2020 Australian Open SF: Novak Djokovic [2] vs Roger Federer [3]

[Mike Sams]

Story of their last few meetings in Slams.

That very first point in the tiebreaker told the whole story of the match. Djokovic wasn't going to lose no matter what with the way he returned that serve right to Federer's feet pretty much, causing the error.

 

[BeatlesFan]

For the Djokovic fans who endlessly claimed Fed had no injury, maybe listen to your guy's assessment. It was the first thing he mentioned after the match:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1222840572446224384

 

[zvelf]

By winning the grand slam, his stardom would go to a whole other level which means considerably more opportunities for major sponsorships and advertising/appearance fees. The prize money would be peanuts in comparison to what he stands to make as a bonafide NextGen superstar. He'd be in position to make multi millions outside of the sport as he's got the looks, charm and presence about him to be THAT guy that sponsors and advertisers would love. He's got every motivation to win.

Yes, but endorsement money is delayed gratification. He doesn't have the immediate motivation of becoming $4 million richer. Thiem does.

 

[gameovais]

For the Djokovic fans who endlessly claimed Fed had no injury, maybe listen to your guy's assessment. It was the first thing he mentioned after the match:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1222840572446224384

I recall many Federer fans saying that Djokovic was not injured during one of their Monte Carlo matches a few years ago. Funny how the tables have turned and the Fed fans don't like it.

 

[Mike Sams]

I guess people now will appreciate Stanimal 2.0 a lot more and how he approaches matches with Djokovic in the Slams. Baseline bludgeoning is how you get it done! Not loopy topspin FHs nor slices and beautiful tennis!
Even in winning, it takes 5 sets of sweat, grind and pain for Djokovic to overcome The Stanimal! And when Stan goes into Godrinka 3.0 mode...it's game over for the Serb!

US 2019: Stan def Djokovic 6-4, 7-4, 2-1
US 2016: Stan def Djokovic 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3
RG 2015: Stan def Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
AO 2015: Djokovic def Stan 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0
AO 2014: Stan def Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7
US 2013: Djokovic def Stan 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
AO 2013: Djokovic def Stan 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 12-10

 

[Mike Sams]

Yes, but endorsement money is delayed gratification. He doesn't have the immediate motivation of becoming $4 million richer. Thiem does.

Zverev didn't sign any contract saying he's going to donate his entire purse. Everything we're seeing on screen is just for show and to enhance his public image. Even if he donated his purse, how much of that money will actually go to the people who need it? Maybe 35%. The administrators need their first class flights and service and to keep their charities running successfully after all. That's how Red Cross does it. Zverev is better off just running his own charity and foundation and giving the money to the people who need it personally.

 

[gjm127]

A perfect example of how Fed's lack of confidence has caused him to lose all of his last big GS matches against Djokovic: Third set after being broken at 4-2, when all hope is lost and he can finally play without any psychological pressure, he just lashes out a wicked backhand just like the ones from AO2017 and goes up 0-30.

Of course Djokovic ended up getting the hold but that Fed cross court backhand was nowhere to be seen before in the match, as well as the other tight matchups with Millman and Sandgren.

 

[Tsongerer]

I guess people now will appreciate Stanimal 2.0 a lot more and how he approaches matches with Djokovic in the Slams. Baseline bludgeoning is how you get it done! Not loopy topspin FHs nor slices and beautiful tennis!
Even in winning, it takes 5 sets of sweat, grind and pain for Djokovic to overcome The Stanimal! And when Stan goes into Godrinka 3.0 mode...it's game over for the Serb!

US 2019: Stan def Djokovic 6-4, 7-4, 2-1
US 2016: Stan def Djokovic 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3
RG 2015: Stan def Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
AO 2015: Djokovic def Stan 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0
AO 2014: Stan def Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7
US 2013: Djokovic def Stan 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
AO 2013: Djokovic def Stan 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 12-10

That’s why Thiem will beat Nole like he did at RG and WTF last year

 

[Rina]

What is with Wawrinka poster? I don't get it.

 

[Rina]

Zverev donating the money ahead really means that he thinks he has no chance of winning it. Talk about losing before even stepping on the court!

