Djokovic at masters

[Towser83]

Obviously it's been said before but it still strikes me when you look at Djokovic how strong his masters record is. Kind of excited now that he's back to a high level of play how this whole year will pan out - Can Djokovic again dominate the sunshine double? Can Djokovic win another clay masters? Can Djokovic win in the fall season where a lot of the time players tend to drop off?

Looking at his record what is striking is how he doesn't really have much area of weakness. He's won 4 or more titles at 6 different events, compared to 4 (events) for Nadal and 3 for Federer. 1 of these is a clay masters (Rome) and the others HC, including IW and Miami, Canada, and Paris and Shanghai. So won 4 or more in every part of the season. Cincy is the only one he's not won at least twice, and he's lost 5 finals there. If he wins either MC or Madrid he'll have 7 masters that he's won 3 or more titles at (Fed and Nadal at 5 each)

Though he's won less masters than Nadal it looks like Djokovic will overtake him as he had before a few years back. Last year he got back into form and picked up Cincy and then a fall season masters in Shanghai, so now to see if he can be successful in IW/Miami but what will be really interesting is if he can win in clay season. Since his breakthrough season in 2011 Nadal has won 9 masters on clay but Djokovic has won an impressive 7 himself. The last 2 years he's been poor but maybe this year he can get back to his usual level.

Surely at some point though he's got to start skipping masters to remain fresh, I wonder if that point has come or not?

 

[TheAssassin]

It's so well balanced. He also made it to at least four finals in all of the Masters except Madrid, which he skipped more than any other event.

According to his schedule he is skipping Monte Carlo. Just like in February, we won't be seeing him in action in April either. I think he is focusing on Slams now more than ever before. Good decision as that's where everyone wants to leave a mark while he can't afford going all out in every event like he used to.

 

[Centrius]

Since last year the great one doesn't go for broke at anything but slams.Other tournaments are now just match practice and extra points for the number one hold.

 

[Towser83]

It's so well balanced. He also made it to at least four finals in all of the Masters except Madrid, which he skipped more than any other event.

According to his schedule he is skipping Monte Carlo. Just like in February, we won't be seeing him in action in April either. I think he is focusing on Slams now more than ever before. Good decision as that's where everyone wants to leave a mark while he can't afford going all out in every event like he used to.

That's really weird he's skipping MC as he lives there doesn't he? I also think his game suits the court more than Madrid. Shame really, without Djokovic, Nadal winning is a foregone conclusion

Also agree he can't go all out at every event though but I thought he'd have played MC and if he went far then skipped Madrid or played it if he lost early in Rome

 

[MichaelNadal]

Since last year the great one doesn't go for broke at anything but slams.Other tournaments are now just match practice and extra points for the number one hold.

Plz lol. Yall are acting like Djokovic is 39 years old. He tries in every tournament he plays.

 

[Sport]

Obviously it's been said before but it still strikes me when you look at Djokovic how strong his masters record is. Kind of excited now that he's back to a high level of play how this whole year will pan out - Can Djokovic again dominate the sunshine double? Can Djokovic win another clay masters? Can Djokovic win in the fall season where a lot of the time players tend to drop off?

Looking at his record what is striking is how he doesn't really have much area of weakness. He's won 4 or more titles at 6 different events, compared to 4 (events) for Nadal and 3 for Federer. 1 of these is a clay masters (Rome) and the others HC, including IW and Miami, Canada, and Paris and Shanghai. So won 4 or more in every part of the season. Cincy is the only one he's not won at least twice, and he's lost 5 finals there. If he wins either MC or Madrid he'll have 7 masters that he's won 3 or more titles at (Fed and Nadal at 5 each)

Though he's won less masters than Nadal it looks like Djokovic will overtake him as he had before a few years back. Last year he got back into form and picked up Cincy and then a fall season masters in Shanghai, so now to see if he can be successful in IW/Miami but what will be really interesting is if he can win in clay season. Since his breakthrough season in 2011 Nadal has won 9 masters on clay but Djokovic has won an impressive 7 himself. The last 2 years he's been poor but maybe this year he can get back to his usual level.

Surely at some point though he's got to start skipping masters to remain fresh, I wonder if that point has come or not?

I agree with the first point, Djokovic will end up with more Masters 1000 than Nadal.

