Djokovic just had his Sampras USO 2002 moment

  • Thread starter Deleted member 77403
  • Start date
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
Watching this final unfold, I couldn't help but see so many similarities bombarding the forefront of my thoughts, whilst Djokovic roared his way to a triumphant Wimbledon win. The parallels with Pete's USO win seem so obvious and distinguishable to me, when I trace it back to start of this long arduous journey that Earth's Mightiest had to go on.

Pete won Wimbledon 2000, breaking the tie with Emerson and becoming the sole holder of grand slam record, however, after chasing his career defining moment, everything started to spiral out of control. Pete didn't win a title for over 2 years heading into USO 2002, many saying he was past it, that he was a step slower...yet that late summer in NYC, Pete turned back the clock, went through the draw and got better and better, ultimately beating his greatest rival on the way to claiming the USO and silencing the critics....

Fast forward to 2016 and Djokovic completed a career defining goal of finally completing the career slam by winning that prestigious but elusive trophy in Paris. And just like Pete before him, after having got such a monumental milestone, everything spiraled downwards. Djokovic entered Wimbledon 2018 not having won a slam in over two years also, and like Pete, was the holder of zero titles on the tour. Many said he too was past it, a step slower. Djokovic went through a very tough draw from third round on, and had an almighty clash with his greatest rival Nadal, defeating him on his way to claiming the W title and silencing the critics...

They doubted an ATG back then, they doubted an ATG now...when will the naysayers finally learn that you never count out an ATG. Ever.
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
You can never count out an ATG. You're doing so at your own peril.

I remember all this talk from some after Djokovic returned back from injury at AO, and couldn't get past fourth round, that he is not like Federer and Nadal, that he can just come back and win slams after absence...Six months back, and he is Wimbledon champion, having gone through in form Edmund, in form Nishikori and in form Nadal. Sure it look him an extra month or two, but he did it. :);)
 

wangs78

Legend
There are some parallels, yes, but unlike Pete who was widely expected to be at the end of his career and looking for final a triumph... Novak, elbow notwithstanding, is expected to physically be able to keep going for 4-5 more years at least. This is all thanks to Roger for having shown the world what grandpa's are capable of.
 

NoleFam

Bionic Poster
I remember all this talk from some after Djokovic returned back from injury at AO, and couldn't get past fourth round, that he is not like Federer and Nadal, that he can just come back and win slams after absence...Six months back, and he is Wimbledon champion, having gone through in form Edmund, in form Nishikori and in form Nadal. Sure it look him an extra month or two, but he did it. :);)

Yep I heard it too. "Djokovic is not like Fedal", "Djokovic only won because Fedal weren't at their best", "Djokovic is done and never will win another Slam". All were wrong at the end of the day and shows why you never doubt a great champion.
 

tennisaddict

Bionic Poster
Pete was unexpected. Novak was never underestimated more so seeing Fedal renaissance .and next gen flunking so hard

Not too many parallels. Remember Novak has been making Rome finals, USO finals, WTF final , RG QF, Wimb QF and a Eastbourne title since his FO15 triumph
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
Yep I heard it too. "Djokovic is not like Fedal", "Djokovic only won because Fedal weren't at their best", "Djokovic is done and never will win another Slam". All were wrong at the end of the day and shows why you never doubt a great champion.

I was very upfront and open about Novak at this Wimbledon. I said he was ready, so many were doubting him against Nadal, even many Novak fans because I guess if you accept defeat before the match, then it makes it easier to swallow the loss. I knew different, and wasn't afraid to say it. When I have that feeling, I just know. I predicted back in 2016 before the event started that Djokovic would beat Murray in four sets in the final, last year I stated that Nadal and Federer would both savage their respective slams and both won without dropping a set, this year I said Federer was beating Cilic in the fifth set of AO and it happened...I said Nadal was winning his 11th and then I said Djokovic was ready to beat Nadal and take this Wimbledon title...some of those may seem obvious, but some of those aren't.

