Completing the Resume

[GameSetAndMath]

Each member of the big three has three holes in their resume.

1. Federer: Missing the Olympics Singles Gold, Rome and Montecarlo

2. Rafa: Missing the WTF, Miami and Bercy.

3. Novak: Missing RG, Olympics singles gold and Cincinnatti.

Which of these holes will be eventually filled before the player involved retires.

You can vote in the poll and discuss.

You can vote for as many options as you like.

This is not a GOAT thread.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Good poll, GSM. For me this is an easy one: Djokovic winning Roland Garros. In tennis, the main goal for every tennis player is to win a Grand Slam. So the motivation for Djokovic is very high compared to the Federer and Nadal when it comes to their missing trophies.

Another reason this is an easy choice for me is because Federer and Nadal are in their twilight of their careers meaning they are more likely get defeated by lesser players in smaller tournaments.

On the other hand, Djokovic is still playing at a very high level so he is more likely to win small and big tournament altogether.

In adddition, if you look at Federer and Nadal's missing trophies, most of them are their worst surface. Nadal is very vulnerable at indoors (Bercy and WTF) and Federer's game doesn't suit well anymore at Clay (Monte Carlo and Rome).

Then, Miami for Rafa, Cincy for Nole, and Olympics for Federer are like their anomaly tournaments. It means that even though they are playing well they can't seem to grab the title.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Good thread.

- I don't think Nadal will be winning the WTF or Paris. Miami is a possibility as the surface and conditions really suit his game.

- I'd be shocked if Djokovic doesn't win Cinci. It's no big deal but I'm amazed he's yet to do it. He's got one more shot at Olympic gold and while it's still over a year away, there's a good chance he'll be the favorite. The RG window is narrowing but he's got at least two more solid shots.

- I think the Olympic singles gold ship has sailed on Roger. I can see him maybe rolling back the years once and winning Monte Carlo.

 

[Fiero425]

Good thread.

- I don't think Nadal will be winning the WTF or Paris. Miami is a possibility as the surface and conditions really suit his game.

- I'd be shocked if Djokovic doesn't win Cinci. It's no big deal, but I'm amazed he's yet to do it. He's got one more shot at Olympic gold and while it's still over a year away, there's a good chance he'll be the favorite. The RG window is narrowing but he's got at least two more solid shots.

- I think the Olympic singles gold ship has sailed on Roger. I can see him maybe rolling back the years once and winning Monte Carlo.

The court is probably lightning fast which is why Roger owns it; 6 titles I think! The same dynamics goes on in Dubai and Roger's best result against Nole is on that glass court! :angel: :dodgy:

 

[Kirijax]

It's only a day since Djokovic got blasted off the court by Stampeding Stan, but I have to think that Djokovic's time will come. He still has a couple more good chances I think. He may end up with a record similar ( but a bit better) to Lendl. Lendl had a losing record in Grand Slam titles but he was often there and the other guys had to beat him to win it. If Murray, Nishikori, Berdych, Wawrinka, Ferrer, Tsonga or any of the others want to win a Slam, they will probably have to go through Djokovic to do it. It can be done, like Wawrinka showed us yesterday, but it's still a tough thing to do. As well as Wawrinka was playing, Djokovic could have easily gotten it to a fifth set and then who knows what might have happened.

So of the things you listed, Djokovic has to be the closest to filling the big hole in his resume.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Good poll, GSM. For me this is an easy one: Djokovic winning Roland Garros. In tennis, the main goal for every tennis player is to win a Grand Slam. So the motivation for Djokovic is very high compared to the Federer and Nadal when it comes to their missing trophies.

Another reason this is an easy choice for me is because Federer and Nadal are in their twilight of their careers meaning they are more likely get defeated by lesser players in smaller tournaments.

On the other hand, Djokovic is still playing at a very high level so he is more likely to win small and big tournament altogether.

