2020: Same song different verse: Djoker and Rafa

[Lleytonstation]

To me it is simple and not very surprising, but Rafa and Djoker will take the first 3 slams of 2020 with ease.

In order for this to NOT happen there would have to be a dramatic shift in the young guys or in Rafa and Djoker.

This means the young guys (Thiem, Med, Tsits, Zverev, Khach, Matteddy Berr etc.) Would have to make a massive jump as a group or at least a one man beast show similar to Med but even better and for even longer.

Don't see it happening as they are improving and making strides, but at too slow of a pace to make a difference in 2020.

Or, this means Djoker and Rafa would have to have a sharp decline in level which I don't see happening as you can argue Rafa has become more dangerous with his level of confidence.

Decline? Sure, sharp decline? No way. The gap is just too large.

With just over a month away from AO20, I don't see a shift in powers as I see Djoker/Rafa winning AO, Rafa winning RG, and Djoker winning WC.

This will look very similar to 2019 where the first three slams are a given to the big 3 with some bumps in between.

What is your thoughts? Sharp decline? Sharp rise? A little bit of both?

 

[Oceans]

Same song, different verse. Maybe Rafa winning AO and Djoker winning RG. Would be epic.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Same song, different verse. Maybe Rafa winning AO and Djoker winning RG. Would be epic.

I could see this happening for sure. Djoker would really be pushing for RG if Rafa beat him at AO.

 

[Lew II]

Yeah, it's not a given, but there's a good chance that the players who won the last 7 slams will win the next 3.

 

[James P]

2nd and 3rd are almost 100% locks to go to Big 3. I do think AO and USO provide opportunity, albeit a small one, for a new breakthrough.

 

[Mark-Touch]

Over the years I've come to realize just how important seeding is for the top players.
The way the system works in this regard pretty much guarantees they will be around at least for the second week
and probably for the semi's as well. Enough time for them to warm up and give themselves confidence.

 

[Deleted member 763691]

Last time Rafa and Djokovic met at Wimbledon was 2018 and it finished 10-8 in the 5th Set, so I can see Rafa beating Djokovic at Wimbledon

 

[King No1e]

Thiem at RG and Med at USO. AO is going to Djokovic, Wimbledon probably to one of the big 3.

 

[Cabeza del Demonio]

Not anymore. Djokovic is the favorite for AO but that's about it.
Thiem, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, and Zverev are the new champions.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Not anymore. Djokovic is the favorite for AO but that's about it.
Thiem, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, and Zverev are the new champions.

Djoker is 100% favorite for AO and WC from now till the tourney begins. Period.

Same with Rafa for RG.

 

[Yugram]

Lulz, No2e failed at a couple of tournaments and suddenly his fans are in doomsayer mode.

Calm down guys, Rafa will bury this kids alive once again in 2020. Djokovic has only himself to blame if he can’t find motivation for the new challenge.

 

[Yugram]

Djoker is 100% favorite for AO and WC from now till the tourney begins. Period.

Yes he is. But something weird is happening with Djokovic as of late. It almost feels like he is spent mentally. If suddenly Djokovic fails to deliver at AO, then Federer’s Slam record is in HUGE danger as Nadal becomes the favorite for all of the Slemz.

 

[Deleted member 763691]

Yes he is. But something weird is happening with Djokovic as of late. It almost feels like he is spent mentally. If suddenly Djokovic fails to deliver at AO, then Federer’s Slam record is in HUGE danger as Nadal becomes the favorite for all of the Slemz.

Yes, although winning the AO is almost irrelevant, because Rafa can very easily reach 20 at Roland Garros and 21 at the US Open (or Wimbledon, as he's reached the Wimbledon SFs 2018 and 2019, and almost beat Djokovic at 2018).

 

[Cabeza del Demonio]

Lulz, No2e failed at a couple of tournaments and suddenly his fans are in doomsayer mode.

Calm down guys, Rafa will bury this kids alive once again in 2020. Djokovic has only himself to blame if he can’t find motivation for the new challenge.

The "kids" aren't just some new group second-rate challengers like Ferrer, Del Potro, or Berdych (2009-15) or Raonic, Dimitrov, and Wawrinka (2014-17). These guys are here to dethrone the Big 3. Nadal can't keep beating them forever like he did with Ferrer, Berdych, and Tsonga - because they're a different class of players.

 

[Yugram]

The "kids" aren't just some new group second-rate challengers like Ferrer, Del Potro, or Berdych (2009-15) or Raonic, Dimitrov, and Wawrinka (2014-17). These guys are here to dethrone the Big 3. Nadal can't keep beating them forever like he did with Ferrer, Berdych, and Tsonga - because they're a different class of players.

Yawn. Wake me up when these "not Ferrers, Berdychs and Tsongas" win at least 1 Slam. Then we’ll talk about dethroning someone.

 

[Deleted member 763691]

The "kids" aren't just some new group second-rate challengers like Ferrer, Del Potro, or Berdych (2009-15) or Raonic, Dimitrov, and Wawrinka (2014-17). These guys are here to dethrone the Big 3. Nadal can't keep beating them forever like he did with Ferrer, Berdych, and Tsonga - because they're a different class of players.

