about the Wimby rules allowing for a "Oh sure, we need the roof closed on a beautiful day so I can win," attitude (I'm a U.S. Open type of guy). And Rafa still came oh-so-close in that one.
I agree with with Amy’s theory. It’s because of the way Coco was winning her matches from Doha to her first three matches in Rome. I am a huge fan of Coco but some of her matches during that period were really not fun to watch.
99% of Gauff's matches this year haven't been fun to watch. Her QF against Kostyuk at the AO was quite possibly the worst high-profile match I've ever seen.
Effortless is definitely a myth if you want to be at the top of your “game” in any profession. Innovative episode on the three obsession in all areas of life! Enjoyed it guys. Keep it coming.
- I cannot believe how much you guys missed your reasoning behind the wta big 3 thing - they are lumped together as big 3 not mainly because of their overall results rather its the way they matchup - rybakina is one of the few players that has a winning record against iga - sabalenka have a losing record against iga but some of the losses saba suffered were by razor thin margins (us open semis, madrid finals) - saba and ryba AO finals adds fuel to the big 3 narrative big time - on the other hand you guys are being so generous to gauff she is nice girl but let's be honest, not only she has an 11-1 record but the way she lost them is just sad (complete mismatch), there's no way in hell you can put iga and gauff on something like a big 3 the way they matched up so far - the reason why people don't consider iga as big 1 is because she has not been dominant GS wise (only in RG)
another point about 3. it is the most stabil number. your kitchen table (with 4legs) might wobble, your tripod never will, even when it's tilled badly to one side. it will remain stabil.
The ATP is leaning heavily into the big 2 narrative. Seen on their social media, posters of them being rivals and buddies and nice guys. Very much wanting to follow the blueprint of Rafa and Roger, where the fanbase was split on their favourite and both were attractive brands.
Speaking of threes, the left display of a tennis ball with a three on it obscures half the name of the female of the three in this group. Needs an adjustment.
WTA was never really a big 3 for the reasons you guys outlined. For me, all about whether Osaka comes to the party. That's a game changer. Her, Gauff, Sabalenka, Iga, possibly Rybakina, all in exciting 50:50 matches on hardcourt, in the biggest tournaments.
Sabalenka is better than everyone but Iga. Watch her play, she passes the eye test and repeating as Aussie champ speaks for itself. I don’t think Rybarkina will win Wimbledon and I don’t think Coco will repeat as USO champ.
@@amylundy8664 I know tennis, and my eyes tell me Sabalenka is number two. If you must have a metric, look at the 52 week rankings… they have been around for decades and they are fairly accurate, not withstanding injuries.
@@royalusala8527 😂 I’ll bet you on Wimbledon 😁there are times I will take a certain player (GOATdal at the French for the past 20 years for example), and there are times I will take the field, this just passed French open for example. At this next women’s Wimbledon… I’m taking the field 😂!!!! I don’t trust anyone on grass… not even Iga. The field is a better bet than even the top ranked grass player right now.
1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ THE RULE OF 3 IN LEARNING, MEMORY & PRESENTATION: The FIRST time something is seen/learned/shared/ communicated/presented it’s perceived as Random; the SECOND time it’s a Coincidence--and the THIRD time it’s a Pattern… and our brains love, learn and remember Patterns. .. … ….. ……..
I think we are yet to see who might be Iga's rival. A little like we are now seeing some promising young guys on the ATP tour, maybe in a couple of years rising up, we may see some young players on the WTA tour. Maybe someone like Mira Andreeva as she matures? Agree with comments that Iga needs a Wimbledon and that will cement her legacy.
I think the Big 3 in the WTA excluding Coco owes to the fact that there is the perception that, at their best, Rybakina and Sabalenka will beat Swiatek on fast and medium courts, whereas Coco would probably lose to all three, due to the overwhelming power Rybakina and Sabalenka have on those surfaces, leaving the matches on their racquets (and Iga even more dominant on slower surfaces). Statistically I would agree that it is a Big One, with Swiatek dominating in results vs the field, and then you would probably have to include Coco in a larger Big 4. I think over time (I would say over the next 2-3 years), things will settle, with either Coco having more success in matches against the other 3 (she's only played Rybakina once, and it was virtually a tie, as is the head to head vs Sabalenka at 4-3), and Rybakina and/or Sabalenka having more consistent success in Grand Slams, or both or neither. I think the actual timeframe is still short to talk of a definitive Big 3 or Big 4, I would agree that its only a Big One at the moment. Also I think in very short time Osaka will join the conversation into a Big 5, just by judging her form at Roland Garros.
people are very good at finding patterns. Sometimes too good, finding the patterns where there are none. There goes your conspiracy theories. So, if people want to find the pattern of 3, they will certainly find it and stick with it. Next big 3 on ATP side? easy. Alcaraz, Sinner, Rune. What about Medvedev or Zverev or Tsitsipas? don''t fit the pattern, so they are out. Data says otherwise, but people see what they want to see.