In adddition, if you look at Federer and Nadal's missing trophies, most of them are their worst surface. Nadal is very vulnerable at indoors (Bercy and WTF) and Federer's game doesn't suit well anymore at Clay (Monte Carlo and Rome).

Then, Miami for Rafa, Cincy for Nole, and Olympics for Federer are like their anomaly tournaments. It means that even though they are playing well they can't seem to grab the title.

Just wanted to make sure that you are aware that you could vote for multiple options in this poll.
I got a doubt as you did not give any argument against Novak winning Olympics, but did not vote for it.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I think Novak will win RG as well as Cincy, but he needs to do it within the next three years max. If he cannot do it by then, he probably never will.

I think Fed will win either MC or Rome (but not both) sometime when the draw works in his favor and when there is some major upsets along the way.

 

[Fiero425]

I think Novak will win RG as well as Cincy, but he needs to do it within the next three years max. If he cannot do it by then, he probably never will.

I think Fed will win either MC or Rome (but not both) sometime when the draw works in his favor and when there is some major upsets along the way.

I believe and agree the 1st of it, but Federer will have more trouble on clay; esp. now with the new talent blossoming! :angel: :dodgy: - He was quite fortunate to even make that final against Nole in Rome! Everyone knows he has a better chance against Novak; few thinking he'll take out Nadal if in the same circumstances! :cover :angel:

 

[Moxie]

I think Novak will win RG as well as Cincy, but he needs to do it within the next three years max. If he cannot do it by then, he probably never will.

I think Fed will win either MC or Rome (but not both) sometime when the draw works in his favor and when there is some major upsets along the way.

If Novak never wins Cincy it'll be about as surprising as Rafa never winning Miami. I know it's a fast HC, but Nole is a HC man, and a master at the Masters. I agree that he has 2-3 years to still bag RG, but not more. If he doesn't win it by 30-31, he won't, and not "probably."

As to Roger and MC or Rome, I have to say there is no way. When he lost to Stan in the final last year at MC I was shocked: not because Stan isn't good on clay, but because Roger had not in the past let many a good (last) chance pass him by. A ship sailed that day.

 

[rafanoy1992]

Good poll, GSM. For me this is an easy one: Djokovic winning Roland Garros. In tennis, the main goal for every tennis player is to win a Grand Slam. So the motivation for Djokovic is very high compared to the Federer and Nadal when it comes to their missing trophies.

Another reason this is an easy choice for me is because Federer and Nadal are in their twilight of their careers meaning they are more likely get defeated by lesser players in smaller tournaments.

On the other hand, Djokovic is still playing at a very high level so he is more likely to win small and big tournament altogether.

In adddition, if you look at Federer and Nadal's missing trophies, most of them are their worst surface. Nadal is very vulnerable at indoors (Bercy and WTF) and Federer's game doesn't suit well anymore at Clay (Monte Carlo and Rome).

Then, Miami for Rafa, Cincy for Nole, and Olympics for Federer are like their anomaly tournaments. It means that even though they are playing well they can't seem to grab the title.

Just wanted to make sure that you are aware that you could vote for multiple options in this poll.
I got a doubt as you did not give any argument against Novak winning Olympics, but did not vote for it.

I could see him winning Olympics but at the same time Olympics is one of those events that is very unpredictable because it is only 2 out of 3 outside of the final. In addition, Olympics happens during the "meat" part of the season in which most all of the players are either a little bit tired from all the Tennis and they also have nagging injuries. I also think any of the Top 8 players can win the Olympics just because of the 2 out of 3 format and the adrenaline they get for playing for their country ala Davis Cup.

So overall, I won't be surprise if Djokovic wins the Olympic gold medal, but at the same time, I give him a higher chance on winning Roland Garros and Cincy than the Olympics.

 

[Great Hands]

Good poll, GSM. For me this is an easy one: Djokovic winning Roland Garros. In tennis, the main goal for every tennis player is to win a Grand Slam. So the motivation for Djokovic is very high compared to the Federer and Nadal when it comes to their missing trophies.

