Australian Open Number 8 - The Impossible Dream of Novak Djokovic !?

[Belgrad13]

I didn't expect much from the ATP Cup since it was a new event and was a team event which I am usually not interested in.
I don't follow the Davis Cup for instance. But I was pleasantly surprised by the ATP Cup and I thought it was a great success.
Of course, the fact that Serbia won it and Nole did so well had something to do with that but I think regardless of that it was a success.
I mean I will definitely watch it again next year if Nole plays whereas I still probably won't watch Davis Cup. I liked the format and there were plenty of great matches.
The atmosphere was different than usual and just, in general, it was something different than the normal ATP events.

But I am of course delighted that Serbia won and that Nole had an incredible run.
I hope it does great things for his confidence and that it will propel him towards another great season.
But for that to happen it is almost a must that he wins the AO.
After Nadal won the USO last year and went 3 slam titles clear of Nole again it is even more important.
The race between who will get the most slam titles is probably between Nadal and Nole now although you can't count Federer out.
So Nole needs to win the AO where he is at his most comfortable. It won't be easy. It never is. There are definitely players who can trouble him and the draw will play a role too.

If Federer is in Nadal's half it could make his life easier. I also read that with the withdrawal of Pouille it means Nole can't meet Kyrgios before the 4th round who is a dangerous opponent for him. Aside from Fedal, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Thiem, and Wawrinka can all cause him problems.
But I think his preparation has been as good as it gets and you got to like his chances to win an 8th AO title.
That said, I am superstitious and careful not to jinx so I will always just look at the next match.
I am looking forward to the draw which will be made around Friday's time probably so that we can get a rough idea of what Nole's path looks like.

Finally, I'm still reveling in Nole's victory over Nadal and Nadal's bitterness over it all.
For too long the tennis establishment and their two favorites have tried to keep Nole down but you can keep a good man down only for so long.
With every tennis season that passes he comes closer to overhauling the establishment and their entitled favorites.
It is only a question of time before he overthrows the entire establishment and establishes himself once and for all as the KING of tennis...

 

[Lleytonstation]

Will never be king of tennis. He might get it all, the slams, the weeks, and the h2h's, but if he hasn't won tennis over yet, he never will.

You can argue the reasons, and maybe it is unfair, but he will never be the beloved icon that Rafa and Fed are.

He is likely to win AO and probably another slam if not more this year, but it will never be enough. I mean look at what he has done this last decade? It is insane. Watch him play, it is insane... yet still Fed and Rafa own tennis.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I didn't expect much from the ATP Cup since it was a new event and was a team event which I am usually not interested in.
I don't follow the Davis Cup for instance. But I was pleasantly surprised by the ATP Cup and I thought it was a great success.
Of course, the fact that Serbia won it and Nole did so well had something to do with that but I think regardless of that it was a success.
I mean I will definitely watch it again next year if Nole plays whereas I still probably won't watch Davis Cup. I liked the format and there were plenty of great matches.
The atmosphere was different than usual and just, in general, it was something different than the normal ATP events.

But I am of course delighted that Serbia won and that Nole had an incredible run.
I hope it does great things for his confidence and that it will propel him towards another great season.
But for that to happen it is almost a must that he wins the AO.
After Nadal won the USO last year and went 3 slam titles clear of Nole again it is even more important.
The race between who will get the most slam titles is probably between Nadal and Nole now although you can't count Federer out.
So Nole needs to win the AO where he is at his most comfortable. It won't be easy. It never is. There are definitely players who can trouble him and the draw will play a role too.

If Federer is in Nadal's half it could make his life easier. I also read that with the withdrawal of Pouille it means Nole can't meet Kyrgios before the 4th round who is a dangerous opponent for him. Aside from Fedal, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Thiem, and Wawrinka can all cause him problems.
But I think his preparation has been as good as it gets and you got to like his chances to win an 8th AO title.
That said, I am superstitious and careful not to jinx so I will always just look at the next match.
I am looking forward to the draw which will be made around Friday's time probably so that we can get a rough idea of what Nole's path looks like.

