No reason to be overly optimistic about Djokovic at Roland Garros.....

[Moxie]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2449603-novak-djokovic-doing-his-legacy-a-disservice-by-skipping-2015-madrid-masters?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=tennis

uzzled

Let's see. Which would be a bigger disservice to his legacy? Missing Madrid in order to win the French? Or playing all three clay 1000's and then having nothing left to compete at his highest level at RG? Tough pick! :nono

That article is even dopier than the Bodo one. Winning a bunch of MS1000s at the beginning of the year? That's a fine point that only tennis nerds (OK, us,) would care about. He has his eyes on the big prize and the big picture, as he should. Secondly, they call his 2011 "underrated." Who underrates it??

 

[Fiero425]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2449603-novak-djokovic-doing-his-legacy-a-disservice-by-skipping-2015-madrid-masters?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=tennis

uzzled

Let's see. Which would be a bigger disservice to his legacy? Missing Madrid in order to win the French? Or playing all three clay 1000's and then having nothing left to compete at his highest level at RG? Tough pick! :nono

That article is even dopier than the Bodo one. Winning a bunch of MS1000s at the beginning of the year? That's a fine point that only tennis nerds (OK, us,) would care about. He has his eyes on the big prize and the big picture, as he should. Secondly, they call his 2011 "underrated." Who underrates it??

....Most of the populous that doesn't know better! All the people who aren't "in the know" still think Roger and Rafa rule the tour; Nole just holds their bags! It's like that in advertising as well no matter what and how much Djokovics wins! It's a little obscene IMO! :cover :nono :angel:

 

[Moxie]

uzzled

Let's see. Which would be a bigger disservice to his legacy? Missing Madrid in order to win the French? Or playing all three clay 1000's and then having nothing left to compete at his highest level at RG? Tough pick! :nono

That article is even dopier than the Bodo one. Winning a bunch of MS1000s at the beginning of the year? That's a fine point that only tennis nerds (OK, us,) would care about. He has his eyes on the big prize and the big picture, as he should. Secondly, they call his 2011 "underrated." Who underrates it??

....Most of the populous that doesn't know better! All the people who aren't "in the know" still think Roger and Rafa rule the tour; Nole just holds their bags! It's like that in advertising as well no matter what and how much Djokovics wins! It's a little obscene IMO! :cover :nono :angel:

Well, "most of the populous" doesn't follow tennis that much, but anyone who follows our sport to any extent knows that Novak's 2011 was one of the best ever in tennis. As to advertising, I'm not sure what you're basing this on, but I doubt the difference in sponsorships is "obscene." It is true, however, that Federer and Nadal have bigger name recognition with the general populace, which is just a product of years at the top, so, yes, they would be valued higher with advertisers. This will likely change with time for Djokovic, as well. But I work in advertising, and believe me, things don't change quickly.

 

[brokenshoelace]

This year there is a much bigger question mark behind Nadal and that really is the only factor keeping Novak from winning it.
Up to 2011 RG was pretty much guaranteed for Nadal. Recent years less, but still the favorite. He is struggling at the moment, if he does not improve significantly in the next few weeks, there is a very good chance that it will be Novak's turn this time around.

Nobody can deny that part. But, what is not clear is who will be the beneficiary, in the event
Rafa is taken out by somebody.

If Rafa loses early (to some unknown guy), that will immensely add to the pressure that
Novak faces.

If Novak himself takes out Rafa in SF, he may be mentally drained (not to mention physically too) from that experience that he may find it hard to focus in the final as he did today. With a decent opponent across the net (such as say Federer, Ferrer, Wawrinka), it may be difficult to win without really focusing.

On the other hand, if Novak faces Rafa in the finals, then by that time Rafa has probably found his A game and would be singing "Used to be my playground, it is all coming back to me".

This pretty much covers all different scenario and nothing seems particularly favorable to Novak.
I am not saying Novak will not win it. I am just saying we cannot be overly optimistic of that.

Having said that, I think we can be overly optimistic of Rafa not winning RG this year.

Sorry, but this is quite a convenient way to look at it (yeah yeah, I'm back and already disagreeing. Somethings never change. Moving on).

Let me take the scenarios exactly how you described them and assume that's exactly how each would unfold:

A) Nadal loses to someone else >>> Pressure on Novak.
B) Nadal loses to Novak before the finals >>> Novak is mentally drained.
C) Nadal faces Novak in the finals >>> Nadal has found his A game.

Let's assume all of this is true. One of these scenarios is clearly worse than the others, and that's obviously scenario C. Because in that scenario, Novak isn't fully in control of his own destiny, since he's having to deal with the 9 time champion playing his A game (which IMO won't happen as Nadal isn't close to his A game but that's neither here nor there).

In other words he is facing the challenge of beating Rafael Nadal, the 9 time French Open champion, who's only lost once in 10 years, never lost a final, never went to five sets in the finals, on the final Sunday afternoon at Philippe Chatrier. Something that is without a doubt, incontestably, undeniably, the greatest challenge (as far as beating an individual player goes) in tennis history.

