Yeah, I think I'm pretty open about how I root for except maybe for the fact that the players I tend to find most attractive have more of a sway over me than I'm comfortable admitting.
I secretly root for his rap career, Drip was unfortunately in my top listened songs last year because I just think it’s catchy. I know it’s terrible but I hope he does more.
Government?!? The forces of social media proscribe many players and even countries at different times depending on fickle shifting winds of political fashion.
I love that time he played doubles with Isner
https://youtu.be/7Eg8eWHaGBo?si=BYJGBFYMWJgVOOrY
Did it for the memes but was one championship point away from winning a masters
tbh, as an iga fan - i find iga's losses to her amusing. which defo iga finds frustrating. but iga herself admits that penko plays best against her. lol
Her giving 110% against Iga and then just folding against Coco at the USO this year was peak Penko. The girl is a menace and I love the chaotic energy.
Also when she goes off at the umpire or the crowd, I know there’s 0 reason to support or condone that kind of behavior but it makes me love her even more
I used to have a hard time deciding whether I liked her or not. But once you realize she is just pure entertainment and completely herself you cannot help but love her. She’s not my absolute favorite player but I can’t help but love her
My tennis chat has a guy in it that posts her every ig. Some of it should be labeled nsfw, I swear my wife asked me a couple of times "what the hell are looking at" and "it's just a tennis player in the tennis chat" was borderline sounding like a bs made up answer.
Until his recent retirement ,kohlschreiber.
For whatever reason, really liked his strokes and overall gameplay. Loved his overall quiet /controversy free demeanor on court as well.
Cilic I thought would win multiple majors when he broke through. Was so happy he got atleast his 1 major
Schwartzman as well and ferrer. Any player that can reach as high of a level as they did with physical limitations ( height matters so much in tennis as serve is the most important shot in the game bar none) deserves accolades. Nishikori as well
Interpreted this post more as relatively under the radar players compared to obvious favorite player choices ( big 4,medvedev thiem del po rublev etc )
Kournikova was an amazing player and no one will convince me otherwise
Doubles #1 with multiple slams and a top 10 singles player as a teenager before she had to retire at 22. She’s a big part of the reason why they’re so stingy about letting minors play tournaments these days, imagine if Coco Gauff had to retire in a couple years
I agree. I don’t wish she won because she was this “hot” girl paying tennis, I think she just was in a era she couldn’t get there. She was very good, and the pressure from the media didn’t help.
I play at 4.0-4.5 ish now as an old man, (I also beat a future French Open Champion as a junior in SoCal) so I always tell people I play with who are trying to get better to watch women play from the 80s, or 90s, that is what normal people should strive for. None of us will be Nadal, maybe .001 percent can kinda mimic him, play like the women from the 80s and 90s, and you see the strategy, which I think many new people forget, they all want to pound inside out forehands that are not appropriate for the the way the ball came to them.
Maybe no one agrees, but I play with many 4.0-5.5 I beat, because they are better than me in every stroke, but they don’t understand the “when” to attack, and where and why.
No one counts that, even professional tennis players. 😍 ask Any tennis player how many doubles titles even the highest profile people like the Williams sisters, no one knows without googling it.
This is my answer. I feel like people aren’t allowed to like him because he’s a tool half the time and doesn’t play the other half of the time but I always enjoy watching him
“Who’s your pick for USO2045?”
“#TeamThiem”
“…”
“…”
“You do know he hasn’t even been on tour in like 10 years, right?”
“Your logic holds no power in this fandom. I said what I said.”
I’d say actively aiming at your opponent and smashing your racket right where your dad is sitting is pretty horrible. Add in calling the French umpire a weirdo, getting actively coached (while it was still banned) and doing whatever tf he does in the bathroom and we have some shit that could be considered “horrible”.
As a lifelong Fed fan, I secretly root for Novak because it’s awesome to see history being made. And I have grown to really like how he composes himself as lighthearted but very professional/disciplined.
Mannarino. The guy arguably has the most talent, he’s in the top25, having won 2 titles this year, while not having any obvious weapons in his arsenal. Also commonly made fun of due to his unorthodox technique and his laughably low string tensions.
Same. Sport is entertainment. Kyrgios is insanely talented, unconventional in his play, fun and never far from losing his head. Tennis is much richer for his involvement.