 

[Mike Sams]

How many more excuses for Federer's chokes? His choking is the GOAT in itself. He can't even make any inroads on Novak's serve. It's like he's trying to return serves from Karlovic. And even when he does get any upper hand, he loses it immediately and gets broken back. A sorry sight time and again. He can't adjust court positioning at all during his ROS. He stays on the baseline to receive and Djokovic is fully comfortable and knows where to place his serve. Federer can't even take a step back and make Djokovic second guess. Can't put any pressure on Djoker's serve at all. Djoker meanwhile has Federer in a vice in every Federer serve game and it's like you're wondering if Federer can hold. Many times he's having to try to hold while 0-30 down. If you googled an Anaconda wrapping itself around and squeezing the life out of its next meal, that's basically what Djokovic's game does to Federer. He's just so on top of Federer...just wrapped all around him and there's nowhere for Federer to go. It's like he's being strangled on the court and there's no way out of it.

 

[Mike Sams]

What is with Wawrinka poster? I don't get it.

That's Stanimal 2.0...the most dangerous baseline game ever when switched on!

 

[Mike Sams]

That’s why Thiem will beat Nole like he did at RG and WTF last year

That would be really interesting. I'm not sure Thiem is in Novak's head like Stanimal is though so he'll need to work harder out there. Plus Stan hits a little bigger than Thiem off both wings. You can really hear the thud off Stan's racquet.

 

[Midaso240]

From what I've seen,it will be a small miracle if Federer can win a set. 7-6,6-4,6-2 Djokovic would be my guess

Damn,one game off. So close yet so far...

 

[Midaso240]

By winning the grand slam, his stardom would go to a whole other level which means considerably more opportunities for major sponsorships and advertising/appearance fees. The prize money would be peanuts in comparison to what he stands to make as a bonafide NextGen superstar. He'd be in position to make multi millions outside of the sport as he's got the looks, charm and presence about him to be THAT guy that sponsors and advertisers would love. He's got every motivation to win.

Really? I think Zverev is a pretty unlikable guy,he doesn't have as many fans as even a guy like Kyrgios does he? And I wouldn't say he's good looking,no more so than any other top player

 

[Winners or Errors]

I remember Fed fans talking same story for years... "Let's see how they will play at 30,31,32,33,34..."

Well, since now they are waaaay better than Fed at a same age... Won last 7 slams...

But same talking from Fed fans continue... They will never learn, never...

LOL. Of course, Federer's competition at that age was peak Nadal and Djokovic. Their competition at that age is... 38.5 year old Federer. See any difference? ;-)

 

[Third Serve]

LOL. Of course, Federer's competition at that age was peak Nadal and Djokovic. Their competition at that age is... 38.5 year old Federer. See any difference? ;-)

ya but fedr is at his peak

 

[Winners or Errors]

Federer's beating everyone else to reach the late stages but isn't beating Djokovic.

Says a lot about the condition of the field.

 

[Winners or Errors]

Add to that, Zverev has pledged to give away all his winnings should he win the final, so as much as charity is a motivation, he has less financial motivation to win.

Hmmm... we'll see if Zverev is more motivated by playing for others here. Some would say that is more motivation than the check for himself.

 

[Djokovic2011]

I guess people now will appreciate Stanimal 2.0 a lot more and how he approaches matches with Djokovic in the Slams. Baseline bludgeoning is how you get it done! Not loopy topspin FHs nor slices and beautiful tennis!
Even in winning, it takes 5 sets of sweat, grind and pain for Djokovic to overcome The Stanimal! And when Stan goes into Godrinka 3.0 mode...it's game over for the Serb!

US 2019: Stan def Djokovic 6-4, 7-4, 2-1
US 2016: Stan def Djokovic 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3
RG 2015: Stan def Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
AO 2015: Djokovic def Stan 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0
AO 2014: Stan def Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7
US 2013: Djokovic def Stan 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
AO 2013: Djokovic def Stan 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 12-10

Wow, you really are obsessed with the Djokovic/Wawrinka match-up.

 

[chjtennis]

For the Djokovic fans who endlessly claimed Fed had no injury, maybe listen to your guy's assessment. It was the first thing he mentioned after the match:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1222840572446224384

Don't worry. Anyone who has ever held a racquet should know Federer was injured. Ignorant bunches can be ignored.