But there is no indication that any of the NextGens will win a slam title in the next 2 years.
Zverev won London 2018, and was a failure at the slams in 2019 when he only reached one QF and it was at Roland Garros which we know he's got no chance of winning.
So now Tsitsipas won London, and again we have no reason to think he'll win a slam anytime soon.
Medvedev was great at the US Open, but he's never won a 5-setter anywhere, so its hard to believe he's ready....
On top of that, Rafa inflicted more scar tissue on Medvedev, by coming back from 1-5 down in the deciding set at London, and then Rafa beat Tsitsipas in close marathon but Tsitsipas never even saw a break point on Rafa's serve and this was indoors in best-of-3-sets, the absolute opposite of the slams which are outdoors and best-of-5-sets.

 

[MichaelNadal]

But there is no indication that any of the NextGens will win a slam title in the next 2 years.
Zverev won London 2018, and was a failure at the slams in 2019 when he only reached one QF and it was at Roland Garros which we know he's got no chance of winning.
So now Tsitsipas won London, and again we have no reason to think he'll win a slam anytime soon.
Medvedev was great at the US Open, but he's never won a 5-setter anywhere, so its hard to believe he's ready....
On top of that, Rafa inflicted more scar tissue on Medvedev, by coming back from 1-5 down in the deciding set at London, and then Rafa beat Tsitsipas in close marathon but Tsitsipas never even saw a break point on Rafa's serve and this was indoors in best-of-3-sets, the absolute opposite of the slams which are outdoors and best-of-5-sets.

you're the reverse StrongRule that brings balance to the force lol

 

[Lleytonstation]

Yes he is. But something weird is happening with Djokovic as of late. It almost feels like he is spent mentally. If suddenly Djokovic fails to deliver at AO, then Federer’s Slam record is in HUGE danger as Nadal becomes the favorite for all of the Slemz.

I would be okay with that.

 

[Red Rick]

There will be a moment Roger, Rafa and Nole are having dinner, they look at each other, decide to finally open the door that's been banging a while to let Andy Murray back in.

 

[King No1e]

There will be a moment Roger, Rafa and Nole are having dinner, they look at each other, decide to finally open the door that's been banging a while to let Andy Murray back in.

"OPEN THE BLOODY DOOR YE FOKIN WANKERS"

 

[Lleytonstation]

"OPEN THE BLOODY DOOR YE FOKIN WANKERS"

They respond that it is a sliding automatic door...

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Different song, different verse

Fed wins all 4 in 2020

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Wouldn't mind the two of them just switching the Slams and the YE rankings next year.

 

[King No1e]

Wouldn't mind the two of them just switching the Slams and the YE rankings next year.

Nadal winning AO instead of Djokovic? Mhm no thanks.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Wouldn't mind the two of them just switching the Slams and the YE rankings next year.

No need for that. I think it is only fair to give the young guys an opportunity for success.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Wouldn't mind the two of them just switching the Slams and the YE rankings next year.

I’m in!!

 

[Red Rick]

Different song, different verse

Fed wins all 4 in 2020

You said you'd poast own pic if Fed won just the Wimbly.

What if he wins the Grande Chelem? GF nudettes?

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

You said you'd poast own pic if Fed won just the Wimbly.

What if he wins the Grande Chelem? GF nudettes?

All 4 I delete my account

 

[Lleytonstation]

All 4 I delete my account

Well TTW would not be needed anymore at this point. It would be over and TIGER crowned.

 

[Red Rick]

All 4 I delete my account

So you would put that on top of my suffering then

 

[BeatlesFan]

Thiem at RG and Med at USO.

You're making a bold prediction, KingNo1e!

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Man, wouldn't it be something to have a couple of 26 year old ATGs in the mix?

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Yeah, it's not a given, but there's a good chance that the players who won the last 7 slams will win the next 3.

Man, put like that, the landscape really is utterly dire.

 

[Tiki-Taka]

I hope both of them can keep this going for a little longer. Especially Nadal, being just one Major away from the record and all. But time is running out for them, it's not a safe bet anymore...

 

[King No1e]

You're making a bold prediction, KingNo1e!

It is, but they're knocking at the door in Slams and entering their prime. I am ready to join the Diamond Age train with @Meles once that happens.

 

[TennisHockey]

Same song, different verse. Maybe Rafa winning AO and Djoker winning RG. Would be epic.

Federer fans would be in absolute tears if this were to happen. Not only would the grand slams be yet again going to his two greatest rivals, but they would now both have double career grand slams, something that Fed is likely never going to achieve.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

 

[MichaelNadal]

I hope both of them can keep this going for a little longer. Especially Nadal, being just one Major away from the record and all. But time is running out for them, it's not a safe bet anymore...

Nadal getting the slam record would be so epic bc he was always so far behind

 

[Mike Sams]

Last time Rafa and Djokovic met at Wimbledon was 2018 and it finished 10-8 in the 5th Set, so I can see Rafa beating Djokovic at Wimbledon

I think that 2018 match was Nadal's best chance at beating Djokovic at Wimbledon and he squandered it. Nadal had great momentum and confidence going in while Djokovic couldn't win a single title anywhere on any surface. If they meet again at Wimbledon, it will probably be similar to their 2011 Wimbledon final. Nadal playing Djokovic's game as he usually does.

 

[Mike Sams]

Federer fans would be in absolute tears if this were to happen. Not only would the grand slams be yet again going to his two greatest rivals, but they would now both have double career grand slams, something that Fed is likely never going to achieve.

Djokovic likely won't ever win the French Open as long as Thiem and Nadal are there. And Nadal isn't likely going to win Melbourne as long as Djokovic is there. Both cancelling each other out from attaining history.

 

[Mike Sams]

But there is no indication that any of the NextGens will win a slam title in the next 2 years.
Zverev won London 2018, and was a failure at the slams in 2019 when he only reached one QF and it was at Roland Garros which we know he's got no chance of winning.
So now Tsitsipas won London, and again we have no reason to think he'll win a slam anytime soon.
Medvedev was great at the US Open, but he's never won a 5-setter anywhere, so its hard to believe he's ready....
On top of that, Rafa inflicted more scar tissue on Medvedev, by coming back from 1-5 down in the deciding set at London, and then Rafa beat Tsitsipas in close marathon but Tsitsipas never even saw a break point on Rafa's serve and this was indoors in best-of-3-sets, the absolute opposite of the slams which are outdoors and best-of-5-sets.

I don't think Med has any scar tissue. He lost ALL of his round robin matches. He was a spent force after having such a busy latter half of the season from all the matches he played and the finals he made. As for Tsits, he never saw a BP on Nadal's serve but Tsits also never saw a BP on Djokovic's serve in several matches they played. Not a huge deal. Tsits is so young, he's got a lot of time to rack up titles.

 

[ebar86]

Over the years I've come to realize just how important seeding is for the top players.
The way the system works in this regard pretty much guarantees they will be around at least for the second week
and probably for the semi's as well. Enough time for them to warm up and give themselves confidence.

fair enough..they worked their arse to be up there

 

[ebar86]

I don't think Med has any scar tissue. He lost ALL of his round robin matches. He was a spent force after having such a busy latter half of the season from all the matches he played and the finals he made. As for Tsits, he never saw a BP on Nadal's serve but Tsits also never saw a BP on Djokovic's serve in several matches they played. Not a huge deal. Tsits is so young, he's got a lot of time to rack up titles.

thing with tsitsi, he is proned to lose to unseeded player early on in majors.

 

[King No1e]

Love that song!!! It's in Serbian, too.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Djokovic likely won't ever win the French Open as long as Thiem and Nadal are there. And Nadal isn't likely going to win Melbourne as long as Djokovic is there. Both cancelling each other out from attaining history.

True, but all it takes is one bad match from either player to get knocked out early, or an injury to happen. Imagine if Djoker has elbow issues at the AO, or Rafa has injury issues and Thiem has a bad day. While those essentially have to happen, it is not like a plethora of things need to happen.

 

[Mike Sams]

True, but all it takes is one bad match from either player to get knocked out early, or an injury to happen. Imagine if Djoker has elbow issues at the AO, or Rafa has injury issues and Thiem has a bad day. While those essentially have to happen, it is not like a plethora of things need to happen.

Not just that, there are other players in contention who can knock them both off. Nadal has lost to numerous players in Melbourne including Federer, Berdych, Murray, Stanimal, Cilic, Ferrer, Tsonga and Verdasco. And Djokovic has come up short against players like Thiem, Stan, Federer and Nadal in the French and often times has even been on the cusp of losing against lesser ranked players. I feel the era of dominance with the big 3 is closing. Liklihood is that it happens over the next 2 seasons. Although I think it can happen in 2020 if Thiem, Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev to name a few finally rise to the occasion in the Slams.

 

[JaoSousa]

You're making a bold prediction, KingNo1e!

Do you guys remember when Khachanov won paris last year and everybody said that he would be top 3 in 2019? Not saying the same with Med, but we need to be a little careful

 

[Lleytonstation]

Do you guys remember when Khachanov won paris last year and everybody said that he would be top 3 in 2019? Not saying the same with Med, but we need to be a little careful

I am out on Med. Sorry, but the way he finished 0-4 on hard courts was disappointing. Don't give me the "he was tired" bit at 23 and a month off. Two different tourneys, 4 straight losses.

 

[megamind]

Despite losing the WTF, I was very impressed with Thiem, and have a bit more confidence that he can challenge Nadal and Djokovic. Thiem and Medvedev both have the ability to take down Novak Nadal

 

[megamind]

We'd be super lucky if this happened, but this what I'd love to happen:

Sinner defeats Djokovic or Nadal, and reaches at least the semis (or perhaps even wins it all)