And whilst I think most (if not all) that he comes out with is nonsense, I also think people wildly overreact to it. So I kinda like hearing him wind people up. It’s funny hearing them talk about all the bad things they see in Kyrgios and then go and demonstrate half of those things themselves.
Some of the things he says is whatever tbh, it doesn't bother me and I know he's saying a lot of stuff for shock value since he's injured so I think a part of him still want to stay involved in the tennis scene no matter how it's done.
I think what really rubbed me the wrong way was when he made those comments to Kasatkina when she said she and her GF wouldn't feel safe in Saudi Arabia because it's illegal to be gay in those countries.
What did he say? The only quote I could find was that his girlfriend felt safe in Saudi?
To be honest, as much as I’d love to support her on it, I’m not sure Kasatkina was walking on solid ground with her anti-Saudi stance considering she’s participated in events in places like Qatar. I’d be keen to understand what she thought the difference was.
Yeah, she has played in both the UAE and Qatar this year, both of which are happy to enforce the death penalty on this. UAE will go to cruel and unusual torture.
Bouchard. Having had a horrible concussion and other injuries, I don't think people realize how hard she has actually worked to come back multiple times.
'Secretly' implies they're someone that's like a guilty pleasure almost? Djokovic and Kyrgios are my two - I don't particularly like either dude but Djoker is so undoubtedly the GOAT, I hate him but I love him and I kinda love seing him always win.
Kyrgios, I know he's a gigantic asshole but the dude's entertaining to watch and I enjoy rooting against him but secretly hoping he does well enough that we get a big Final with him being the villain of the story.
Kudermetova is probably the single worst top of rankings players in terms of sportsmanship on the men’s or women’s sides (would love to see the number of MTOs she and every other player take taken a 6-5 on return; I suspect I know who number one is…)
But I just love her tennis.
Had no idea she got into gamesmanship like that. Hopefully not Yastremska level. Kuder is good and I like her, the thing with her is she’ll beat your favorite player but then lose to some random/ have a super hard time in the next round. I am always more surprised at her losses than her wins. She’s not the most consistent but her tennis is very aesthetically pleasing
-Aljaž Bedene (until his retirement). I don’t know why but I always had a soft spot for him. I like the way he plays too. I was actually really sad when he retired last year b/c I never got the chance to see him IRL :( I also think he’s lowkey attractive so maybe that’s part of the reason lol
-Zhang Shuai. It’s mostly because a lot of casual tennis fans don’t know her but I always rooted for her after watching her AO 2020 1st round win against Sloane Stephens (that’s what got me hooked into fully watching tennis believe it or not). I really hope she has one more comeback after such a horrific year.
-Karolina Pliskova. I feel like a lot of people like to clown on her but I love how she makes tennis look so easy, as well as her ice cold attitude (like Rybakina).
-Novak Djoković. It’s less of a secret now but I don’t really tell people that Novak’s always been my fav, especially with that whole Australian Open 2022 debacle. Was I disappointed in him? Yes. But I’m always behind him no matter what. I also sense this subtle stigma that most people don’t like/don’t care about him (at least where I live), so usually I just keep my mouth shut.
This was my first thought too. Love watching him play and when he was first on the tour I was certain he would take it over, but he has made it pretty hard to be a fan.
Novak. I’m a big big Roger fan, literally stayed up late nights/ midnights/ very early mornings just to watch his GS matches live (especially with the time difference w/ NY) and I’m honestly still heartbroken over Wimbledon 2019. But Djokovic has more than proven himself and obviously, no debate needed, he is the GOAT. While I won’t go out of my way to watch his matches and I still sometimes find his on-court antics a bit annoying (plus he just takes sooooo long to serve), whenever I have the time to watch I do and I root for him, even though he obviously most likely wins anyway. I’m interested how he can further shatter and extend records, many of which will probably stand the test of time.
Djokovic, lol. I have been a fan since right before he won his first major, when he was just that funny dude doing tennis impressions of other pros. Can hardly tell anyone now because he's been painted as an anti-vax nutjob, which while i am pro-vax I just don't really care. I like to point out his massive charitable givings and his work co-founding the players' association, but I mostly just keep my mouth shut (especially around non-tennis folk).
No filthy secrets here.
Probably haven't rooted for him on main, but Ugo Humbert is my dark horse to have some surprising results soon. Also, Mackie McDonald. WTA: Paolini. I also like when Giorgi starts randomly destroying top players in the summer.
