2021 Wimbledon SF - [1] Novak Djokovic - Denis Shapovalov [10]

Victor?


  • Total voters
    150
  • Poll closed .

Rafa4LifeEver

G.O.A.T.
This is exactly how the match will turn out:

Djokovic will come out playing worse than everyone is expecting and Shapovalov will come out nervy too but will strike first.

If Shapovalov wins first set it goes 5 if not then 4.

Djokovic will look in real trouble but Shapovalov's wanton mistakes on crucial points will let him off the hook.

The match will have a starting patch where Shapo dominates, and Novak either holds on(a scenario where he wins the 1st) or starts looking beaten( where he is a set and a break down)

However Novak will steady the ship, get the second set irrespective of whether he lost the first or not.

In third his level will dip again but the set will be close because Shapo will make mistakes on important opportunities. But he will win the set.


Again Novak will steady himself and finally hit a gear that Shapo won't be able to match due to his inconsistency, he will then end it in 4th or 5th depending on who won the first set.



So Djokovic in 4- 5.


HOWEVER, if Shapo's coach has a long talk with him today and tells him to depend on fixed non risky patterns on some points, he might pull out the win.


I have a feeling Novak is very vulnerable this year, he just hasn't met someone who can show that. His return is off, his BH is off so is his footing.
Nole in 3
 

chjtennis

G.O.A.T.
This has the potential to be an interesting match. Shapo needs to loosen up and use his lefty spin to his advantage, play aggressive and come to the net as usual, even at the danger of getting passed regularly. If he stays calm and play aggressive, he has an outside chance to cause an upset, but there's no doubt the title is Djokovic's to lose.
 

bigjimbofan

Rookie
It may be closer than most expect but in the end, Djokovic will dictate play and Shapo will commit many unforced errors as always in extended rallies. Djokovic in 4 IMO.
 

gameovais

Semi-Pro
I actually thought Shapo had won one of their matches before, I was wrong and with 6-0 a pattern has clearly emerged. I can see why people are picking Shapo but how many times do the big 3 have to show you they generally time their runs. Djokovic has played very average by his standards and is in the SF again. He has another gear if required and I think this is where we will see it.
 

stringertom

Bionic Poster
If Shapo can cut down the DFs and UEs he can keep it close. The lefty teen Draper took the opening set of Joe Kovic’s title defense by playing relatively error free and very big on important points. Shapo needs to match that start and then not let up to the circumstances.

Joe Kovic in 4 but I’m not going to be super surprised if it’s closer.
 

Sparlingo

Hall of Fame
This is exactly how the match will turn out:

Djokovic will come out playing worse than everyone is expecting and Shapovalov will come out nervy too but will strike first.

If Shapovalov wins first set it goes 5 if not then 4.

Djokovic will look in real trouble but Shapovalov's wanton mistakes on crucial points will let him off the hook.

The match will have a starting patch where Shapo dominates, and Novak either holds on(a scenario where he wins the 1st) or starts looking beaten( where he is a set and a break down)

However Novak will steady the ship, get the second set irrespective of whether he lost the first or not.

In third his level will dip again but the set will be close because Shapo will make mistakes on important opportunities. But he will win the set.


Again Novak will steady himself and finally hit a gear that Shapo won't be able to match due to his inconsistency, he will then end it in 4th or 5th depending on who won the first set.



So Djokovic in 4- 5.


HOWEVER, if Shapo's coach has a long talk with him today and tells him to depend on fixed non risky patterns on some points, he might pull out the win.


I have a feeling Novak is very vulnerable this year, he just hasn't met someone who can show that. His return is off, his BH is off so is his footing.
Plausible
 

Mark-Touch

Legend
I don't know who will win, but the way I see it is that Shapo is the only one left who can take out Djoker.
Good luck Dennis!
 

Pandaman

Semi-Pro
Not gonna lie but i was desperately hoping Kachanov would win 6-4 in 5th set as i think he would have been exhausted after last few matches and giving Novak much easier game in S/F.

Shapovalov is young and he will fully recover by Friday. He has huge serve and groundstrokes with a superb backhand. He has the weapons to really hurt Novak who to me seems to have been in 3rd gear since his win over Kevin Anderson.

I think Novak will play better on Friday and he will need to as this will be his first really big test of this Wimbledon.
His backhand is overrated. It breaks down against anyone really good, and thats when he starts overhitting his forehands. He looks good at the net and im seeing the right patterns and movement. Definitely concerning. I was hoping for the same.
 

Sparlingo

Hall of Fame
I actually thought Shapo had won one of their matches before, I was wrong and with 6-0 a pattern has clearly emerged. I can see why people are picking Shapo but how many times do the big 3 have to show you they generally time their runs. Djokovic has played very average by his standards and is in the SF again. He has another gear if required and I think this is where we will see it.
The ATP CUP match was very close going to a 3rd set tie-break where the second set was hampered by an unruly partisan Serbian crowd that cat-called Shapo during his serve and un-nerved him. Shapo did win an exhibition match 2 years ago on grass against Djokovic which might mean something. He also played pretty good against him at the Australian Open being one of the few to at least take a set off him. Shapo's chances are well above zero.
 

TennisFan3

Talk Tennis Guru
Shapavalov in 5. Please save tennis.
Tennis is beyond saving man. Novak IS tennis right now. He will Wimbledon, Olympics and the UsOpen I think. A golden slam in 2021.
To me the final frontier was beating Nadal at RG. Novak overcame the biggest challenge in sport. Now the BEAST is UNCAGED. He will be unbeatable on ALL surfaces.
 

Pandaman

Semi-Pro
While I'm happy Novak is in the SFs unscathed, I'm not with his play. His returns don't look as good as at the French, and he's overall playing much safer here. He's not going for baseline winners like he's done on grass (or even at this year's FO) in the past. Where is the bh up the line? He is hitting it out a lot on routine directional changes or rips. I'm worried he peaked in round 2 and his multiple mentions of being drained after FO aren't a coincidence. I also don't know if he can just turn it on randomly when he hasn't been going for it in matches (and hits out when he has).

All that said, it would be too hard for Denis to beat him. Novak from this match is good enough to win. Even if he isn't playing well, he won't go down without a long, grueling fight. He knows when to press the right buttons and get out with wins when it looks like he is doomed. I just want to see more of old Novak than this unremarkable one.

One note: I think Novak was doing something subtle from the baseline to apply pressure to Marton and coax him into errors. These things don't always show up in a tv broadcast.
 
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While I'm happy Novak is in the SFs unscathed, I'm not with his play. His returns don't look as good as at the French, and he's overall playing much safer here. He's not going for baseline winners like he's done on grass (or even at this year's FO) in the past. Where is the bh up the line? He is hitting it out a lot on routine directional changes or rips. I'm worried he peaked in round 2 and his multiple mentions of being drained after FO aren't a coincidence. I also don't know if he can just turn it on randomly when he hasn't been going for it in matches (and hits out when he has).

All that said, it would be too hard for Denis to beat him. Novak from this match is good enough to win. Even if he isn't playing well, he won't go down without a long, grueling fight. He knows when to press the right buttons and get out with wins when it looks like he is doomed. I just want to see more of old Novak than this unremarkable one.

One note: I think Novak was doing something subtle from the baseline to apply pressure to Marton and coax him into errors. These things don't always show up in a tv broadcast.
Novak does like to pace himself throughout a grand slam. I feel he’s been saving his energy a bit. Hopefully he has enough in the tank to go up another level here. Djoko is close to massive glory and I think he will push on now.
 

nolefam_2024

G.O.A.T.
Djokovic is so close to 20 this year. He started with 17.
He must not let this one go. Should have not dqed himself in USopen which was really looking like easy victory. He was unbeaten the entire year, some 20+ matches in a row.
Now he is unbeaten since Rome.
 

stringertom

Bionic Poster
The ATP CUP match was very close going to a 3rd set tie-break where the second set was hampered by an unruly partisan Serbian crowd that cat-called Shapo during his serve and un-nerved him. Shapo did win an exhibition match 2 years ago on grass against Djokovic which might mean something. He also played pretty good against him at the Australian Open being one of the few to at least take a set off him. Shapo's chances are well above zero.
Boodles win gave me confidence, only to see that confidence shattered less than a week later by Ricardas Berankis. Probably the darkest moment in my Shapo fandom other than the DC umpire beaning.
 

