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Chat Reel: Stan Smith

U.S. coach talks Olympic tennis in Sydney

Stan Smith likes Andre Agassi's chances to repeat as a Gold Medal winner after he won the Australian Open this year. AP

U.S. Olympic men's tennis coach Stan Smith answered CNNSI.com users' questions on August 8, 2000. A transcript of his chat follows:

CNNSI Host: Welcome to our Olympic tennis chat with coach Stan Smith. Thanks for joining us Stan.
Stan Smith: Sure!

From Rick Clayton in Marlton, N.J.: Is the Olympic tennis competition a team format? If so, what will you do to motivate the team following the disappointing loss to Spain in Davis Cup?
Stan Smith: Well first of all it's not a team format, it is an individual format and there are four singles players who will go into the draw from the US, and one doubles team. And there are players who are going to be competing for individual medals that obviously are playing for their country, which is a different feeling than playing for individual tournaments.

From Shawn in New Orleans, La.: What will it take for Agassi to win another gold? And what surface will they be using at the Olympics?
Stan Smith: They're using Rebound-Ace and it's the same surface they played on in the Australian open, and Andre will have to really be at the top of his game. The good news is that he won the tournament this year on that surface and therefore it is one of the better surfaces for him to play on.

The last Olympics he was a little lucky in a couple of his matches and he will have to start off really strong at the beginning of this tournament.

From Rafael Belmar Osuna in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico: I am the nephew of the late Rafael Osuna. I played at the USC tennis team from 82 to 86 under coach Leach. I believe our sport has suffered due to the ATP and TV's emphasis on singles rather than singles and doubles. Whenever somebody tries to evaluate a group of players they base their analysis on singles only. How do you feel about this?
Stan Smith: Well singles has gotten more priority over doubles for several reasons. One, it is a one on one sport, which is the ultimate competition. Two, the prize money is much greater for the singles. Three, singles is always played before the doubles and sometimes the doubles doesn't even get reported. And most importantly, because of that many of the top players don't play doubles, and therefore it gets even less attention. It is vicious circle. One of those catch 22 things.

From Jay in Clinton, NJ: What is the U.S.'s strongest opposition?
Stan Smith: I'd say the Australians of course will have a great team, with Rafter, Hewitt, and Mark Philippoussis. They all three are playing quite well and they are the Australians that are in the Davis cup final and the Spaniards, they are in the Davis cup final against Australia with 4 good players.

From Shari Young in Jacksonville, Fla.: How seriously did Pete Sampras ever consider playing in the Olympics? And how will his not being there affect the US's chances?
Stan Smith: Well, I don't know the answer to that question. All along he said he was leaning toward not playing so he never changed his tune. He said he might go to the Olympics in Athens in 2004 as a spectator.

From Howard Bruce in Columbus, Ga.: What is your opinion of Nathalie Tauziat's situation? It's sad she won't be able to compete in the Olympics. Were the French right in not including her?
Stan Smith: Well, if the team of players were upset by some of the things that were said in her book about them that could affect the moral of the team. And I think she deserves to be .. talent wise.. she is one of the better players, but there is a problem with the other girls on the team.

From Paul Bitarabeho in Kampala, Uganda: I am an African living in Uganda and I would like to know if it is possible to promote tennis in Africa. Tennis in my country is still perceived as a game for the bourgeoisie and is not promoted in schools where, if you ask me, it is the best place to start, especially for people who do not know that they have the tennis talent in them because of lack of exposure.
Stan Smith: Well, it's the same way in the US and many other countries around the world and not an easy question. I don't know whether it would work in Uganda but certainly the communities ideally would be able to organize clinics and training programs for those players so it is not a private club or coaching situation which is very expensive.

The players can wear their own tennis gear but the US players have to wear the USA warm up suit for the awards ceremonies. I think the Australians have a different situation because they have a different sponsor. But I am not really clear as to what it might be. I can speculate but I don't know.

From Sherri in Athens: Have you ever thought about coaching the Davis Cup team?
Stan Smith: I have thought about it but I haven't been asked.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Coach Smith. Thanks for being with us.
Stan Smith: Thank you as well.

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