Djokovic was returning back to Earth's Mightiest Warrior form the moment he saw Nadal in Rome, as soon as I saw that match, I told myself that Rafa won the match, but he may have just lost the war...and that war happened only a few weeks later at Wimbledon. Djokovic is far from done, and he is only going to get stronger, the hunger is back, in part thanks to Fedal winning. And if he reaches top gear in the coming weeks the USO is going to turn into a bloodbath... ;)
 

roysid

Legend
Watching this final unfold, I couldn't help but see so many similarities bombarding the forefront of my thoughts, whilst Djokovic roared his way to a triumphant Wimbledon win. The parallels with Pete's USO win seem so obvious and distinguishable to me, when I trace it back to start of this long arduous journey that Earth's Mightiest had to go on.

Pete won Wimbledon 2000, breaking the tie with Emerson and becoming the sole holder of grand slam record, however, after chasing his career defining moment, everything started to spiral out of control. Pete didn't win a title for over 2 years heading into USO 2002, many saying he was past it, that he was a step slower...yet that late summer in NYC, Pete turned back the clock, went through the draw and got better and better, ultimately beating his greatest rival on the way to claiming the USO and silencing the critics....

Fast forward to 2016 and Djokovic completed a career defining goal of finally completing the career slam by winning that prestigious but elusive trophy in Paris. And just like Pete before him, after having got such a monumental milestone, everything spiraled downwards. Djokovic entered Wimbledon 2018 not having won a slam in over two years also, and like Pete, was the holder of zero titles on the tour. Many said he too was past it, a step slower. Djokovic went through a very tough draw from third round on, and had an almighty clash with his greatest rival Nadal, defeating him on his way to claiming the W title and silencing the critics...

They doubted an ATG back then, they doubted an ATG now...when will the naysayers finally learn that you never count out an ATG. Ever.

Though he was hardly doing anything elsewhwere, he made the USO finals in 2000 and 2001.
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
Pete was unexpected. Novak was never underestimated more so seeing Fedal renaissance .and next gen flunking so hard

Not too many parallels. Remember Novak has been making Rome finals, USO finals, WTF final , RG QF, Wimb QF and a Eastbourne title since his FO15 triumph

Disagree with you here, I have been reading a lot of comments here about how he is done. How he is not like Fedal. I cannot forget those comments.
 

fmadej

Professional
No predictions are safe... Remember Indian Wells and Taro Daniel? It's just crazy how things have turned around
 

NoleFam

Bionic Poster
I was very upfront and open about Novak at this Wimbledon. I said he was ready, so many were doubting him against Nadal, even many Novak fans because I guess if you accept defeat before the match, then it makes it easier to swallow the loss. I knew different, and wasn't afraid to say it. When I have that feeling, I just know. I predicted back in 2016 before the event started that Djokovic would beat Murray in four sets in the final, last year I stated that Nadal and Federer would both savage their respective slams and both won without dropping a set, this year I said Federer was beating Cilic in the fifth set of AO and it happened...I said Nadal was winning his 11th and then I said Djokovic was ready to beat Nadal and take this Wimbledon title...some of those may seem obvious, but some of those aren't.

Djokovic was returning back to Earth's Mightiest Warrior form the moment he saw Nadal in Rome, as soon as I saw that match, I told myself that Rafa won the match, but he may have just lost the war...and that war happened only a few weeks later at Wimbledon. Djokovic is far from done, and he is only going to get stronger, the hunger is back, in part thanks to Fedal winning. And if he reaches top gear in the coming weeks the USO is going to turn into a bloodbath... ;)

Yea you are usually spot on with your predictions and credit where it's due. I knew at that Rome match as well that a new Djokovci was born. I think we both said that that day, but I just didn't expect for the "real" Djokovic make an appearance so quickly. He even surprised me this time. Djokovic is far from done and I think he is extremely hungry. I think he wants to win more of Slams and I think he will do just that. I think the USO is already going to be a blood bath. I think he will be lethal there and Fedal will also be in good form.
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
Yea you are usually spot on with your predictions and credit where it's due. I knew at that Rome match as well that a new Djokovci was born. I think we both said that that day, but I just didn't expect for the "real" Djokovic make an appearance so quickly. He even surprised me this time. Djokovic is far from done and I think he is extremely hungry. I think he wants to win more of Slams and I think he will do just that. I think the USO is already going to be a blood bath. I think he will be lethal there and Fedal will also be in good form.

