Posted at 5:00 a.m.
Tennis in Montreal and Toronto
If I understand correctly, in the ATP circuit, what distinguishes the Grand Slam from other levels is the success of 3 out of 5 sets, the other tournaments being 2 of 3. However, in the WTA circuit, all tournaments are played as the best of 3 sets. What then distinguishes the level of difficulty in the different levels, both in the ATP circuit and in that of the WTA? Why is the National Bank Open ranked at the Masters 1000 level?
Jean-Marc B.
Response from Nicholas Richard:
The difference between tournament levels, besides the fact that men must win three rounds at Grand Slam tournaments, is the number of players registered for the competition. For example, at the last US Open, 128 players were in the main draw for both men and women. While at the National Bank Open, 56 players are part of the draw. Thus, major tournaments are much more difficult to win due to the number of opponents to defeat. As for 250 caliber tournaments, such as the National Bank Championships in Granby, only 32 players are registered, which increases the chances of players winning the tournament.
Double
How are tennis doubles teams formed or chosen?
Eric-Bertrand
Response from Nicholas Richard:
The answer to this question is surprisingly very simple: the players choose each other. Sometimes, while traveling and playing on the circuit, players develop a bond with some of their rivals. So when the time comes to choose a doubles partner, the players choose a person with whom they have an affinity and they register together for the tournaments. Sometimes coaches may arrange a meeting between two players because they think it can work, but usually the final say is up to the players.
More questions about Weber
I am an avid reader. I never understood the Shea Weber trade and why the Vegas Golden Knights accepted it. This increases their payroll by 7.8 million for 4 years and they already exceed the salary cap. I understand Weber is on long-term injured reserve, but what’s the point? The Golden Knights traded Evgenii Dadonov, but he only counts for one year at 5 million in the Canadian’s payroll. This is beyond understanding… Thank you for enlightening me!
Jean-Yves Masson
Response from Mathias Brunet:
Thanks for reading us. Weber’s salary does indeed take $7.8 million off the payroll, but by placing him on the long-term injured list, the Golden Knights are getting a pay break. I’ll spare you the details of the collective agreement, but they will be able to exceed the multi-million salary cap despite Weber’s contract, unlike Dadonov, a healthy player, whose salary would have relied entirely on the mace.
Is the ice cream too small?
Should the National Hockey League review the dimensions of the rinks?
Pierre Rheault
Response from Alexander Pratt:
Yes. The dimensions of the rinks in the National Hockey League have not changed since 1929. Except that the players are bigger, bigger and stronger. There are also more officials on the ice than before. Consequence: the traffic is dense. The risks of collision – and injury – are higher than in the time of Aurèle Joliat. Now, do you hear anyone complaining about it? Neither do I. This is why the status quo will be maintained for a long time to come.
Camp salary
Do players get any pay, compensation or support from teams during training camp? Some obviously have the privilege of having a professional contract in their pocket, but this is not the case for all.
Jocelyn Baril
Response from Guillaume Lefrancois:
The players don’t have a salary to speak of, but their expenses are indeed covered. In Amendment 79 to the 2013 collective bargaining agreement, it is written that players holding an NHL contract, excluding entry-level contracts, are entitled to a one-way business class flight to the city where training camp takes place. These players are also entitled to a daily allowance and accommodation. That said, the majority of established players simply return to the house where they live during the season. Players holding an entry contract have the same rights, except that the team can provide economy class airfare. As for players with a trial contract, the collective agreement provides that the teams pay airfare, accommodation and a daily allowance, in addition to the meals that are offered at the arena after training or a game.