Nadal was also in bad form in 2015/2016, so the argument that Djokovic was in bad form in 2017/2018 doesn't justify that Djokovic has less Masters 1000 on clay. Nadal is simply better on clay. Still, 7 Masters 1000 on clay since 2011 is a very good number.

 

[Towser83]

I agree with the first point, Djokovic will end up with more Masters 1000 than Nadal.

Nadal was also in bad form in 2015/2016, so the argument that Djokovic was in bad form in 2017/2018 doesn't justify that Djokovic has less Masters 1000 on clay. Nadal is simply better on clay. Still, 7 Masters 1000 on clay since 2011 is a very good number.

Of course Nadal is a far better clay player, my point is not to excuse Djokovic having less clay masters which would be ridiculous, I'm just saying it will be interesting to see if he does better than he has the last 2 years. If he plays like he did the last 2 years then he has no chance, I do expect him to play better but whether he is back to his best is another matter. Also no arguments about Nadal's form in 15/16.

From 2011 to 2016 he won a clay master every year apart from 2012 where he at least made the finals of 2 masters. In good form he should at least be challenging Nadal. Like I said the past 2 years he hasn't so we'll see if his clay game has gone or that was just a blip.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Rafa will end up with the masters record, besides a few months he's basically always had it, and I have faith that epicness will prevail

 

[Centrius]

Plz lol. Yall are acting like Djokovic is 39 years old. He tries in every tournament he plays.

Of course he tries but he won't jeopardize what really matters for his legacy.

 

[Towser83]

Rafa will end up with the masters record, besides a few months he's basically always had it, and I have faith that epicness will prevail

Really? If he can maintain dominance of the clay masters for another 3-4 years, or Djokovic drops off then yes he could, otherwise the stats don't favour him.

Also Nadal's not always had the record apart from a few months - it took a while to pass Federer then when Djokovic passed him he went off form soon after for over a year, but he;s still only one behind and now seems to be back in form. He won only one less master than Nadal last year and that was only starting to play well From wimbledon.

Djokovic has won every single master, won 6 of them 4 or more times - he has no real weaknes, no m,asters that's out of his reach. Even on clay, since 2011 he's won 7 masters to Nadal's 9 which is pretty close you'd have to agree. By contrast Nadal has won 4 masters on HC to Djokovic's 20. in that time Nole's won more miami titles than Nadal has won hc masters in total.

I mean you're right Nadal can still get the record if he carries on winning 2 clay masters, maybe the odd HC one and Djokovic doesn't win more then 2 masters a year and Nadal plays a high level for a couple more years than Djokovic but I think Nadal has got a better shot at the slam record than the masters one

 

[MajesticTennisManiac]

Masters GOAT.

Lendl's successor

 

[MichaelNadal]

Really? If he can maintain dominance of the clay masters for another 3-4 years, or Djokovic drops off then yes he could, otherwise the stats don't favour him.

Also Nadal's not always had the record apart from a few months - it took a while to pass Federer then when Djokovic passed him he went off form soon after for over a year, but he;s still only one behind and now seems to be back in form. He won only one less master than Nadal last year and that was only starting to play well From wimbledon.

Djokovic has won every single master, won 6 of them 4 or more times - he has no real weaknes, no m,asters that's out of his reach. Even on clay, since 2011 he's won 7 masters to Nadal's 9 which is pretty close you'd have to agree. By contrast Nadal has won 4 masters on HC to Djokovic's 20. in that time Nole's won more miami titles than Nadal has won hc masters in total.

I mean you're right Nadal can still get the record if he carries on winning 2 clay masters, maybe the odd HC one and Djokovic doesn't win more then 2 masters a year and Nadal plays a high level for a couple more years than Djokovic but I think Nadal has got a better shot at the slam record than the masters one

We act like Nadal didn't just win Toronto.
Yeah I believe in my boy, and Djokovic is going to slow down eventually too, by this time next year imo. 32 hits everyone hard. Do I think it's easily within the realm of possibility for Ultron to take the record? Of course I call him the mummy for a reason
I just think Nadal will swerve us all and keep it I could be wrong. #Bolieve

 

[Steve0904]

He's majoring in minors /AngieB

Really though, he's been amazing. He actually has 4 Rome Titles in the era of Nadal, and could've had a 5th if he didn't lose to Zverev in his lethargic 2017 phase. That's incredible, not to mention his exploits on HC.