Pandaman

Semi-Pro
Novak does like to pace himself throughout a grand slam. I feel he’s been saving his energy a bit. Hopefully he has enough in the tank to go up another level here. Djoko is close to massive glory and I think he will push on now.
I hope you're right. Novak mentioned this was the windiest day here today and has been windy his last few matches in his press conference. This would explain a lot, as we all know his #1 nemesis is...THE WIND! :-D
 
I hope you're right. Novak mentioned this was the windiest day here today and has been windy his last few matches in his press conference. This would explain a lot, as we all know his #1 nemesis is...THE WIND! :-D
Perfect analysis my friend. Yeah external factors like the wind or extreme heat do affect his game more. Thankfully looking at the forecast on Friday it’s expected to be less windy and not too hot either. That will be much more beneficial to Novak.
 

Krish872007

Talk Tennis Guru
Novak's getting closer to his dream. No let ups now, needs to be 100% dialed in. Shapovalov, as average as he was today, can suddenly catch fire and make life a little bit difficult
 

stringertom

Bionic Poster
So far as beaning of officials goes, Djokovic and Shapo are even in that respect. Shapo was 17 at the time.
Who’s keeping score on that type of thing? I was just relating when I felt most down about Shapo.

I am now sorry to have mentioned it, as any reference to questionable behavior or mention of something not positively glowing about Shapo or Felix seems to put you in a tizzy. Has someone on the forum been beating on you and you now think it’s OK to lash out at me, a fellow supporter?

Show some respect, dude!
 

Kralingen

Talk Tennis Guru
Please provide evidence for your assertion. I'm thinking Novak is concerned right now, maybe even worried but I, like you, have no evidence for my assertion
You seem confident - what are your thoughts on Shapo’s mentality and strength heading into this match? He showed a lot of composure in the 5th set today and kept his nerve very well against a partisan crowd vs Murray too.

Do you feel his mentality is enough to compete against Djokovic’s? That’s the one area I’m not at all familiar with regarding Shapo
 

Rina

Hall of Fame
there are 8 votes for Shapo in 4? Every single time.. nope, Novak is imagining the hate...
 

Hamnavoe

Hall of Fame
Tall order for him to do that over best 5 and get 3 sets off Novak here. It’s the toughest thing to do in tennis right now.
Shapo has been returning well and he's got good offensive skills that can hurt Novak, who hasn't looked great from what I've seen. I agree it's unlikely, I voted Djokovic in 4 in the poll, but Shapovalov is one of the guys who on a good day could cause an upset.
 

ACE of Hearts

Bionic Poster
Please provide evidence for your assertion. I'm thinking Novak is concerned right now, maybe even worried but I, like you, have no evidence for my assertion

Concerned about what? The guy’s two matches away from being next to laver in terms of winning the first 3 slams in a calendar year. He’s cautious maybe but he will bring out his best.
 

gogo

Legend
Shapo has been returning well and he's got good offensive skills that can hurt Novak, who hasn't looked great from what I've seen. I agree it's unlikely, I voted Djokovic in 4 in the poll, but Shapovalov is one of the guys who on a good day could cause an upset.

This.

I fully expect Djoko to win, but if he is off and Denis is inspired, Shapo 'could' win it. He has the shots, but just doesn't use them at the appropriate times. (Although he's improving.)

Head: Djoko
Heart: Shapo

In the end I just want a good match.
 
Shapo has been returning well and he's got good offensive skills that can hurt Novak, who hasn't looked great from what I've seen. I agree it's unlikely, I voted Djokovic in 4 in the poll, but Shapovalov is one of the guys who on a good day could cause an upset.
Yeah a good comment. I agree shaps does have the tools to hurt djoko but depends how long he can maintain his level for. It also depends on what level djoko brings. I am hoping he ups it for the semis but we will see.
 

boredone3456

G.O.A.T.
While I think this COULD be a good match...Shapo needed 5 sets to take out Khachanov. Pretty much everyone expect Shapo to have much less trouble than he did in that match. Novak is a WHOLE different planet. Shapo is gonna have to rain in that first serve, 10 doubles faults ain't gonna cut it..he needs to basically bury the guy who played Khachanov..because that guy will lose to Novak in 3.

That said. Novak has a lot of pressure on him here, if he is off and IF shapo reigns it in..this could he fun. Novak could also murder him in 3 sets.
 