Federer, Nadal and Djokovic all in good form, throw in Del Potro who looked incredible also, and with Cilic, leading the rest of the pack, it could be a stellar final slam for 2018.
 

tennisaddict

Bionic Poster
Disagree with you here, I have been reading a lot of comments here about how he is done. How he is not like Fedal. I cannot forget those comments.
Not from those who are sane

Even if he is not as good as Fedal, if they can win 3+majors , Novak cannpt win one , especially since he was making several good runs

People were just having some fun at the AO-IW-miami and Pepe/Agassi/Stepanek circus. After the way he ruined the tennis world for 2 years for the non fans, that was expected.
 

kevaninho

Hall of Fame
Watching this final unfold, I couldn't help but see so many similarities bombarding the forefront of my thoughts, whilst Djokovic roared his way to a triumphant Wimbledon win. The parallels with Pete's USO win seem so obvious and distinguishable to me, when I trace it back to start of this long arduous journey that Earth's Mightiest had to go on.

Pete won Wimbledon 2000, breaking the tie with Emerson and becoming the sole holder of grand slam record, however, after chasing his career defining moment, everything started to spiral out of control. Pete didn't win a title for over 2 years heading into USO 2002, many saying he was past it, that he was a step slower...yet that late summer in NYC, Pete turned back the clock, went through the draw and got better and better, ultimately beating his greatest rival on the way to claiming the USO and silencing the critics....

Fast forward to 2016 and Djokovic completed a career defining goal of finally completing the career slam by winning that prestigious but elusive trophy in Paris. And just like Pete before him, after having got such a monumental milestone, everything spiraled downwards. Djokovic entered Wimbledon 2018 not having won a slam in over two years also, and like Pete, was the holder of zero titles on the tour. Many said he too was past it, a step slower. Djokovic went through a very tough draw from third round on, and had an almighty clash with his greatest rival Nadal, defeating him on his way to claiming the W title and silencing the critics...

They doubted an ATG back then, they doubted an ATG now...when will the naysayers finally learn that you never count out an ATG. Ever.

I would say that Nadal was doubted ALOT more in 2015. His play then was even worse than Djokovic's slump IMO.
I knew Djokovic was too good to not come back like this, whereas Nadal even I felt that mentally it was too much for him getting confidence back.
Im glad theyre both now at the top of the tree again. Many more great battles ahead I think.
 

Rabin

Professional
Congrats to Djokovic and his fans, great tournament! US Open will certainly be interesting, hope we get to see a lot of competitive matches.
 

kevaninho

Hall of Fame
I was very upfront and open about Novak at this Wimbledon. I said he was ready, so many were doubting him against Nadal, even many Novak fans because I guess if you accept defeat before the match, then it makes it easier to swallow the loss. I knew different, and wasn't afraid to say it. When I have that feeling, I just know. I predicted back in 2016 before the event started that Djokovic would beat Murray in four sets in the final, last year I stated that Nadal and Federer would both savage their respective slams and both won without dropping a set, this year I said Federer was beating Cilic in the fifth set of AO and it happened...I said Nadal was winning his 11th and then I said Djokovic was ready to beat Nadal and take this Wimbledon title...some of those may seem obvious, but some of those aren't.

Djokovic was returning back to Earth's Mightiest Warrior form the moment he saw Nadal in Rome, as soon as I saw that match, I told myself that Rafa won the match, but he may have just lost the war...and that war happened only a few weeks later at Wimbledon. Djokovic is far from done, and he is only going to get stronger, the hunger is back, in part thanks to Fedal winning. And if he reaches top gear in the coming weeks the USO is going to turn into a bloodbath... ;)

A bloodbath in what sense?
If he plays Nadal at the USO, I can see a match exactly like yesterdays Wimbledon. Its literally a coin toss.
I cant see any straight forward easy wins for Djokovic like he had in some previous encounters. Whats your take? Can you see him improving more over the coming months?
 