 

[World Beater]

for the most part you are right when it comes to deciding sets, however, conversely Federer has rarely lost a big slam final when he was favored...few matches come to mind? 2008 is 50-50 with nadal esp nadal going 5 with him in 2007 and fed getting hammered at the rg a weeks before.
del potro is the other one at the usopen.

whereas djok has lost to wawa twice, murray twice, and nadal at the usopen once. the first time he faced nadal at the usopen, he wasn't favored so i don't use that one...

so djok has screwed up a few times too.

There was no chance Fed could win this match. He should have won 1st set but that's it. The impact is not great.

Looking at his career, two matches where he squandered slams are
2009 AO final - half chance
2009 US Open final
2019 Wimbledon final

At the same time, two slams he could have lost but won
2009- Wimbledon
2017 - Australian Open

So overall it balances out.

However Djokovic have never blown a sure grand slam win. He always wins the close ones

 

[World Beater]

thiem moves better than stan...esp now after stan's recent injury.

djok is favored, but thiem is ready to upset Djokovic if he gets to the final. this will not be an easy match. he is physically only second to nadal.

he can more than match Djokovic. the heavy spin of thiem also cannot be counterpunched as easily as the flatter shots of someone like Federer. theim is also much more aggressive than nadal on this surface so he wont give Djokovic time.

That would be really interesting. I'm not sure Thiem is in Novak's head like Stanimal is though so he'll need to work harder out there. Plus Stan hits a little bigger than Thiem off both wings. You can really hear the thud off Stan's racquet.

 

[Mike Sams]

thiem moves better than stan...esp now after stan's recent injury.

djok is favored, but thiem is ready to upset Djokovic if he gets to the final. this will not be an easy match. he is physically only second to nadal.

he can more than match Djokovic. the heavy spin of thiem also cannot be counterpunched as easily as the flatter shots of someone like Federer. theim is also much more aggressive than nadal on this surface so he wont give Djokovic time.

But one significant factor is that Stan is in Djokovic's head. That's why Djokovic gets trapped on the baseline trying to go toe to toe and playing to Stan's strengths and then tries to dropshot his way out of the extended rallies. You can clearly see the confidence isn't there with Djokovic when he faces Stan. And that's because of the fact that Stan is his nemesis in the Slams.
Thiem needs to win this match (if he makes the final) to really serve notice to the big 3 that he's arrived and ready to take them all down.

 

[vex]

Lol at this post! Yeah sure, if he wins this AO he’s won 5 of the last 7 slams. Yeah his game is really struggling. Nice logic

You know I'm a huge Djoker fan right? I never said anything about him struggling. He clearly isn't as fast as he used to be. Any reasonable Djoker fan recognized that last year. And yes, looking forward to his age 34, 35, 36, 37 seasons he cannot win slams unless his game evolves. Being a fan doesn't mean u can't acknowledge reality.

 

[World Beater]

sure. but remember also that prior to some of stan's big victories against djoko, he got hammered by djoker many times over...

so he flipped the switch...thiem gotta do the same. he already beat Djokovic at RG twice showing its no fluke...also beat Djokovic INDOORS.....

djokovic has the intangibles cos he won in RLA many times. but stylistically - djoko got beat on both fast and slower courts by thiem.

as good as wawrinka is - has he beaten djokovic indoors? djokovic is the second best indoor player behind fed in this era...

But one significant factor is that Stan is in Djokovic's head. That's why Djokovic gets trapped on the baseline trying to go toe to toe and playing to Stan's strengths and then tries to dropshot his way out of the extended rallies. You can clearly see the confidence isn't there with Djokovic when he faces Stan. And that's because of the fact that Stan is his nemesis in the Slams.
Thiem needs to win this match (if he makes the final) to really serve notice to the big 3 that he's arrived and ready to take them all down.

 

[Mike Sams]

sure. but remember also that prior to some of stan's big victories against djoko, he got hammered by djoker many times over...

so he flipped the switch...thiem gotta do the same. he already beat Djokovic at RG twice showing its no fluke...also beat Djokovic INDOORS.....

djokovic has the intangibles cos he won in RLA many times. but stylistically - djoko got beat on both fast and slower courts by thiem.

as good as wawrinka is - has he beaten djokovic indoors? djokovic is the second best indoor player behind fed in this era...

