‘Novak Djokovic’s level of success is hard to even comprehend,’ says Jim Courier

[ABCD]

October 28, 2020

Tennis News


Jim Courier says the ability of Novak Djokovic to make history in such a competitive era is ‘difficult to even comprehend.’


Djokovic is on the verge of a record equalling sixth year-end world number one, and will surpass Roger Federer for total weeks spent at the top of the rankings next year.


But that, according to Courier, isn’t even the most impressive thing. It’s that he has been able to do it in this era that is really special.

“When evaluating the all-time greats, there can be a tendency to overvalue singles majors won,” Courier said.


“Weeks at number one, as well as year-end number one finishes, are also very significant aspects of evaluating all-time greats from my perspective.”


Djokovic will equal the record set by Pete Sampras of six year-end world number ones if he secures it this year. The American did it consecutively, which Djokovic won’t, but there is greater context to explore, says Courier.


“Pete’s six consecutive years is incredible and required not only supreme skill but also physical and mental consistency,” Courier says.

“Novak’s ability to carve out his own history while playing alongside Federer and Nadal is every bit as difficult and hard to comprehend as Pete’s six years in a row.

“I think he can be number 1 for much longer if he stays focused and healthy.

“There are only two things that seem likely to prevent him from adding more weeks and years at number one: his health and Rafael Nadal.

“There’s no doubt that Novak has been the dominant force in men’s tennis again this season. The numbers don’t lie.”

 

[WildRevolver]

I see Djokovic’s PR reps are earning overtime this week.

 

[SinneGOAT]

*gets bageled* “His level of success is hard to comprehend”

 

[duaneeo]

I see Djokovic’s PR reps are earning overtime this week.

Exactly. One would think it was Nole who just tied the slam-court record and not Rafa, lol.

 

[Standaa]

I can comprehend it with ease, guess I got more brain power than Jimmy Courier

 

[GabeT]

I would trust an anonymous TTW poster, writing from the safety of his couch, and someone who the closest he got to ATP greatness was that time he/she stood in line to buy some tickets over some guy who is former number 1 in the world and won 4 slams.

no comparison!

 

[Born_to_slice]

Djokovic did it all the hard way. That's what is unappreciated.

 

[Clay lover]

There's a tendency to overvalue majors wins???! What is he on about

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

 

[octogon]

There's a tendency to overvalue majors wins???! What is he on about

As someone said, Novak's PR team in overdrive. Rafa getting 20 really halted that GOAT train a lot of the tennis media hoisted him on, and now they desperately need to claw back some momentum.

The major record has been the defining GOAT critera in Courier's media circles for decades, but now Rafa has tied it, it's "overvalued".LOL!

Laughable.

 

[Milanez82]

If he pulls this off it will be a tremendous achievement.
And one which Rafa may very well match next year(considering how little he played this year he should be healthy for a full year run)

Funny thing is Djokovic already missed out on year end no1 on 3 different occasions by small margins(2013,16 and 19), losing the final match for no1 in 2016!

 

[thrust]

October 28, 2020

Tennis News


Jim Courier says the ability of Novak Djokovic to make history in such a competitive era is ‘difficult to even comprehend.’


Djokovic is on the verge of a record equalling sixth year-end world number one, and will surpass Roger Federer for total weeks spent at the top of the rankings next year.


But that, according to Courier, isn’t even the most impressive thing. It’s that he has been able to do it in this era that is really special.

“When evaluating the all-time greats, there can be a tendency to overvalue singles majors won,” Courier said.


“Weeks at number one, as well as year-end number one finishes, are also very significant aspects of evaluating all-time greats from my perspective.”


Djokovic will equal the record set by Pete Sampras of six year-end world number ones if he secures it this year. The American did it consecutively, which Djokovic won’t, but there is greater context to explore, says Courier.


“Pete’s six consecutive years is incredible and required not only supreme skill but also physical and mental consistency,” Courier says.

“Novak’s ability to carve out his own history while playing alongside Federer and Nadal is every bit as difficult and hard to comprehend as Pete’s six years in a row.

“I think he can be number 1 for much longer if he stays focused and healthy.

“There are only two things that seem likely to prevent him from adding more weeks and years at number one: his health and Rafael Nadal.

“There’s no doubt that Novak has been the dominant force in men’s tennis again this season. The numbers don’t lie.”

CORRECT, and well said! Also, Novak held all 4 slams at once and has won every masters titles twice which is something neither Rafa or Roger did, even once.

 

[GabeT]

I would trust an anonymous TTW poster, writing from the safety of his couch, and someone who the closest he got to ATP greatness was that time he/she stood in line to buy some tickets over some guy who is former number 1 in the world and won 4 slams.

no comparison!

There's a tendency to overvalue majors wins???! What is he on about

 

[travlerajm]

I can comprehend it with ease, guess I got more brain power than Jimmy Courier

Jim used to pretend to read books on the changeovers so he could look smarter.

