Expectations of Djokovic in 2018?

[britbox]

Will he re-enter the champions fold or continue fading away?

I thought for a long time he'd come back re-energised with a second wind, but as time drags on, he's losing prime years... it's not inconceivable to think he's a busted flush. Thoughts?

 

[Fiero425]

Will he re-enter the champions fold or continue fading away?

I thought for a long time he'd come back re-energised with a second wind, but as time drags on, he's losing prime years... it's not inconceivable to think he's a busted flush. Thoughts?

That's absolutely ridiculous! What are you psychic now? We won't know anything until he gets back on the court! We've all written off more successful players like Fedal and you see what they've been able to accomplish in the twilights of their careers! Just be patient and "wait for it" before going off the deep end with that kind of speculation! :cuckoo:

 

[GameSetAndMath]

1. I don't really think that his physical injuries (even if they were real) are serious enough to limit him when he comes back after break.

2. I also don't think motivation would be a big problem for Novak. It is understandable that he lost little motivation after completing NCYGS. But that would only be temporary. With two players ahead of him, it is easy to find motivation to work hard and come back.

3. However, if his peace of mind is gone due to personal issues, it would be very difficult, if not impossible to come back.

 

[Jelenafan]

Would not be shocked if he gets back to top 3 status by YE 2018..

Winning from 1-3 Majors during the year also wouldn't surprise me.

 

[DarthFed]

1. I don't really think that his physical injuries (even if they were real) are serious enough to limit him when he comes back after break.

2. I also don't think motivation would be a big problem for Novak. It is understandable that he lost little motivation after completing NCYGS. But that would only be temporary. With two players ahead of him, it is easy to find motivation to work hard and come back.

3. However, if his peace of mind is gone due to personal issues, it would be very difficult, if not impossible to come back.

Excellent way of breaking down his potential issues over the course of the past 1.5 years. I personally think #2 is the big question, losing motivation temporarily is one thing but he seems to have lacked it since RG last year. i think he will get it back, he did so much to try to chase down Fed and Nadal's career and he got very close to the latter but now there is a clear gap again. I don't expect him to suddenly give up and accept third-wheel status in the all-time debate.

And personal issues be damned, he just has to man up and accept it and go back to do what he does best. If he's truly letting personal stuff get in the way of the type of glory he was getting close to then he is a fool.

 

[El Dude]

Who knows. If Roger can come back and win two Slams at age 35, and Rafa win two at 31 after a couple sub-par years, I don't know why Novak can't have a strong comeback next year at 30-31.

That said, there are things we just don't know about Novak's struggles - to what degree it is psychological vs. physical, and whether or not he can overcome them. He is a very, very gifted tennis player, so on the surface of things there's no reason to think he can't bounce back to at least top 3 form. But psychology can be tricky.

 

[Fiero425]

Who knows. If Roger can come back and win two Slams at age 35, and Rafa win two at 31 after a couple sub-par years, I don't know why Novak can't have a strong comeback next year at 30-31.

That said, there are things we just don't know about Novak's struggles - to what degree it is psychological vs. physical, and whether or not he can overcome them. He is a very, very gifted tennis player, so on the surface of things there's no reason to think he can't bounce back to at least top 3 form. But psychology can be tricky.

Some things may be mental, but I think most of this downturn is physical! Unlike the other Big 4, Nole played through injury and continued winning! His style of play had to be hard on his body and he just endured it through Wimbledon this year! IDK how people can forget his level of excellence through 2015; not only winning, but actually being in final after final! "Also-rans" and other 2nd tier players who aren't accustomed to winning have the same problem; winning one week, then going out to a qualifier the next! Look at Stan; wins majors over Rafa and Nole, but can fall to some nobody in a 250 event subsequently! We've been terribly spoiled by this group at the top and are ready to move on in seconds if they're upset in just a couple tourneys! It happened a lot more in the past where no one was unbeatable; even Borg! He was as close as you could get to perfection even though playing with a wood racket and string tension no one today could hope to master! We need to just sit back and let things happen and stop making up ridiculous conclusions about players; esp. with their personal/mental lives behind the scenes that we can't possibly have any idea about!

 

[Moxie]

I'm also giving the nod to GSM's laying out of the issues. Most of us probably believe that this lay-off is more psychological than physical. The guy was clearly in need of a serious re-set. And I get why Britbox poses the question: it's been a long and mysterious walkabout. I agree with those that say it's hard not to see him finding his way at least part-way back to his A-game, though he was showing signs of losing a step, which was affecting his timing, and a bit of loss of power on his shots. Could be age, or it could be lack of desire...probably a bit of both.

Darth is a task master, and thinks the motivation should be obvious. Sure...he's set his sights on Rafa and Roger, and who are the two guys that took best advantage of his slump? Also, they are two examples of how to adjust your game post-30. He might find inspiration and motivation in that, or he might not. Plus, he's got Agassi for that very purpose. I'd be shocked if he never wins another Major, but I'm waiting to see how he comes back to guess just how great his late career will be.

