2023 Wimbledon QF: Djokovic vs. Rublev

[tented]

Who wins?

 

[Kieran]

That Australian open Q/F tells the tale of the tape: Djoker in straights..

 

[Moxie]

I'm giving Rublev a set. He hasn't proven his mettle in the bigger moments, but he's not new to them, and Novak has the pressure. The Russian has to have a good serving day, though.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I demand EL Dude shouts us French Vintage Champagne at TF if Rublev wins ( who he has a soft spot for )
Back to reality Novak in 4 sets.!

 

[the AntiPusher]

Novak will beat him and tell him he has possess a better head of hair than Rublev

 

[Kieran]

Novak will beat him and tell him he has possess a better head of hair than Rublev

Novak’s hair..

 

[kskate2]

View attachment 8463

Novak’s hair..

My word. It's like a Ken Doll on LSD. Those eyes... LOL

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

My word. It's like a Ken Doll on LSD. Those eyes... LOL

Did someone ,mention Ken Doll? lol!

 

[the AntiPusher]

Seriously if Novak could have picked anyone to face in the qtrs it would have been the big hair Dude..this is the match where Novak can give him 0-2 lead in sets and still wipe him out in the NEXT 3sets easily

 

[don_fabio]

Seriously if Novak could have picked anyone to face in the qtrs it would have been the big hair Dude..this is the match where Novak can give him 0-2 lead in sets and still wipe him out in the NEXT 3sets easily

Agree. The best possible match up for him at this stage of the tournament. He said after the the match with Hurkacz that he doesn't remember ever feeling more miserable on his return games. I think it pretty much sums up the match. Rublev has nothing to make Novak worried, in fact it will be a perfect warm up for the semis against most likely Sinner.

I feel like Novak's trouble is going to be in the final this year. Whoever he meets there, Medvedev, Alcaraz or Rune, none of them will bend down.

 

[Kieran]

I feel like Novak's trouble is going to be in the final this year. Whoever he meets there, Medvedev, Alcaraz or Rune, none of them will bend down.

Where they might bow down could be in the physical department, like Carlos in Paris. Certainly, he didn’t bend mentally, and Novak didn’t run him into the ground so well that he cramped, but emotionally he got overcome by the occasion and it manifested itself physically. This could happen - but then the opposite could happen too, which is the Becker effect. A young buck who plays without fear or even evident awareness of how big the occasion is..

 

[kskate2]

@Kieran
Ole boy Rad just finished playing Legends doubs against the Bryan's

 

[Kieran]

@Kieran
Ole boy Rad just finished playing Legends doubs against the Bryan's

Was there a bunch of grannies throwing their knickers at him?

 

[don_fabio]

Where they might bow down could be in the physical department, like Carlos in Paris. Certainly, he didn’t bend mentally, and Novak didn’t run him into the ground so well that he cramped, but emotionally he got overcome by the occasion and it manifested itself physically. This could happen - but then the opposite could happen too, which is the Becker effect. A young buck who plays without fear or even evident awareness of how big the occasion is..

I agree. Before the tournament started Novak looked as a heavy favorite to win and he still is a favorite, but something tells me it won't be a walk in the park either this year. Novak could lose even if it looks like probability is very low (it just won't happen against Rublev).

 

[Kieran]

I agree. Before the tournament started Novak looked as a heavy favorite to win and he still is a favorite, but something tells me it won't be a walk in the park either this year. Novak could lose even if it looks like probability is very low (it just won't happen against Rublev).

I think if he’s to lose before the final it’s going to be Sinner who beats him, but that depends on a lot of factors. Last years match between them doesn’t really indicate that Sinner can get into the same position again. But he can take heart from it..

 

[tented]

I agree. Before the tournament started Novak looked as a heavy favorite to win and he still is a favorite, but something tells me it won't be a walk in the park either this year. Novak could lose even if it looks like probability is very low (it just won't happen against Rublev).

I’ll be surprised if Novak doesn’t beat Rublev in straight sets. Maybe one tiebreak. From the SF on, it could get trickier, but my money is still on Novak to win the title. The way he took down Wawrinka, and upped his game at just the right moments against Hurkacz tell me he’s where he needs to be to win the whole thing.

 

[Moxie]

Huge hold there from Hair Dude. 3-3

 

[Moxie]

Rublev draws first blood. Will serve for first set, 5-4.

 

[tented]

Rublev draws first blood. Will serve for first set, 5-4.

You think he’ll do it? Or will Novak break right back?

 

[Moxie]

You think he’ll do it? Or will Novak break right back?

Well, he DID do it! First set to Rublev.