 

[octogon]

To be fair, I can understand why Courier feels counting slams is unfair, since it's what stops everyone from putting him up as an ATG with guys like Becker and Edberg, who managed two more slams. That's just the way things go Jimbo. Two more slams and you'd be put in different company. I imagine it's disappointing to know that his slam count keeps him down the pecking order.

 

[clayqueen]

Maybe Kyrgios and Courier should go head to head on this.


‘Rafa Nadal and I have had our differences, but he’s an absolute champion,’ says Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios admits that he and Rafa Nadal have ‘had their differences’ over the years but he can’t help but admire his achievements.

Nadal won his 20th Grand Slam crown at Roland Garros earlier this month to draw level with Roger Federer in the history books.


Kyrgios has a bit of a storied past when it comes to spats with Nadal, who he once branded ‘super salty’ whilst accusing him of being a bad loser.

Even he, though, can’t deny the Spaniard has achieved something special.


“I wasn’t surprised when I saw Rafa Nadal pretty much easing his way through the draw at the French Open,” Kyrgios told Courtside Huddle.


“That’s his backyard, he loves playing there and he has only lost two matches in his entire career.


“Honestly, in my opinion I don’t think we are going to see anything like that ever again.

“Somebody so dominant on a surface he’s right there with the greatest of all time. You can argue that he is the greatest.’

“You look at Federer, he’s the most dominant player of all time, but in this era it’s actually Rafa. It’s a debate you can have.”

“We had our differences when we played each other. We’re fiery, we’re competitors and are going to go after each other.

“But at the same time I am not going to take anything away from him . He’s an absolute champion and 20 Grand Slam is ridiculous and I don’t think we are ever going to see that again.”

https://**********.net/rafa-nadal-a...t-hes-an-absolute-champion-says-nick-kyrgios/

 

[clayqueen]

Courier:

“There are only two things that seem likely to prevent him from adding more weeks and years at number one: his health and Rafael Nadal."

 

[Clay lover]

Oh the old "armchair analysts are not qualified" argument. Experts get paid to utter drivel all the time and you know it. Otherwise there wouldn't be that many failed predictions over the years

 

[Nadalgaenger]

Djokovic did it all the hard way. That's what is unappreciated.

What is the easy way?

 

[Nadalgaenger]

The #NextGen will prove Courier wrong next year...

 

[Nadalgaenger]

As someone said, Novak's PR team in overdrive. Rafa getting 20 really halted that GOAT train a lot of the tennis media hoisted him on, and now they desperately need to claw back some momentum.

The major record has been the defining GOAT critera in Courier's media circles for decades, but now Rafa has tied it, it's "overvalued".LOL!

Laughable.

How many RG titles would Courier have won against Rafa? Lol

 

[clayqueen]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Courier is Djokovic's PR agent along with Mark Petchey. When commentating, they spend the entire time blowing Djokovic's trumpet and you could actually see egg on their face when Rafa gave Djoker a good hiding in the final at RG because they were all dismissing Rafa and had virtually inscribed Djokovic's name on the trophy from day 1.

 

[Jonesy]

Comprehending Novak's success

 

[clayqueen]

This is the problem with this GOAT business. It's not an official accolade and everyone has their own idea of what makes a player the GOAT. I have never subscribed to the notion of GOAT and whilst I am glad that Rafa has won 20 slams I'm not bothered about him equalling Federer's slam count, one bit.

 

[Born_to_slice]

What is the easy way?

Easier draws.

 

[GabeT]

Oh the old "armchair analysts are not qualified" argument. Experts get paid to utter drivel all the time and you know it. Otherwise there wouldn't be that many failed predictions over the years

Yes, trust TTW experts who can always predict who will win

 

[WildRevolver]

Exactly. One would think it was Nole who just tied the slam-court record and not Rafa, lol.

It's too obvious.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Novak held all 4 slams at once and has won every masters titles twice which is something neither Rafa or Roger did, even once.

I think winning all the Masters 1000's twice is a genuinely great achievement, no question. But Novak would trade all of those titles for 3 more slams.

 

[blablavla]

How many RG titles would Courier have won against Rafa? Lol

if you bring Rafa into Courier time, and let Rafa train with technology and knowledge available then?

 

[Nuclear Warhead Sinner]

Why am I even on this forum? The amount of fanaticism shown by some users is simply mind-boggling. It's like the vast majority lives in an echo chamber.
I mean... there must be a limit to how good it feels to be "right" , or for your favourite player to be acclaimed as the best ? Or perhaps some people are so insecure about themselves that they pour all their energy into the defense of their idol.
I guess this is just another case of shallow people opening their mouths and people with common sense and real appreciation for the sport, simply shutting it when they have nothing interesting to say. Talk-tennis is an excellent representation of modern society.

