2014 ATP 1000 Masters Bercy Final: Djokovic v. Raonic

[Federberg]

I absolutely fail to understand this analogy. I mean, I know what you're trying to say, but it's not the same at all.

What is there not to understand. It is the same. Or maybe not for those Americans who think the world evolves around them.

I'm not American, and yet I understand that in the tennis world, English is the universal language. There's a reason umpires say the scoreline in English in most countries, or at least say it in two languages, one of which being English (the exception is RG where they just say it in French). Tennis players conduct press conferences in English for the most part. It has nothing to do with Americans thinking the world revolves around them.

So if you go to New York, where everyone speaks English, and you're a very fluent English speaker like Novak, and suddenly speak in Serbian, it's at best, really, really odd. Whereas speaking English in a non-English speaking country if you don't really have a strong grasp on said country's main language, is the norm.

How do you seriously not spot the difference between the two?

It has nothing to do with the tennis world, but with the audience you are addressing at the ceremony. For one thing, it is better to avoid speaking English when in Paris, trust me. If you do speak the language, albeit not very good, I personally think that as a courtesy to the crowd it is better to address them in their own language.

I can certainly understand that in Paris. The french are rather sensitive about language I'm not sure it's such a big deal in other places. Frankly the demographic that goes to tennis matches, probably speak English anyway. Call me cynical, but most of the time I reckon these guys are just on the look out for additional sponsorship. Makes me cringe! Like when they put on their watches after a match... ugh..

 

[Iona16]

I didn't see the match but I wasn't expecting anything other than a straight set win for Djokovic. 600th win and his 20th masters title. Wow.

 

[Denis]

What is there not to understand. It is the same. Or maybe not for those Americans who think the world evolves around them.

I'm not American, and yet I understand that in the tennis world, English is the universal language. There's a reason umpires say the scoreline in English in most countries, or at least say it in two languages, one of which being English (the exception is RG where they just say it in French). Tennis players conduct press conferences in English for the most part. It has nothing to do with Americans thinking the world revolves around them.

So if you go to New York, where everyone speaks English, and you're a very fluent English speaker like Novak, and suddenly speak in Serbian, it's at best, really, really odd. Whereas speaking English in a non-English speaking country if you don't really have a strong grasp on said country's main language, is the norm.

How do you seriously not spot the difference between the two?

It has nothing to do with the tennis world, but with the audience you are addressing at the ceremony. For one thing, it is better to avoid speaking English when in Paris, trust me. If you do speak the language, albeit not very good, I personally think that as a courtesy to the crowd it is better to address them in their own language.

I can certainly understand that in Paris. The french are rather sensitive about language I'm not sure it's such a big deal in other places. Frankly the demographic that goes to tennis matches, probably speak English anyway. Call me cynical, but most of the time I reckon these guys are just on the look out for additional sponsorship. Makes me cringe! Like when they put on their watches after a match... ugh..

I don't see how commercial reasons have anything to do with Novak's efforts in French. He has been trying this for quite some years now, way before the endorsement by Peugeot. He has always professed himself as a polyglot, likes learning languages and lives in a French speaking country.

 

[BratSrbin]

Also, Federers mother is French.

Actually, she's from South Africa. Quite a way away, that.

Yes she is from South Africa but Linette (born Durand) is French.

Everything I looked up online says she's South African. Nothing about her being French. I could be wrong but I haven't seen anything to support it.

Nationally and ethnically are different, if you understand what I mean. My son is Serbian even in his passport write different and his English is better than Serbian.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Just found this gem from SI.Twitter.

"Djokovic jokes he should have more kids since he won Paris w/o dropping a set"


Hmm Novak is Jelena aware of your aspirations?

 

[Mile]

Just found this gem from SI.Twitter.

"Djokovic jokes he should have more kids since he won Paris w/o dropping a set"


Hmm Novak is Jelena aware of your aspirations?

Yes she is. They both want big family. Above all, i have feeling daddis are running the show here. Djoker and Fedex ! I have feeling it give them higher boost, morale, especially self confidence.

Here is receipt for Nadal and Murray.

I dont know how was before, with beeing parent in Becker, Agasi, Sampras era... ?!

 

[DarthFed]

^ Still a little early to say how being a father will affect Nole. For as much as they talk of Federer doing well the truth is his game fell off a ton pretty soon after having the 1st set of twins. It is understandable of course.

 

[isabelle]

We were happy to hear both Milos and Nole spoke french at the end, it doesn't happen so often (except when a French guy is there) They are good at French language, I congratulate them for that. Nole spoke Italian when he won Roma I guess, he seems to know a lot of foreign languages