Tennis: Cash broadside for British `snobs'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE FORMER Wimbledon champion Pat Cash has criticised British tennis, calling it a middle-class game in which the English "don't have the stomach for a fight". Although two British players - Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski - finished the year in the top 10, Cash, who was beaten 6-7, 7-6, 10-8 by Yannick Noah in the ATP Tour Seniors event in London yesterday, said the game needs a tougher, working-class image.
"Tim Henman's a very nice guy and a very good player but he has that comfortable, middle-class look about him," the 1987 Wimbledon champion was reported as saying. "The only English player who seems gutsy enough is Greg Rusedski and that shows what I mean, because he is Canadian. Rusedski is the hungry one. He hasn't Tim's flair but he's as tough as anybody.
"What tennis needs is some working-class icons, street kids made good who people can identify with. Even in Australia tennis is regarded as a sport for sissies but guys like me and Pat Rafter have shown that we have the competitive edge you need.
"Over here, tennis is viewed in the same way, and no one has done much to change that. The snobby image of the All England Club and Queen's Club is not much help either."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments