Djokovic: "The Novak of today is stronger than 10 years ago"

[RF-18]

Reporter: "Wich Novak is stronger, the Novak of today or 10 years ago and who would win this match"?

Djokovic: "10 years ago was 2013 so the Novak of today. 2015 was one of the best years I ever had with 19 finals in a row in all tournaments and winning 3 out of 4 slams. I had quite a great 2015 and half of 2016. I can't play as much as I did 10 years ago, so I have to pick and choose periods of the year where I can perform my best. So it's tough to compare. But someone did ask me the same question not a while ago and the question was framed who would win and I said it would be an easy job for a 36 year old...(laugh) joking of course. I don't know what would be the score. I would give the young myself a hard time that's for sure".

PRESS CONFERENCE: N. Djokovic; Nitto ATP Finals F Win | Tennis.com

Novak Djokovic (SRB) speaks with the media after his 2023 Nitto ATP Finals finals win.

www.tennis.com

 

[Hitman]

Reporter: "Wich Novak is stronger, the Novak of today or 10 years ago and who would win this match"?

Djokovic: "10 years ago was 2013 so the Novak of today. 2015 was one of the best years I ever had with 19 finals in a row in all tournaments and winning 3 out of 4 slams. I had quite a great 2015 and half of 2016. I can't play as much as I did 10 years ago, so I have to pick and choose periods of the year where I can perform my best. So it's tough to compare. But someone did ask me the same question not a while ago and the question was framed who would win and I said it would be an easy job for a 36 year old...(laugh) joking of course. I don't know what would be the score. I would give the young myself a hard time that's for sure".

PRESS CONFERENCE: N. Djokovic; Nitto ATP Finals F Win | Tennis.com

Novak Djokovic (SRB) speaks with the media after his 2023 Nitto ATP Finals finals win.

www.tennis.com

Well, he knows himself better anyone else does.

 

[Jonesy]

2013 Novak had a lot of fuel that burned energy not efficiently and was unstable when it came to the use of his tools the right way.

Mentally there is no comparison as the master of war/tennis of today would toy with the player who was happy to play second fiddle to Murray at Wimbledon.

 

[Hitman]

2013 Novak had a lot of fuel that burned energy not efficiently and was unstable when it came to the use of his tools the right way.

Mentally there is no comparison as the master of war/tennis of today would toy with the player who was happy to play second fiddle to Murray at Wimbledon.

Becker changed him for good.

 

[Kralingen]

“I think I’m a better player now than when I was at 26 because I’ve practised for another 10 years and I’ve got 10 years more experience,” Djokovic said.

“Maybe I don’t have the confidence level that I had at 26 when I was winning 40 matches in a row, but I feel like I hit a bigger serve, my backhand is better, my forehand is still as good as it’s ever been, I volley better than I have in the past. I think I’ve had to adapt to a new generation of players again.”

 

[The Blond Blur]

I mean the fact that he said “I can't play as much as I did 10 years ago, so I have to pick and choose periods of the year where I can perform my best.” pretty much debunks that he’s better now than he was 10 years ago. If he truly was better now than he was then, then he wouldn’t need to compensate by playing less.

 

[Hitman]

I mean the fact that he said “I can't play as much as I did 10 years ago, so I have to pick and choose periods of the year where I can perform my best.” pretty much debunks that he’s better now than he was 10 years ago. If he truly was better now than he was then, then he wouldn’t need to compensate by playing less.

One of the biggest reasons is that he simply doesn't want to be away from his family, he has stated that a lot. 10 years ago, he wasn't married and had no kids. He doesn't like his kids travelling too much, because he feels that they need to be in one place.

Now, I know the other side of it is also there, that he is physically older, but it isn't just about him being physically older. His commitments to his family come first to him.

 

[The Blond Blur]

One of the biggest reasons is that he simply doesn't want to be away from his family, he has stated that a lot. 10 years ago, he wasn't married and had no kids. He doesn't like his kids travelling too much, because he feels that they need to be in one place.

Now, I know the other side of it is also there, that he is physically older, but it isn't just about him being physically older. His commitments to his family come first to him.

There’s no doubt he’s a big family guy. I just honestly think being in his mid-late 30’s plays a bigger role in his reduced schedule. He got married and his son was born in 2014 and yet he went on to have his most dominant stretch in 2015-2016.