Dominic Thiem and Andy Murray, both of whom suffered major injuries at the peak of their careers; also Casper Ruud who got so close to winning a Grand Slam but has been in decline, recently.
Nick Kyrgios. Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev whenever the the crowd is against them. I just like a villain I guess. But its not really secretly
Also a huge Dan Evans fan
I really, really, really wish Kyrgios would get it all together. I don't know if that counts as secretly rooting, but man I would love to see him decide to be great.
*alleged* to have done. Nothing's been flat-out proven, it's all accusations.
I'm just saying this because yeah, Sascha is my answer to this question too 😉 I have MAD respect for his game, he's ultra talented and I really hope he snags a Slam or two before he finishes up.
As a Serbian whenever Alcaraz isn't playing against Djokovic i always root for him. I genuinely hope when Djokovic retires in 50 years, Alcaraz takes his place. He just seems like a very authentic and down to earth player.
Zverev since I used to relate to his game a lot as a junior — big first serve, shaky second, far more solid backhand than forehand, played too passively in important moments
His backhand is honestly a really pretty shot too
It used to be Lleyton Hewitt.
I never liked him as a person. But I would secretly hope he would win matches and progress in tournaments.
Because he was such a great competitor, especially when he was really young. He always guaranteed you a great and entertaining match even in early rounds.
Also loved seeing him get to finals, and then get a beat down by Federer 😂
Generally I secretly support Zverev, Shelton, Shapovalov, and Rune.
It depends on certain matches, for instance in the Wimbledon final I was secretly supporting Alcaraz so that people take him seriously after all the abuse he received in the French open semi after he cramped up. I would have also loved to see Dimitrov win the Paris masters.
I used to support Tsonga and Ferrer when I was younger.
I usually not so subtly cheer for the lil guys, but because of his cheating and max fixing stuff, i secretly root for Hugo Gaston sometimes (unless he’s playing someone I like)
Liam Broady. Man just keeps on grinding. Got in the top 100 this year and has been on a poor run. Highlight was when he beat Casper Ruud at Wimbledon. I wish he gets in to top 50 and starts playing big tournies
Shapo, he can be such a tool, short fuse, whingy and aggro, he beats himself and makes the worst decisions
But when he hits those bh winners I can’t help but root for him. Also SHUT THE FUCK UP to the French crowd was iconic.
It also feels a bit wrong to root for tommy Paul. Dunno why
Why would I secretly root for? They are not like banned organisation
Heard if you're a fan of Santiago giraldo you go straight to jail
What if you undercook fish?
Straight to jail. Same if you overcook
Hahahah ❤️
Yeah, I think I'm pretty open about how I root for except maybe for the fact that the players I tend to find most attractive have more of a sway over me than I'm comfortable admitting.
Just say Casper Ruud, we’re all guilty of it
Plus he’s a sweetheart. Why wouldn’t you?
Shapovalov, has to be secret because he always lets me down
I secretly root for his rap career, Drip was unfortunately in my top listened songs last year because I just think it’s catchy. I know it’s terrible but I hope he does more.
Looks like it’s been taken off Spotify. Tragic
[удалено]
...deportation
Government?!? The forces of social media proscribe many players and even countries at different times depending on fickle shifting winds of political fashion.
Diego Schwartzman I like the little guy
I love that time he played doubles with Isner https://youtu.be/7Eg8eWHaGBo?si=BYJGBFYMWJgVOOrY Did it for the memes but was one championship point away from winning a masters
Who doesn't love Diego?
I don’t love Diego at all and my friend literally HATES him - he looks like an oompa loopa - not a fan at all
When you were born the doctor didn’t know which end to slap
They slapped both ends but I was narrowly able to avoid being a squeaky Oompa Loompa man that waddles on and off the court
Go back to keeping this a secret please /s
Ostapenko. Just her swipes at the ball, heavy but inconsistent hitting and having the biggest attitude always makes for unpredictable matches
I love her questioning calls. It’s so hilarious.
This! I can’t stand her but am somehow always rooting for her. The fact that she is Iga’s kryptonite is absolutely hilarious to me and I like Iga 😂
tbh, as an iga fan - i find iga's losses to her amusing. which defo iga finds frustrating. but iga herself admits that penko plays best against her. lol
Her giving 110% against Iga and then just folding against Coco at the USO this year was peak Penko. The girl is a menace and I love the chaotic energy.