Pandaman

Semi-Pro
While I think this COULD be a good match...Shapo needed 5 sets to take out Khachanov. Pretty much everyone expect Shapo to have much less trouble than he did in that match. Novak is a WHOLE different planet. Shapo is gonna have to rain in that first serve, 10 doubles faults ain't gonna cut it..he needs to basically bury the guy who played Khachanov..because that guy will lose to Novak in 3.

That said. Novak has a lot of pressure on him here, if he is off and IF shapo reigns it in..this could he fun. Novak could also murder him in 3 sets.
This is very fair. I just don't think he is capable of the level required to beat him. He's not even on Zverev, Tsitsipas, or Medvedev's level. Everyone is just hyping him because there is a void of who can realistically challenge Novak, or, they're like me, a worrier wondering of the Real Slim Novie is going to show up. Denis has largely had a cakewalk draw and struggled against any semblance of competition against PK and KK. Reminder to everyone: PK is old but tricky, KK played well here but not a top player. This is identical to the Bear hype.

In my opinion, it's more about how Novak plays. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day. I just prefer reading comments like yours to these bozos pretending Shapovalav played good players and annihilated them all in straights.
 

gogo

Legend
No, Shapovalov is the only person left in the draw who I could see beating Novak. I don't give him a great chance, but still more than anyone else.

Don't worry Hamnavoe, @Pandaman thinks every comment is an anti-Djoko, because there are lots of anti-Djoko people.
I am thrilled at Djoko's track record over the past couple of years...absolutely stunning. But I am comfortable saying that if Denis is absolutely on, and Djoko has a stumble (rare), then Shapo 'could' win.
 

boredone3456

G.O.A.T.
This is very fair. I just don't think he is capable of the level required to beat him. He's not even on Zverev, Tsitsipas, or Medvedev's level. Everyone is just hyping him because there is a void of who can realistically challenge Novak, or, they're like me, a worrier wondering of the Real Slim Novie is going to show up. Denis has largely had a cakewalk draw and struggled against any semblance of competition against PK and KK. Reminder to everyone: PK is old but tricky, KK played well here but not a top player. This is identical to the Bear hype.

In my opinion, it's more about how Novak plays. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day. I just prefer reading comments like yours to these bozos pretending Shapovalav played good players and annihilated them all in straights.

I think it's a mix of both. If Novak plays bad he can still win in probably 4 or 5 if Shapo doesn't play better overall than he did against Khachanov. It's going to take Novak having an off day and Shapo playing his best match of the entire tournament. I certainly don't think Novak has played at his 100% best. He wasn't that in the QF...but his 75% is still better than most guys 100%.

I would love, in my heart, to see Shapo play the match of his life and even if he loses make it close. I really like the guy, and I love an underdog. But reality being what it is...im just not confident. If Shapo proves me wrong...Power to him.
 

Pandaman

Semi-Pro
No, Shapovalov is the only person left in the draw who I could see beating Novak. I don't give him a great chance, but still more than anyone else.
Anyone can beat Novak. All of these declarative statements people make about him steamrolling everyone are silly.
Shapovalav has had a less impressive run than Hurkacz, who took a set off of Novak 2 years ago, and arguably Bearettini. I think he's volleying well and always has hit the forehand big, but seriously, 5 sets vs washed up Kohls and Khachanov, a guy playing well [that I like] but hasnt been very good in 2 years? Idk man. He played well in Barca. Maybe he's magically found consistency and I'm not seeing it, but none of those guys put pressure on you and make you question yourself like Novak does, and that's even when he is not playing well.
 

Rosstour

G.O.A.T.
Shapo is in the midst of a breakout and is clearly getting better with each match.

Tsits and Musetti both took two sets from Djok at RG before he got it going. Shapo has more firepower than either of those guys and is a significantly better mover...and clearly his game is suited to the surface.

He has the athleticism and the shots to blow Djok off the court. But I'm not sure his brain has caught up yet.
 