 

[Hitman]

There’s no doubt he’s a big family guy. I just honestly think being in his mid-late 30’s plays a bigger role in his reduced schedule. He got married and his son was born in 2014 and yet he went on to have his most dominant stretch in 2015-2016.

It was a bit different when his son was just born, his wife and kid were with him a lot during that time post Australia, it is a lot different than when they are going to school though. His kids are like 9 and 6, he has said he wants them to have a stable school, friends, and he wants to be at home more, doing homework and watching cartoons with them. He doesn't want to deprive them of their father for long periods. He also said that he goes for long periods where you would laugh at his so called training sessions, purely doing it just to keep the feeling of hitting a ball, and that the moment his kids or wife say they want him home all the time, he will quit straight away.

You know Federer, apart from when he purposefully missed clay in 2017 and 2018 played a full season, in fact, at age 38-39, he played full throttle, going deep everywhere. The thing is, Federer's kids had a home tutor that travelled with them, making sure they were getting their classes.

I do agree that there is a significant element of him reducing his schedule due to preserving his body due to the mileage, but it's not so clear cut that this reduced level of playing is primarily because he is in his mid 30s, he has made it very clear, it is because tennis is not as important as being with his family to him at this stage in his life.

 

[BauerAlmeida]

2013 was poor mentally. Losing two slam finals from a winning position and being a no-show in the other (RG was a de-facto final). He was better physically obviously.

I wouldn't say that if you give 2013 the current mentality he wins the Grand Slam because beating Nadal at RG is still a huge ask (and he could have lost the fourth just as he could have won the fifth), but he wins more than 1 for sure, 2 or 3 depending on luck.

 

[The Blond Blur]

It was a bit different when his son was just born, his wife and kid were with him a lot during that time post Australia, it is a lot different than when they are going to school though. His kids are like 9 and 6, he has said he wants them to have a stable school, friends, and he wants to be at home more, doing homework and watching cartoons with them. He doesn't want to deprive them of their father for long periods. He also said that he goes for long periods where you would laugh at his so called training sessions, purely doing it just to keep the feeling of hitting a ball, and that the moment his kids or wife say they want him home all the time, he will quit straight away.

You know Federer, apart from when he purposefully missed clay in 2017 and 2018 played a full season, in fact, at age 38-39, he played full throttle, going deep everywhere. The thing is, Federer's kids had a home tutor that travelled with them, making sure they were getting their classes.

I do agree that there is a significant element of him reducing his schedule due to preserving his body due to the mileage, but it's not so clear cut that this reduced level of playing is primarily because he is in his mid 30s, he has made it very clear, it is because tennis is not as important as being with his family to him at this stage in his life.

And I’m sure he legitimately means that. I think it’s great how much his family means to him. However, I think even if he wanted to he simply wouldn’t be able to maintain the level he has right now if he were to try and play the same schedule he did 10 years ago. Similarly I think it was smart that Fed skipped the CC season in 2017-2018 because he had more in the tank and indeed played at a higher level in 2017-the first half of 2018. Joker’s stamina definitely isn’t what it used to be which is why he tries to shorten points a lot more these days.

 

[Hitman]

And I’m sure he legitimately means that. I think it’s great how much his family means to him. However, I think even if he wanted to he simply wouldn’t be able to maintain the level he has right now if he were to try and play the same schedule he did 10 years ago. Similarly I think it was smart that Fed skipped the CC season in 2017-2018 because he had more in the tank and indeed played at a higher level in 2017-the first half of 2018. Joker’s stamina definitely isn’t what it used to be which is why he tries to shorten points a lot more these days.

As I said, I don't deny his physical decline isn't playing a part, it most certainly does, the point I am making is, that is not the actual main driver on how he schedules his season. It just so happens to benefit his recovery that he has a family to spend time with him. He has what he once called in an interview - Perfect harmony between family and professional career -

Federer skipped the clay because he didn't want to be hurt again, as he picked by the knee injury on clay, and then won Wimbledon in 2017, so he tried it again in 2018 only for that very same reason. However look in 2019, the guy played AO, then the finals of both IW and Miami, then a full clay season, semis of RG and finals of W, plays USO and then indoor season even defeating Djokovic at WTF. So he could do it if he wanted to.

Again, I do agree with you that physical decline is there, and you need to be smarter.

