Due to a recent request I'd thought I'd write about what goes on, on-court and off-court, in terms of trash talk and sledging between the players. I hate to disappoint but there really isn't a lot of it going on. That's not to say that it doesn't happen at all though! You will always get match ups between players where there might be a bit of history or players who simply don't get on, but it's not usually anything vicious.
To be honest I don't think there's anything wrong with a bit of chit chat on court. I know Goughy was a master of it back in the day. I've seen him play matches where he literally didn't shut up the whole match! He tried to get in my ear when we played in Bermuda years ago but I managed to laugh it off and beat him in 4.
A current player who loves a bit of a sledge would be Liam Kenny. He's a funny bugger! We were playing in Halifax a couple of years ago in the first round and I got the first 2 points of the match in about 5 seconds. He served, I volley dropped. Winner. I served, he drove, I volley dropped. Winner. After the first point he's just gone, 'Bit early for that isn't it?!'. After the second he's gone, 'Yeah that's 2 cheap points. Well done'. He said both comments with a totally serious look on his face. I've just started pissing myself laughing! I couldn't stop! I've had to walk to the front wall and back to get myself together!
So although there's nothing personal going on, there's always a cheeky little comment or two being thrown around. It's all fun and games really and I see it as a part of sport. If someone can crack mentally from a comment or two then you'd take advantage of it. No?
Cam