Is the Big 3 an artificial construct? I don't think so. On the men's side, it certainly was not the case. Over the last 20 years, 3 players won ~80% of the majors, which clearly illustrates the legitimacy of the "Big 3" moniker. I do believe that for the last 2 years, the Women's side started to exhibit a similar pattern. At the outset of each major, the Big 3 seem to be prohibitive favorites. But now Coco has forced her way in. And I could possibly see Osaka doing the same. So while the field of legit contenders has expanded, it's nothing like the four or so crazy years after Serena lost her edge, where there was no telling who would win the slam. And I find this more dramatic. Anytime someone makes a good run at one of the favorites, the stadium starts to murmur and buzz. It's exciting!
Coco is the only one who carries American tennis. Actually a question I would like to ask for the mail bag. Is our American tennis players generally slightly overranked because despite some making deep runs at Grand slams, it really feels like they're at least a tier or two away from seriously contending for a Grand slam title and they rack up points during the American swing during the winter time that I feel bloats their ranking and then rarely impress on Clay or grass
Haven't seen too much from Jpeg, doesn't do well in slams either. Danyell showed up this year, on clay too, can't hate. Keys has been decent, started slow but won a clay title. Navarro and Sloane are top 20-30 players, can beat anyone on their good day. Sloane is a bit too laid back though, after she wins a 250 or 500, chills way out for a while.
@@sylent8428 I mean more on the men's side than women's but that coco is the only one who can hang with the top European players on her best days...American men can't ever do it in slams
I think wta big 3 originated from Sabalenka and Rybakina having similar weapons that can trouble Iga. Coco is not included because the obvious criteria are whether they can beat Iga or put her on the stretch.
Hi Gill - I hope your Gran is still alive. Which town is she from?: There's HAMburg in the north where they play tennis, and there's HOMburg, like the hat, over by the French border. They aren't pronounced the same.
Summary of the video (hosted by Americans): Gauff (from USA) deserves to take the place of Rybakina in the big 3. Now, if we refer to the numbers, it is either a big 1 or a big 4 but we must not only look at the numbers, you also have to look at what the players themselves think. Several players say that Elena, Iga and Aryna are the players to beat since 2023 (+ There are interesting rivalries between these 3 players). Coco is not YET fully integrated into this group of players (from the outside but also from the inside)
Right? I was waiting this episode thinking about a good analysis of the semis and final, Alcaraz winning three GS in three surfaces at 21 years old...this kind of stuff. Imho this is bad timing and a little bit disrespectful for the kid.
Why can't Rafa play Wimbledon, it's not like he's gonna be playing 7 five set matches given that he'll likely draw Sinner or Alcaraz in the first round.
About Gauff, it is just that she has not been at the top for long enough. Let her there one more year and then the perception will change. But of course Osaka will then be 2 or 3。 About Rybakina, she does beat Swiatek on a regular basis, and that is why she is considered as top 3. About the notion of triad, you make way too much out if this. Look who won grand slams on the last two years and you have a base ground for that notion.
Iga is taller and wins cheap points from a bigger serve. Her topspin forehand bounces high and gives Coco trouble. I am waiting for a player with a one handed slice backhand to neutralize two handed back hand players. There is a conformity now which makes matches very similar. Coco is another Pegula, just bubbling beneath prime time.
Iga's not the big one in the eyes of a larger audience because she isn't doing it across slams. QF Wimbledon, 4th round USO, 3rd round AO... that's not big one material yet. I think there will be more of a coronation once she starts racking up more grand slams. People don't watch madrid and rome like they watch wimbledon and the uso.