 

[The Blond Blur]

As I said, I don't deny his physical decline isn't playing a part, it most certainly does, the point I am making is, that is not the actual main driver on how he schedules his season. It just so happens to benefit his recovery that he has a family to spend time with him. He has what he once called in an interview - Perfect harmony between family and professional career -

Federer skipped the clay because he didn't want to be hurt again, as he picked by the knee injury on clay, and then won Wimbledon in 2017, so he tried it again in 2018 only for that very same reason. However look in 2019, the guy played AO, then the finals of both IW and Miami, then a full clay season, semis of RG and finals of W, plays USO and then indoor season even defeating Djokovic at WTF. So he could do it if he wanted to.

Again, I do agree with you that physical decline is there, and you need to be smarter.

And that’s where we differ (which I have no problem with). I think it’s just natural and logical that given where he’s at physically that he has to reduce his schedule so that he has enough in the tank to go in on the the biggest events.

Fed also pretty clearly played at a lower level overall in 2019 compared to 2017-2018. I actually think it would have been wise for him to skip the CC season in 2019 and maybe he actually sees out the 2019 Winby F.

 

[TheFifthSet]

And that’s where we differ (which I have no problem with). I think it’s just natural and logical that given where he’s at physically that he has to reduce his schedule so that he has enough in the tank to go in on the the biggest events.

Fed also pretty clearly played at a lower level overall in 2019 compared to 2017-2018. I actually think it would have been wise for him to skip the CC season in 2019 and maybe he actually sees out the 2019 Winby F.

I thought Fed played at about the same level ‘19 as he did in ‘18, maybe even a little better. Apart from the AO 2018 had lots of duds and not many masterclasses. His AO competition was also quite weak aside from Cilic who appropriately pushed him.

 

[Midaso240]

One of the biggest reasons is that he simply doesn't want to be away from his family, he has stated that a lot. 10 years ago, he wasn't married and had no kids. He doesn't like his kids travelling too much, because he feels that they need to be in one place.

Now, I know the other side of it is also there, that he is physically older, but it isn't just about him being physically older. His commitments to his family come first to him.

The financial success he's had affords that as well. It's only in the last few decades that prize money/endorsements have been at the level where top players are independently wealthy mid way through their careers and have the luxury of playing a reduced schedule...

 

[Hitman]

And that’s where we differ (which I have no problem with). I think it’s just natural and logical that given where he’s at physically that he has to reduce his schedule so that he has enough in the tank to go in on the the biggest events.

Fed also pretty clearly played at a lower level overall in 2019 compared to 2017-2018. I actually think it would have been wise for him to skip the CC season in 2019 and maybe he actually sees out the 2019 Winby F.

No problems, but have to just say the thing I don't agree with you here that it is his age and age alone which is why he has a reduced schedule. It's his age, yes, but also the fact he simply doesn't want to play as much any more because of his desire to be with his kids. That cannot be ruled out, especially when he is very outspoken about it. After he won the USO, he said he wanted to be with his family, his kids were starting school and he wanted to spend time with learning about what classes they are doing.

He said he was originally thinking about going to China to play, because he wanted to be back to see his fans, but chose not to, because really wanted to be with his kids. He wasn't tired or anything not to travel, the guy went and played Davis Cup straight after winning USO. Anyways, we can leave that discussion there.

Federer didn't play at a lower level, the guy was a set away from doing the sunshine double, it took a peaking Thiem to stop in IW from holding both titles. His clay run was one of the best in ages, the guy even won two matches in Rome on the same day. He made the semis of RG, outplaying a well playing Wawrinka and was one point from beating Djokodal back to back at W....at USO, he was doing very well until he hurt his back, but he bounced back again to outplay Djokovic in YEC. That was not a lower level, it was still very good for his age IMO. It was after he AO 2020, where he got hurt that it all went down for him.

 

[Hitman]

The financial success he's had affords that as well. It's only in the last few decades that prize money/endorsements have been at the level where top players are independently wealthy mid way through their careers and have the luxury of playing a reduced schedule...

Well yes, there is that. Djokovic back in the day though had tennis as the major component of his life, that isn't the case anymore. Because he has been so successful, he can reduce his schedule to give himself a break, and also focus on the more important things to him, like his family and friends.

 

[Rudiiii]

You all forget one thing. Masters are mandatory tournaments in the calendar. Djokovic can skip them thanks to his age, 600+ matches played, and one more thing I forgot . He had to have valid reason in 2010's to skip them, now he just has to say: "I am tired, I don't want to play."