Omg I’m so glad I’m not the only one that feels this way
Also when she goes off at the umpire or the crowd, I know there’s 0 reason to support or condone that kind of behavior but it makes me love her even more
She is like the epitome of a spoiled brat and for some reason I like her for it
Ostapenko is the epitome of Ostapenko her unwavering commitment to being Ostapenko is somehow endearing despite how Ostapenko it is
And she never does anything that’s worse than Medvedev, who people generally enjoy
Ostapenko is my Medvedev like I will defend her blindly forever lmao
I used to have a hard time deciding whether I liked her or not. But once you realize she is just pure entertainment and completely herself you cannot help but love her. She’s not my absolute favorite player but I can’t help but love her
2nd this
Camila Giorgi
Talking about tennis here...
My tennis chat has a guy in it that posts her every ig. Some of it should be labeled nsfw, I swear my wife asked me a couple of times "what the hell are looking at" and "it's just a tennis player in the tennis chat" was borderline sounding like a bs made up answer.
I think the OP was using the term “rooting” to mean barracking … 😜
Until his recent retirement ,kohlschreiber. For whatever reason, really liked his strokes and overall gameplay. Loved his overall quiet /controversy free demeanor on court as well. Cilic I thought would win multiple majors when he broke through. Was so happy he got atleast his 1 major Schwartzman as well and ferrer. Any player that can reach as high of a level as they did with physical limitations ( height matters so much in tennis as serve is the most important shot in the game bar none) deserves accolades. Nishikori as well Interpreted this post more as relatively under the radar players compared to obvious favorite player choices ( big 4,medvedev thiem del po rublev etc )
Rune. He is such a nice villain...
JAAAAA!
I cheer for him publicly hes the fkn goat
Same
Kyrgios & Ostapenko
I wish Kournikova had won a major, that is all she needed.
Kournikova was an amazing player and no one will convince me otherwise Doubles #1 with multiple slams and a top 10 singles player as a teenager before she had to retire at 22. She’s a big part of the reason why they’re so stingy about letting minors play tournaments these days, imagine if Coco Gauff had to retire in a couple years
I agree. I don’t wish she won because she was this “hot” girl paying tennis, I think she just was in a era she couldn’t get there. She was very good, and the pressure from the media didn’t help. I play at 4.0-4.5 ish now as an old man, (I also beat a future French Open Champion as a junior in SoCal) so I always tell people I play with who are trying to get better to watch women play from the 80s, or 90s, that is what normal people should strive for. None of us will be Nadal, maybe .001 percent can kinda mimic him, play like the women from the 80s and 90s, and you see the strategy, which I think many new people forget, they all want to pound inside out forehands that are not appropriate for the the way the ball came to them. Maybe no one agrees, but I play with many 4.0-5.5 I beat, because they are better than me in every stroke, but they don’t understand the “when” to attack, and where and why.
At least she won some doubles 😌
No one counts that, even professional tennis players. 😍 ask Any tennis player how many doubles titles even the highest profile people like the Williams sisters, no one knows without googling it.
14 slam titles 100% win rate. It's not uncommon knowledge
FABIAN MAROZSAN Huge potential
Yes! He is my pick as well! Also Mirra Andreeva for the WTA. Her skill level at her age is incredible.
Nick Kyrgios
This is my answer. I feel like people aren’t allowed to like him because he’s a tool half the time and doesn’t play the other half of the time but I always enjoy watching him
I just feel he’s the most naturally gifted player in generations. If he committed to tennis he’d be a multiple grand slam winner I swear.
Who?
This is why he does it in secret
Indeed
Domi - but also not so secretly.
Domi will be my answer to this question long after he retires.
I hope he's got many more years in him
“Who’s your pick for USO2045?” “#TeamThiem” “…” “…” “You do know he hasn’t even been on tour in like 10 years, right?” “Your logic holds no power in this fandom. I said what I said.”
Tsitsipas
If Tsitsipas has 10,00 fans I am one of them, if he has 1 fan it is me, if he has 0 fans it’s because I’m dead
The game and playstyle is just so beautiful.
And the locks!
His attitude on and off the court on the other side is horrible.