Finally, I'm still reveling in Nole's victory over Nadal and Nadal's bitterness over it all.
For too long the tennis establishment and their two favorites have tried to keep Nole down but you can keep a good man down only for so long.
With every tennis season that passes he comes closer to overhauling the establishment and their entitled favorites.
It is only a question of time before he overthrows the entire establishment and establishes himself once and for all as the KING of tennis...

In what way has the tennis establishment tried to keep Novak down? Enlighten us.

 

[Belgrad13]

Will never be king of tennis. He might get it all, the slams, the weeks, and the h2h's, but if he hasn't won tennis over yet, he never will.

You can argue the reasons, and maybe it is unfair, but he will never be the beloved icon that Rafa and Fed are.

He is likely to win AO and probably another slam if not more this year, but it will never be enough. I mean look at what he has done this last decade? It is insane. Watch him play, it is insane... yet still Fed and Rafa own tennis.

Novak Djokovic = Josef Bican of the 21st Century

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

I agree that Novak needs to win this Aussi open. I think he needs at least 2 slams this year again to be in with a great shot at overtaking Fed and Rafa!

 

[MichaelNadal]

Will never be king of tennis. He might get it all, the slams, the weeks, and the h2h's, but if he hasn't won tennis over yet, he never will.

You can argue the reasons, and maybe it is unfair, but he will never be the beloved icon that Rafa and Fed are.

He is likely to win AO and probably another slam if not more this year, but it will never be enough. I mean look at what he has done this last decade? It is insane. Watch him play, it is insane... yet still Fed and Rafa own tennis.

Slay

 

[Tiki-Taka]

Novak is the favorite to win the tournament so "the impossible dream" is stretching it to put it mildly.

If he has another season like 2011/2015 I would bet on him breaking the Slam record and becoming tennis' king. But that is going to be very difficult.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Dan Evans and the impossible dream doesn't put butts in seats.

 

[Deleted member 733170]

Oh another ‘poor down trodden Serbs’ thread.

Get over your inferiority complex, Novak certainly has!

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Novak is the favorite to win the tournament so "the impossible dream" is stretching it to put it mildly.

If he has another season like 2011/2015 I would bet on him breaking the Slam record and becoming tennis' king. But that is going to be very difficult.

I don’t see him repeating 2011 or 2015 seasons. They were magical but to expect a repeat of them now is unrealistic.

However, I think he can repeat 2018 and 2019 and bag 2 slams. That will keep his goal of overtaking his 2 biggest rivals very much alive.

 

[Belgrad13]

In what way has the tennis establishment tried to keep Novak down? Enlighten us.

Strangely enough, the people who are called the Big 3 countries always think that Novak is disadvantaged because of his home country.
Another reason is also not apparent.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

The impossible dream of Dan Evans. Having 50 responses in his appreciation thread in the next 50 years.

 

[Tiki-Taka]

I don’t see him repeating 2011 or 2015 seasons. They were magical but to expect a repeat of them now is unrealistic.

However, I think he can repeat 2018 and 2019 and bag 2 slams. That will keep his goal of overtaking his 2 biggest rivals very much alive.

Maybe. It would depend on who wins the other two. Last year Djokovic gained nothing on Nadal since they equally shared the Slams. But he certainly helped both of them by denying Federer in the Wimbledon final.

 

[Belgrad13]

I don’t see him repeating 2011 or 2015 seasons. They were magical but to expect a repeat of them now is unrealistic.

However, I think he can repeat 2018 and 2019 and bag 2 slams. That will keep his goal of overtaking his 2 biggest rivals very much alive.

Novak and Rafa in another form need all the support we can give them. Both face an overpowering magician.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Strangely enough, the people who are called the Big 3 countries always think that Novak is disadvantaged because of his home country.
Another reason is also not apparent.

The reason is because his game isn’t flashy! That’s why he isn’t as popular.
It’s not because of where he is from. He is a great guy though!

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Maybe. It would depend on who wins the other two. Last year Djokovic gained nothing on Nadal since they equally shared the Slams. But he certainly helped both of them by denying Federer in the Wimbledon final.

