I know we wanted to limit the Wimbledon threads, but this didn't really fit.

For the most part, I like how TNT is covering Wimbledon. But I think Marv Albert is out of his element. He's a great basketball commentator, but tennis is not his thing.

Mary Carillo is the best. Martina is improving each year. And I like Courier.

Also, stop shrinking the freakin' screen every 10 minutes to tell us you are airing the Chris O'Donnell epic "The Bachelor" ON JULY 7TH!!!!

Marv Albert is the pits!! I'd rather list to Luke Jensen commentate.

Mary and Martina should do it all. Jim's not terrible, but when they pair him with Marv, it's snooze city.

I totally disagree with you all here. I look forward to Wimbledon these days because that is the only time that I get to listen to Jim Courier commentate. He is -- by FAR -- the best tennis commentator. Very objective and fair, even when his friends are playing (Pete and Andy). He CLEARLY knows what he is talking about with his tennis, but he is also well-read, so that he can make allusions to other non-tennis topics when appropriate. Martina is always too busy talking about her career (a la Johnny Mac), and Mary Carillo is only into the match if one of her favorites is playing. My opinion, but I wish Courier were commentating more often.

Now if we're talking people who talk way too much about themselves in the booth, I got two words for you: Chris Evert.

"One time, I played a tiebreaker just like this against Martina...."

[ June 26, 2002: Message edited by: Gaga4Gaby ]

I may be in the minority here, but I like to hear the former pros talk about situations from their careers and comapring them to what's going on in the match. Otherwise, why bother to have a Chris Evert or Martina Navratilova or Jim Courier? To me they provide a unique insight that only a former player who has been in these situations can.

Albert is just a bit dry for my own tastes. Courier is doing a fine job indeed, and I also like the sass and class of Mary Corillo and Martina Navratilova. But please...Jim...get a new do for heavens sake. That mess has got to go!

I have to chime in here. First, I think the TNT coverage is excellent, especially compared to any other Grand Slam coverage. ESPN is a close second. However, TNT shows us what is happening all over the place, and not just Agassi and Sampras. (After today, they have no choice.)

Second, Christine Marie is always very reticent to talk about her career on the air. Most of her comments come only after her broadcast partner forces the issue with a question or comment. Chris is very careful not to get into the personal career verbal monologues that John M and Martina enter. Further, Martina and John are not very gracious about it. Where Chris will talk about what a great champion Martina was and how she owned the grass courts, Martina rarely (if ever) will reciprocate about Chris' accolades. In fact, on several occasions, Mary has brought up Chris and her accomplishments and Martina just kind of wiffs.

I thought it was humorous when Martina interviewed Venus on day one. Martina asked two or three questions to elicit responses about Martina's game and career. Venus said practically nothing in response. It was kind of humorously awkward.

My dream commentating team is Mary and just about anybody but John M. Actually, Mary and Dick Enberg are a good combo at the US Open (CBS). Mary is down to earth and direct and Dick still gets excited when a player makes a spectacular shot.

I've always liked Mary Carillo too, and Jim Courier is doing quite well. I had a chance to listen to them both on Monday during my lunch hour...and I gotta agree with Charlie about Dick Enberg and his enthusiasm--he and Mary complement each other well.

When it comes to most of the past player-greats, it's nice to hear them once in a while just for the sake of them being who they are. They provide a unique perspective. But it definitely is the exception rather than the rule that someone who is great at <insert discipline> makes a good communicator to the general public.

I, too, perfer to have ex-players as commentators. Having played the game, been right there, on court, they know exactly what's going on in the players' heads.

Marv Albert has got to go! It seems Jim must give him a nudge every now and again to see if he's awake. Great to see good ole Jim Courier again.

I used to despise Chris Evert because she often seemed biased in favor of players she liked--particularly Hingis. Actually, I think of all current players, Hingis will make the best commentator--she's got the right combination of knowledge, loquaciousness, and cattiness to be a great commentator.

I love it when Navratilova says something like "she should have known that ball was going right after it came off her racquet." She's unforgiving at times, but always interesting.

Chris Evert proved a lot to me today, during Venus's match! She gave info on the opponents charachter, and some info on the player! I use to think Virgina Wade was good, but Chris gave info that had John Mac asking questions! Martina's interview w/ Venus was definitely geared to showing Martina respect, Venus didn't bite! As for Hingis I think she will be strong and ready for the US OPEN!!! BTW Evert has pissed me off b4 on comments about Hingis, Peirce, and Hana Mandlikova. Today she proved her progress as an announcer, an gave in-sight to the WTA beyound Teir events! Navratilova is a bit self-centered for my liking! Tracey Austin too!

Chris Evert proved a lot to me today, during Venus's match! She gave info on the opponents charachter, and some info on the player! I use to think Virgina Wade was good, but Chris gave info that had John Mac asking questions! Martina's interview w/ Venus was definitely geared to showing Martina respect, Venus didn't bite! As for Hingis I think she will be strong and ready for the US OPEN!!! BTW Evert has pissed me off b4 on comments about Hingis, Peirce, and Hana Mandlikova. Today she proved her progress as an announcer, an gave in-sight to the WTA beyound Teir events! Navratilova is a bit self-centered for my liking! Tracey Austin too!