She has the most slams of any current player… (Venus has 7 but should really be retired at age 43, if not officially retired, she’s functionally retired) the coronation is late… she has as many slams as Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis got their entire careers and they are regarded as all time greats. she has more than Kim Cljisters who is also regarded as an all time great. Iga is only 23… she is chasing Venus and Justine Hennin at 7 now. Iga will probably catch them next year… I will bet on Iga to win the French again and probably get one of the two USO’s remaining or Aussie next year… who knows she could sneak a Wimbledon where nobody is a real favorite… Iga could catch them by the end of this year … not likely but possible. Iga is the unquestioned number 1.
I'm not sure why this hype is about Olympics. It's an irrelevant event. Only value is sentimental , especially if you are patriotic to your country, if not, it's got -ve value.
Djokovic was soooo miserable in the last Olympics, bad in singles, and even worse in mixed doubles - failed to show for the bronze medal match. Broke lots of rackets!
@@davidr2802 they taught me enough to spot a bully who starts hurling offensive remarks on the parents of random strangers. So please kindly f-off David!
Women's tennis must move into the 21st century and play the best of 5 sets. It's going to happen, people! Tennis is going to evolve and the world will look backwards and see how antiquated women's tennis is today. Women are not wallflowers. Play the best of 5 sets. Andy Roddick said, "You can not win a major unless you move your ass off." This is the problem with the women's game right now. Too many players at the top of the women's game are not moving their asses off. Iga Swiatek moves better than any woman on tour and is why she's dominating and won the French Open Championship in 1 hour 8 minutes. Yes, Coco, Sabalenka, and others move their asses too but many players don't, like Ostapenko. This is another reason why I keep pushing for women to play the best of 5 sets in majors. Separate the wheat from the chaff. May the most talented, hardest working, best conditioned athletes win majors. The competition amongst the top men is brutal. Not so with the top women. Enough with my bitching...
@@amaretto1787there is no demand for the WTA tour to go to 5 sets but they could easily do it at the slams. Most women's matches are over pretty quick so it wouldn't be a problem. Make the women earn their equal pay
Grass is very dangerous. A slip and a fall forced Henin into a second retirement with a severe elbow injury. People prefer dualistic thinking. Good and Evil, Agassi/Sampras. Beatles/Stones, Nadal/Federer. Djokovic made it awkward.
In reality, there's nothing in he WtA currently, Ego is overrated and an Otp, clay specialist, Elena. Aryna, naiomi (when fit) and Carolina MUchova are as good as ego if not better on non clay surfaces.
Iga does not have the personality to carry being #1. I know she is but she is never going to be a Serena type personality. I just don't see her changing that image. You are correct Joel.
Grass is a great surface because you just have to suck less than the rest of the tour. And with the form of everyone, it is quite open. I could even see a Hurkacz win. Nadal has a shot, ofc he could lose easily ,he could also win, he does not even need a perfect draw like he got at RG. Choker Zverev > Some choker Griekspoor > De minaur > Stomach bug Ruud > Tired 70% Alcaraz. His mentality alone can carry him.
It isn't that Nadal doesn't want to beat Novak's record. Nadal knows that he doesn't have much of a chance at Wimbledon, not because he prioritize his body more 😂
The real 3 is you. It is a joy listening to you.
Do not stop, even when the other 2 retires
Yep, they can switch to Alcaraz, Sinner and whatever other guy we probably haven't even heard of yet who steps up.
@@slc2466 Fonseca
Amy is dumb as hell
Thank you so much!
If Iga were American, she would be carried on her arms. Either she's boring, she has a weak personality, she wins too much, she has no competitors, her matches are too short, she doesn't wear make-up... or worst of all, she doesn't like her style of tennis... XD and other absurdities. You also repeat some of them here in your conversation. There hasn't been a great number one for many years who has been at the top for 3 seasons. Neither Barty nor Oska was that regular. Even Wozniacki, who had a problem playing with big hitters in slams.
Ina's like Henin. Quietly getting the job done while others are getting the attention of the media.
Fair points.
Agreed, same goes for Carlos. He doesn't even get mentioned here as the youngest Slam winner on all surfaces. Imagine if he were American....
@@mireafelder8194 hey shut up about carlos, i am sick of him.
Two years ago he was proclaimed the GOAT. I used to like him but western media hype around him made me want him to lose the games.
@@milanm403 🤣 I'm sure you Novak fans are sick of Carlos, as he has already so much more achieved than Novak had at only 21 years old. 😆
The American media and US fans are trying to convince themselves that Coco is better than Rybakina this year, and let's be honest, Rybakina has won 3 WTA500 tournaments this year and played the WTA1000 Final. Do you know how many finals Coco has? yes, zero, only won one 250 tournament. If we have to force it, Aryna and Elena, when they play their best tennis, are the BIG3. But in reality there is Światek... then the rest. Iga already has more titles in her career than Coco, Elena and Aryna. That says a lot.