I agree. That’s a true point. The problem Novak has is that Rafa keeps winning the french. It’s making it tough for Novak to catch him as he needs then 2 slams in the year to maybe narrow the gap. This year though he made no ground in end.

For Novak to catch Rafa he made need to try beat him at the french and take his crown or hope someone else like thiem takes it.
As for fed well he will struggle to add to his 20 now but will still have a good chance at Wimbledon and outside chance down under. However, Feds chances are slimmer to add to his record.

 

[Hitman]

I didn't expect much from the ATP Cup since it was a new event and was a team event which I am usually not interested in.
I don't follow the Davis Cup for instance. But I was pleasantly surprised by the ATP Cup and I thought it was a great success.
Of course, the fact that Serbia won it and Nole did so well had something to do with that but I think regardless of that it was a success.
I mean I will definitely watch it again next year if Nole plays whereas I still probably won't watch Davis Cup. I liked the format and there were plenty of great matches.
The atmosphere was different than usual and just, in general, it was something different than the normal ATP events.

But I am of course delighted that Serbia won and that Nole had an incredible run.
I hope it does great things for his confidence and that it will propel him towards another great season.
But for that to happen it is almost a must that he wins the AO.
After Nadal won the USO last year and went 3 slam titles clear of Nole again it is even more important.
The race between who will get the most slam titles is probably between Nadal and Nole now although you can't count Federer out.
So Nole needs to win the AO where he is at his most comfortable. It won't be easy. It never is. There are definitely players who can trouble him and the draw will play a role too.

If Federer is in Nadal's half it could make his life easier. I also read that with the withdrawal of Pouille it means Nole can't meet Kyrgios before the 4th round who is a dangerous opponent for him. Aside from Fedal, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Thiem, and Wawrinka can all cause him problems.
But I think his preparation has been as good as it gets and you got to like his chances to win an 8th AO title.
That said, I am superstitious and careful not to jinx so I will always just look at the next match.
I am looking forward to the draw which will be made around Friday's time probably so that we can get a rough idea of what Nole's path looks like.

Finally, I'm still reveling in Nole's victory over Nadal and Nadal's bitterness over it all.
For too long the tennis establishment and their two favorites have tried to keep Nole down but you can keep a good man down only for so long.
With every tennis season that passes he comes closer to overhauling the establishment and their entitled favorites.
It is only a question of time before he overthrows the entire establishment and establishes himself once and for all as the KING of tennis...

All seriousness...the bit in the bold....come on....

 

[Phoenix1983]

Will never be king of tennis. He might get it all, the slams, the weeks, and the h2h's, but if he hasn't won tennis over yet, he never will.

You can argue the reasons, and maybe it is unfair, but he will never be the beloved icon that Rafa and Fed are.

He is likely to win AO and probably another slam if not more this year, but it will never be enough. I mean look at what he has done this last decade? It is insane. Watch him play, it is insane... yet still Fed and Rafa own tennis.

It's true. He's Novak Djokovic, third wheel....and always will be.

 

[Belgrad13]

The reason is because his game isn’t flashy! That’s why he isn’t as popular.
It’s not because of where he is from. He is a great guy though!

His game is the problem? Why? What is wrong with his game?

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

It's true. He's Novak Djokovic, third wheel....and always will be.

That’s exactly what drives him on! He may be seen as third wheel to many, however if he ends up with the slam record, it will be difficult for people to ignore it and not view him as the best the sport has had.

 

[Belgrad13]

That’s exactly what drives him on! He may be seen as third wheel to many, however if he ends up with the slam record, it will be difficult for people to ignore it and not view him as the best the sport has had.

Many people who actually prefer to listen to music or go to the cinema prefer him over Nadal or the magician because he has a natural and open manner.
That is his secret. On that point, only Delpo can compete with him. But Delpo plays far too rarely and is always injured.

 

[Phoenix1983]

Many people who actually prefer to listen to music or go to the cinema prefer him over Nadal or the magician because he has a natural and open manner.
That is his secret. On that point, only Delpo can compete with him. But Delpo plays far too rarely and is always injured.

What does liking music or going to the cinema have to do with Novak Djokovic, boy?