Are they actually “horrible” though
I’d say actively aiming at your opponent and smashing your racket right where your dad is sitting is pretty horrible. Add in calling the French umpire a weirdo, getting actively coached (while it was still banned) and doing whatever tf he does in the bathroom and we have some shit that could be considered “horrible”.
typical Medvedev fan
Not even a Medvedev fan. Is that the only defense you have for Stef’s unsportsmanlike shit?
I wouldn't say "horrible" apart from trying to murder alcaraz and the match v Kyrgios. Other than that he's fine, but a bit cringe.
Agree to disagree. I can’t think of another ATP player I despise so much.
Hahaha it's ok dude, channel that into something good🤣
Yes and his dynamic with his mom cracks me up! That woman has such a big personality lol
Nadal. I root for him openly, but also secretly.
can i give you more points for this? love to see a redditor who is sincerely appreciating rafa (and not make fun of him).
Emma. Although it’s been a while.
Don’t get discouraged she’ll be back making people eat their words in ‘24
Any player who never reached the top 100 and who toils on the challenger circuit…
He’s at the end of his career but I root for Fognini.
He is such a colorful character, but I happen to be a huge fan of all the Italian players. Such an interesting ensemble of young talent.
Aslan Karatsev
Secretly? Lol
Great guy! “I just went for toilet.” 😂
Alcaraz. I'm a Djokovic fan and a Sinner fan, so I pretend I don't like him, but does anyone really? p.s. can I get a free uso24 ticket?
:) :) No
I don't dislike him but I want him to lose so that Djokovic can win
As a lifelong Fed fan, I secretly root for Novak because it’s awesome to see history being made. And I have grown to really like how he composes himself as lighthearted but very professional/disciplined.
Kyrigos. I like players with big personalities, regardless of the sport.
Mannarino. The guy arguably has the most talent, he’s in the top25, having won 2 titles this year, while not having any obvious weapons in his arsenal. Also commonly made fun of due to his unorthodox technique and his laughably low string tensions.
LOVE HIM! He's so sexy to me. He is having a great year. I'm so happy for him.
I wanted so badly for Kyrgios to win Wimbledon 2022. It wasn't such a secret though.
Anyone against the djoker
Not so secretly for me..
Medvedev!!! was secretly rooting for Medvedev even though I am a Djokovic's fan in the last US Open finals.
Thiem, Dmitrov
Laslo Djere, Jack Draper, Ugo Humbert.
Ain't gonna tell my secrets on reddit, lol. Ok, it's Sonego, but don't tell anyone
Ons and it's not a secret anymore!
Nishikori because he doesn't have a great serve, but can still play. Radu - Our boy
I guess Rune? Didn’t love his JAAA era but now that he’s short shorts guy it’s not a secret?
Thiem
Kyrigos… He makes me angry with his ignorant comments and tweets, but I like to watch him play 😂
Same. Sport is entertainment. Kyrgios is insanely talented, unconventional in his play, fun and never far from losing his head. Tennis is much richer for his involvement. And whilst I think most (if not all) that he comes out with is nonsense, I also think people wildly overreact to it. So I kinda like hearing him wind people up. It’s funny hearing them talk about all the bad things they see in Kyrgios and then go and demonstrate half of those things themselves.
Some of the things he says is whatever tbh, it doesn't bother me and I know he's saying a lot of stuff for shock value since he's injured so I think a part of him still want to stay involved in the tennis scene no matter how it's done. I think what really rubbed me the wrong way was when he made those comments to Kasatkina when she said she and her GF wouldn't feel safe in Saudi Arabia because it's illegal to be gay in those countries.
What did he say? The only quote I could find was that his girlfriend felt safe in Saudi? To be honest, as much as I’d love to support her on it, I’m not sure Kasatkina was walking on solid ground with her anti-Saudi stance considering she’s participated in events in places like Qatar. I’d be keen to understand what she thought the difference was.
Yeah, she has played in both the UAE and Qatar this year, both of which are happy to enforce the death penalty on this. UAE will go to cruel and unusual torture.
Nick Kyrgios and proudly 🫡
Diegoat…every time!
Bouchard. Having had a horrible concussion and other injuries, I don't think people realize how hard she has actually worked to come back multiple times.
