2021 US Open R128: [1] Novak Djokovic vs Holger Rune

[Biotic]

I don't disagree entirely, just with the more physical than ever part. Current Novak wouldn't outlast his younger self. The Next Gen are just bad.

He could very well outlast Glutenvic. 2011-2016 would be out of reach.

 

[HolgerNova]

Doesn't matter. Do you really think current Novak would outlast his younger self? He shouldn't be running circles against an entire group of 22-25 year olds.

The game being more physical than ever is only partly true. True because it's harder for teenagers to break through today than in the past, but completely false because a 34 year old is winning everything against players in their early to mid 20's.

He could very well outlast Glutenvic. 2011-2016 would be out of reach.

Agree with both posts here; I think just that overall 2007-2017ish was a strong and deep field of players compared to now, it was more than just the big 3 at the top.

 

[guga_fan]

It's interesting how Djokovic's game is much more FH-oriented nowadays, I found it especially clear yesterday. His backhand is much less reliable than it used to be and his DTL shot has been non-existent for some time now (maybe because of his injury in late 2019). Still, he continues to avoid running around the backhand, as he has rarely needed to for years.

Rune impressed me a lot on return of service, many very deep returns off good services. Still, his serve did not seem very good for his height, but he will have time to work on it.

 

[NoleFam]

Doesn't matter. Do you really think current Novak would outlast his younger self? He shouldn't be running circles against an entire group of 22-25 year olds.

The game being more physical than ever is only partly true. True because it's harder for teenagers to break through today than in the past, but completely false because a 34 year old is winning everything against players in their early to mid 20's.

Times have changed man. Look at all sports across the board and look at the ages of the ones who are dominant. Even people in their early 30's are sprinting faster than they ever have. Fact is, he puts a lot of work in off the court and he is conscious about everything he eats so he can have a maximum performance on court. Younger players just aren't doing that.

 

[NoleFam]

It's interesting how Djokovic's game is much more FH-oriented nowadays, I found it especially clear yesterday. His backhand is much less reliable than it used to be and his DTL shot has been non-existent for some time now (maybe because of his injury in late 2019). Still, he continues to avoid running around the backhand, as he has rarely needed to for years.

Rune impressed me a lot on return of service, many very deep returns off good services. Still, his serve did not seem very good for his height, but he will have time to work on it.

His backhand crosscourt was way off last night. He was missing by miles at times. His backhand is not as good as it once was and his forehand seems to be the more damaging and reliable shot more times than not these days.

Rune is good and looks like he will have a promising future. He is not intimidated so he already has a good mindset.