Tipsarevic: Djokovic's goal is to pass Federer

[DarthFed]

I don't think it'd be a big deal even if Nole said it. Why not have big goals. When a player is #1 I'm sure one of their immediate goals is to stay #1 as long as possible. I doubt Nole is getting so far ahead of himself to think "I want to be #1 through 2018"

I'm sure his biggest goal at this point is winning RG. Winning RG and getting to 10+ slams, which seems very likely, would make him one of the legends of the sport.

 

[Kieran]

Novak's a legend already. There's players who have won less, and are legends. But I agree, why not aim high? Especially if it makes Tipsy happy...

 

[DarthFed]

Oh we won't get into the whole legend vs. all-time great, all-time great vs. non-all-time great discussion again

 

[Kieran]

Oh we won't get into the whole legend vs. all-time great, all-time great vs. non-all-time great discussion again

Thankfully it doesn't arise in this instance...

 

[Riotbeard]

Oh we won't get into the whole legend vs. all-time great, all-time great vs. non-all-time great discussion again

Thankfully it doesn't arise in this instance...

Now that you mention it though, I have a lot to say...

:gross:

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

^^you just vomited over tanko quitsarevic's ommlette. good.

 

[Federberg]

A timely piece!

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/04/novak-djokovic-majors-breaks-roger-federer-record-how-many-rafael-nadal-french-open

 

[nehmeth]

A timely piece!

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/04/novak-djokovic-majors-breaks-roger-federer-record-how-many-rafael-nadal-french-open

I liked the graph... it shows how long of a climb it is for Novak.

As I stated before, he achieved his dream of becoming world #1 and winning Wimbledon. Now he's just out to win as much as he can while he is fit and able.

 

[Federberg]

^Yes agreed. It's also interesting comparing the slam accumulations. Rafa started out like a rocket. But from the age of 25 he has started to lag Roger. I'm amazed that when you compare his slam wins by age has not outperformed Roger since age 25. He'll have to something special at an older age to catch up.

 

[10isfan]

I doubt Djoke can get there, but I think his most fervent wish, more than the major count or weeks at number one is to be as well-loved as Fed. At last year's USO, 2000 fans showed up to watch Fed practice. Five people were watching Djoke. I do like the guy and feel sorry for him, being in the shadows of the GOAT. However, his game is just not as eye-popping. Very few can draw collective gasps from the stands as Fed does.

 

[Mile]

Well, he won Laureus again, he passed Nadal in that.

He said after that, he need some new, fresh goals to keep his level up. I think he migth go for it.

 

[tented]

I doubt Djoke can get there, but I think his most fervent wish, more than the major count or weeks at number one is to be as well-loved as Fed. At last year's USO, 2000 fans showed up to watch Fed practice. Five people were watching Djoke.

His desperate need for attention and to be liked has been commented upon and recognized by many. The question is whether or not he will ever realize this is one of the reasons why some people don't like him, and will thus prevent him from ever achieving this goal. It's like he's turned the red-headed stepchild syndrome into a self-fulling prophesy.

 

[nehmeth]

I doubt Djoke can get there, but I think his most fervent wish, more than the major count or weeks at number one is to be as well-loved as Fed. At last year's USO, 2000 fans showed up to watch Fed practice. Five people were watching Djoke.

His desperate need for attention and to be liked has been commented upon and recognized by many. The question is whether or not he will ever realize this is one of the reasons why some people don't like him, and will thus prevent him from ever achieving this goal. It's like he's turned the red-headed stepchild syndrome into a self-fulling prophesy.

While Novak always would have liked to be the guy as Roger and Rafa are, I disagree that it's a "desperate need" for attention. Desire for respect, maybe. The majority of tennis fans are in some part of the Fedal camp. He's always going to be the odd guy out. And if he continues to make history, he may find himself even less liked. As it is, he seems pretty comfortable in his own skin these days.

 

[Fiero425]

I doubt Djoke can get there, but I think his most fervent wish, more than the major count or weeks at number one is to be as well-loved as Fed. At last year's USO, 2000 fans showed up to watch Fed practice. Five people were watching Djoke.

His desperate need for attention and to be liked has been commented upon and recognized by many. The question is whether or not he will ever realize this is one of the reasons why some people don't like him, and will thus prevent him from ever achieving this goal. It's like he's turned the red-headed stepchild syndrome into a self-fulling prophesy.

While Novak always would have liked to be the guy as Roger and Rafa are, I disagree that it's a "desperate need" for attention. Desire for respect, maybe. The majority of tennis fans are in some part of the Fedal camp. He's always going to be the odd guy out. And if he continues to make history, he may find himself even less liked. As it is, he seems pretty comfortable in his own skin these days.