Vish13

Semi-Pro
Watching this final unfold, I couldn't help but see so many similarities bombarding the forefront of my thoughts, whilst Djokovic roared his way to a triumphant Wimbledon win. The parallels with Pete's USO win seem so obvious and distinguishable to me, when I trace it back to start of this long arduous journey that Earth's Mightiest had to go on.

Pete won Wimbledon 2000, breaking the tie with Emerson and becoming the sole holder of grand slam record, however, after chasing his career defining moment, everything started to spiral out of control. Pete didn't win a title for over 2 years heading into USO 2002, many saying he was past it, that he was a step slower...yet that late summer in NYC, Pete turned back the clock, went through the draw and got better and better, ultimately beating his greatest rival on the way to claiming the USO and silencing the critics....

Fast forward to 2016 and Djokovic completed a career defining goal of finally completing the career slam by winning that prestigious but elusive trophy in Paris. And just like Pete before him, after having got such a monumental milestone, everything spiraled downwards. Djokovic entered Wimbledon 2018 not having won a slam in over two years also, and like Pete, was the holder of zero titles on the tour. Many said he too was past it, a step slower. Djokovic went through a very tough draw from third round on, and had an almighty clash with his greatest rival Nadal, defeating him on his way to claiming the W title and silencing the critics...

They doubted an ATG back then, they doubted an ATG now...when will the naysayers finally learn that you never count out an ATG. Ever.

I am pretty much sure that the comparison ends at both winning. Novak should go on to win more now. I hope Federer continues with his decent run so that finally we can see some good competition.
 

Mustard

Bionic Poster
I was very upfront and open about Novak at this Wimbledon. I said he was ready, so many were doubting him against Nadal, even many Novak fans because I guess if you accept defeat before the match, then it makes it easier to swallow the loss. I knew different, and wasn't afraid to say it. When I have that feeling, I just know.

You got lucky. My feeling was a Nadal win, because of the hot dry weather that was predicted for weeks and his determination to end the bad runs at Wimbledon in recent years. Only Nadal happened to play the one match that wasn't played in those conditions because of a 6 hour 36 minute semi final and no contingency plan on Wimbledon's behalf. That's unforeseeable and still annoying as heck.
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
You got lucky. My feeling was a Nadal win, because of the hot dry weather that was predicted for weeks and his determination to end the bad runs at Wimbledon in recent years. Only Nadal happened to play the one match that wasn't played in those conditions because of a 6 hour 36 minute semi final and no contingency plan on Wimbledon's behalf. That's unforeseeable and still annoying as heck.

Lucky or not, I didn't shy away one inch away from my prediction.

As they say, it doesn't matter if you win by one point, or a hundred points....winning is winning.
 

Vish13

Semi-Pro
Yep I heard it too. "Djokovic is not like Fedal", "Djokovic only won because Fedal weren't at their best", "Djokovic is done and never will win another Slam". All were wrong at the end of the day and shows why you never doubt a great champion.

In my humble opinion one of the reasons that Fedal swept last 6 slams was because Djokovic was not at his best. Suddenly now things look much brighter. JMDP looks to be consistent and Cilic should be handful on the HC. Hope Federer maintains a decent run and Rafa doesn't go missing and we should have a cracking hard court season.
 

Tennisgods

Hall of Fame
I remember all this talk from some after Djokovic returned back from injury at AO, and couldn't get past fourth round, that he is not like Federer and Nadal, that he can just come back and win slams after absence...Six months back, and he is Wimbledon champion, having gone through in form Edmund, in form Nishikori and in form Nadal. Sure it look him an extra month or two, but he did it. :);)

If I had a pound for the number of posters that were saying (even as late as a month ago) that Novak might win one more title... as if one more slam was maybe, just maybe, a possibility. He’ll win several more, that’s clear.

The old saying holds true. Form is temporary, class is permanent.
 