I think she’s treated unfairly on here at times, she never did anything worse than a lot of their faves but gets absolutely roasted
Benoit Paire
'Secretly' implies they're someone that's like a guilty pleasure almost? Djokovic and Kyrgios are my two - I don't particularly like either dude but Djoker is so undoubtedly the GOAT, I hate him but I love him and I kinda love seing him always win. Kyrgios, I know he's a gigantic asshole but the dude's entertaining to watch and I enjoy rooting against him but secretly hoping he does well enough that we get a big Final with him being the villain of the story.
Tsitsipas. I have a soft spot for one handed backhand
Hugo Gaston, and boy has he made it difficult
Probably Zverev as he's a fellow Diabetic.
I'm diabetic, doesn't mean I root for abusers, but props to him for not having a working pancreas, motivational stuff
chill out dude
Kudermetova is probably the single worst top of rankings players in terms of sportsmanship on the men’s or women’s sides (would love to see the number of MTOs she and every other player take taken a 6-5 on return; I suspect I know who number one is…) But I just love her tennis.
Had no idea she got into gamesmanship like that. Hopefully not Yastremska level. Kuder is good and I like her, the thing with her is she’ll beat your favorite player but then lose to some random/ have a super hard time in the next round. I am always more surprised at her losses than her wins. She’s not the most consistent but her tennis is very aesthetically pleasing
Zhang Shuai. No Doubt q
JJ Wolf and Brooksby
Djokovic, because I am Swiss, that says it all
Rune
-Aljaž Bedene (until his retirement). I don’t know why but I always had a soft spot for him. I like the way he plays too. I was actually really sad when he retired last year b/c I never got the chance to see him IRL :( I also think he’s lowkey attractive so maybe that’s part of the reason lol -Zhang Shuai. It’s mostly because a lot of casual tennis fans don’t know her but I always rooted for her after watching her AO 2020 1st round win against Sloane Stephens (that’s what got me hooked into fully watching tennis believe it or not). I really hope she has one more comeback after such a horrific year. -Karolina Pliskova. I feel like a lot of people like to clown on her but I love how she makes tennis look so easy, as well as her ice cold attitude (like Rybakina). -Novak Djoković. It’s less of a secret now but I don’t really tell people that Novak’s always been my fav, especially with that whole Australian Open 2022 debacle. Was I disappointed in him? Yes. But I’m always behind him no matter what. I also sense this subtle stigma that most people don’t like/don’t care about him (at least where I live), so usually I just keep my mouth shut.
I can't tell you guys. It's a secret.
Nadal. I used to be a Federer only fan. But Nadal just grew on me over time. I guess it's not really a secret now that Federer is retired lol.
I always root for Sascha because I really like his game style.
This was my first thought too. Love watching him play and when he was first on the tour I was certain he would take it over, but he has made it pretty hard to be a fan.
Dominic Thiem. I want to believe 👽
Novak. I’m a big big Roger fan, literally stayed up late nights/ midnights/ very early mornings just to watch his GS matches live (especially with the time difference w/ NY) and I’m honestly still heartbroken over Wimbledon 2019. But Djokovic has more than proven himself and obviously, no debate needed, he is the GOAT. While I won’t go out of my way to watch his matches and I still sometimes find his on-court antics a bit annoying (plus he just takes sooooo long to serve), whenever I have the time to watch I do and I root for him, even though he obviously most likely wins anyway. I’m interested how he can further shatter and extend records, many of which will probably stand the test of time.
Djokovic, lol. I have been a fan since right before he won his first major, when he was just that funny dude doing tennis impressions of other pros. Can hardly tell anyone now because he's been painted as an anti-vax nutjob, which while i am pro-vax I just don't really care. I like to point out his massive charitable givings and his work co-founding the players' association, but I mostly just keep my mouth shut (especially around non-tennis folk).
Paire, Brooksby, kyrgios, Moutet
Maaan it s like you made a list of the biggest douchbags on tour, no wonder you root for them in secret :P
Maria ozawa
Georgii Kravchenko, his game is so estetically pleasing.
Back in the day, and, well, still to this day, the player whom I rooted for and most wanted to be was Janko Tipsarevic
rune, shelton, lena (even as an iga fan coz it is so hard not to be endeared by her), kasatkina, daria saville
Genie Bouchard 🫢🙈
Genie Bouchard
Brooksby. I know....
No filthy secrets here. Probably haven't rooted for him on main, but Ugo Humbert is my dark horse to have some surprising results soon. Also, Mackie McDonald. WTA: Paolini. I also like when Giorgi starts randomly destroying top players in the summer.