 

[nolefam_2024]

Reporter: "Wich Novak is stronger, the Novak of today or 10 years ago and who would win this match"?

Djokovic: "10 years ago was 2013 so the Novak of today. 2015 was one of the best years I ever had with 19 finals in a row in all tournaments and winning 3 out of 4 slams. I had quite a great 2015 and half of 2016. I can't play as much as I did 10 years ago, so I have to pick and choose periods of the year where I can perform my best. So it's tough to compare. But someone did ask me the same question not a while ago and the question was framed who would win and I said it would be an easy job for a 36 year old...(laugh) joking of course. I don't know what would be the score. I would give the young myself a hard time that's for sure".

PRESS CONFERENCE: N. Djokovic; Nitto ATP Finals F Win | Tennis.com

Novak Djokovic (SRB) speaks with the media after his 2023 Nitto ATP Finals finals win.

www.tennis.com

We nolefams know how he thinks.

Nolefams never back down.

 

[MichaelNadal]

We nolefams know how he thinks.

Nolefams never back down.

Ok Ermac

 

[Third Serve]

And that’s where we differ (which I have no problem with). I think it’s just natural and logical that given where he’s at physically that he has to reduce his schedule so that he has enough in the tank to go in on the the biggest events.

Fed also pretty clearly played at a lower level overall in 2019 compared to 2017-2018. I actually think it would have been wise for him to skip the CC season in 2019 and maybe he actually sees out the 2019 Winby F.

I thought Fed was a smidge better in 2019 than in 2018.

 

[Holmes]

“I think I’m a better player now than when I was at 26 because I’ve practised for another 10 years and I’ve got 10 years more experience,” Djokovic said.

“Maybe I don’t have the confidence level that I had at 26 when I was winning 40 matches in a row, but I feel like I hit a bigger serve, my backhand is better, my forehand is still as good as it’s ever been, I volley better than I have in the past. I think I’ve had to adapt to a new generation of players again.”

As long as tennis is discussed among true fans the name of Novak Djokovic will be up there with guys like the great Roger Federer, guys who kept improving with age.

 

[Holmes]

One shudders to think what 2023 Djokovic would to do peak 2019 Federer.

 

[Kralingen]

As long as tennis is discussed among true fans the name of Novak Djokovic will be up there with guys like the great Roger Federer, guys who kept improving with age.

Guys like Amun-RAgassi who morphed into the all-powerful Sun God in 2004.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Guys like Amun-RAgassi who morphed into the all-powerful Sun God in 2004.

 

[Holmes]

Guys like Amun-RAgassi who morphed into the all-powerful Sun God in 2004.

Whoever came up with that moniker was brilliant. The fact people cite it has me crying every time

 

[Kralingen]

Imhotep vs Amun-RAgassi would be a fun match.

 

[FeroBango]

Wtf does Novak know? The geriatric will obviously be bageled by even his 2004 self.

 

[Third Serve]

Might wanna consider the angle that Novak doesn’t want to embarrass the next gen, particularly the ones he just beat in this tournament, by saying a (true) statement like “eh, I’m playing well now but I was much better ten years ago.” It’s what I’d do in his position.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Reporter: "Wich Novak is stronger, the Novak of today or 10 years ago and who would win this match"?

Djokovic: "10 years ago was 2013 so the Novak of today. 2015 was one of the best years I ever had with 19 finals in a row in all tournaments and winning 3 out of 4 slams. I had quite a great 2015 and half of 2016. I can't play as much as I did 10 years ago, so I have to pick and choose periods of the year where I can perform my best. So it's tough to compare. But someone did ask me the same question not a while ago and the question was framed who would win and I said it would be an easy job for a 36 year old...(laugh) joking of course. I don't know what would be the score. I would give the young myself a hard time that's for sure".

PRESS CONFERENCE: N. Djokovic; Nitto ATP Finals F Win | Tennis.com

Novak Djokovic (SRB) speaks with the media after his 2023 Nitto ATP Finals finals win.

www.tennis.com

He is right and many of his haters here are WRONG. Hate will not change the reality

This year he played only 12 tournaments. Won 7. Only lost ones are Dubai (legit loss), mc, the new 250 in Bosnia, Rome and Wimbledon.