Amy is dumb as hell, just another trashy Coco apologist. Coco had one and a half great months. She may develop someday but for now she's basically raducanu
Maybe one day Elena will have the better in the H2H. Not now.
I think something is up with Elena, she has talked about sleep issues. Maybe if she irons out things she will get back her mojo.
Previous leading WTA player you forgot - Monica Seleš. She won against Navratilova and Graff regularly until she was stabbed by Graff fan in Germany.
Yep, we all got cheated out of a great era with Monica firmly in the mix- everyone lost, but none more than Monica, of course.
Iga is incredible. She seems not to get the recognition she deserves as she's humble and quiet.
I can't say I enjoy watching Iga's tennis. I tend to prefer more a player like Vondrusouva, or Muchova, more variety. But I admire her reign. Not sure what happened at the US open, a total aberration.
I’m obsessed with her forehand. I could watch it a million times, and it never gets old. 🤩
Gill attempted some comparison between Rybakina's movement and Gauff's forehand as things that could hold them back from beating Swiatek. That comparison doesn't really work, because Rybakina has a winning record (4-2) against Swiatek, while Gauff has a miserably losing record (1-11) against Swiatek.
Actually I’m surprised to hear about Rybakina movement. She gets to many balls and wins long points too. I’d say her disadvantage is staying fit, she’s had some crucial withdrawals this year.
Coco matches up terrible against IGA while Elena doesn’t its about play styles but coco is better than Elena.
Joel spoke so well about the 3.
Djokovic should definitely skip Wimbledon. Focus on the Olympics then you still have 1 more major this year to gun for in the US Open. Then just get 100% for 2025.
skippng Wim would be dumb because his chance at Wim are 10x better than olympics. Novak even in his prime was bad at olympics and now he is even worse in 3 sets matches. He got older and weaker
@@Nazhuk the problem is that Wimbledon is in 3 weeks, he just had surgery, unfortunately skipping Wimbledon has to happen
@@GaryLyonsagree
Weakvak is done 😂😂😂
@@goldwolf0606 Got the whole squad laughing bro
I think the answer to the WTA “big 3” thing is very clear- it’s about the head-to-heads. There’s this very satisfying rock-paper-scissors relationship in the matchup advantages (Iga beats Saba, Saba beats Ryba, Ryba beats Iga), and at the same time, it feels like any of the the three could beat the others on the right day. Coco doesn’t fit as nicely into that equation specifically because of her matchup with Iga, even if she does as well if not better against the rest of the field.
Coco also owns the head to head over Elena and Aryna. It’s not so easy, is it?
@@amylundy8664
Coco vs Saba is 4-3 (evenly matched)
Coco vs Iga is 1-11 (got body bagged)
Nobody beat Iga regularly… NO-BO-DY… she is dominant. She went undefeated in United cup, won 4 masters and a Slam this year 😂!!! She only has 4 losses and nobody beat her twice… Nobody else comes close…
@@goldwolf0606your comment shows that you just started watching WTA tennis this year. Rybakina defeated Iga 3 times last year…Aussie open, Indianwell all straight sets then Rome which Iga retired after Elena was moving her around like some new TikTok dance move 😒
@@amylundy8664The lone match Coco has against Elena ended in a third set tiebreaker…I won’t put much into that
There's no WTA big 3. There's Swiatek, and then Sabalenka, Rybakina and Gauff lagging behind.
Best episode in a long time! And that's not even a knock on the quality being bad at all, in fact quite the contrary - this episode was just amazing. Loved the almost academic breakdown of the concept of Three, one that I'm also kind of obsessed with, i have my theories too, mostly about groups of 3 friends, or people in a conversation etc etc. I'll be happy to expand if asked to, but this meta conversation really really spoke to me! 🙌🙌🙌
Great !!! I loved it, too! Please elaborate… I’d love to read your thoughts
If Swiatek wins Wimbledon, the talk around her will change.
It's true and it will shut everyone up 🤣
That’s a huge “if”
Fingers crossed !