In the other two scenarios Novak faces the challenge of A) holding his nerve enough to beat everyone else, none of whom have realistically posed that big of a threat to him this year, and B) Keep himself together for ONE extra match after having beaten Nadal in the semis, in order to complete his career slam.

Sorry, but one of those seems much harder than the others.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Djokovic was a shell of himself in last year's final

Funny. Because when everyone -- myself included -- were saying that last year, you created a typically contrarian thread to argue that Novak in fact DID NOT play badly at all.

That's why it's tough to take some of what you say seriously. Don't get me wrong, while I think Novak is the favorite at RG and there are big question marks about Nadal, I do think you pose a legitimate question in this thread. But try not to flipflop so much for the sake of being different, and be consistent with your opinions.

Here's the thread:

http://www.tennisfrontier.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2538

Which includes this quote:

"In conclusion, I don't think Djokovic played that poorly today. I thought he was excellent in many of the rallies and did some serious damage with my favorite shot against Nadal - the forehand down the line. But the difference really was Djokovic's inability to consolidate his lead at the start of the second set. He stepped down, while Nadal stepped up."

Much like Novak at RG finals, you need some consistency with your posts my man

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Welcome back BS. I thought you decided to sit out the tension filled clay season of this year for your guy.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Welcome back BS. I thought you decided to sit out the tension filled clay season of this year for your guy.

Nah, I haven't been around here since way before the clay season. Last year's clay season was just as tension filled, and I was here panicking with the rest of the Nadal fans.

 

[Denis]

Djokovic was a shell of himself in last year's final

Funny. Because when everyone -- myself included -- were saying that last year, you created a typically contrarian thread to argue that Novak in fact DID NOT play badly at all.

That's why it's tough to take some of what you say seriously. Don't get me wrong, while I think Novak is the favorite at RG and there are big question marks about Nadal, I do think you pose a legitimate question in this thread. But try not to flipflop so much for the sake of being different, and be consistent with your opinions.

Here's the thread:

http://www.tennisfrontier.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2538

Which includes this quote:

"In conclusion, I don't think Djokovic played that poorly today. I thought he was excellent in many of the rallies and did some serious damage with my favorite shot against Nadal - the forehand down the line. But the difference really was Djokovic's inability to consolidate his lead at the start of the second set. He stepped down, while Nadal stepped up."

Much like Novak at RG finals, you need some consistency with your posts my man

This is unfair to cali. He has qualified his views and they are not really contradictory.

This probably has more to do with the current state of Nadal's house than anything else. At least he got his rackets back, eh?

 

[Fiero425]

Djokovic was a shell of himself in last year's final

Funny. Because when everyone -- myself included -- were saying that last year, you created a typically contrarian thread to argue that Novak in fact DID NOT play badly at all.

That's why it's tough to take some of what you say seriously. Don't get me wrong, while I think Novak is the favorite at RG and there are big question marks about Nadal, I do think you pose a legitimate question in this thread. But try not to flipflop so much for the sake of being different, and be consistent with your opinions.

Here's the thread:

http://www.tennisfrontier.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2538

Which includes this quote:

"In conclusion, I don't think Djokovic played that poorly today. I thought he was excellent in many of the rallies and did some serious damage with my favorite shot against Nadal - the forehand down the line. But the difference really was Djokovic's inability to consolidate his lead at the start of the second set. He stepped down, while Nadal stepped up."

Much like Novak at RG finals, you need some consistency with your posts my man

This is unfair to cali. He has qualified his views and they are not really contradictory.

This probably has more to do with the current state of Nadal's house than anything else. At least he got his rackets back, eh?

I was beginning to think "what is this, a court of law?" Mon Dieu, we're talking tennis, not crime! lol! :cover :nono :angel:

 

[brokenshoelace]

Djokovic was a shell of himself in last year's final

Funny. Because when everyone -- myself included -- were saying that last year, you created a typically contrarian thread to argue that Novak in fact DID NOT play badly at all.

That's why it's tough to take some of what you say seriously. Don't get me wrong, while I think Novak is the favorite at RG and there are big question marks about Nadal, I do think you pose a legitimate question in this thread. But try not to flipflop so much for the sake of being different, and be consistent with your opinions.

Here's the thread:

http://www.tennisfrontier.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2538

Which includes this quote:

"In conclusion, I don't think Djokovic played that poorly today. I thought he was excellent in many of the rallies and did some serious damage with my favorite shot against Nadal - the forehand down the line. But the difference really was Djokovic's inability to consolidate his lead at the start of the second set. He stepped down, while Nadal stepped up."

Much like Novak at RG finals, you need some consistency with your posts my man

This is unfair to cali. He has qualified his views and they are not really contradictory.

This probably has more to do with the current state of Nadal's house than anything else. At least he got his rackets back, eh?

He literally just said: "Djokovic was a shell of himself in last year's final" when after last year's final he said "I don't think Djokovic played that poorly today. I thought he was excellent in many of the rallies and did some serious damage."

How do these two things not contradict each other and how is that unfair to Cali?