Out of these, Wimbledon was the closest to win for him and that's what mattered the most. But he won 7 other tournaments. 2 masters, 1 ATP finals, 1 250 and 3 slams.

This is tounge in cheek saying better than 10 years ago or worse. But the reality is he is almost as good as his peak. And during his peak he whooped fedal so there shouldn't be so much frustration in his haters over him beating lesser opponents.

 

[Holmes]

Might wanna consider the angle that Novak doesn’t want to embarrass the next gen, particularly the ones he just beat in this tournament, by saying a (true) statement like “eh, I’m playing well now but I was much better ten years ago.” It’s what I’d do in his position.

I would consider the angle that Novak is speaking from honesty, as I do with the great Roger Federer.

 

[duaneeo]

This and the similar "Nole is stronger today" threads are simply Nole fans refusing to admit the obvious.

 

[Kralingen]

In all seriousness, the guy just won 6-3, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 in the knockout rounds vs world #2 and 4. He is not exactly going to be lacking for confidence in his game.

 

[jm1980]

This and the similar "Nole is stronger today" threads are simply Nole fans refusing to admit the obvious.

Fed said basically the same thing, that his 34 year old self was a better player than 24 yo Fed:

“I think I'm a better player now than when I was at 24 because I've practised for another 10 years and I've got 10 years more experience,” Federer said. “Maybe I don't have the confidence level that I had at 24 when I was winning 40 matches in a row, but I feel like I hit a bigger serve, my backhand is better, my forehand is still as good as it's ever been, I volley better than I have in the past. I think I've had to adapt to a new generation of players again.”

 

[PMChambers]

You all forget one thing. Masters are mandatory tournaments in the calendar. Djokovic can skip them thanks to his age, 600+ matches played, and one more thing I forgot . He had to have valid reason in 2010's to skip them, now he just has to say: "I am tired, I don't want to play."

Speak for yourself. I'm not part of your we forget group.

 

[Kralingen]

Two of the top 5 scorers in the NBA are 35 year old Steph Curry and Kevin Durant scoring 30 a night. 38 year old LeBron not far behind. All 3 posting close to their most efficient seasons of their careers as well (LeBron’s most efficient start to a season ever).

Yeah, I don’t know how they’re doing it either.

 

[PMChambers]

Might wanna consider the angle that Novak doesn’t want to embarrass the next-gen, particularly the ones he just beat in this tournament, by saying a (true) statement like “eh, I’m playing well now but I was much better ten years ago.” It’s what I’d do in his position.

So what did he say that was incorrect?
# He played better in 2015 than in 2013.
# He has a reduced schedule because he can't play full schedule at peak level.
I assume Kralingen's quotes are correct.
# Serve is bigger.
# BH is better.
# FH same (no decline)
# Volley better.
# 10yrs more experience.

Reading between the obvious lines, he doesn't have the recovery due to age but is close to peak movement.
His peak game is higher but he can't maintain it all season.

My take,
He's proven otherwise but I'd assume he needs fast matches during early rounds.
I think his FH is better and BH hasn't improved, but he uses pace and shapes better now which is more guile and skill.
He's bulkier, and stronger, but slightly slower and needs a bit of time between long points to oxygenate added bulk. He can learn from the master, Nadal.
He has more ways to win now. Serving improvement alone is huge in tennis, throw in better net play even if he doesn't want to be at net, forcing him there is no longer a winning formula unless perfect. He's become a harder man to beat, whilst becoming a man with more options and tools.

.

 

[RS]

It's like saying Tyson was better in 1997 than 1987. Bad take.

 

[Indigo]

Novak is a great role model to young generations. His strong determination to further develop his skill when he already achieved everything makes him a unparalleled motivation to any other human being to stay persistent and strive for higher and to self perfect.

 

[Rudiiii]

Speak for yourself. I'm not part of your we forget group.

I forgot third rule for skipping tournaments, if you were kind, and not just ego writing, you would have written the third rule I missed

 

[Tennisbg]

This and the similar "Nole is stronger today" threads are simply Nole fans refusing to admit the obvious.

Not a fan but it seems you can,t admit the obvious.

 

[pirhaksar]

How difficult is it to understand that there are aspects of his game much superior to his younger self. Raw power, movement and lasting 5 hours playing 30 point rallies am have been replaced by guile, smarter tactics, game management and precision/efficiency. Doesn’t mean this new version will be blown of the court by younger version. More like 26 yr old Djokovic will beat 36 yr old Djokovic 6-4 in a 10 match series which means he is still pretty darn good at this stage. I will take what he and old Rog say about their older versions over the moronic TTW expert perception and eye test takes.