 

[MichaelNadal]

He's majoring in minors /AngieB

Really though, he's been amazing. He actually has 4 Rome Titles in the era of Nadal, and could've had a 5th if he didn't lose to Zverev in his lethargic 2017 phase. That's incredible, not to mention his exploits on HC.

Nadal is tired by Rome
Last year he finally did the sensible thing and tank Madrid and go for Rome.
Angie wouldn't have too much fun on the forums these days lol. I miss her though. So controversial.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

We act like Nadal didn't just win Toronto.
Yeah I believe in my boy, and Djokovic is going to slow down eventually too, by this time next year imo. 32 hits everyone hard. Do I think it's easily within the realm of possibility for Ultron to take the record? Of course I call him the mummy for a reason
I just think Nadal will swerve us all and keep it I could be wrong. #Bolieve

Toronto was his first hc master since Cincy 2013...

 

[Steve0904]

Nadal is tired by Rome
Last year he finally did the sensible thing and tank Madrid and go for Rome.
Angie wouldn't have too much fun on the forums these days lol. I miss her though. So controversial.

Obviously. Healthy Nadal never loses.

Yeah, Angie was pretty strange (let's say unique instead), but I found her act pretty funny. Feel like you're right though. She wouldn't have too much fun now. Feel like the forum has gotten too serious for its own good.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Toronto was his first hc master since Cincy 2013...

And then he did.....

Obviously. Healthy Nadal never loses.

Yeah, Angie was pretty strange (let's say unique instead), but I found her act pretty funny. Feel like you're right though. She wouldn't have too much fun now. Feel like the forum has gotten too serious for its own good.

Im always here to try to fix that

 

[Towser83]

We act like Nadal didn't just win Toronto.
Yeah I believe in my boy, and Djokovic is going to slow down eventually too, by this time next year imo. 32 hits everyone hard. Do I think it's easily within the realm of possibility for Ultron to take the record? Of course I call him the mummy for a reason
I just think Nadal will swerve us all and keep it I could be wrong. #Bolieve

I'm not acting like he didn't win Canada, it was one of the 4 HC masters that he's won since 2011 which I mentioned, the other 3 were in 2013, Canada was his first hc masters in almost 5 years.

Of course you have every right to believe and that's a good thing, he certainly can do it, but confining Djokovic's chances to the "realms of possibility" category is a bit disrespectful and a little off reality, no offence.

The masters record to me is a lot like the H2H, where Nadal was so far in front that it took ages for Djokovic to get near and when he did Nadal would eventually pull a few more ahead, then Djokovic would start a new assault on it before pulling ahead. In the H2H Nadal almost got back in front like he has done with masters, but if Djokovic is back to top form he's the favourite. His masters record is far more evenly spread than Fed or Nadal, he can win anywhere.

since 2011 Djokovic has won 27 masters to Nadal's 13. HC 20-4, clay 7-9. Nadal was once 18-5 ahead.

As for year by year

2011 - Nole 5 Rafa 1
2012 - Nole 3 Rafa 2
2013 - Nole 3 Rafa 5
2014 - Nole 4 Rafa 1
2015 - Nole 6 Rafa 0
2016 - Nole 4 Rafa 1
2017 - Nole 0 Rafa 2
2018 - Nole 2 Rafa 3

If Djokovic is back in form, then he will most likely win more masters than Nadal, of course he might slow down but so will Nadal, these past couple of years even without Djokovic in form he's lost at clay masters to Thiem. It's not that ridiculous to suggest he could lose to both this year or even Zverev in future.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I'm not acting like he didn't win Canada, it was one of the 4 HC masters that he's won since 2011 which I mentioned, the other 3 were in 2013, Canada was his first hc masters in almost 5 years.

Of course you have every right to believe and that's a good thing, he certainly can do it, but confining Djokovic's chances to the "realms of possibility" category is a bit disrespectful and a little off reality, no offence.

