2022 Rome R16: [1] Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka

[Pandaman]

Other thing to note is the amount of matches one can play before AO are fewer and far between. Its hard to get on board with the "lack of play" excuse. I put more stock into mental issues and maybe this mysterious illness. I like how he's playing, regardless. Barring more stamina issues, I believed in him figuring it out and still being the RG favorite with a 100% Nadal after Madrid. Ralph cant play really long matches against him anymore.

I'm disappointed Ralph couldn't hold up his side of the bargain again. Let's just hope Novak gets stiff comp from the remaining guys. He needs this title without the usual AO tailwind.

 

[SikSerb]

Other thing to note is the amount of matches one can play before AO are fewer and far between. Its hard to get on board with the "lack of play" excuse. I put more stock into mental issues and maybe this mysterious illness. I like how he's playing, regardless. Barring more stamina issues, I believed in him figuring it out and still being the RG favorite with a 100% Nadal after Madrid. Ralph cant play really long matches against him anymore.

I'm disappointed Ralph couldn't hold up his side of the bargain again. Let's just hope Novak gets stiff comp from the remaining guys. He needs this title without the usual AO tailwind.

Question is, who if any players can give Novak stiff competition in matches over 5 sets.

 

[guanzishou]

Omg, I saw some white hair on Nole. I'm much older than him and I don't have any white hair!

 

[yokied]

I know it's not a good indicator of his mobility, but how good is it to see an inside-out BH from Stan? Sure, you could actually move laterally to setup a FH, but why bother when the BH is just as good?

 

[yokied]

I might even find myself begrudgingly admitting how good Novak's aggressive instincts are on dropshot replies if I have to watch much more of this.

 

[UnderratedSlam]

I am very surprised that almost a quarter voted for Stan winning this.

 

[Third Serve]

Consecutive ? Damn.

Indeed. See:

2007: QF, lost to Nadal
2008: W, beat Wawrinka
2009: F, lost to Nadal
2010: QF, lost to Verdasco
2011: W, beat Nadal
2012: F, lost to Nadal
2013: QF, lost to Berdych
2014: W, beat Nadal
2015: W, beat Federer
2016: F, lost to Murray
2017: F, lost to Zverev
2018: SF, lost to Nadal
2019: F, lost to Nadal
2020: W, beat Schwartzman
2021: F, lost to Nadal
2022: at least QF