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

His game is the problem? Why? What is wrong with his game?

Many finds it a bit boring. It’s just about preferences. Many found Sampras boring too.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Many people who actually prefer to listen to music or go to the cinema prefer him over Nadal or the magician because he has a natural and open manner.
That is his secret. On that point, only Delpo can compete with him. But Delpo plays far too rarely and is always injured.

hmmmmm

 

[GabeT]

Nole is one of the best paid athletes in the world, making more in endorsements than Nadal. One of the greatest records in tennis of all time and part of some of the most iconic matches in tennis history.

No need to feel sorry for him.

Like Fed back in 2015 Nole has nothing more to prove to anyone. As a fan I hope he continues to win more but it’s all gravy from here on.

 

[Belgrad13]

Many finds it a bit boring. It’s just about preferences. Many found Sampras boring too.

I absolutely don't think so. It is a matter of opinion. But there is no evidence for that. Let us assume that there is proof of this. Then what would that be? There is also no evidence that the Beatles sing better than the Rolling Stones or that Fred Astaire dances better than Gene Kelly. It is a subjective sensation.
If only one person doubts it, it is no longer safe.

 

[Hitman]

Nole is one of the best paid athletes in the world, making more in endorsements than Nadal. One of the greatest records in tennis of all time and part of some of the most iconic matches in tennis history.

No need to feel sorry for him.

Like Fed back in 2015 Nole has nothing more to prove to anyone. As a fan I hope he continues to win more but it’s all gravy from here on.

Yes. Djokovic's legacy is set in stone. Federer and Nadal maybe greater than him, but he isn't chopped liver either. He was the one guy who dared to stand up to their complete and total dominance of the tour, when no one else really could.

 

[GabeT]

Yes. Djokovic's legacy is set in stone. Federer and Nadal maybe greater than him, but he isn't chopped liver either. He was the one guy who dared to stand up to their complete and total dominance of the tour, when no one else really could.

BTW, can’t recall if I said this before but welcome back! TTW wasn’t the same without you.

 

[Belgrad13]

What does liking music or going to the cinema have to do with Novak Djokovic, boy?

I mean people who primarily do not consume sports, but are extreme fans of feature films or special music. People who only occasionally deal with tennis. There is a lot in this area that Djokovic and his loving nature prefer. Last but not least, attractive girls. Worldwide. They just like him, the Serb.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Nole is one of the best paid athletes in the world, making more in endorsements than Nadal. One of the greatest records in tennis of all time and part of some of the most iconic matches in tennis history.

No need to feel sorry for him.

Like Fed back in 2015 Nole has nothing more to prove to anyone. As a fan I hope he continues to win more but it’s all gravy from here on.

All 3 legends having nothing else to prove to anyone. They just all hungry to try and be remembered as the greatest. It’s the icing on cake for them. That’s the extra pressure they put on themselves and also the fans generate it to with all these discussions.

I agree though the 3 of them could hang their racquet up now and be knighted for what they done in this sport. It’s been amazing to witness the records Fed, Rafa and Novak have achieved. They won everything in game and won so many tournaments multiple times. We will never see a trio like them probably ever again in our lifetimes and will take some time to see it again.

It’s been the golden era for sure.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I absolutely don't think so. It is a matter of opinion. But there is no evidence for that. Let us assume that there is proof of this. Then what would that be? There is also no evidence that the Beatles sing better than the Rolling Stones or that Fred Astaire dances better than Gene Kelly. It is a subjective sensation.
If only one person doubts it, it is no longer safe.

Yes you don’t think so.
But more people like Fedals type of play. That’s why they are more popular. It’s no secret and it’s not a mystery. Maybe Novak will take the records and become the goat, doesn’t mean people will suddenly like his style of play. Better doesn’t always mean it’s the most liked.
Just in this forum it’s plenty of Novak fans already claiming he is the goat, even w not owning any record at all. Also what we believe is the goat is subjective as well.

 

[Hitman]

BTW, can’t recall if I said this before but welcome back! TTW wasn’t the same without you.

Team Earth's Mightiest Forever!

