“Jean-Paul Loth’s Tennis Legacy: 45 Years of Insightful Commentary”
After 45 years of captivating tennis commentary, Jean-Paul Loth, a revered voice in the world of tennis, has decided to retire at the age of 85. The former player and coach, who transitioned into the commentary box, has been a staple on French television and Eurosport, offering his unique insights and enthusiasm for nearly half a century. As the 2024 US Open approaches, Loth reflects on his remarkable career, the evolution of the sport, and his thoughts on what the future holds for tennis.
1. A New Perspective: Watching Tennis as a Spectator
Jean-Paul Loth is now preparing to watch the US Open from the comfort of his home, a stark contrast to his years behind the microphone. He admits that while he’ll no longer be in the commentary booth, his habit of narrating the matches might persist, much to his wife’s dismay. Loth jokes, “When I watch a match, whether I’m in the commentary booth or at home, I still talk to the screen! Fortunately, we have two televisions at home.”
2. Why Now? The Decision to Retire
Loth’s decision to retire wasn’t made overnight. He reveals that at 75, he set a goal for himself to become the oldest active commentator, and reaching 85, he felt it was time to step back. However, it wasn’t just age that influenced his decision. Loth was increasingly frustrated by the modern players’ tendencies to push the boundaries of the rules—taking extended breaks between points, excessively bouncing the ball before serving, and drawing out bathroom breaks. He found these behaviors insufferable, further reinforcing his decision to retire. Additionally, he candidly admits, “My memory isn’t what it used to be, which makes it harder to keep up with the fast-paced demands of live commentary.”
3. The Most Memorable Matches: Beyond the Finals
When asked about his most memorable moments, Loth quickly mentions the 1991 Davis Cup final, where France defeated the United States—a victory that still resonates deeply with French tennis fans. However, Loth explains that the matches he found most intriguing as a commentator weren’t always the grand finales or the most skillful contests. Instead, he enjoyed the challenge of finding insightful commentary for less exciting matches, where the outcome wasn’t as clear-cut. His final match as a commentator, the Olympic final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, was a fitting end to his career. Although it was a thrilling match, Loth noted that the players’ exceptional performances left little for him to add, which underscored his belief that commentary should enhance the viewing experience, not overshadow it.
4. Iconic Phrases: A Legacy Beyond the Game
Jean-Paul Loth’s signature phrase, “Et pan!” has become legendary among tennis fans. Even when recognized on the street, it’s often the first thing people mention. Loth believes that a commentator’s role is to bring energy and excitement to the game, especially in women’s tennis, which he felt deserved more enthusiasm and generosity when he first began his career. His unique expressions were his way of breaking up the monotony of slower-paced matches, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
5. The Evolution of Tennis: A Game Transformed
Loth has witnessed the evolution of tennis firsthand, from his days as a player to his long tenure as a commentator. He points out that the level of play has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, particularly during the era of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray. These “four monsters,” as he calls them, raised the bar for everyone who followed. Loth expresses his amazement at the emergence of Carlos Alcaraz, who he describes as playing “absolutely prodigious tennis.” Alcaraz’s arrival gives Loth hope that the future of tennis remains bright, even as the legends of the game begin to retire.
6. The Future of Tennis: A Call for Rule Changes
Loth believes that the physical demands of modern tennis have reached a point where changes to the rules may be necessary. He suggests that Grand Slam matches, except for the semifinals and finals, could be reduced to the best of three sets, with stricter enforcement of time limits between points. Loth argues that many matches now extend beyond four hours, losing the audience’s interest long before the final point. He emphasizes that these changes could help maintain the sport’s appeal and ensure that it remains exciting and accessible to fans.
7. A New Era in Commentary: Nicolas Mahut Steps In
As Loth steps down, former professional player Nicolas Mahut is set to take over the commentary duties for the US Open on Eurosport. Loth has only kind words for his successor, expressing his confidence in Mahut’s ability to excel in the role. Mahut, known for his deep knowledge of the game and his thoughtful reflections, has big shoes to fill. Loth graciously acknowledges Mahut’s compliment, saying, “He said you don’t replace Jean-Paul Loth, you succeed him. I found that very elegant.”