Nole's career and record mirror Lendl's in a lot of ways with him playing 2nd fiddle to McEnroe, Connors, and Borg! No matter what Djokovic does, as long as Federer and Nadal are out there, he'll never get that feeling of universal love! Even when Roger had fallen a bit in the ranking a couple years ago, his endorsements, magazine covers, and advertisements of the tour featured the aging Swiss player! Commentators give him his due, but you would think Roger and Rafa are playing for all the marbles "still!" :angel: :dodgy:

 

[Denis]

I doubt Djoke can get there, but I think his most fervent wish, more than the major count or weeks at number one is to be as well-loved as Fed. At last year's USO, 2000 fans showed up to watch Fed practice. Five people were watching Djoke.

His desperate need for attention and to be liked has been commented upon and recognized by many. The question is whether or not he will ever realize this is one of the reasons why some people don't like him, and will thus prevent him from ever achieving this goal. It's like he's turned the red-headed stepchild syndrome into a self-fulling prophesy.

While Novak always would have liked to be the guy as Roger and Rafa are, I disagree that it's a "desperate need" for attention. Desire for respect, maybe. The majority of tennis fans are in some part of the Fedal camp. He's always going to be the odd guy out. And if he continues to make history, he may find himself even less liked. As it is, he seems pretty comfortable in his own skin these days.

Novak is not desperate, he's a whole lot cooler than the other two. Respect is an important thing where he grew up so it's quite normal that it stings given his results.

Don't agree with your assessment nehmeth. He is being liked and respected more and more. Just not by some Nadal fans fearing Nadals place in tennis history.

 

[Federberg]

His desperate need for attention and to be liked has been commented upon and recognized by many. The question is whether or not he will ever realize this is one of the reasons why some people don't like him, and will thus prevent him from ever achieving this goal. It's like he's turned the red-headed stepchild syndrome into a self-fulling prophesy.

While Novak always would have liked to be the guy as Roger and Rafa are, I disagree that it's a "desperate need" for attention. Desire for respect, maybe. The majority of tennis fans are in some part of the Fedal camp. He's always going to be the odd guy out. And if he continues to make history, he may find himself even less liked. As it is, he seems pretty comfortable in his own skin these days.

Novak is not desperate, he's a whole lot cooler than the other two. Respect is an important thing where he grew up so it's quite normal that it stings given his results.

Don't agree with your assessment nehmeth. He is being liked and respected more and more. Just not by some Nadal fans fearing Nadals place in tennis history.

Lol! I'm not sure what you mean by he's "cooler" than the other two. I've always observed that those who try harder don't come across as "cool"... and Novak definitely tries harder. It's natural as you have these 2 icons in front of you and you try to make yourself as celebrated. That said I applaud Novak for his personality, I'm tired of drones. The fact that Roger was the way he was didn't oblige others to follow his path. It's a pity they felt they had to.

Personally I think that Novak's sporting nature is generally more praiseworthy than either Rafa or Roger's. As for Roger earning more from endorsements than Novak.. I'm not sure why this should be a surprise. The guys been around for years. Just look at how much money Arnold Palmer still makes. I bet you he's out earning the likes of Adam Scott. Unfortunately that's got nothing to do with current performance. You have to understand that the Fedal rivalry ignited a love for tennis that crossed sports, and even culture. Novak will never be a part of that. It doesn't mean that us genuine tennis fans shouldn't respect him almost snicker) as much as the other 2..

 

[El Dude]

It is too bad that Fedal didn't ignite a love for tennis in the United States where no one really cares about it, at least not since the 90s.

 

[herios]

It is too bad that Fedal didn't ignite a love for tennis in the United States where no one really cares about it, at least not since the 90s.

No one cares is an exaggeration. If they would not care, the stands would be all empty.
Even with the large downfall, USA hosts the most of the larger events: 1 GS and 3 masters, 2 of them being the bigger masters.

 

[nehmeth]

It is too bad that Fedal didn't ignite a love for tennis in the United States where no one really cares about it, at least not since the 90s.

No one cares is an exaggeration. If they would not care, the stands would be all empty.
Even with the large downfall, USA hosts the most of the larger events: 1 GS and 3 masters, 2 of them being the bigger masters.

I think here in the USA, El Dude is talking about the general sports watching public, not the tennis folks.

Yes we still have the three MS 1000's and the U.S. Open, but we've lost at least half a dozen smaller venues over the years. And without a top tier American playing, the sports people (outside of tennis) really do not follow.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

fedal big in uk so no one noticed usa watching nba biscuitball and mice hockey.

el Salvadorians care for nowt from uk or usa..we have to eat the reality pie.