 

[ChrisRF]

You all forget one thing. Masters are mandatory tournaments in the calendar. Djokovic can skip them thanks to his age, 600+ matches played, and one more thing I forgot . He had to have valid reason in 2010's to skip them, now he just has to say: "I am tired, I don't want to play."

I know that there are some rules on paper for this, but in the end it's the same. You don't play a Masters, you'll get zero ranking points for it and cannot replace it. Even if it would be possible to replace the points elsewhere due to some rule, it wouldn't matter because Djokovic will never play more than 6 small tournaments (below 1000 points level) in a 52-week-period.

 

[Cortana]

How difficult is it to understand that there are aspects of his game much superior to his younger self. Raw power, movement and lasting 5 hours playing 30 point rallies am have been replaced by guile, smarter tactics, game management and precision/efficiency. Doesn’t mean this new version will be blown of the court by younger version. More like 26 yr old Djokovic will beat 36 yr old Djokovic 6-4 in a 10 match series which means he is still pretty darn good at this stage. I will take what he and old Rog say about their older versions over the moronic TTW expert perception and eye test takes.

So why should Novak know better than TTW experts?

 

[Wesling]

Its untestable therefore irrelevant, but in likelyhood 2011 and 2015 Novak would probably woop his 2023 version unless he puts on a serving clinic like he did for 1 and a half sets yesterday.
and even then, Novak would probably get back about 50% more serves than what carrot top did.

its just father time. and luckily, one doesnt have to play ones young self.

 

[ppma]

He is better technically and tactically than he was 10 years before. This happens to all the players. The only unusual thing that goes on with Novak is an unusual longevity. His body is allowing him to achieve thing that a more complete Roger with 37 couldn't due to body constraints.

Whatever the reason his body is not declining at the same rate as any other professional athlete, is worth studying. And, no, is not about eating algae, taking hot water to save energy, gluten-free diet, or being super strict with fitness, cause any athlete today is takes diet and fitness very seriously surrounded by teams well versed in the subjects.

 

[MichaelNadal]

He is better technically and tactically than he was 10 years before. This happens to all the players. The only unusual thing that goes on with Novak is an unusual longevity. His body is allowing him to achieve thing that a more complete Roger with 37 couldn't due to body constraints.

Whatever the reason his body is not declining at the same rate as any other professional athlete, is worth studying. And, no, is not about eating algae, taking hot water to save energy, gluten-free diet, or being super strict with fitness, cause any athlete today is takes diet and fitness very seriously surrounded by teams well versed in the subjects.

 

[Subway Tennis]

I thought Fed played at about the same level ‘19 as he did in ‘18, maybe even a little better. Apart from the AO 2018 had lots of duds and not many masterclasses. His AO competition was also quite weak aside from Cilic who appropriately pushed him.

You and @The Blond Blur are both right I think.

There is a lot to be said for 2018 with the AO and an example of peak level (Rotterdam) which is up there as one of the best late career Federer tournaments. That tournament was Roger GOATerer on par with what he was doing in 2017.

But 2019 playing clay really grooved his groundstrokes and he was amazing in that department, just didn’t get the results. 2019 Wimbledon was a spectacular display the way he almost beat Rafa and Djokovic back to back. The disaster of the final has overshadowed some of Federer’s tennis in that tournament, particularly the SF. That match was closer than the score line suggested but wow Federer was amazing from the baseline in that match. It is so hard to play that type of tennis that well at that age on grass against a great defender but Federer was just playing with reckless abandon and pulling it off.

 

[ppma]

If so, it should be considered doping .

 

[Bastion]

A big congrats to the two biggest hero's and champs of the Finals week:

1. Sinner for not backing down and going full out to beat Rune, no tricks. Once Novak is gone, and he has to battle Carlos and Rune for being the best of their generation.... this great decision and victory over Rune will define him. Don't think we will ever see the big three rivalry that is gone now, but those 3 will also give us some great tennis. I still cannot decide who of the three I like most.

2. Novak, for showing why he is the Goat, he was ok in pool stages, but the semi and final was Goat mode = up there and maybe even better than his level when he bullied the great Rafa some years ago in Doha and AO 2019 (?) in straight sets.