 

[GabeT]

All 3 legends having nothing else to prove to anyone. They just all hungry to try and be remembered as the greatest. It’s the icing on cake for them. That’s the extra pressure they put on themselves and also the fans generate it to with all these discussions.

I agree though the 3 of them could hang their racquet up now and be knighted for what they done in this sport. It’s been amazing to witness the records Fed, Rafa and Novak have achieved. They won everything in game and won so many tournaments multiple times. We will never see a trio like them probably ever again in our lifetimes and will take some time to see it again.

It’s been the golden era for sure.

Yes, totally agree. We are going to miss these three when they are gone.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Yes, totally agree. We are going to miss these three when they are gone.

Yep definitely. Talk about big shoes to fill haha!

 

[Tshooter]

 

[Belgrad13]

Yes you don’t think so.
But more people like Fedals type of play. That’s why they are more popular. It’s no secret and it’s not a mystery. Maybe Novak will take the records and become the goat, doesn’t mean people will suddenly like his style of play. Better doesn’t always mean it’s the most liked.
Just in this forum it’s plenty of Novak fans already claiming he is the goat, even w not owning any record at all. Also what we believe is the goat is subjective as well.

If you start to see Djokovic only as a classic Serb or athlete you have already lost. The person behind the facade is what you have to discover.
A kind of missionary who becomes more and more aware of his destiny over time and creates end realities.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

If you start to see Djokovic only as a classic Serb or athlete you have already lost. The person behind the facade is what you have to discover.
A kind of missionary who becomes more and more aware of his destiny over time and creates end realities.

I don’t care where he is from. My fav is not from the country I am from either.
I like to watch players I find entertaining. I’m not watching tennis for soul searching or a spiritual experience. I’ve fallen asleep watching Novak.

 

[TheAssassin]

He will win more Slams. Not doubting that for a second.

Even if he doesn't win more than everyone else, there is nobody more stunning. Let's enjoy the ride while we still can.

 

[Belgrad13]

I don’t care where he is from. My fav is not from the country I am from either.
I like to watch players I find entertaining. I’m not watching tennis for soul searching or a spiritual experience. I’ve fallen asleep watching Novak.

I watch every tennis match like a movie. And every single game like a song. I soak it up. But this only works if there are interesting characters on both sides, which is becoming increasingly rare. As an example, I will mention Medvedev and Khachanov. I could never watch a full match with Karen. Not even against Novak. Medvedev doesn't bother me even after hours. Unless against Khachanov and the like. Novak is very interesting because it mostly suppresses the Serbian in itself and gives itself to the west ... But he can't hold it forever and that creates the tension.

 

[Belgrad13]

He will win more Slams. Not doubting that for a second.

Even if he doesn't win more than everyone else, there is nobody more stunning. Let's enjoy the ride while we still can.

Everything is actually proven. But it never hurts to add more.

 

[mika1979]

Will never be king of tennis. He might get it all, the slams, the weeks, and the h2h's, but if he hasn't won tennis over yet, he never will.

You can argue the reasons, and maybe it is unfair, but he will never be the beloved icon that Rafa and Fed are.

He is likely to win AO and probably another slam if not more this year, but it will never be enough. I mean look at what he has done this last decade? It is insane. Watch him play, it is insane... yet still Fed and Rafa own tennis.

Who gives a f$&k about tennis, how he mugs Fedal fans off so the snowflakes need a safe space to curl into a ball

 

[Phoenix1983]

Yes, totally agree. We are going to miss these three when they are gone.

I won’t miss Novak Djokovic.

 

[Ovie]

It's true. He's Novak Djokovic, third wheel....and always will be.

I agree with you that Novak will always be third wheel, you know like in Tricycle, the wheel that comes first, alone at the front. He has surpassed the other two and he'll always stay ahead

 

[Lew II]

I won’t miss Novak Djokovic.

Of course you won't, he destroyed all your fanboyistc dreams of Federer being the best.

 

[Born_to_slice]

Will never be king of tennis. He might get it all, the slams, the weeks, and the h2h's, but if he hasn't won tennis over yet, he never will.