The masters record to me is a lot like the H2H, where Nadal was so far in front that it took ages for Djokovic to get near and when he did Nadal would eventually pull a few more ahead, then Djokovic would start a new assault on it before pulling ahead. In the H2H Nadal almost got back in front like he has done with masters, but if Djokovic is back to top form he's the favourite. His masters record is far more evenly spread than Fed or Nadal, he can win anywhere.

since 2011 Djokovic has won 27 masters to Nadal's 13. HC 20-4, clay 7-9. Nadal was once 18-5 ahead.

As for year by year

2011 - Nole 5 Rafa 1
2012 - Nole 3 Rafa 2
2013 - Nole 3 Rafa 5
2014 - Nole 4 Rafa 1
2015 - Nole 6 Rafa 0
2016 - Nole 4 Rafa 1
2017 - Nole 0 Rafa 2
2018 - Nole 2 Rafa 3

If Djokovic is back in form, then he will most likely win more masters than Nadal, of course he might slow down but so will Nadal, these past couple of years even without Djokovic in form he's lost at clay masters to Thiem. It's not that ridiculous to suggest he could lose to both this year or even Zverev in future.

You know better than to do all this for me
Djokovic will likely end up with the record. Im just believing and supporting my boy

 

[Towser83]

Nadal is tired by Rome
Last year he finally did the sensible thing and tank Madrid and go for Rome.
Angie wouldn't have too much fun on the forums these days lol. I miss her though. So controversial.

Djokovic is 2-2 vs Nadal at MC

Djokovic's worst H2H at clay masters is surprisingly at Madrid 1-3

 

[Towser83]

You know better than to do all this for me
Djokovic will likely end up with the record. Im just believing and supporting my boy

Yeah that's fair enough, I;m just saying the trend has been towards Djokovic - I could end up totally wrong, but he has no weakness at the masters so my hunch is he'll win most. I Still think Nadal will have a very good chance at the slam record though

 

[tennisaddict]

Rafa will end up with the masters record, besides a few months he's basically always had it, and I have faith that epicness will prevail

You are in for disappointment here.

Djokovic has a chance to win any masters he enters . Not the case with Rafa.

Djokovic’s masters record will take a long time to be broken

 

[MichaelNadal]

You are in for disappointment here.

Djokovic has a chance to win any masters he enters . Not the case with Rafa.

Djokovic’s masters record will take a long time to be broken

1. I don't get disappointed over tennis
2. We will see

 

[Lew II]

With a RG and a Cincinnati title, he would have 2 titles in all 14 big annual events.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Djokovic is 2-2 vs Nadal at MC

Djokovic's worst H2H at clay masters is surprisingly at Madrid 1-3

The 2-2 at MC is actually impressive, but it's only bc he didn't mean him there more lol. But yeah I do give Imhotep props there, it's Rafa's court.

 

[Towser83]

The 2-2 at MC is actually impressive, but it's only bc he didn't mean him there more lol. But yeah I do give Imhotep props there, it's Rafa's court.

Well he can't meet him 7 times on at all clay events like RG lol. If he meets him there 2006-2010 Novak is gonna be up against it for sure (gave him a close match in 2009 though) but 2011 onwards it's not cut and dry really. Nadal kept his grip on RG but in the clay masters 2011 onwards it's 6-4 to Djokovic (was even 6-2 at one point) With them meeting in 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2015 it's a pretty fair spread. Though Nadal was awful in 2015, Djokovic wasn't the finished article in 2009, 2013 was one of Nadal's best years and in 2012 he was playing well and Djokovic in a funk. IMO it's RG where Nadal really shows the gap in clay ability, also Novak pretty much has to be on fire to beat Nadal on clay and his general level is nowhere near and he has far more players he can lose to.

 

[Bukmeikara]

Is Djokovic skipping Monte Carlo? Strange considering its near his home and he used to that conditions.

 

[Towser83]

Is Djokovic skipping Monte Carlo? Strange considering its near his home and he used to that conditions.

I agree, I think would make more sense to play it and skip Madrid or play Madrid if he loses in MC early

 

[Deleted member 716271]

It is interesting to note Djokovic is now 0 for 4 in the last 4 non slam tourneys he's entered (2 masters, Dubai, and WTF)

But he's 3 for 3 in the last 3 slams!

A bit of a reversal for the "majoring in minors" guy.

Still expect him to get the masters record obviously though, but maybe he's prioritizing things a bit differently?