Another reason this is an easy choice for me is because Federer and Nadal are in their twilight of their careers meaning they are more likely get defeated by lesser players in smaller tournaments.

On the other hand, Djokovic is still playing at a very high level so he is more likely to win small and big tournament altogether.

In adddition, if you look at Federer and Nadal's missing trophies, most of them are their worst surface. Nadal is very vulnerable at indoors (Bercy and WTF) and Federer's game doesn't suit well anymore at Clay (Monte Carlo and Rome).

Then, Miami for Rafa, Cincy for Nole, and Olympics for Federer are like their anomaly tournaments. It means that even though they are playing well they can't seem to grab the title.

Just wanted to make sure that you are aware that you could vote for multiple options in this poll.
I got a doubt as you did not give any argument against Novak winning Olympics, but did not vote for it.

I could see him winning Olympics but at the same time Olympics is one of those events that is very unpredictable because it is only 2 out of 3 outside of the final. In addition, Olympics happens during the "meat" part of the season in which most all of the players are either a little bit tired from all the Tennis and they also have nagging injuries. I also think any of the Top 8 players can win the Olympics just because of the 2 out of 3 format and the adrenaline they get for playing for their country ala Davis Cup.

So overall, I won't be surprise if Djokovic wins the Olympic gold medal, but at the same time, I give him a higher chance on winning Roland Garros and Cincy than the Olympics.

the best of 3 till the final format of the op=pymics shld help novak - he is much more successful in best of 3 tournaments:

 

[Great Hands]

I could see him winning Olympics but at the same time Olympics is one of those events that is very unpredictable because it is only 2 out of 3 outside of the final...I also think any of the Top 8 players can win the Olympics just because of the 2 out of 3 format

The 'best of 3 till the final' format of the Olympics should HELP Novak - he is much more successful in best of 3 tournaments.

In 2011, he dominated at the slams and the Masters, but since the start of 2012:

At Masters and WTFs, he has won 17 out of 33 events - over half of events in which he has competed - 52% - ridiculous really - amazing dominance.
At slams - 4 out of 14 - 29% - far less success.

So, since 2012, Novak has been much more successful in the best of 3 format than the best of 5.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Interesting, not a single vote for Fed or Rafa so far. :exclamation:

 

[Federberg]

The only ones that seem relevant to me are Novak and RG and Rafa and the WTF. Whether either wins one who knows? The rest are just nice to haves. Seeing as no one else has a complete resume I'm not sure how urgent they are

 

[Fiero425]

Interesting, not a single vote for Fed or Rafa so far. :exclamation:

It's called being realistic! Even the fans know the limitations of these players; esp. Fed now that he's close to retiring! If Rafa didn't "have it" in his prime to do better in the summer and fall, it's not going to snap into place now with all this new talent around! :angel: :dodgy:

 

[britbox]

Djokovic is the safest bet to clear up at this stage.

I've never thought the Olympics should involve tennis so don't really look at it as an event.

 

[Fiero425]

Djokovic is the safest bet to clear up at this stage.

I've never thought the Olympics should involve tennis so don't really look at it as an event.

I've been disgusted with the Olympics for years; only watching the figure skating in the Winter Games! The commercialism, the obvious corruption in choosing the site, and the constant additions of events just makes it not worth my time! They started with about 41, 43 events back in the late 1800's; heard they're up to well over 340 with proposals to increase the number! No wonder people try to excel at the most mundane and stupid activity; could become an event to win GOLD one day! When they get to long distance spitting, I hope to be "long gone!" :cover :nono :eyepop

 

[BIG3]

Time is on Novak's side, compared with Fed. He had multiple (3+) appearance on RG and Cinci final. He is still in prime and has very high chance to grab the trophy in the following months/years.

Fed is very unlucky to have to face Rafa in so many clay finals. No shame at all.

