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| Sunday, 30 June, 2002, 15:16 GMT 16:16 UK Does Greg get a rough deal? While Tim Henman scrapes into the quarter-finals with large media support, the largely unnoticed Greg Rusedski has gone out. Disclaimer: The BBC will put up as many of your comments as possible but we cannot guarantee that all e-mails will be published. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments that are published. Has this lack of backing affected Greg's campaign? Henman and Rusedski both reached the fourth round, but only Henman has since progressed. The British media have made it clear throughout that they prefer Tim. And while Henmania has gripped Wimbledon, Rusedski has had a low-key tournament by comparison. Does Greg get a poor deal? Good luck to Greg! So what if he was born in Canada. Along with Henman, he has done wonders for British tennis. To be honest I always find it hard to get excited when watching Henman. The only celebration he is capable of is clenching his fist while Greg at least shows a bit of raw emotion. It is Wimbledon and true to form I hear the sound of Canadians choking. Same old Greg, same old result. Let's face facts, he was advised that there were no up and coming British stars on the circuit and he could clean up in sponsorship. But no one saw Tim Henman coming through the ranks. If Greg is British, I'm an Eskimo (and I was born and raised in London). Yes I think Rusedski should be supported more. Then again, maybe it's better for him to have the pressure off him. As it happens, I don't support players for their nationality; I support players who deserve it. Greg was born in Britain, his family moved to Canada when he was young. Could we blame him for acquiring a Canadian accent! As an adult, he chose which country he would represent and thankfully he picked Britain.British Tennis should be grateful. It is about time that British fans give Greg as much support as he has given to us. It may not be as bad for Greg as people are making out. He's the underdog and so he has a lot less pressure on him than Tim. I would be happy for one out of the two to win Wimbledon (of course a bit more pleased if Tim won). Greg's efforts in The Davis Cup should leave you in no doubt as to his feelings for the UK. I notice Lennox Lewis is less frequently spoken of as a Canadian due to him being the best boxer on the planet. People should support anyone who represents the UK. I think it's a disgrace that Greg Rusedski is playing for Britain - he's Canadian!! The only reason he came to play for this country was so he could get more sponsorship money. I'm supporting Tim all the way! Who cares what the media think. Lets face it, the only time that the media will final accept Greg as a true Brit is when he brings home a grand slam. Until that day, every newspaper will still refer to the fact that he was born in Canada. Ignoring the fantastic boost he has given to british tennis and his countless heroics in Davis Cup. Tim Henman would be half the player he is without the competition that Greg offers and I truely believe that it will be Greg who lifts the Wimbledon trophy not 'our tim' Both Greg and Tim are fantastic players but Greg's backhand, and to a lesser extent, his volleys lack finesse. Tim's game is much more rounded and exciting to watch. I don't think Greg is treated unfairly at all. Tim is the better player. Perhaps the knowledge of the general opinion of the public will inspire Greg to exceed his limitations? If Navratalova, Ivan Lendl and Monica Seles can all declare themselves American, why can't Greg be British? Rusedski does not get a bad deal. Over the past few years Henman has out performed him each year. All we get from the media however is negative comments when they play below their best, but still win. They are both through to the last 16 and that is what matters most. The media however could be alot more positive. Why do the British always invest in and promote losers and rely on them to protect our interests. Henmen is a middle class spoilt individual who doesn't know what it takes to fight and struggle to get to where he wants to be. He'll crack and it will be the same old story of mis-guided hope next year. Lets give our support to Greg who knows that it takes a little bit more than a silver spoon a birth to get to where you want to be! Greg positively thrives from trying to outshine Tim Henman on court, whilst not getting the same pressure in the press that Henman does. OK, some of the tabloids still wheel out the old slur about him being only an honorary Brit, but he's smart enough to ignore all that guff. It'd be great if we get an all-British final, and I think that the positive rivalry the two players have will spur them both on to this potential classic encounter. Greg gets what he deserves. You can't expect the British to cheer as vigorously for a guy who has Canada written all over him as they do for Henman. I think that it is probably better for Greg that he does not get as much attention and therefore is able to be more relaxed about his matches as people do not have great expectations of him. Tim is the number one thats why all the hopes are behind him and generally has the better record at Wimbledon. Greg probably has the better chance of getting to the final as the pressure is of him and all his work this year has gone into this one event Greg is, of course, Canadian. But he has devoted himslef to the cause of British Tennis as much as any successful professional player has ever done and for that he deserves a better deal. Just watch him in the Davis cup if you doubt him. I think to say poor deal is un fair. If you looked at any paper after his win over Andy Roddick, you would realise just how much coverage he did get. Not only this but John Lloyd backed him to make it to the final. I think you would find that most tennis players would lap up such attention, it just happens that Tim gets slightly more of it. |
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