The switch was flipped when Stan brought in Magnus Norman in 2013. Immediately Stan went all guns blazing against Djokovic starting at AO 2013 and he's been a completely different type of animal against Djokovic in the Slams from that period onward. But your points are very valid. I usually tend to concentrate more on Slam meetings. Djokovic is usually quicker off the blocks than Stan which is why he dominates best of 3. Stan usually needs a set to get fully locked in (AO2014, RG2015, USO2016). And the whole atmosphere of a Slam meeting is entirely different than the best of 3 events.

 

[Tony48]

LOL. Of course, Federer's competition at that age was peak Nadal and Djokovic. Their competition at that age is... 38.5 year old Federer. See any difference? ;-)

A 38 year old Federer who was outrunning Djokovic at Wimbledon last year. Federer may be 38 but he definitely isn't playing anything like one.

 

[rhoder]

The switch was flipped when Stan brought in Magnus Norman in 2013. Immediately Stan went all guns blazing against Djokovic starting at AO 2013 and he's been a completely different type of animal against Djokovic in the Slams from that period onward. But your points are very valid. I usually tend to concentrate more on Slam meetings. Djokovic is usually quicker off the blocks than Stan which is why he dominates best of 3. Stan usually needs a set to get fully locked in (AO2014, RG2015, USO2016). And the whole atmosphere of a Slam meeting is entirely different than the best of 3 events.

What do you think about the Thiem Djokovic matchup then? I feel it’s very similar except that Thiem has a slightly weaker mentality than Stan at crunch moments. Game wise I feel it’s a good replacement for the Stan Djoko matchup I enjoyed

 

[Mike Sams]

What do you think about the Thiem Djokovic matchup then? I feel it’s very similar except that Thiem has a slightly weaker mentality than Stan at crunch moments. Game wise I feel it’s a good replacement for the Stan Djoko matchup I enjoyed

I think one thing Thiem has going is that he's apparently got solutions against all styles. He's beaten Federer on grass, hards and clay. He's beaten Nadal on clay and hards. He's beaten Djokovic on clay and hards. It seems the Thiem style doesn't really have any weaknesses. If he's dialed in, it's possible that a final against Djokovic could be epic.

 

[rhoder]

A 38 year old Federer who was outrunning Djokovic at Wimbledon last year. Federer may be 38 but he definitely isn't playing anything like one.

Lol that’s a testament to Federer’s greatness then... to be able to play so well despite his age

LOL. Of course, Federer's competition at that age was peak Nadal and Djokovic. Their competition at that age is... 38.5 year old Federer. See any difference? ;-)

That’s of course true. But Nadal and Djokovic had to deal with more difficult opponents early in their career. Nadal contended with prime Federer early, and then Djokovic in the 2010s. Djokovic had to contend with both Federer and Nadal early on. Whereas Federer dealt with opponents frankly not in their caliber when he was younger. So yes Djokovic/Nadal is having it easier now, but Federer had it easier in the past. As ridiculous it is for Djokovic fans to critique Federer for his competition early on, it isn’t fair to criticise Djokovic/Nadal for their competition later on. One can only beat the opponents in front of him.

 

[Mike Sams]

Thiem has the confidence going in that he's 4-1 against Djokovic in their last 5 encounters. If this is the final, it could be a great one.

 

[beard]

LOL. Of course, Federer's competition at that age was peak Nadal and Djokovic. Their competition at that age is... 38.5 year old Federer. See any difference? ;-)

You forgot that Nadal and djokovic are rivals too? Their whole carriers... Fed fans...

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

You know I'm a huge Djoker fan right? I never said anything about him struggling. He clearly isn't as fast as he used to be. Any reasonable Djoker fan recognized that last year. And yes, looking forward to his age 34, 35, 36, 37 seasons he cannot win slams unless his game evolves. Being a fan doesn't mean u can't acknowledge reality.

The thing is he has evolved his game. Novak doesn’t play like he did in 2011-2014. He can’t run down every ball like he used to. He does mix it up well now. Djoko does come to the net more these days and his serve is much better. He has more layers to his game for sure!

However, fair play I agree with you. He does need to keep evolving his game

 

[jackdaw]

ah jaysus! now the crowd is singing Sweet Caroline!!!

 

[mike danny]

Eesy? Wut the. Nadal just had a 5 set war against meddy uso. Djokovic 5 set war with fed. Nadal bit easier at the french but still had to beat fed and dominik back to back. Djokovic taken out in 5 by domi. Djokovic blows out nadal at the ao but it aint easy taking out nadal. AO goat does that. Nadal just got punched out. Stan punched out
Please stop now Mike.

