After Rafa's match against Tiafoe today...

[AO13]

...I took a moment to reminisce and think about Novak's last year Grand Slam season. And I see now what a special season that was and how difficult it is to win all 28 games at Grand Slam throughout one year.

I really thought Rafa would win this US Open, especially after I saw Medvedev went out. And I thought, damn, maybe if he was 100% healthy, he could've won Wimbledon, win all 4 Grand Slams in 2022 and succeed in what Novak failed to do in 2021.

But this defeat of his against Tiafoe showed me exactly how hard it is to achieve CYGS. Rafa didn't even had a pressure of it, since he retired at Wimbledon. But he didn't lose a game yet at Majors, and he could go 26-0 had he won this US Open.

Yet, he was completely outplayed by Tiafoe, like Djokovic was by Medvedev at USO 2021 final. But the difference is, Novak won 27 matches in a row before that.

After the end of the match, you could see Rafa was upset about this loss. He left the stadium after like 40 seconds. He was angry. He wanted this US Open badly.

Unfortunately for us, we all could've been witnesses to an amazing feat last year. But the immense pressure got to Novak. Like Rafa said tonight, Novak/Rafa played a bad match, while Daniil/Frances played a good one and won.

And all these turn of events showed me we probably won't ever see a player win all 4 Grand Slams in a year. Maybe even not in a non-calendar year.

 

[Tennfan123]

It was a year ago, bud.

 

[One]

You cant compare Novaks last year to this year Rafa. Novak won fair and square against everybody, but Rafa needed help from politicians this year. Not to mention him sacrificing his foor in order to win RG.

 

[TripleATeam]

It was a year ago, bud.

You're right, we shouldn't spend time talking about anything that happened before January of the current year. Ever.

 

[Krish872007]

As I said before, the legend continues to grow with each passing year. You can make whatever argument you want (surface, era, etc.) - but it still requires everything to work out and more:

 

[MichaelNadal]

Yeah Rafa should be inspired by being completely healthy and getting REKD in 3 sets

 

[dr325i]

Rafa was injured. Didn’t you see him taking medical timeouts in first set vs Fognini and after first vs Tiafoe. Both times when he was down LOL. Disgusting.

Tiafoe was pissed with Carlos B not having balls to start clock when it should start and for allowing a 10-minute break after the first set!

 

[AO13]

Yeah Rafa should be inspired by being completely healthy and getting REKD in 3 sets

Rafa lost due playing a bad match in 4 pretty easily, without a glimpse of pressure Novak had last year playing that historical match against Daniil.

And whatever you say about that last match, it takes a lot of everything to win 27 matches in a row thoughout the year at Grand Slams on three different surfaces to get to that position Novak was. Not to mention he beat Nadal at RG in semis and after that Tsitsipas in finals after losing first two sets.

It's a feat so special and so tough to achieve, that both Roger and Rafa were never close to it. Don't mix Roger's 27 wins and lost RG final into it, it's not the same, not even close.

 

[alinefx]

Rafa lost due playing a bad match in 4 pretty easily, without a glimpse of pressure Novak had last year playing that historical match against Daniil.

And whatever you say about that last match, it takes a lot of everything to win 27 matches in a row thoughout the year at Grand Slams on three different surfaces to get to that position Novak was. Not to mention he beat Nadal at RG in semis and after that Tsitsipas in finals after losing first two sets.

It's a feat so special and so tough to achieve, that both Roger and Rafa were never close to it. Don't mix Roger's 27 wins and lost RG final into it, it's not the same, not even close.

Exactly, don’t confuse the two. Fed lost to the clay-court goat. Djokovic lost to a nextGENner.

 

[Sampras-Bruguera 1993]

I dont know how difficult it is anymore for a young player. . Fed/Nadal/Djokovic would have done it 3-4 times if they didn't have to compete against each other. LOL. Of course, its gonna be difficult for a 36 year old to do it.


The conditions are such its very do-able today, you just can't have a deep field/GOAT Candidates to contend with and you can't be too old. . Im sure it will be done once or twice within the next 20 years since it doesn't looked we have my GOAT-like talents coming up and haven't since the days of the Big 3

 

[AO13]

I dont know how difficult it is anymore for a young player. . Fed/Nadal/Djokovic would have done it 3-4 times if they didn't have to compete against each other. LOL. Of course, its gonna be difficult for a 36 year old to do it.

