Novak's Fatal Flaw

[Carol]

Could Djoke's popularity being less than Fed's be due to his style of play? I actually like Djoke very much as a person, but don't go out of my way to watch him play. Fed, on the other hand, plays exciting, attacking tennis, and I rearrange my schedule to see him on court.

I think Nadal is popular because of his achievements AND his being Spanish. If he were from some other country, I can't imagine he would have this level of support.

I don't understand well your point, what does it have to do with Rafa is Spanish (better to say Spaniard) with being popular? about his achievements since he was very young is correct, also one of the best players who has given (and gives in spite of his bad streak is going through) the game and tennis followers more exciting times, fact. I don't think his popularity would be different if he would be from another country

 

[10isfan]

Carol, you are Spanish or speak Spanish. Doesn't his being from Spain have something to do with your being his fan? Nadal gets lots of support in Miami. I just don't think it is a coincidence. I am not saying this is a major factor, but it is a factor.

 

[Carol]

Carol, you are Spanish or speak Spanish. Doesn't his being from Spain have something to do with your being his fan? Nadal gets lots of support in Miami. I just don't think it is a coincidence. I am not saying this is a major factor, but it is a factor.

Nothing at all, I'm Spaniard but it doesn't mean that I'm fan of all the Spaniards players. I like Nadal because besides to be a great player (one of best of the tennis history) is a great human being.
And about Miami there are many people from Central and South America around but it doesn't mean they have to like the Spaniards, the only thing we have in common is the language but with different accent and also many words
Anyway I don't think his popularity is only in Miami

 

[Great Hands]

Carol, you are Spanish or speak Spanish. Doesn't his being from Spain have something to do with your being his fan? Nadal gets lots of support in Miami. I just don't think it is a coincidence. I am not saying this is a major factor, but it is a factor.

Nothing at all, I'm Spaniard but it doesn't mean that I'm fan of all the Spaniards players. I like Nadal because besides to be a great player (one of best of the tennis history) is a great human being.
And about Miami there are many people from Central and South America around but it doesn't mean they have to like the Spaniards, the only thing we have in common is the language but with different accent and also many words
Anyway I don't think his popularity is only in Miami

Not to hijack this thread too much with Nadal talk, but I just wanted to say that Nadal is popular because he's an all-time great player, and when he's playing well, he's fabulous to watch.

I am neither Spanish nor Swiss, and I can say that I love both Federer and Nadal as players (and Novak and Andy too). But I slightly prefer (prime) Nadal to Federer because I slightly prefer his playing style, I find it more fun to watch (though I enjoy Federer very much too). It may be hard for Federer fans to understand, but this has nothing to do with Nadal being Spanish, it's about enjoying his tennis!

 

[10isfan]

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinions. I will hold on to the belief that his speaking Spanish has something to do with his popularity. Monfils gets a ton of support in NY. Li Na is popular all over Asia, just just in China. You can ignore whatever data you wish.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Like I said in a previous post, I do think where Novak comes from has a bit to do with his perception among his peers and the public. That area of the world is looked down upon by many because of the politics and volatility of the region. I also think a lot of his earlier behavior had a negative impact that he is just now countering really. I mean the jokes, the mimickry of other players, the idea at the time that he should be talked about and taken serious like Roger and Rafa when he had nothing to really show for it. I think people are now like wow look at what he is doing because he has started to have a bit more tact and thought about what he puts out there of course with that Novak personality still but not as jarring. Also when you are doing amazing things, people are curious to see how far you can take it, so I think everyone has an eye on Novak to see how far he can go as his consistency has been incredible.

 

[Shivashish Sarkar]

We all know that Novak Djokovic is a great player. Thats the most important thing. It doesn't matter how much popularity he has or will get. The only thing that matters is how good a tennis player you are (atleast for me). He actually has enough number of fans. He has enough publicity to get sponsors. What else does he need?

 

[Great Hands]

When Novak is in his twilight years as a pro, and he's not winning everythign anymore, and roger and rafa have already retired, he will be immensely popular. I'll bet

I'll bet he'll love it, he'll lap it up! And it will be deserved.

 

[10isfan]

I'm not sure I agree that nothing else matters. Take doubles matches as an example. Even major finals fill a tiny fraction of the stadium seats. Don't you think the players wish for more spectators?

I am starting to think Monfils has the correct approach. He seems to play as though he wants to entertain rather than win. His endorsements are sky high because people watch him.

 

[Kieran]

Yeah but Monfils has the complete opposite to the "right approach" if he wants to be a great player. I bet all the great players got into tennis because they watched Wimbledon and thought, I want to be that man! Not for because of the money...