MovieChat Forums > Wimbledon (2004) Discussion > Where have all the Swedish players gone?

Where have all the Swedish players gone?

posted 16 years ago by harvey6742001
7 replies | jump to latest

Sweden's golden age as a tennis powerhouse is far from the glory days of Bjorn Borg of the 70's (followed by tennis greats Edberg and Wilander) and the large contingent of Swedish pros in the late 80's, such as Joakim Nystrom, Anders Jarryd, Henrik Sundstrom, Jonas Svensson, Magnus Larsson and Kent Carlsson.

As of the present, 2002 Australian Open winner Thomas Johnansson leads the way at No. 54, while Robin Soderling, just back from a wrist ailment, and the ageless Jonas Bjorkman are Nos. 59 and 86, respectively. Johansson, who's had to contend with one injury after another, will turn 33 next month, and his good friend Bjorkman turns 36 a day earlier. No other man is in the top 200. Sofia Arvidsson, at No. 62, is the only woman in the top 200. She faded following a promising 2006 and didn't even get her own page in this year's WTA player guide. Only one junior, male or female, cracks the top 100.

Is Sweden just going through a depressed phase where tennis is concerned, or is this a sign that Sweden's best days are forever gone?

[–] chrismahon2005 16 years ago

Mate im not a tennis fan as such,but surley its just they were punching above there weight for a long time,and that will always end in the end,maybe another few decades will pass before some other decent players turn up,is the system still as good?,are other sports maybe taking over,so many different reasons,also look at my country the uk,we have been awful for a century,you guys should be happy,at least you had winners,we had guys like henmen who tried his best,but just missed out on top class

[–] periviby 16 years ago

...but no way we will come back like in those awesome 1980s, there were so many up front besides Wilander and Edberg as you recalled yourself. And did you know Anders Jarryd, the double ace, reached semi finals in Wimbledon in -85 ? It was crazy, not really meant to be, yet it did happen.

We should be happy if we once every 10 years, a Swede wins a grand slam again. Last time this happened was Tomas Johansson at Australian Open 2002. So now we have four years to go but yes, it does not look bright. Soderling, does he really have what it takes ? Today he does not, but with a big portion of luck, maybe within four years.

[–] johnston.scot 16 years ago

Sweden?

Or maybe Monaco.

[–] kenny356 15 years ago

As long as the russian ladys stick around i'm happy, lol. I dont think just because some notably famous swedes were great at tennis that should remain the same forever, times change, plus what about Roger federer, hes only next door so to speak. Just being daft im not trying to insult the swedish.

[–] anna-272 15 years ago

The person above who said (my native) Sweden was punching above its weight was probably sadly right. Björn Borg was a wonder and he came about just before all the kids retreated to their rooms to play computer games. He inspired almost everyone to try their hands at tennis. So all the kids with potential actually ended up on a court and found it out as well as kept at it with practice etc. So with tennis becoming big, we had increasing returns with better coaches, infrastructure, feedback on success etcetera. A great run.

Now we take what we can find: a Swede coached Federer for example. Hope is well though; Söderling is starting to find his form. :)

[–] johnston.scot 15 years ago

Well, to be fair:

Population of Sweden: about 9 million
... of the UK: about 62 million
... of Russia: about 142 million
... of the US: over 300 million
... of California: pushing 37 million

[–] oldbondsie 14 years ago

Haha just putting this out there... Robin Soderling has been in the top 10 for a year now (Although I'm sure you know this) and could very well win his first Grand Slam tomorrow morning.

Good luck!