But Fed/Ned/Djo wouldn't achieve what they all achieved to this today without each other battling and fighting, that's a fact.

So, in my opinion, there's no point viewing it that way. Novak was the closest one by beating the clay-court GOAT last year (reply to @alinefx) and winning first 3 slams and 6 games of the last slam.

 

[StrongRule]

Djokovic last year was also 2 years younger than Nadal was this year. And he didn't have any injuries. (oh yeah, the typical "magic injury" in AO which only made him play better)

 

[AO13]

Djokovic last year was also 2 years younger than Nadal was this year. And he didn't have any injuries. (oh yeah, the typical "magic injury" in AO which only made him play better)

Don't worry though, he won't win CYGS next year.

Maybe Wimbledon, possibly AO, not likely RG or USO.

 

[Permitlady]

Rafa lost due playing a bad match in 4 pretty easily, without a glimpse of pressure Novak had last year playing that historical match against Daniil.

And whatever you say about that last match, it takes a lot of everything to win 27 matches in a row thoughout the year at Grand Slams on three different surfaces to get to that position Novak was. Not to mention he beat Nadal at RG in semis and after that Tsitsipas in finals after losing first two sets.

It's a feat so special and so tough to achieve, that both Roger and Rafa were never close to it. Don't mix Roger's 27 wins and lost RG final into it, it's not the same, not even close.

it's alittle close

 

[Djokovic2011]

Rafa lost due playing a bad match in 4 pretty easily, without a glimpse of pressure Novak had last year playing that historical match against Daniil.

And whatever you say about that last match, it takes a lot of everything to win 27 matches in a row thoughout the year at Grand Slams on three different surfaces to get to that position Novak was. Not to mention he beat Nadal at RG in semis and after that Tsitsipas in finals after losing first two sets.

It's a feat so special and so tough to achieve, that both Roger and Rafa were never close to it. Don't mix Roger's 27 wins and lost RG final into it, it's not the same, not even close.

He knows this already. MN's just feeling super salty right now but give him a day or two and he'll be fine.

 

[Federev]

Exactly, don’t confuse the two. Fed lost to the clay-court goat. Djokovic lost to a nextGENner.

BOOM.

 

[Docholliday]

...I took a moment to reminisce and think about Novak's last year Grand Slam season. And I see now what a special season that was and how difficult it is to win all 28 games at Grand Slam throughout one year.

I really thought Rafa would win this US Open, especially after I saw Medvedev went out. And I thought, damn, maybe if he was 100% healthy, he could've won Wimbledon, win all 4 Grand Slams in 2022 and succeed in what Novak failed to do in 2021.

But this defeat of his against Tiafoe showed me exactly how hard it is to achieve CYGS. Rafa didn't even had a pressure of it, since he retired at Wimbledon. But he didn't lose a game yet at Majors, and he could go 26-0 had he won this US Open.

Yet, he was completely outplayed by Tiafoe, like Djokovic was by Medvedev at USO 2021 final. But the difference is, Novak won 27 matches in a row before that.

After the end of the match, you could see Rafa was upset about this loss. He left the stadium after like 40 seconds. He was angry. He wanted this US Open badly.

Unfortunately for us, we all could've been witnesses to an amazing feat last year. But the immense pressure got to Novak. Like Rafa said tonight, Novak/Rafa played a bad match, while Daniil/Frances played a good one and won.

And all these turn of events showed me we probably won't ever see a player win all 4 Grand Slams in a year. Maybe even not in a non-calendar year.

Djokovic was 34. Nadal is 36. Last year there was no Sinner Alcaraz Tiafoe making their marks.

 

[Docholliday]

He knows this already. MN's just feeling super salty right now but give him a day or two and he'll be fine.

Why would he be salty. Nadal leads the Slam Race. Djokovic struggled past Sinner on grass this year. Already lost to alcaraz although that was not a Major. If you think next season Djokovic is beating these guys at Majors you are very optimistic. He will be overpowered and outlasted just like Nadal was today. 2022 was crucial to Slam Race.