Pandaman

Semi-Pro
Don't worry Hamnavoe, Pandaman thinks every comment is an anti-Djoko, because there are lots of anti-Djoko people.
I am thrilled at Djoko's track record over the past couple of years...absolutely stunning. But I am comfortable saying that if Denis is absolutely on, and Djoko has a stumble (rare), then Shapo 'could' win.
Lol no it's not like that. I'm just stating the facts. Fact is, he hasn't done **** this year. He played Novak close at ATP Cups the last two years, and almost beat Rafa in Barca. Props. Every time I watch him, he gets hot and crushes it for an hour, then starts spraying balls everywhere. I don't know if he suddenly stopped doing that the last few weeks, but going 5 sets against Kohls and Khachanov doesn't inspire confidence. Hubie going through Med and Fed is a tougher task. I completely understand why you guys are saying this, because it's Denis on the other side of the net, not Hubie and Bear. I also totally prescribe to the notion that anyone can beat anyone. I'm just finding it hard to believe he has fundamentally changed his game in 3-4 weeks. I do think it's on Novak's racquet. If he comes out flat and Shapo is crushing it, then the latter has a great chance.

Edit: I guess I just don't understand why people think he is a future #1. I know that's not what you're saying, but I'm more trying to understand, not hate everything someone says that isn't pro djokovic. if you look at my posts. I've been criticizing Novak's play a lot the last week.
 
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gogo

Legend
Yeah a good comment. I agree shaps does have the tools to hurt djoko but depends how long he can maintain his level for. It also depends on what level djoko brings. I am hoping he ups it for the semis but we will see.

'how long he can maintain it' is one of the problems.

And...Nole has an amazing ROS, which blunts one of Shapo's key strengths. That is why Denis has had such a poor head to head with Djoko (as had everyone else, of course)
 

Hamnavoe

Hall of Fame
Anyone can beat Novak. All of these declarative statements people make about him steamrolling everyone are silly.
Shapovalav has had a less impressive run than Hurkacz, who took a set off of Novak 2 years ago, and arguably Bearettini. I think he's volleying well and always has hit the forehand big, but seriously, 5 sets vs washed up Kohls and Khachanov, a guy playing well [that I like] but hasnt been very good in 2 years? Idk man. He played well in Barca. Maybe he's magically found consistency and I'm not seeing it, but none of those guys put pressure on you and make you question yourself like Novak does, and that's even when he is not playing well.
His return stats have been good in the last three matches, 49% vs Murray, 52% vs RBA, 40% vs Khachanov. Djokovic wasn't serving great against Fucsovics. I wouldn't bet on a Shapovalov win but I could see it happening.

I think Hurkacz is a solid, stable player but I don't see him as a guy with a super high peak level who could take it to Novak in a slam final. Good luck to him though, I'd like to see him prove me wrong.

Berrettini is a better player than Shapovalov and Hurkacz but I don't think I'd trust him against Novak. Can't see him getting much out of the cross court backhand exchanges. He'd make it close with his great serve/serve+1, but he can't bring the heat off both wings that a well-playing Shapovalov can.

Djokovic will win the semi-final I believe. 6-3 5-7 6-4 6-2.
 

gogo

Legend
No I don't. I'm just stating the facts. Fact is, he hasn't done **** this year. He played Novak close at ATP Cups the last two years, and almost beat Rafa in Barca. Props. Every time I watch him, he gets hot and crushes it for an hour, then starts spraying balls everywhere. I don't know if he suddenly stopped doing that the last few weeks, but going 5 sets against Kohls and Khachanov doesn't inspire confidence. Hubie going through Med and Fed is a tougher task. Like I said, anyone can win on any given day, but I understand the Shapo hype less than the Bearrettini. I completely understand why you guys are saying this, because it's Denis on the other side of the net, not Hubie and Bear. I also totally prescribe to the notion that anyone can beat anyone. I'm just finding it hard to believe he has fundamentally changed his game in 3-4 weeks. I do think it's on Novak's racquet. If he comes out flat and Shapo is crushing it, then the latter has a great chance.

Edit: I guess I just don't understand why people think he is a future #1. I know that's not what you're saying, but I'm more trying to understand, not hate everything someone says that isn't pro djokovic. if you look at my posts. I've been criticizing Novak's play quite a bit

You said...."You probably say that about every Djokovic opponent." You presumed @Hamnavoe had some Djoko hate on, instead of presuming a real non-malicious opinion. That's what I was defending.

I wasn't criticizing your comments that support your view that Djoko will win.

ETA: everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I have no reason to question yours. Peace.
 
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