 

[Towser83]

It is interesting to note Djokovic is now 0 for 4 in the last 4 non slam tourneys he's entered (2 masters, Dubai, and WTF)

But he's 3 for 3 in the last 3 slams!

A bit of a reversal for the "majoring in minors" guy.

Still expect him to get the masters record obviously though, but maybe he's prioritizing things a bit differently?

Doha, but yeah he's 0-4 at non slams and 3-0 at slams.

Last year he lost unexpectedly in Canada then won Cincy so maybe he'll do better in Miami

 

[DSH]

slams are much more important and transcendental.
nadal has until the 2021 season to try to win a major.
djokovic until season 2022.
Agassi's career ended in the US Open 2005 when he was just over 35 years 4 months.
that is the reference for both players,
Federer's thing is not going to happen in a long, long time, who knows, in decades, as was his predecessor, Ken Rosewall.

 

[GabeT]

It is interesting to note Djokovic is now 0 for 4 in the last 4 non slam tourneys he's entered (2 masters, Dubai, and WTF)

But he's 3 for 3 in the last 3 slams!

A bit of a reversal for the "majoring in minors" guy.

Still expect him to get the masters record obviously though, but maybe he's prioritizing things a bit differently?

He clearly has shifted priorities. He went all out for the slams and I think for Cincy as well (after so many finals he wanted to win that). I think going forward his priorities are slams and winning enough of the rest to keep at # 1 for as long as possible.

 

[Towser83]

slams are much more important and transcendental.
nadal has until the 2021 season to try to win a major.
djokovic until season 2022.
Agassi's career ended in the US Open 2005 when he was just over 35 years 4 months.
that is the reference for both players,
Federer's thing is not going to happen in a long, long time, who knows, in decades, as was his predecessor, Ken Rosewall.

I'm not sure, Fed could be a sign of players lasting longer in general. I could see Novak lasting until 36/37. Nadal less so because of his physical issues but if he sticks to clay perhaps even him. But I mean yeah by 2022, Djokovic will probably be nearing the end of his winning days

 

[Pheasant]

2019 Djoker simply copied 2017 Fed.

2017 Fedr: lost the 2nd match of the tourney that he played immediately after winning the AO.
2019 Djok: lost the 2nd match of the tourney that he played immediately after winning the AO.

2017 Fedr went on to sweep through his next 2 tourneys to win titles
2019 Djok: will try harder to sweep through his next 2 tourneys to win titles

The only difference here is that Donskoy legitimately destroyed Federer, something that Djoker still doesn't believe. Djoker tanked to Kohlschreiber. Otherwise, watch out for Djoker. I don't see anybody touching him in Miami. Djoker needed this loss to mind him how much that he hates losing.

 

[AndyM]

Why was Joco lacking so much energy in the singles match but then in doubles he seemed re-inspire

 

[nolefam_2024]

Obviously it's been said before but it still strikes me when you look at Djokovic how strong his masters record is. Kind of excited now that he's back to a high level of play how this whole year will pan out - Can Djokovic again dominate the sunshine double? Can Djokovic win another clay masters? Can Djokovic win in the fall season where a lot of the time players tend to drop off?

Looking at his record what is striking is how he doesn't really have much area of weakness. He's won 4 or more titles at 6 different events, compared to 4 (events) for Nadal and 3 for Federer. 1 of these is a clay masters (Rome) and the others HC, including IW and Miami, Canada, and Paris and Shanghai. So won 4 or more in every part of the season. Cincy is the only one he's not won at least twice, and he's lost 5 finals there. If he wins either MC or Madrid he'll have 7 masters that he's won 3 or more titles at (Fed and Nadal at 5 each)

Though he's won less masters than Nadal it looks like Djokovic will overtake him as he had before a few years back. Last year he got back into form and picked up Cincy and then a fall season masters in Shanghai, so now to see if he can be successful in IW/Miami but what will be really interesting is if he can win in clay season. Since his breakthrough season in 2011 Nadal has won 9 masters on clay but Djokovic has won an impressive 7 himself. The last 2 years he's been poor but maybe this year he can get back to his usual level.

Surely at some point though he's got to start skipping masters to remain fresh, I wonder if that point has come or not?

5 6 2 3 6 4 3 4 7 7

What a bullish record in masters and atp finals.