Please, Nadal was a shadow of gimself at AO 2019 against Djokovic. Another case of name over form from Djokovic fans.

Federer at 37-38 is no threat in BO5 on clay.

Medvedev and Thiem are easier to beat than prime Nadal and prime Djokovic.

 

[Winners or Errors]

You forgot that Nadal and djokovic are rivals too? Their whole carriers... Fed fans...

2 > 1, no?

 

[beard]

2 > 1, no?

And Federer, who won 3 slams lately worts ****?

 

[GabeT]

Thiem has the confidence going in that he's 4-1 against Djokovic in their last 5 encounters. If this is the final, it could be a great one.

Thiem could easily win, he’s got the weapons and has been playing well. But I wouldn’t draw too many conclusions from the recent matchup. All but one of Thiem’s wins were in clay. Thiem did beat Nole at the WTF but so did Federer and what predictive value did that have for the AO? And Fed’s win over Novak at the WTF was much more dominant than Theim’s.

 

[quirotkicks]

Please, Nadal was a shadow of gimself at AO 2019 against Djokovic. Another case of name over form from Djokovic fans.

Federer at 37-38 is no threat in BO5 on clay.

Medvedev and Thiem are easier to beat than prime Nadal and prime Djokovic.

I actually had to miss the Australian Open final between Nadal and Djokovic and I still haven't seen a lot of it. However I was very surprised at the score since Nadal had demolished Tsitsipas (I did see that match and he looked fabulous in that one) who was hot that tournament and had taken out Federer. So it would seem strange his form would drop to mediocrity in one round. I just figured Djokovic was insanely good.

 

[xFedal]

I don't consider them to be the 3 greatest players to ever live.

u don't have Nole in top 3 all time?

 

[swordtennis]

Please, Nadal was a shadow of gimself at AO 2019 against Djokovic. Another case of name over form from Djokovic fans.

Federer at 37-38 is no threat in BO5 on clay.

Medvedev and Thiem are easier to beat than prime Nadal and prime Djokovic.

Stop it. Get out of the cult of fed mike. Just stop.

 

[zvelf]

LOL. Of course, Federer's competition at that age was peak Nadal and Djokovic. Their competition at that age is... 38.5 year old Federer. See any difference? ;-)

It's quite clear that Thiem, Medvedev, Tsitsipas (and possibly Zverev) are in the process of overtaking Federer as Nadal and Djokovic's strongest competition aside from each other being their strongest competition.

 

[zvelf]

Please, Nadal was a shadow of gimself at AO 2019 against Djokovic. Another case of name over form from Djokovic fans.

Nadal was playing amazing at AO 2019 until Djokovic destroyed him in the final. Nadal hadn't dropped a set all tournament and only went to one tiebreaker (against Berdych).

 

[mike danny]

I actually had to miss the Australian Open final between Nadal and Djokovic and I still haven't seen a lot of it. However I was very surprised at the score since Nadal had demolished Tsitsipas (I did see that match and he looked fabulous in that one) who was hot that tournament and had taken out Federer. So it would seem strange his form would drop to mediocrity in one round. I just figured Djokovic was insanely good.

The Nrxt Gen are just mediocre, which made Nadal look good.

 

[mike danny]

Stop it. Get out of the cult of fed mike. Just stop.

After you.

 

[mike danny]

Nadal was playing amazing at AO 2019 until Djokovic destroyed him in the final. Nadal hadn't dropped a set all tournament and only went to one tiebreaker (against Berdych).

Crap Next Gen. Made him look better than he was.

 

[swordtennis]

After you.

One difference
You here to celebrate djokovic loss.
I never ever celebrate a fed loss. Ever in fact i commiserate.
Good bye. Peace out.

 

[mike danny]

One difference
You here to celebrate djokovic loss.
I never ever celebrate a fed loss. Ever in fact i commiserate.
Good bye. Peace out.

Trying to pretend like these yiung pretenders are even close to younger ATG.

Peace out.

 

[swordtennis]

Trying to pretend like these yiung pretenders are even close to younger ATG.

Peace out.

Here is the thing mike. I do not even think like this. "Pretending thiem is an atg". What does that even mean? Not even in my computer. This is the game of Tennis not the game of Fed to me. Please abort this convo.