You can argue the reasons, and maybe it is unfair, but he will never be the beloved icon that Rafa and Fed are.

He is likely to win AO and probably another slam if not more this year, but it will never be enough. I mean look at what he has done this last decade? It is insane. Watch him play, it is insane... yet still Fed and Rafa own tennis.

First of all, Nadal and Federer are not even in the same sentence in terms of popularity. When Djokovic destroys Nadal almost every crowd loves it. Hell, in Paris where he is king, French crowd respects Nadal but in reality can't stand him. Greatest standing ovation was not for him, but for Djokovic, when he lost 2015 final to Wawrinka. But that doesn't matter. Frenchies love Federer way more so by your logic he owns tennis there? Obviously, that's not how tennis works.

Fedal is Nike's marketing construct that was supposed to keep Federer relevant when he was smacked left and right by Nadal. But their duopoly was broken by Djokovic and Fedal failed to to stay at top of tennis in reality, so the new term, Big 3 was coined. They even ham-fisted another westerner for big 4, lmao.

Anyway, history won't care who was more beloved during their playing years. Just take Lendl and Mac for example. Achievements speak for themselves, even though Lendl is barely present in public life and Mac is a commentator. Nobody cares. Weeks at no.1, slams, titles. That's all that matters to history.

 

[terribleIVAN]

I actually think he should win his 8th AO, just to get even with Fed in terms of most titles at a slam.

But at the same time you have to wonder.

He got owned by Fed at the YEC. Couldn't defend Shanghai. Lost the nr 1 spot. Was almost non existant in non slams last year.

Nole is beginning to leak from all sides.

 

[Phoenix1983]

Of course you won't, he destroyed all your fanboyistc dreams of Federer being the best.

Listen, child.

You, as well as others, make the mistake of thinking that I hate Novak Djokovic because of something to do wih Federer. I have however been a fan of tennis since before Federer, and shall be afterwards. I have many favourite players in both the men's and women's game, and am not obsessed with Federer like you are with Novak Djokovic.

It's not to do with whether Novak Djokovic surpasses Federer - it's to do with the fact that I don't want such a disgusting individual to be GOAT.

 

[Phoenix1983]

I agree with you that Novak will always be third wheel, you know like in Tricycle, the wheel that comes first, alone at the front. He has surpassed the other two and he'll always stay ahead

How has he surpassed the other two?

 

[Deleted member 748597]

Listen, child.

You, as well as others, make the mistake of thinking that I hate Novak Djokovic because of something to do wih Federer. I have however been a fan of tennis since before Federer, and shall be afterwards. I have many favourite players in both the men's and women's game, and am not obsessed with Federer like you are with Novak Djokovic.

It's not to do with whether Novak Djokovic surpasses Federer - it's to do with the fact that I don't want such a disgusting individual to be GOAT.

Dude... You are obsessed with Novak Djokovic.

 

[Lleytonstation]

First of all, Nadal and Federer are not even in the same sentence in terms of popularity. When Djokovic destroys Nadal almost every crowd loves it. Hell, in Paris where he is king, French crowd respects Nadal but in reality can't stand him. Greatest standing ovation was not for him, but for Djokovic, when he lost 2015 final to Wawrinka. But that doesn't matter. Frenchies love Federer way more so by your logic he owns tennis there? Obviously, that's not how tennis works.

Fedal is Nike's marketing construct that was supposed to keep Federer relevant when he was smacked left and right by Nadal. But their duopoly was broken by Djokovic and Fedal failed to to stay at top of tennis in reality, so the new term, Big 3 was coined. They even ham-fisted another westerner for big 4, lmao.

Anyway, history won't care who was more beloved during their playing years. Just take Lendl and Mac for example. Achievements speak for themselves, even though Lendl is barely present in public life and Mac is a commentator. Nobody cares. Weeks at no.1, slams, titles. That's all that matters to history.

20 to 30 years from now when all we have to look at is the stats, maybe you will be right. But you honestly think if Djoker gets most weeks at number one and gets 21 or 22 slams everyone is going to just start loving him? Don't see the narrative changing so dramatically.