Vish13

Semi-Pro
I was very upfront and open about Novak at this Wimbledon. I said he was ready, so many were doubting him against Nadal, even many Novak fans because I guess if you accept defeat before the match, then it makes it easier to swallow the loss. I knew different, and wasn't afraid to say it. When I have that feeling, I just know. I predicted back in 2016 before the event started that Djokovic would beat Murray in four sets in the final, last year I stated that Nadal and Federer would both savage their respective slams and both won without dropping a set, this year I said Federer was beating Cilic in the fifth set of AO and it happened...I said Nadal was winning his 11th and then I said Djokovic was ready to beat Nadal and take this Wimbledon title...some of those may seem obvious, but some of those aren't.

Djokovic was returning back to Earth's Mightiest Warrior form the moment he saw Nadal in Rome, as soon as I saw that match, I told myself that Rafa won the match, but he may have just lost the war...and that war happened only a few weeks later at Wimbledon. Djokovic is far from done, and he is only going to get stronger, the hunger is back, in part thanks to Fedal winning. And if he reaches top gear in the coming weeks the USO is going to turn into a bloodbath... ;)

I remember you also saying that no one will stop Federer at WIM 2018. Pity that was the only prediction that had to go wrong :(
 

NoleFam

Bionic Poster
A fourth Wimbledon title, surpassing McEnroe and Becker, it just sounds sweet.

Novak Djokovic, the four time Wimbledon champion. :)

Wimbledon has always had a special place in Novak's career, it has always been there for him in his darkest moments, giving to birth to an incredible run of form.

It really is amazing. I thought he could reach this in his career one day when he was on 2 Wimby titles but it seemed so far away. 4 Wimbys is just crazy and I think he will finish his career with 5 tying Borg. 2 years ago I wouldn't have said that. I think he will have one more great run. Not as dominant as the last but very impressive in any case.
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
I remember you also saying that no one will stop Federer at WIM 2018. Pity that was the only prediction that had to go wrong :(

I should have said, no one but Federer will stop Federer. When you miss a mid court ball on your forehand to win the match in straights, well, what can you say. Had he made that one shot, yes, I think he would have won. I also stated, that if Federer slips for any reason, Djokovic will take it as long as he is in the other half...Fedovic was one point away from happening. I don't think Djokovic could have beaten Federer and Nadal back to back, but he was capable of beating at least one.
 

NoleFam

Bionic Poster
In my humble opinion one of the reasons that Fedal swept last 6 slams was because Djokovic was not at his best. Suddenly now things look much brighter. JMDP looks to be consistent and Cilic should be handful on the HC. Hope Federer maintains a decent run and Rafa doesn't go missing and we should have a cracking hard court season.

I think this hardcourt season will be a knockout drag out US hardcourt season and that would be great for tennis with so many good players in form battling it out.
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
It really is amazing. I thought he could reach this in his career one day when he was on 2 Wimby titles but it seemed so far away. 4 Wimbys is just crazy and I think he will finish his career with 5 tying Borg. 2 years ago I wouldn't have said that. I think he will have one more great run. Not as dominant as the last but very impressive in any case.

He is the prince of grass, there is no doubt about it. He can win more Wimbledon titles before his career is over, he loves playing at SW19.
 

Vish13

Semi-Pro
I should have said, no one but Federer will stop Federer. When you miss a mid court ball on your forehand to win the match in straights, well, what can you say. Had he made that one shot, yes, I think he would have won. I also stated, that if Federer slips for any reason, Djokovic will take it as long as he is in the other half...Fedovic was one point away from happening. I don't think Djokovic could have beaten Federer and Nadal back to back, but he was capable of beating at least one.

Yes. This would have been one Fedovic BO5 match that I would have slightly fancied Federer to put across. But anyways with Novak getting towards his best and Federer not exactly at his early 2017 level, I expect tough matches between them only in BO3 format.
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
Yes. This would have been one Fedovic BO5 match that I would have slightly fancied Federer to put across. But anyways with Novak getting towards his best and Federer not exactly at his early 2017 level, I expect tough matches between them only in BO3 format.