 

[Moxie]

^ They do and it's not unfair. It's good to see you back around, Broken.

Where Cali is consistent is in his proposition that Djokovic has trouble consolidating his leads v. Nadal, esp. at Majors. Looks like he's been banned, or given a time-out. I hope he gets a chance to come back and wriggle out of this one.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

If Rafa wins early, I agree that we'll hear the large exhale from here. However, Fed's example is useful. Knowing that you've got your best shot adds its own pressure, if you still have a few rounds to get through. He might be vulnerable in the next round. However, I hope this conversation is just academic, and we get to see Rafa and Nole meet this year.

Hopefully in the QF if Rafa drops back to #5! :eyepop :angel: :dodgy:

Actually, I think the best scenario for Novak would be to meet Rafa in Quarterfinals.
Then, it would be easy for Novak to focus on prior matches without distractions. Assuming
he can win out the QF against Rafa, Novak may lose focus little bit in his SF match; but,
his SF opponent is likely to be weaker than his F opponent and so the minor loss of
focus may only cost him a set or two and not the match.

Then, when he comes to the final he will be fully focused and lift the trophy as
his win over Rafa is far back in the rearview mirror.

I think the ideal situation has worked out for Novak.

1. Rafa will not lose before facing Novak, so no pressure early on Novak.
2. Novak will defeat Rafa in QF (most probably in 4 sets).
3. Novak will lose focus and be pushed to 5 sets in SF by Andy/Ferrer, but will eventually win.
4. With deadly focus, Novak will defeat the finalist in three sets.

 

[Kieran]

^^ You might as well dream there, as in bed...

 

[Fiero425]

Hopefully in the QF if Rafa drops back to #5! :eyepop :angel: :dodgy:

Actually, I think the best scenario for Novak would be to meet Rafa in Quarterfinals.
Then, it would be easy for Novak to focus on prior matches without distractions. Assuming
he can win out the QF against Rafa, Novak may lose focus little bit in his SF match; but,
his SF opponent is likely to be weaker than his F opponent and so the minor loss of
focus may only cost him a set or two and not the match.

Then, when he comes to the final he will be fully focused and lift the trophy as
his win over Rafa is far back in the rearview mirror.

I think the ideal situation has worked out for Novak.

1. Rafa will not lose before facing Novak, so no pressure early on Novak.
2. Novak will defeat Rafa in QF (most probably in 4 sets).
3. Novak will lose focus and be pushed to 5 sets in SF by Andy/Ferrer, but will eventually win.
4. With deadly focus, Novak will defeat the finalist in three sets.

My thinking exactly! I wasn't off by much thinking Nadal would drop to at least #5, ended up ranked #7, but seeded #6 at FO! Everything is going exactly as I imagined! I love catching Rafa earlier in the tourney, but I also thought the same about their semi a couple years ago! Here's hoping our predictions comes to past! :angel: :dodgy:

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Hopefully in the QF if Rafa drops back to #5! :eyepop :angel: :dodgy:

Actually, I think the best scenario for Novak would be to meet Rafa in Quarterfinals.
Then, it would be easy for Novak to focus on prior matches without distractions. Assuming
he can win out the QF against Rafa, Novak may lose focus little bit in his SF match; but,
his SF opponent is likely to be weaker than his F opponent and so the minor loss of
focus may only cost him a set or two and not the match.

Then, when he comes to the final he will be fully focused and lift the trophy as
his win over Rafa is far back in the rearview mirror.

I think the ideal situation has worked out for Novak.

1. Rafa will not lose before facing Novak, so no pressure early on Novak.
2. Novak will defeat Rafa in QF (most probably in 4 sets).
3. Novak will lose focus and be pushed to 5 sets in SF by Andy/Ferrer, but will eventually win.
4. With deadly focus, Novak will defeat the finalist in three sets.

Time to bump up this thread.

 

[nehmeth]

Calitennis contacted me before the match, and shared his thoughts of why Novak would win in three. He was correct.

 

[Fiero425]

Calitennis contacted me before the match, and shared his thoughts of why Novak would win in three. He was correct.

As usual this year, the match is on Nole's racket! No one controls the middle of the court better at this time! How many wins does he need for people to finally "bow down" and finally give him his due? With the AO in hand, most players might have relaxed, but he came back to the States and Europe with a vengeance not seen in my lifetime acquiring 4 of the possible 5 Masters available so far! Now he's conquered Rafa in his house with 2 matches to go! :angel: :devil :eyepop

 

[brokenshoelace]

Calitennis contacted me before the match, and shared his thoughts of why Novak would win in three. He was correct.

Did he share his thoughts on his terrific OP?

 

[nehmeth]

Calitennis contacted me before the match, and shared his thoughts of why Novak would win in three. He was correct.

Did he share his thoughts on his terrific OP?

Nope.. just that Novak was going to beat Ralf in three.

 

[tented]

Calitennis contacted me before the match, and shared his thoughts of why Novak would win in three. He was correct.

Did he share his thoughts on his terrific OP?

:lolz: