Just watched Miami. Novak has that calm, precise, can't lose aura about him. He's ready to conquer in the rest of the year!
Can You Say 2011??
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El Dude
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Uh, sure - but not 2011. I could see him finishing year #1, say winning two Slams. But three? Doubt it.
That said, I'm picking a Roland Garros upset. Of course I'd like to see how Rafa shapes up in clay court season, but I think Novak sniffed blood last year and, coupled with his recent play, could sneak it out from Rafa this time around.
That said, I'm picking a Roland Garros upset. Of course I'd like to see how Rafa shapes up in clay court season, but I think Novak sniffed blood last year and, coupled with his recent play, could sneak it out from Rafa this time around.
Thanks for clarifying, El Dude. I didn't necessarily mean 3 slams---it was more about his level of play, and calm confidence. And Rafa had that frustrated, befuddled "he's in my head" look that he often had in 2011. But of course, lots more tennis to be played--and we r coming up to Rafa's favorite part of the year. Which is why Novak ESPECIALLY wanted to make a statement. Vamos!
Riotbeard
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El Dude said:
I am not gonna call anything yet. 3 is an insanely long shot, as he hasn't won 1 yet! He did play the best match I have seen him play since at least last year's monte carlo final, so I am hopeful.
brokenshoelace
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Can you say premature? After all, wasn't there a thread a month ago asking what happened to Djokovic? So no, I won't say 2011. I'll say hold your horses and let's see what happens.
brokenshoelace
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Denisovich said:Broken_Shoelace said:
I am cautiously ecstatic though!:snigger:celeb:
As you should be.
Go visit that thread I mentioned, you know who was the most optimistic about Novak's year? Me. I'm serious.
El Dude said:
I second this prediction. Nole came close last year at FO. I think he will dethrone the King of Clay this time.
Kieran
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This is premature, but it's understandable: Novak has bossed Rafa easily in their last three matches. He's shifted the ground again, since Flushing Meadows. It's premature though, because I think Rafa can play so much better than he is, and he's faced this test before.
However, it's a huge boost for Nole going into the clay. Suddenly all the bandwagons carrying Swiss players have seen their wheels fall off, and we're back where we started on January one...
However, it's a huge boost for Nole going into the clay. Suddenly all the bandwagons carrying Swiss players have seen their wheels fall off, and we're back where we started on January one...
Murat Baslamisli
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Moxie
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We are a funny bunch…one big loss, and you're done. Great day at the office, and you're all the way back. But as Kieran says, understandable, and I want all the Djokovic fans to enjoy it thoroughly.
Because the clay season is coming….:snigger
But seriously…fantastic form by Novak today. Enjoy!
Because the clay season is coming….:snigger
But seriously…fantastic form by Novak today. Enjoy!
nehmeth
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Kieran
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The thing with this great rivalry is, if you've won as many matches as these have against the other, you'd be foolish to despair, even after three straight defeats. One thing we know, it swings back. It swung back towards Rafa and now it's swung back towards Novak.
Rafa would be foolish to despair. In that sense, having lived through 2011 and come out the other side clicking W's in the slams, he should always know he'll have his chances. I don't think Rafa felt that way for much of 2011...
Rafa would be foolish to despair. In that sense, having lived through 2011 and come out the other side clicking W's in the slams, he should always know he'll have his chances. I don't think Rafa felt that way for much of 2011...
nehmeth
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Moxie629 said:
I have found Forum users are like that! And I didn't see the Match today, but the score line was certainly enough to scare me!
Mastoor
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lacatch said:
I think Becker may spoil the party. I was full of hope when Nole was in smashing form in November last year, but then he was terrible in Melbourne. Now Vajda fixed him in last couple of weeks, but Becker is due to return in Monte Carlo, so we may see some of Nole's "marvel" game from Melbourne this year, I'm afraid.
Moxie--It's not just one good day at the office: Novak has beaten Rafa the last 3X they played, and today was a beatdown. Rafa gives 100% every second, while Novak is more of a "mood player". And from the win in Indian Wells, one could tell that he had his mojo back. And the clay season IS coming, and I'm expecting a mighty interesting one at that.
GameSetAndMath
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I am not sure of the 2011 stuff. But, I do think Novak will take YE #1 this year.
He is already #1 in Race as of today.
He is already #1 in Race as of today.
Front242
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He certainly saved his best for last, namely the final. Thing is though, form changes so much from match to match. Novak didn't look that amazing till today and eventhough they weren't great opponents, Nadal did look extremely good before he played Raonic. Likewise with Fed till the fiasco against Nishikori. It just so happened Novak's best match with no blips turned out to be the final. Which is great for him and his fans and I hope we see more of it in finals, especially at slams.