Joel, Amy & Gill - agree with all THREE! Djoker: No Wimby-24. Hamburg is a beautiful city-HH. Seeing Novak & Rafael @ Hamburg & Paris Olympics should be Wunderbar und ausgezeichnet!! Thanx guyz. Best, Milan p.s. Amy - yes it would shock me for Rafa @ Wimby-24.
Good call, Milan! As always 🙏🏻
@@amylundy8664 🙏🩵👌
Big 3 WTA is cute talk once Osaka reminds everyone where they were when she was around collecting hard court slams 😆
Bring it on! 👏👏
Thanks for throwing out the Rafa/Wimbledon idea, Amy. With limited majors left for him to play, he might just go "why not?" and give it a try.
He is the best player on grass even in his shell of a state he’s in. He would have a small chance. Doubt Alcaraz will repeat and who the he’ll else is gonna win? Maybe Sinner but he’s banged up. This is the year of some random like Kevin Anderson making the final that one year that Cheatvak stole it from GOATdal.
@@goldwolf0606 Would love to see Nadal make another run, but news he will definitely be playing doubles with Carlos at the Olympics also got me upbeat today- it will be awesome if they end up on the top of the podium together. And yes, I also am still ticked about the Wimby rules allowing for a "Oh sure, we need the roof closed on a beautiful day so I can win," attitude (I'm a U.S. Open type of guy). And Rafa still came oh-so-close in that one.
I agree with with Amy’s theory. It’s because of the way Coco was winning her matches from Doha to her first three matches in Rome. I am a huge fan of Coco but some of her matches during that period were really not fun to watch.
Let's just hope she never runs into Kostyuk again. Especially at a grand slam final. That might destroy the women's game's viewership.
99% of Gauff's matches this year haven't been fun to watch. Her QF against Kostyuk at the AO was quite possibly the worst high-profile match I've ever seen.
Effortless is definitely a myth if you want to be at the top of your “game” in any profession. Innovative episode on the three obsession in all areas of life! Enjoyed it guys. Keep it coming.
Well said.
- I cannot believe how much you guys missed your reasoning behind the wta big 3 thing
- they are lumped together as big 3 not mainly because of their overall results rather its the way they matchup
- rybakina is one of the few players that has a winning record against iga
- sabalenka have a losing record against iga but some of the losses saba suffered were by razor thin margins (us open semis, madrid finals)
- saba and ryba AO finals adds fuel to the big 3 narrative big time
- on the other hand you guys are being so generous to gauff she is nice girl but let's be honest, not only she has an 11-1 record but the way she lost them is just sad (complete mismatch), there's no way in hell you can put iga and gauff on something like a big 3 the way they matched up so far
- the reason why people don't consider iga as big 1 is because she has not been dominant GS wise (only in RG)
another point about 3. it is the most stabil number. your kitchen table (with 4legs) might wobble, your tripod never will, even when it's tilled badly to one side. it will remain stabil.
Great point!
Whoa!!! That’s a next level good point!!
The ATP is leaning heavily into the big 2 narrative. Seen on their social media, posters of them being rivals and buddies and nice guys.
Very much wanting to follow the blueprint of Rafa and Roger, where the fanbase was split on their favourite and both were attractive brands.
Interesting
I’ll watch you 3 over any other tennis news. 🎉
Thank you
Speaking of threes, the left display of a tennis ball with a three on it obscures half the name of the female of the three in this group. Needs an adjustment.
Joel losing his mind about the number 3 is amazing
you and the rest of the world have very different definitions of "losing his mind."
@@davidr2802 never heard of hyperbole?
It’s fun to get Joel started on something like this 😀
@@davidr2802CHILL out holy shit dude
WTA was never really a big 3 for the reasons you guys outlined.
For me, all about whether Osaka comes to the party.
That's a game changer.
Her, Gauff, Sabalenka, Iga, possibly Rybakina, all in exciting 50:50 matches on hardcourt, in the biggest tournaments.
I like it
Sabalenka is better than everyone but Iga. Watch her play, she passes the eye test and repeating as Aussie champ speaks for itself. I don’t think Rybarkina will win Wimbledon and I don’t think Coco will repeat as USO champ.
Sorry Rybakina is winning Wimbledon 😅. Ooh and she is better than Sabalenka btw
Eye test is something that fans keep bringing up. Who’s making that test? 🤓
@@amylundy8664 I know tennis, and my eyes tell me Sabalenka is number two. If you must have a metric, look at the 52 week rankings… they have been around for decades and they are fairly accurate, not withstanding injuries.
