Djokovic Medvedev is best hard court rivalry in years

[nolefam_2024]

Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev have been in many matches on hc in past 5 years. Djokovic is clearly dominating with 9-4 H2H on hard courts. But Medvedev leads the USOpen series with 2-0 H2H with wins in Cincinnati semis and USOpen finals.

Both have traded a slam finals on hc. Feels like Medvedev would have beaten Djokovic in Astana last year where he had mp as well.

This year Djokovic is winning Australian open, Cincinnati and Adelaide. While Medvedev has won Doha, Dubai, Rotterdam and Miami.

These two have played in slam finals, masters finals and in YEC matches. Sometimes Nole had the upper hand and sometimes Medvedev. Overall we have been given 13 matches on hc.

After Federer Djokovic epic and Djokovic Murray semi epic, this has been the most consistent rivalry on hard courts.

On top of that, both these guys are friendly.

 

[messiahrobins]

Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev have been in many matches on hc in past 5 years. Djokovic is clearly dominating with 9-4 H2H on hard courts. But Medvedev leads the USOpen series with 2-0 H2H with wins in Cincinnati semis and USOpen finals.

Both have traded a slam finals on hc. Feels like Medvedev would have beaten Djokovic in Astana last year where he had mp as well.

This year Djokovic is winning Australian open, Cincinnati and Adelaide. While Medvedev has won Doha, Dubai, Rotterdam and Miami.

These two have played in slam finals, masters finals and in YEC matches. Sometimes Nole had the upper hand and sometimes Medvedev. Overall we have been given 13 matches on hc.

After Federer Djokovic epic and Djokovic Murray semi epic, this has been the most consistent rivalry on hard courts.

On top of that, both these guys are friendly.

Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev have been in many matches on hc in past 5 years. Djokovic is clearly dominating with 9-4 H2H on hard courts. But Medvedev leads the USOpen series with 2-0 H2H with wins in Cincinnati semis and USOpen finals.

Both have traded a slam finals on hc. Feels like Medvedev would have beaten Djokovic in Astana last year where he had mp as well.

This year Djokovic is winning Australian open, Cincinnati and Adelaide. While Medvedev has won Doha, Dubai, Rotterdam and Miami.

These two have played in slam finals, masters finals and in YEC matches. Sometimes Nole had the upper hand and sometimes Medvedev. Overall we have been given 13 matches on hc.

After Federer Djokovic epic and Djokovic Murray semi epic, this has been the most consistent rivalry on hard courts.

On top of that, both these guys are friendly.

Djokoviv closer to alcaraz actually off court. Think medcedev and djokovic are less close than before covid. Just a perception i get. Not enemies and loads of respect is there but dont think they would have dinner.

 

[travlerajm]

Djokoviv closer to alcaraz actually off court. Think medcedev and djokovic are less close than before covid. Just a perception i get. Not enemies and loads of respect is there but dont think they would have dinner.

That’s because Djok feels like a father figure to Carlitos.

 

[paolo2143]

I think this will be different from their last 2 grand slam finals and will be an epic 4 or 5 setter with lots of turning pts and drama

 

[ACE of Hearts]

I think this will be different from their last 2 grand slam finals and will be an epic 4 or 5 setter with lots of turning pts and drama

I think it will be a boring final lol

 

[Tranqville]

Djokoviv closer to alcaraz actually off court. Think medcedev and djokovic are less close than before covid. Just a perception i get. Not enemies and loads of respect is there but dont think they would have dinner.

Medvedev once said in an interview that when he was new on tour, Djokovic helped him, gave him a lift on his jet to a Davis cup match etc. Novak was a bit of a mentor figure, helping Daniel figure out the ATP tour. Medvedev stayed at Novak's villa, they practiced together, had dinners etc. In short, they were super friendly. But once Medvedev became a real competitor to Novak, the relationship became more distant. Again, according to Medvedev.

 

[Biotic]

Medvedev once said in an interview that when he was new on tour, Djokovic helped him, gave him a lift on his jet to a Davis cup match etc. Novak was a bit of a mentor figure, helping Daniel figure out the ATP tour. Medvedev stayed at Novak's villa, they practiced together, had dinners etc. In short, they were super friendly. But once Medvedev became a real competitor to Novak, the relationship became more distant. Again, according to Medvedev.

It's the way it should be. He got help when he needed it. It's as much as anyone could ask for.

 

[messiahrobins]

Medvedev once said in an interview that when he was new on tour, Djokovic helped him, gave him a lift on his jet to a Davis cup match etc. Novak was a bit of a mentor figure, helping Daniel figure out the ATP tour. Medvedev stayed at Novak's villa, they practiced together, had dinners etc. In short, they were super friendly. But once Medvedev became a real competitor to Novak, the relationship became more distant. Again, according to Medvedev.

Guess thats natural

 

[dking68]

Sinner and Alcaraz will be the next grass and hard court rivalry. Sinner will be no rival to Alcaraz on clay

 

[Aabye5]

Sinner and Alcaraz will be the next grass and hard court rivalry. Sinner will be no rival to Alcaraz on clay

Are you saying Sinner will be better on clay than Carlitos?

 

[dking68]

Are you saying Sinner will be better on clay than Carlitos?

Other way around

 

[Aabye5]

Other way around

Why? I think Jannik might have some real chances on clay moreso than grass.

 

[dking68]

Why? I think Jannikmight have some real chances on clay moreso than grass.

Definitely not. Sinner has an extremely aggressive game and Clay he’s a bit to impatient and also I don’t think he’s fast enough for that surface

 

[duaneeo]

The hype of the 'growing rivalry' between Alcaraz and Djokovic is already dying down?