 

[ghostofMecir]

It was strange seeing Nadal lose while the opponent couldn’t really serve; most of the slam matches Nadal has lost, his opponent served well in the 60s, upper 60s, and even low 70s. The only exception I think was against Lucas Pouille at the 2016 USO, Stan at the AO, and those early career losses to Hewitt.

Watching him get bullied around the court in rallies versus Tiafoe was really jarring. Usually if an opponent serves up 44% or 45% in a set, the doll is going to be all over those return games but I couldn’t even muster up a break point in that first set.

 

[Docholliday]

Rafa lost due playing a bad match in 4 pretty easily, without a glimpse of pressure Novak had last year playing that historical match against Daniil.

And whatever you say about that last match, it takes a lot of everything to win 27 matches in a row thoughout the year at Grand Slams on three different surfaces to get to that position Novak was. Not to mention he beat Nadal at RG in semis and after that Tsitsipas in finals after losing first two sets.

It's a feat so special and so tough to achieve, that both Roger and Rafa were never close to it. Don't mix Roger's 27 wins and lost RG final into it, it's not the same, not even close.

Djokovic lost the match that mattered. No prizes for 2nd best. If it stays as it is 22-21-20 which im convinced it will that Medvedev loss will give him sleepless nights. There are no positives from that loss. It was a shocker.

 

[D.Nalby12]

Nadal had no pressure. Two best hard court players were already out. All he had do was put away few young gens who lack belief.

 

[Docholliday]

It was strange seeing Nadal lose while the opponent couldn’t really serve; most of the slam matches Nadal has lost, his opponent served well in the 60s, upper 60s, and even low 70s. The only exception I think was against Lucas Pouille at the 2016 USO, Stan at the AO, and those early career losses to Hewitt.

Watching him get bullied around the court in rallies versus Tiafoe was really jarring. Usually if an opponent serves up 44% or 45% in a set, the doll is going to be all over those return games but I couldn’t even muster up a break point in that first set.

He is old. The FO run took everything he had. He looked very tired at the Us Open.
I dont get the surprise a 36 year old lost to a 25 year old. Its normal

 

[ghostofMecir]

He is old. The FO run took everything he had. He looked very tired at the Us Open.
I dont get the surprise a 36 year old lost to a 25 year old. Its normal

We didn’t hear this when Federer was 36, though. Actually, he got back to #1 and there were posts about “playing his best tennis.”

Those were ridiculous, of course.

 

[Docholliday]

Nadal had no pressure. Two best hard court players were already out. All he had do was put away few young gens who lack belief.

Nadal likes pressure. He knows his Slam Record is probably safe. He had a baby coming. He was injured. This probably the least painful defeat of his career and the most meaningless.

 

[Djokovic2011]

Why would he be salty. Nadal leads the Slam Race. Djokovic struggled past Sinner on grass this year. Already lost to alcaraz although that was not a Major. If you think next season Djokovic is beating these guys at Majors you are very optimistic. He will be overpowered and outlasted just like Nadal was today. 2022 was crucial to Slam Race.

He's salty that his favourite player didn't turn 22 into 23, it ain't exactly rocket science sweetie.

 

[Docholliday]

We didn’t hear this when Federer was 36, though. Actually, he got back to #1 and there were posts about “playing his best tennis.”

Those were ridiculous, of course.

Federer was 36 in 2018? I thought he looked very declined in 2018. Lost the YE1 to Nadal in 2017 and he just never looked right in 2018 even in Australia when he won.
Federer for me declined post 2012 noticeably. He won slams 2017 and 2018 due to his greatness much like Nadal and Djokovic did this year despite both being way past their best.

 

[Docholliday]

He's salty that his favourite player didn't turn 22 into 23, it ain't exactly rocket science sweetie.

Im sure Nadal sitting atop the Slam Race is sweet not salty sweetie.
This year has been a disaster for Djokovic lets be honest.

 

[alinefx]

Djokovic lost the match that mattered. No prizes for 2nd best. If it stays as it is 22-21-20 which im convinced it will that Medvedev loss will give him sleepless nights. There are no positives from that loss. It was a shocker.

40-15 extracts a heavy price.