Federer would have made Djokovic feel that Nadal match for sure. You cannot compare an Anderson who had grinded out 11 hours in his last two matches, and simply not built for this much tennis, it was only his second run to a slam final, with Federer, who would have won that quarter in straights if not for one point, would have put Isner away a lot quicker IMO and would be super fresh for a much tired Djokovic who went to hell and back against Nadal. I am being honest with my feelings, Federer would have won had he won that one point....my personal opinion.
 

Federer and Del Potro

Bionic Poster
"Back in my day we used to post on a message board about these matches"

-Fedpo to his children as 46 yr old Federer plays against 42 yr old Djokovic in the 2028 Wimbledon Final
 

Vish13

Semi-Pro
Federer would have made Djokovic feel that Nadal match for sure. You cannot compare an Anderson who had grinded out 11 hours in his last two matches, and simply not built for this much tennis, it was only his second run to a slam final, with Federer, who would have won that quarter in straights if not for one point, would have put Isner away a lot quicker IMO and would be super fresh for a much tired Djokovic who went to hell and back against Nadal. I am being honest with my feelings, Federer would have won had he won that one point....my personal opinion.

You are missing one point. Federer putting out Isner quickly would have meant Novak Rafa match end the same day. Novak though would still be comparatively more tired. But anyways, I would like to imagine that Federer would have had the chance to turn tables against Novak like he did against Rafa at AO 17. We will never know.
 

Mainad

Bionic Poster
Watching this final unfold, I couldn't help but see so many similarities bombarding the forefront of my thoughts, whilst Djokovic roared his way to a triumphant Wimbledon win. The parallels with Pete's USO win seem so obvious and distinguishable to me, when I trace it back to start of this long arduous journey that Earth's Mightiest had to go on.

Pete won Wimbledon 2000, breaking the tie with Emerson and becoming the sole holder of grand slam record, however, after chasing his career defining moment, everything started to spiral out of control. Pete didn't win a title for over 2 years heading into USO 2002, many saying he was past it, that he was a step slower...yet that late summer in NYC, Pete turned back the clock, went through the draw and got better and better, ultimately beating his greatest rival on the way to claiming the USO and silencing the critics....

Fast forward to 2016 and Djokovic completed a career defining goal of finally completing the career slam by winning that prestigious but elusive trophy in Paris. And just like Pete before him, after having got such a monumental milestone, everything spiraled downwards. Djokovic entered Wimbledon 2018 not having won a slam in over two years also, and like Pete, was the holder of zero titles on the tour. Many said he too was past it, a step slower. Djokovic went through a very tough draw from third round on, and had an almighty clash with his greatest rival Nadal, defeating him on his way to claiming the W title and silencing the critics...

They doubted an ATG back then, they doubted an ATG now...when will the naysayers finally learn that you never count out an ATG. Ever.

Bit surprised that you want to push this comparison. After all, 2002 US Open was Pete's swansong. He never won another Slam and a year later was gone from the tour. You're surely not wishing the same for Novak! :eek:
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
You are missing one point. Federer putting out Isner quickly would have meant Novak Rafa match end the same day. Novak though would still be comparatively more tired. But anyways, I would like to imagine that Federer would have had the chance to turn tables against Novak like he did against Rafa at AO 17. We will never know.

We never will.... ;)
 
D

Deleted member 77403

Guest
Bit surprised that you want to push this comparison. After all, 2002 US Open was Pete's swansong. He never won another Slam and a year later was gone from the tour. You're surely not wishing the same for Novak! :eek:

No. Not at all. Federer had USO 2002 type of moment at AO 2017 also...and he did quite well after that, don't you think? ;) This was Djokovic's USO 2002 type of moment. How he goes on from his, is his choice to make. Pete left because he had nothing left to prove,he already had the record. Djokovic, like Federer had plenty yet to prove. :)
 

NoleFam

Bionic Poster
Not these days for sure. Was probably true once upon a time, but no longer. Guys are sticking around longer now with medical advancements and a useless next gen.

Exactly. These 3 are determined to play at a high level in their 30s which is pretty rare in tennis but yes with advancements in sports medicine and a non-existent new generation, they are looking to continue to dominate.
 
Top