 

[aldeayeah]

if you bring Rafa into Courier time, and let Rafa train with technology and knowledge available then?

I mean, it's probably still zero.

 

[topher]

It’s a little weird for Courier to tout the competitiveness of the era and then acknowledge that the only things in Novak’s way are himself and Rafa who will be closer to 40 than 30 after the next RG.

Also to tout the year end number 1 so hard in this abbreviated season. Although I think Novak more than likely gets it either way, not having to defend his points from last season makes it far easier than it would have been. Oh well, Novak will probably get another two either way to put the matter to bed.

And don’t get me started on downplaying slam wins. Very convenient to say that after his favorite just lost out on 2 of them. I’d guess he won’t say that if Novak wins 3 next year.

Overall, we all know Courier is an unabashed Novak fan, so his words are a bit empty on the matter. It’s a bit like BG talking up Rafa, or PMac Federer.

 

[clayqueen]

It’s a little weird for Courier to tout the competitiveness of the era and then acknowledge that the only things in Novak’s way are himself and Rafa who will be closer to 40 than 30 after the next RG.

Also to tout the year end number 1 so hard in this abbreviated season. Although I think Novak more than likely gets it either way, not having to defend his points from last season makes it far easier than it would have been. Oh well, Novak will probably get another two either way to put the matter to bed.

Overall, we all know Courier is an unabashed Novak fan, so his words are a bit empty on the matter. It’s a bit like BG talking up Rafa, or PMac Federer.

I think Courier is trying to take the shine off Rafa's 13th RG title ad soften the scale of the defeat Djokovic suffered.

 

[RelentlessAttack]

Djokovic did it all the hard way. That's what is unappreciated.

He won 11 of his slams from the age of 27 on after his major rivals all had form or health setbacks (Fed 13, Murray 13, Nadal 14). Not that different than Roger picking up most of his slams before Nadovic peaked. Nadal did it the hard way playing peak Fred and peak Djokovic one after the other

 

[topher]

I think Courier is trying to take the shine off Rafa's 13th RG title.

I doubt he’s that mean spirited to think in those terms. But as the main commentator for Tennis Channel, I do wish he’d try to hide his biases a bit better. Either that or abstain from Djokodal finals from here on out. I felt we were at a funeral at RG 2020 final lol.

 

[Deleted member 743561]

.

 

[duaneeo]

Novak held all 4 slams at once and has won every masters titles twice which is something neither Rafa or Roger did, even once.

Not really, as he's actually won Cincinnati once. Winning 'Cincinnati' at New York isn't winning Cincinnati.

 

[Born_to_slice]

He won 11 of his slams from the age of 27 on after his major rivals all had form or health setbacks (Fed 13, Murray 13, Nadal 14). Not that different than Roger picking up most of his slams before Nadovic peaked. Nadal did it the hard way playing peak Fred and peak Djokovic one after the other

Djokovic played significantly more top 50, top 20, top 10 and top 5 players than the other 2.

 

[clayqueen]

I doubt he’s that mean spirited to think in those terms. But as the main commentator for Tennis Channel, I do wish he’d try to hide his biases a bit better. Either that or abstain from Djokodal finals from here on out. I felt we were at a funeral at RG 2020 final lol.

It's the wrong time to do it when Rafa is being celebrated for reaching his 20th slam and won his 13th RG title to come out and say slam count is not all that important when people like him had always said Djokovic would be the first to tie with Roger at 20.

 

[Deleted member 771911]

Please. Courier gets paid to talk.

 

[Nadalgaenger]

if you bring Rafa into Courier time, and let Rafa train with technology and knowledge available then?

So Nadal only as good as a Babolat? I better restring my APD!!!

 

[Mainad]

This is the problem with this GOAT business. It's not an official accolade and everyone has their own idea of what makes a player the GOAT. I have never subscribed to the notion of GOAT and whilst I am glad that Rafa has won 20 slams I'm not bothered about him equalling Federer's slam count, one bit.

Not even a teensy-weensy little bit?

 

[RaulRamirez]

There is nothing remotely controversial - or even newsworthy - in Courier's statement. Carry on.

 

[NoleFam]

Haters gonna hate. 6 YE #1's. Pour that into your next cup of coffee.

 

[RF-18]

 

[clayqueen]

Not even a teensy-weensy little bit?

If you check any comments I've made on this subject you will find that I've always said there can't be a GOAT and that there is a lot more to tennis than slams. Roger's 20 slams was never an aspiration for me.

 

[clayqueen]

Bageled twice by Rafa in their last 3 meetings.

 

[RF-18]

Bageled twice by Rafa in their last 3 meetings.

Congratulations.

 

[daphne]

I think winning all the Masters 1000's twice is a genuinely great achievement, no question. But Novak would trade all of those titles for 3 more slams.

I think you are wrong. He would trade all 36 of them for 5 more GS. Not 3.

 

[clayqueen]

Congratulations.

Thank you.