 

[Docholliday]

I like the way you slipped Tiafoe in there. Don't think he's quite there yet but top marks for today's milestone.

Well listening to the commentators it seems tiafoe was predicted to be a huge talent. Rublev match is bigger for him though than the Nadal one. He must win that.

 

[AO13]

Djokovic lost the match that mattered. No prizes for 2nd best. If it stays as it is 22-21-20 which im convinced it will that Medvedev loss will give him sleepless nights. There are no positives from that loss. It was a shocker.

How is Federer living with himself then, with 3 majors lost after having a match points against Djokovic, one being in Wimbledon final?

Oh yeah, he won 20 other.

Guess Novak won 21. And will win more, at least one more.

 

[AO13]

He is old. The FO run took everything he had. He looked very tired at the Us Open.
I dont get the surprise a 36 year old lost to a 25 year old. Its normal

The matches from end of may took so much out of him that he couldn't beat Tiafoe in september?

Are you aware of your writings? You don't know what you are talking about. Time for a break, get some sleep, try again tomorrow. He lost to Tiafoe, just accept it.

 

[AO13]

Nadal likes pressure. He knows his Slam Record is probably safe. He had a baby coming. He was injured. This probably the least painful defeat of his career and the most meaningless.

And this is what you have to tell to yourself to ease the pain? Relax, it wasn't you playing and losing, my God...

 

[Docholliday]

And this is what you have to tell to yourself to ease the pain? Relax, it wasn't you playing and losing, my God...

No i just look at the Slam Table. And then watch AO final.

 

[mike danny]

Moral of the story: winning 3 GS in a season at 36 is bery bery tough, no?

 

[Docholliday]

The matches from end of may took so much out of him that he couldn't beat Tiafoe in september?

Are you aware of your writings? You don't know what you are talking about. Time for a break, get some sleep, try again tomorrow. He lost to Tiafoe, just accept it.

He is 36 lol. Just won 2 slams. And with it took perhaps a decisive permanent lead in the Slam Race. Thats what you need to accept.

 

[Rudiiii]

Djokovic was 34. Nadal is 36. Last year there was no Sinner Alcaraz Tiafoe making their marks.

Guess how many matched Nadals played against those players in GS this year? Yeah, you guessed right

 

[Docholliday]

How is Federer living with himself then, with 3 majors lost after having a match points against Djokovic, one being in Wimbledon final?

Oh yeah, he won 20 other.

Guess Novak won 21. And will win more, at least one more.

Federer will rest much easier now that 40-15 didnt cost him the Slam Race. Djokovic might win one more. But its far from certain at his age. Lets see what happens. For now enjoy the Us Open.

 

[Djokovic2011]

Moral of the story: winning 3 GS in a season at 36 is bery bery tough, no?

According to @StrongRule Djokovic is gonna win all 4 next year.

 

[weakera]

Djokovic's dream should have died swiftly at Roland Garros. We saw what happens (AGAIN) when he faces a healthy Nadal there. Historic next gen choking and Nadal's foot gave Novak a gift from the gods chance at a vultured CYGS. Thankfully it didn't work out.

 

[Docholliday]

Guess how many matched Nadals played against those players in GS this year? Yeah, you guessed right

They were not as good last year. You make my point for me.

 

[Docholliday]

Djokovic's dream should have died swiftly at Roland Garros. We saw what happens (AGAIN) when he faces a healthy Nadal there. Historic next gen choking and Nadal's foot gave Novak a gift from the gods chance at a vultured CYGS. Thankfully it didn't work out.

Its looking like the Djokovic dream is over. Sinner and alcaraz both now showing they can win in 5 sets. Huge for both. Zverev back next season and boy will he be hungry.
One of those 3 would be my pick to win AO. Ruud i think will win FO.

 

[weakera]

Its looking like the Djokovic dream is over. Sinner and alcaraz both now showing they can win in 5 sets. Huge for both. Zverev back next season and boy will he be hungry.
One of those 3 would be my pick to win AO. Ruud i think will win FO.

If Sinner and Alcaraz need 5 sets for Cilic and Ivashka they are not worth worrying about.

Ruud will defeat Rafa to win FO if Rafa has a limb amputated maybe.