@@royalusala8527 😂 I’ll bet you on Wimbledon 😁there are times I will take a certain player (GOATdal at the French for the past 20 years for example), and there are times I will take the field, this just passed French open for example.
At this next women’s Wimbledon… I’m taking the field 😂!!!! I don’t trust anyone on grass… not even Iga. The field is a better bet than even the top ranked grass player right now.
@@goldwolf0606how bout goatovic for another win on grass this year?
1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ THE RULE OF 3 IN LEARNING, MEMORY & PRESENTATION: The FIRST time something is seen/learned/shared/ communicated/presented it’s perceived as Random; the SECOND time it’s a Coincidence--and the THIRD time it’s a Pattern… and our brains love, learn and remember Patterns. .. … ….. ……..
Great podcast, thank you. 👍
Thank you for watching 🙏🏻
thank you Gill 22 titles 5 grand slams yearly wins Iga 65 67 and 45 so far this year not even close to others
I think we are yet to see who might be Iga's rival. A little like we are now seeing some promising young guys on the ATP tour, maybe in a couple of years rising up, we may see some young players on the WTA tour. Maybe someone like Mira Andreeva as she matures? Agree with comments that Iga needs a Wimbledon and that will cement her legacy.
I think the Big 3 in the WTA excluding Coco owes to the fact that there is the perception that, at their best, Rybakina and Sabalenka will beat Swiatek on fast and medium courts, whereas Coco would probably lose to all three, due to the overwhelming power Rybakina and Sabalenka have on those surfaces, leaving the matches on their racquets (and Iga even more dominant on slower surfaces). Statistically I would agree that it is a Big One, with Swiatek dominating in results vs the field, and then you would probably have to include Coco in a larger Big 4. I think over time (I would say over the next 2-3 years), things will settle, with either Coco having more success in matches against the other 3 (she's only played Rybakina once, and it was virtually a tie, as is the head to head vs Sabalenka at 4-3), and Rybakina and/or Sabalenka having more consistent success in Grand Slams, or both or neither. I think the actual timeframe is still short to talk of a definitive Big 3 or Big 4, I would agree that its only a Big One at the moment. Also I think in very short time Osaka will join the conversation into a Big 5, just by judging her form at Roland Garros.
people are very good at finding patterns. Sometimes too good, finding the patterns where there are none. There goes your conspiracy theories. So, if people want to find the pattern of 3, they will certainly find it and stick with it.
Next big 3 on ATP side? easy. Alcaraz, Sinner, Rune. What about Medvedev or Zverev or Tsitsipas? don''t fit the pattern, so they are out. Data says otherwise, but people see what they want to see.
Bingo Boris!!! 🎯
Is the Big 3 an artificial construct? I don't think so. On the men's side, it certainly was not the case. Over the last 20 years, 3 players won ~80% of the majors, which clearly illustrates the legitimacy of the "Big 3" moniker.
I do believe that for the last 2 years, the Women's side started to exhibit a similar pattern. At the outset of each major, the Big 3 seem to be prohibitive favorites.
But now Coco has forced her way in. And I could possibly see Osaka doing the same. So while the field of legit contenders has expanded, it's nothing like the four or so crazy years after Serena lost her edge, where there was no telling who would win the slam. And I find this more dramatic. Anytime someone makes a good run at one of the favorites, the stadium starts to murmur and buzz. It's exciting!
Coco is the only one who carries American tennis. Actually a question I would like to ask for the mail bag. Is our American tennis players generally slightly overranked because despite some making deep runs at Grand slams, it really feels like they're at least a tier or two away from seriously contending for a Grand slam title and they rack up points during the American swing during the winter time that I feel bloats their ranking and then rarely impress on Clay or grass
Haven't seen too much from Jpeg, doesn't do well in slams either. Danyell showed up this year, on clay too, can't hate. Keys has been decent, started slow but won a clay title. Navarro and Sloane are top 20-30 players, can beat anyone on their good day. Sloane is a bit too laid back though, after she wins a 250 or 500, chills way out for a while.
@@sylent8428 I mean more on the men's side than women's but that coco is the only one who can hang with the top European players on her best days...American men can't ever do it in slams
I think wta big 3 originated from Sabalenka and Rybakina having similar weapons that can trouble Iga. Coco is not included because the obvious criteria are whether they can beat Iga or put her on the stretch.