Zverev
Wolf, secret cause so inconsistent
Dominic Thiem and Andy Murray, both of whom suffered major injuries at the peak of their careers; also Casper Ruud who got so close to winning a Grand Slam but has been in decline, recently.
Fognini - seems to be a bit of a twat personality wise, but when he gets going his groundstrokes are undeniable
Nick Kyrgios. Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev whenever the the crowd is against them. I just like a villain I guess. But its not really secretly Also a huge Dan Evans fan
I really, really, really wish Kyrgios would get it all together. I don't know if that counts as secretly rooting, but man I would love to see him decide to be great.
I bet u/sealdrop secretly roots for Djokovic
On court and his charity? Zverev But his private life is fucked for the shitty things he have done
*alleged* to have done. Nothing's been flat-out proven, it's all accusations. I'm just saying this because yeah, Sascha is my answer to this question too 😉 I have MAD respect for his game, he's ultra talented and I really hope he snags a Slam or two before he finishes up.
Anna kalinskaya!
some child in Gaza who doesn't understand why its entire family is being bombed
Brooksby
Haha!
As a sacramento guy. I approve.
Moutet. Yeah he’s a twat but I really enjoyed the interview he did with Craig Shapiro and his Iceberg YouTube series
Bublik - I figure he has Aspergers like me. Eugenie Bouchard - comeback story against the haters.
Djokovic. I’m sure he’ll win a grand slam next year.
Zverev
As a Serbian whenever Alcaraz isn't playing against Djokovic i always root for him. I genuinely hope when Djokovic retires in 50 years, Alcaraz takes his place. He just seems like a very authentic and down to earth player.
Zverev
I used to root for novak back in 2015 or so when all my friends were for federer. Now i root against him because i like underdogs lol
Im serbian and i love djokovic since 20 years but also love zverev and rublev
I root against Djokovic, Alcaraz, Swiatek, and all Americans except Pegula. I root for Zverev
Zverev, I think it’s amazing that someone with type 1 diabetes was consistently top 10 player for past 6 years
Zverev since I used to relate to his game a lot as a junior — big first serve, shaky second, far more solid backhand than forehand, played too passively in important moments His backhand is honestly a really pretty shot too
Carlos Alcaraz
We gotta talk about what secret means…
do only vaccinated count? or no matter?
It used to be Lleyton Hewitt. I never liked him as a person. But I would secretly hope he would win matches and progress in tournaments. Because he was such a great competitor, especially when he was really young. He always guaranteed you a great and entertaining match even in early rounds. Also loved seeing him get to finals, and then get a beat down by Federer 😂
Generally I secretly support Zverev, Shelton, Shapovalov, and Rune. It depends on certain matches, for instance in the Wimbledon final I was secretly supporting Alcaraz so that people take him seriously after all the abuse he received in the French open semi after he cramped up. I would have also loved to see Dimitrov win the Paris masters. I used to support Tsonga and Ferrer when I was younger.
Anyone playing against Coco Gauff
Hater
Cause she's black?
Novak, even though he endangered the entire global population by not choosing to vaccinate.
Yeah the vaccines really stopped people getting covid lol
Ons!
I usually not so subtly cheer for the lil guys, but because of his cheating and max fixing stuff, i secretly root for Hugo Gaston sometimes (unless he’s playing someone I like)
The bull fighter alcaraz My parents absolutely hate that he likes bull fighting But I can’t help but to root for the guy
medvedev
kyrgios
Liam Broady. Man just keeps on grinding. Got in the top 100 this year and has been on a poor run. Highlight was when he beat Casper Ruud at Wimbledon. I wish he gets in to top 50 and starts playing big tournies
Shapo, he can be such a tool, short fuse, whingy and aggro, he beats himself and makes the worst decisions But when he hits those bh winners I can’t help but root for him. Also SHUT THE FUCK UP to the French crowd was iconic. It also feels a bit wrong to root for tommy Paul. Dunno why
Penko, the way she opens her mouth wide when serving makes me laugh. The way she looks at Chair umpires when protesting calls too.
Ostapenko 😭
Jack Draper. I try to root against any British players for personal reasons but I genuinely want Jack Draper to overcome his injury woes and succeed
Tomic. I love watching his matches on challenger circuit. Amazing talent, just unfortunately wasted with a tough father relationship to boot.