 

[Docholliday]

If Sinner and Alcaraz need 5 sets for Cilic and Ivashka they are not worth worrying about.

Ruud will defeat Rafa to win FO if Rafa has a limb amputated maybe.

Cilic was a big threat on this USO surface. He did make RG SF and many thought he could go deep at W.
Sinner was up and down but he was never in any real danger.
One of Sinner and Alcaraz is making the final. And that will be a huge experience.

 

[weakera]

Cilic was a big threat on this USO surface. He did make RG SF and many thought he could go deep at W.
Sinner was up and down but he was never in any real danger.

I hope I'm wrong but I just don't see Sinner or Alcaraz challenging Djokovic at AO.

Zverev - maybe.

 

[MichaelNadal]

No i just look at the Slam Table. And then watch AO final.

 

[Rudiiii]

They were not as good last year. You make my point for me.

If you could take some time and explain to me. How are those players threats to Nadal in this season, if he only played Tiafoe, guy who is on tour for like 10 years, and his best result is QF four years ago? Last year, you had Zed, Med and Nole on hc. Zed, Ned, Nole, Ccpas, Musseti, Sinner on clay. Grass is sh**ty for a while now. This year Nadal beat two good opponents on Slam level, Med in AO final, and Djokovic(got bageled by Rublev, just month earlier on clay). Best players are injured, in phase of rehabilitation, or not allowed to play tournaments, or completely collapsed mentally.

 

[weakera]

If you could take some time and explain to me. How are those players threats to Nadal in this season, if he only played Tiafoe, guy who is on tour for like 10 years, and his best result is QF four years ago? Last year, you had Zed, Med and Nole on hc. Zed, Ned, Nole, Ccpas, Musseti, Sinner on clay. Grass is sh**ty for a while now. This year Nadal beat two good opponents on Slam level, Med in AO final, and Djokovic(got bageled buy Rublev, just month earlier on clay). Best players are injured, in phase of rehabilitation, or not allowed to play tournaments, or completely collapsed mentally.

Not that this post isn't dripping with bias and blind absurdity, but I just wanted to highlight the Musetti inclusion as my favorite part.

 

[Docholliday]

If you could take some time and explain to me. How are those players threats to Nadal in this season, if he only played Tiafoe, guy who is on tour for like 10 years, and his best result is QF four years ago? Last year, you had Zed, Med and Nole on hc. Zed, Ned, Nole, Ccpas, Musseti, Sinner on clay. Grass is sh**ty for a while now. This year Nadal beat two good opponents on Slam level, Med in AO final, and Djokovic(got bageled buy Rublev, just month earlier on clay). Best players are injured, in phase of rehabilitation, or not allowed to play tournaments, or completely collapsed mentally.

Nadal was not beating Sinner or Alcaraz in SF here. Alcaraz beat Nadal at Madrid and narrowly lost at IW. Sinner has been hitting a big ball all year but injuries disrupted his season. The point is the writing has been on the wall all season that a New Era was coming.

 

[Docholliday]

I hope I'm wrong but I just don't see Sinner or Alcaraz challenging Djokovic at AO.

Zverev - maybe.

Look at the graph. Alcaraz made 4r of FO and W. Now QF at USO. Sinner QF FO W and USO. One will make SF. Their careers are going one way.
Tiafoe is an interesting one. I dont rate him as highly and think Rublev will beat him but commentators have been saying how talented he is and he has Slam winning potential. Dont see it myself but not seen much of him.

 

[weakera]

Look at the graph. Alcaraz made 4r of FO and W. Now QF at USO. Sinner QF FO W and USO. One will make SF. Their careers are going one way.
Tiafoe is an interesting one. I dont rate him as highly and think Rublev will beat him but commentators have been saying how talented he is and he has Slam winning potential. Dont see it myself but not seen much of him.

Forget about Tiafoe. He could sneak some decent results in favorable conditions but he's not a serious threat and didn't play at any great level yesterday.

Alcaraz and Sinner are improving. Just don't think they're ready to beat Djokovic at AO yet. Zverev can do it if he is healthy and keeps his nerve. He has been playing Novak very tight on HC for years and is only getting better.