Then Jelena Ostapenko should be in the Big 3 because her record vs Iga is 4-0
Yeah but she is not consistent in her results and not so often has deep runs.
They really got start thinking about changing the name of this podcast
Hi Gill - I hope your Gran is still alive. Which town is she from?: There's HAMburg in the north where they play tennis, and there's HOMburg, like the hat, over by the French border.
They aren't pronounced the same.
Wow. Learn something new everyday!
I prefer when tennis is an anybody can win on any different day.
Nah i hate that, i want consistency. I hate those players who disappear and show up on majors.
Summary of the video (hosted by Americans): Gauff (from USA) deserves to take the place of Rybakina in the big 3. Now, if we refer to the numbers, it is either a big 1 or a big 4 but we must not only look at the numbers, you also have to look at what the players themselves think. Several players say that Elena, Iga and Aryna are the players to beat since 2023 (+ There are interesting rivalries between these 3 players). Coco is not YET fully integrated into this group of players (from the outside but also from the inside)
Post French Open, and did Carlos even get a mention?
Ridiculous
Right? I was waiting this episode thinking about a good analysis of the semis and final, Alcaraz winning three GS in three surfaces at 21 years old...this kind of stuff. Imho this is bad timing and a little bit disrespectful for the kid.
We wanted to but ran out of time. We needed to give Iga her due.
@@amylundy8664 it's ok amy, y'all are awesome nonetheless, lol. Just go longer or record two separate episodes when time permits 😂
Why can't Rafa play Wimbledon, it's not like he's gonna be playing 7 five set matches given that he'll likely draw Sinner or Alcaraz in the first round.
We’ve seen Rybakina stomp Iga and Aryna and she’s made it to finals or won this year. I love Coco but she’s not there yet- and I mean “yet”.
And don’t forget Osaka-she’s back, baby.
Amy and Gill both wearing mauve. Any particular reason?
I call it lavender 😂
Even in Rap music there's a BIG 3 Debate
J. Cole - Kendrick Lamar - Drake 😅
There's the Holy Trinity
Movie Trilogies
About Gauff, it is just that she has not been at the top for long enough. Let her there one more year and then the perception will change. But of course Osaka will then be 2 or 3。 About Rybakina, she does beat Swiatek on a regular basis, and that is why she is considered as top 3. About the notion of triad, you make way too much out if this. Look who won grand slams on the last two years and you have a base ground for that notion.
Gauff doesn't hit hard enuff...she will win majors only if Iga and Sabalenka slip up in the early rounds.
@@aaronaragon7838 true but Iga herself is not the hardest hitter, and Barty was not as well
Iga is taller and wins cheap points from a bigger serve. Her topspin forehand bounces high and gives Coco trouble. I am waiting for a player with a one handed slice backhand to neutralize two handed back hand players. There is a conformity now which makes matches very similar. Coco is another Pegula, just bubbling beneath prime time.
Gauff had one month and a half great run on home soil. Snooze
Iga's not the big one in the eyes of a larger audience because she isn't doing it across slams. QF Wimbledon, 4th round USO, 3rd round AO... that's not big one material yet. I think there will be more of a coronation once she starts racking up more grand slams. People don't watch madrid and rome like they watch wimbledon and the uso.
She won USO though...
She has the most slams of any current player… (Venus has 7 but should really be retired at age 43, if not officially retired, she’s functionally retired) the coronation is late… she has as many slams as Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis got their entire careers and they are regarded as all time greats. she has more than Kim Cljisters who is also regarded as an all time great. Iga is only 23… she is chasing Venus and Justine Hennin at 7 now. Iga will probably catch them next year… I will bet on Iga to win the French again and probably get one of the two USO’s remaining or Aussie next year… who knows she could sneak a Wimbledon where nobody is a real favorite… Iga could catch them by the end of this year … not likely but possible. Iga is the unquestioned number 1.
I'm not sure why this hype is about Olympics. It's an irrelevant event. Only value is sentimental , especially if you are patriotic to your country, if not, it's got -ve value.
Exactly!
There’s definitely a point to be made there
@@amylundy8664 Amy agrees!
osaka won 15 points last 5 games Iga won 26 63%
Djokovic was soooo miserable in the last Olympics, bad in singles, and even worse in mixed doubles - failed to show for the bronze medal match. Broke lots of rackets!
He’s a Chokovic 😂😂😂 and a Quittervic 😂😂😂
First! Looking forward to this one!
Thank you
the real top-3 of recent years is SWIATEK-OSAKA-SABALENKA
Ash Barty says huh?
Joel sometimes really goes off a tangent 😅
Why? He focused on the #3, the theme of the show. Didn't your parents offer you cognitive skils?
@@davidr2802 they taught me enough to spot a bully who starts hurling offensive remarks on the parents of random strangers. So please kindly f-off David!
Women's tennis must move into the 21st century and play the best of 5 sets. It's going to happen, people! Tennis is going to evolve and the world will look backwards and see how antiquated women's tennis is today. Women are not wallflowers. Play the best of 5 sets. Andy Roddick said, "You can not win a major unless you move your ass off." This is the problem with the women's game right now. Too many players at the top of the women's game are not moving their asses off. Iga Swiatek moves better than any woman on tour and is why she's dominating and won the French Open Championship in 1 hour 8 minutes. Yes, Coco, Sabalenka, and others move their asses too but many players don't, like Ostapenko. This is another reason why I keep pushing for women to play the best of 5 sets in majors. Separate the wheat from the chaff. May the most talented, hardest working, best conditioned athletes win majors. The competition amongst the top men is brutal. Not so with the top women. Enough with my bitching...
5 set WTA matches? The players hardly put butts in the seats below the quarters. Two out of three is fine.
@@aaronaragon7838 Well, then it's time for a change. There's nothing more exciting than playing a 6-6 tiebreaker in the fifth.
Yeah the competition is so good with the men that a 36 year old won THREE majors in 2023
Good luck with scheduling... The tournament itself would last more than 2 weeks.
@@amaretto1787there is no demand for the WTA tour to go to 5 sets but they could easily do it at the slams. Most women's matches are over pretty quick so it wouldn't be a problem. Make the women earn their equal pay
Ancient Romans: 'omne trinum perfectum'.
Grass is very dangerous. A slip and a fall forced Henin into a second retirement with a severe elbow injury. People prefer dualistic thinking. Good and Evil, Agassi/Sampras. Beatles/Stones, Nadal/Federer. Djokovic made it awkward.
In reality, there's nothing in he WtA currently, Ego is overrated and an Otp, clay specialist, Elena. Aryna, naiomi (when fit) and Carolina MUchova are as good as ego if not better on non clay surfaces.
Coco really could have been a 3 time Roland garros champion if she could get pass IGA 🤷🏾♂️
Amy isn't that how tennis works ? Coco just wins ugly.
Sometimes yes, indeed
Rafa should pay Queen's or Halle and definitely Wimbledon he needs matches.
GOATdal should go win Wimbledon then the Olympics then the us open
@goldwolf0606 ha ha Nadal is done man
@@goldwolf0606wishful thinking. He is not going to win any major anymore.
@@goldwolf0606 he's allergic to grass. king carlos will win twice the wimbledon's rafa has
I'm amazed he is missing the most important tournament in the tennis calendar, albeit his weakest slam
You need to rebrand the podcast
The Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost and Coco.
*The BIG Three*
Ironman
Captain America
Thor
Coco is better than Rybakina.
Iga does not have the personality to carry being #1. I know she is but she is never going to be a Serena type personality. I just don't see her changing that image. You are correct Joel.
It's a good job Serena was a unique personality
Thanks God she is not a Serena type personality. Nobody needs more players threatening umpires.
Sinner is similar to Swiatek too. You don't have to be a diva to be a number 1
Thank goodness. We don't need another Serena!
Grass is a great surface because you just have to suck less than the rest of the tour.
And with the form of everyone, it is quite open.
I could even see a Hurkacz win. Nadal has a shot, ofc he could lose easily ,he could also win, he does not even need a perfect draw like he got at RG. Choker Zverev > Some choker Griekspoor > De minaur > Stomach bug Ruud > Tired 70% Alcaraz. His mentality alone can carry him.
Wow, what a yutz...
@aurei7775 no chance Nadal wins Wimbledon 0%
Djokovic?@@colethomas903
It isn't that Nadal doesn't want to beat Novak's record. Nadal knows that he doesn't have much of a chance at Wimbledon, not because he prioritize his body more 😂
Prime Nadal featured in 5 Wimbledon finals. His body isn't up to it at this point of his career. He doesn't have much left.
@almac9203 Exactly my point, he knows very well he is out of his prime, and just because Novak isn't playing won't give him much of a chance anyway.
Prime Nadal was a wimbledon beast