Hey, @Chase_Buchanan: You’re Right!
Chase Buchanan is my new favorite spokesperson for U.S. Tennis.
It’s certainly not because he’s an Ohio State guy. I’m East Coast. I’m all ACC/SEC.
Here’s why:
First, he’s superstitious. I like that.
Second, and important, because Chase Buchanan told it like it needs to be told.
American tennis fans should support American tennis players.
https://twitter.com/Chase_Buchanan/status/393804158874439680
On his personal experiences with American crowds exhibiting ambivalence toward American players, Buchanan was both blunt and incisive.
“I think it’s wrong. I think they should come out and support us as much as possible. I believe in ‘You’re from America, you support the Americans.’”
This year at the US Open, when you watched Isner playing Monfils and they’re cheering for a 5th set, that’s totally wrong. You’ve got to be cheering for the American to close him out. I just hope people start supporting us more and help the sport grow.
He’s so right. You see it all the time. Yup, everybody wants extra innings, but I’m looking at you, New York.
The collaborative internationalism of your great city is an unrivaled sight to behold. You radiate in the blinding incandescence of the Great American Melting Pot.
But, for god’s sake, please remember that it’s a blessing to shelve your World Capital ambitions for two weeks in late summer to cheer for the old U.S. & A.
Despite what you may think, our players are listening.
And on that note, I support our North American compatriots in Canada as well. They’re doing an amazing job and everyone is supporting their players, and it’s all being done on a shoestring budget compared to the USTA.
White Plains would be well advised to call Montreal for advice. International Rates Apply.
—S. Fogleman
Tennis Atlantic 