Rafa reached Miami 4 times, lost to Roger as teenager and lost to Novak three time during 2011-2014. Indoor is absolutely his worst surface and I would be shocked if he can break through at this stage. He is vulnerable there to the best player (Novak, Fed), plus a few.

 

[Moxie]

Djokovic is the safest bet to clear up at this stage.

I've never thought the Olympics should involve tennis so don't really look at it as an event.

I agree with this. It's like the NBA in Olympic basketball. While I find it sweet that Rafa won it, it's not a resume-maker/breaker.

Of the options on offer, I don't believe that Roger will win the Olympic gold, MC or Rome. Is that important, in terms of "completing the resume," as the OP posits? I don't think so. It's a pretty shiny resume. If he adds a Major, that would be significant. The rest is about his longevity, consistency, and the top players and up-and-comers that he continues to beat.

Rafa could get win Miami, but to win Bercy or the WTF I think he would specifically have to target them, and then still get a bit lucky. Indoor hards are not his strength. And Djokovic finds his best tennis at the end of the year. Bad combo for Rafa. Still, his resume is pretty impressive, and if he adds to his Slam total to get over Roger, we have a conversation.

As you say, BB, Djokovic is the one with the room and the legs to get some things he hasn't yet got. His stock just went down for RG, but he has a couple more years to make good on that one. Cincy might weirdly allude him, but who cares, really? And the Olympic Gold, as discussed. He might win, but it could also go to some complete surprise, since it often seems to. The thing that Novak has to do for his resume is to win Slams. The rest is window-dressing.

 

[Fiero425]

Djokovic is the safest bet to clear up at this stage.

I've never thought the Olympics should involve tennis so don't really look at it as an event.

I agree with this. It's like the NBA in Olympic basketball. While I find it sweet that Rafa won it, it's not a resume-maker/breaker.

Of the options on offer, I don't believe that Roger will win the Olympic gold, MC or Rome. Is that important, in terms of "completing the resume," as the OP posits? I don't think so. It's a pretty shiny resume. If he adds a Major, that would be significant. The rest is about his longevity, consistency, and the top players and up-and-comers that he continues to beat.

Rafa could get win Miami, but to win Bercy or the WTF I think he would specifically have to target them, and then still get a bit lucky. Indoor hards are not his strength. And Djokovic finds his best tennis at the end of the year. Bad combo for Rafa. Still, his resume is pretty impressive, and if he adds to his Slam total to get over Roger, we have a conversation.

As you say, BB, Djokovic is the one with the room and the legs to get some things he hasn't yet got. His stock just went down for RG, but he has a couple more years to make good on that one. Cincy might weirdly allude him, but who cares, really? And the Olympic Gold, as discussed. He might win, but it could also go to some complete surprise, since it often seems to. The thing that Novak has to do for his resume is to win Slams. The rest is window-dressing.

Not sure if I hit these topics on this thread, but I know I did somewhere on the site! Many of us don't think Nole can catch Rafa or Roger in the "GS majors" count, but having a complete RESUME and owning the record for Masters would put him up there with them without question! I have complete faith that he has the time and ability to do it! Rafa and Roger are probably "past it" in trying to complete their resumes! :nono :angel:

I don't think pros should be going to the Olympics either; esp. millionaires from tennis and basketball! I have huge reservations concerning Rafa and his legacy! His main claim to fame after all is said and done is he did "reach #1," but couldn't hold it because his consistency was nowhere near the other greats! The 9 FO's will lead the headlines in the OBIT! He has NEVER defended a title off the clay surface which is very strange! Even the most obscure of champions like a "Pat Rafter" retained his USO title years ago! Rafa hasn't done it at a 250 or 500 on HC, grass, or indoor court; much less at a Masters! The most criminal part of Rafa's record is that he does own Roger: lock, stock, and barrel; esp. on clay! :cover uzzled :nono :eyepop