 

[britbox]

That's absolutely ridiculous! What are you psychic now? We won't know anything until he gets back on the court! We've all written off more successful players like Fedal and you see what they've been able to accomplish in the twilights of their careers! Just be patient and "wait for it" before going off the deep end with that kind of speculation! :cuckoo:

Relax Fiero, I think you misinterpreted the post. I wasn't concluding Djokovic is finished - just throwing out the question. You don't need to jump off another horse right now. GSM worded it better... but the train of thought that he may not rescale those heights will grow with time. It's something I'm increasingly mindful of, whereas previously it seemed it was just a matter of time before he returned to the pinnacle. Tennis misses a strong Djokovic though.

 

[Obsi]

I think Djokovic winning 1 slam and finishing as year-end No. 2 is the most likely outcome for 2018.

 

[Federberg]

Some things may be mental, but I think most of this downturn is physical! Unlike the other Big 4, Nole played through injury and continued winning! His style of play had to be hard on his body and he just endured it through Wimbledon this year! IDK how people can forget his level of excellence through 2015; not only winning, but actually being in final after final! "Also-rans" and other 2nd tier players who aren't accustomed to winning have the same problem; winning one week, then going out to a qualifier the next! Look at Stan; wins majors over Rafa and Nole, but can fall to some nobody in a 250 event subsequently! We've been terribly spoiled by this group at the top and are ready to move on in seconds if they're upset in just a couple tourneys! It happened a lot more in the past where no one was unbeatable; even Borg! He was as close as you could get to perfection even though playing with a wood racket and string tension no one today could hope to master! We need to just sit back and let things happen and stop making up ridiculous conclusions about players; esp. with their personal/mental lives behind the scenes that we can't possibly have any idea about!

Come again? Do you know something we don't? And as far as I'm aware both Roger and Rafa have won injured in the past. They've both said so. Obviously they've both whined about injuries after losing as well, but one doesn't negate the other..

But I wholeheartedly agree with you about people needing to stop with these ridiculous predictions about how many more slams these guys will win. Let's just enjoy the tennis ffs...

 

[Federberg]

But I do think it's going to be interesting to see if he can claw his way back to the top. So far Novak has been able to follow the same path as Fedal. This would be the next one to tick off. Can he climb back to the top when injury/loss of form has derailed you? I think we need to give Novak at least until after RG before any kind of sensible assessment can be made

 

[isabelle]

hope he'll come back strong , same for Sir Andy and Stan

 

[Obsi]

But I wholeheartedly agree with you about people needing to stop with these ridiculous predictions about how many more slams these guys will win. Let's just enjoy the tennis ffs...

You idiot. The main purpose of this forum is to have fun and it's fun to make predictions how many slams these guys will win.

 

[Federberg]

You idiot. The main purpose of this forum is to have fun and it's fun to make predictions how many slams these guys will win.

Boy Otm! You must really love me! You sit around all day waiting to compose a response to all my posts. I'm practically blushing at all the attention! Keep it up :hoops:

Otm (know what that stands for?

 

[Carol]

I suppose Novak first has to heal his injury, then his head and confidence, if others have made it why not he? nobody is finished unless they don't want to fight anymore

 

[the AntiPusher]

I suppose Novak first has to heal his injury, then his head and confidence, if others have made it why not he? nobody is finished unless they don't want to fight anymore

He'll be back and will most like take Wimbledon and AO/USO.. Trust me talent like that doesn't just give up..

 

[El Dude]

But I wholeheartedly agree with you about people needing to stop with these ridiculous predictions about how many more slams these guys will win. Let's just enjoy the tennis ffs...

Why do you feel like you need to tell people how they should or should not enjoy tennis, or what they should talk about on this forum? For some speculating about Slam counts is part of their enjoyment. If you don't like it, don't participate - but I'm really not sure why you need to comment on what others find enjoyable, and how it is "wrong" just because you don't enjoy it.

 

[Federberg]

Why do you feel like you need to tell people how they should or should not enjoy tennis, or what they should talk about on this forum? For some speculating about Slam counts is part of their enjoyment. If you don't like it, don't participate - but I'm really not sure why you need to comment on what others find enjoyable, and how it is "wrong" just because you don't enjoy it.

Oh here we go.. the great pontificator. Why do you feel you need to tell me how I should comment on this forum? Or what I should talk about? See I can do it too. I'm studiously trying not to get into a confrontation with you mate. But if you want to go, I can go.

I'm happy to talk about my hopes for the players I like but I'm not going to presume to say predict what they will achieve. The journey is it's own entertainment. And coming up with made up nonsense stats is not for me. If that's what you want to do go for it mate. I'll try to just roll my eyes and ignore it. Fair enough?

 

[El Dude]

Yes, I get it is not for you, and that's fine - but why do you need to attack and insult people for enjoying things that you don't enjoy? That's all I'm saying. And yes, fair enough.

And I feel the need to point it out in the same way that if I saw someone pissing in a pool that I enjoyed swimming in, I'd confront them.