 

[Aabye5]

Definitely not. Sinner has an extremely aggressive game and Clay he’s a bit to impatient and also I don’t think he’s fast enough for that surface

The commentators during his match with Zverev highlighted his speed, when they noted that his game revolves so much around his legs [not having his legs in that match really hurt him]. He's not one of the fastest players on tour, but with those long legs of his, he can scramble as well as some of the best.

Besides, some of his best matches matches so far have been played on clay, not to mention his first deep run at a major. Look at all his great play up until Wimbledon in 2022. If not for his rotten luck (food poisoning?) and injuries, he might already be a Rome champion.

But you do make a good point about his impatience.

 

[dking68]

The commentators during his match with Zverev highlighted his speed, when they noted that his game revolves so much around his legs [not having his legs in that match really hurt him]. He's not one of the fastest players on tour, but with those long legs of his, he can scramble as well as some of the best.

Besides, some of his best matches matches so far have been played on clay, not to mention his first deep run at a major. Look at all his great play up until Wimbledon in 2022. If not for his rotten luck (food poisoning?) and injuries, he might already be a Rome champion.

But you do make a good point about his impatience.

Do you think he will have a better career than the German lion?

 

[Razer]

The hype of the 'growing rivalry' between Alcaraz and Djokovic is already dying down?

No it is not dying down, Alcaraz is not going anywhere for 15 years and Djokovic will also be playing for some more years, so the rivalry is as hot as ever.

 

[tennis3]

I think this will be different from their last 2 grand slam finals and will be an epic 4 or 5 setter with lots of turning pts and drama

Meddy looks "inspired". Like he was before losing to Nadal in the AO final.

I think it will be close. An inspired Meddy is no joke on US Open hardcourt.

 

[Razer]

Meddy looks "inspired". Like he was before losing to Nadal in the AO final.

I think it will be close. An inspired Meddy is no joke on US Open hardcourt.

Djokovic will have to win this slam in order for his confidence to be intact for the next year's Aus open and then Wimbledon too, I guess a lot is on the line tomorrow.

 

[Aabye5]

Djokovic will have to win this slam in order for his confidence to be intact for the next year's Aus open and then Wimbledon too, I guess a lot is on the line tomorrow.

Why? Djokovic is not a confidence player, really

 

[tennis3]

Why? Djokovic is not a confidence player, really

EVERYONE is a confidence player.

 

[Razer]

Why? Djokovic is not a confidence player, really

Sure he is not that dependent on confidence, but I think 2 next gens beating him back to back in W & USO raises the morale of the rest of the tour too, so to keep them on the leash would be better if Novak wins this.

 

[Aabye5]

Do you think he will have a better career than the German lion?

I think Sinner is capable of great things, but he will likely always face stiffer opposition from opponents than a player like Zverev. That 1st serve is a get-out-of-jail-free card for Zed. Jannik does not have anything like that in his back pocket.

But mentally, Jannik is as sound as they come. Look at his performance in the tiebreaks. That bodes very well for him. In that sense, if an opportunity comes up for him to grab a Slam, as it came to Zed in 2020, the other player will have to pry the trophy out of his cold, blistered hands.

 

[Aabye5]

EVERYONE is a confidence player.

Sure, and every player on Tour has a professional serve. After all, they are professionals. But we can't compare Brooksby's serve to Zed's.

In that sense, there are degrees. Unlike say, Rafa, Novak came often come with fewer warm-up tournaments than most. Hence, why he does so well at the Australian Open.

 

[dking68]

I think Sinner is capable of great things, but he will likely always face stiffer opposition from opponents than a player like Zverev. That 1st serve is a get-out-of-jail-free card for Zed. Jannik does not have anything like that in his back pocket.

But mentally, Jannik is as sound as they come. Look at his performance in the tiebreaks. That bodes very well for him. In that sense, if an opportunity comes up for him to grab a Slam, as it came to Zed in 2020, the other player will have to pry the trophy out of his cold, blistered hands.

Yes he saved the most match points in 2022 as well

 

[Aabye5]

Sure he is not that dependent on confidence, but I think 2 next gens beating him back to back in W & USO raises the morale of the rest of the tour too, so to keep them on the leash would be better if Novak wins this.

Yes, because what Ben Shelton lacks is morale.

 

[dking68]

I think Sinner is capable of great things, but he will likely always face stiffer opposition from opponents than a player like Zverev. That 1st serve is a get-out-of-jail-free card for Zed. Jannik does not have anything like that in his back pocket.

But mentally, Jannik is as sound as they come. Look at his performance in the tiebreaks. That bodes very well for him. In that sense, if an opportunity comes up for him to grab a Slam, as it came to Zed in 2020, the other player will have to pry the trophy out of his cold, blistered hands.

How long do you think it will take Jannik to improve his first serve percentage?

 

[Aabye5]

How long do you think it will take Jannik to improve his first serve percentage?

Not sure. How much has it improved since he started working with Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi?

 

[Razer]

Yes, because what Ben Shelton lacks is morale.

Next 1-2 years will tell us what Ben Shelton is made up of, he seems a bit hollow as of the moment but maybe he could emerge as a top athlete. He doesn't lack in morale, his confidence seemed okay even after being schooled by Novak.... lets see

There is Rune and Sinner, these 2 are the dangerous and will rise more next year, Zverev and Tsitsipas are there as well who are not done. Then we have Nadal returning next year for 1 last huraah.... So amidst all this I think Novak winning this USO is very crucial from the way I see it, the 24th slam sealed this year itself will do him good for next year rather than baggage from 2 slam losses.

 

[dking68]

Not sure. How much has it improved since he started working with Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi?

It hasn’t at all. But the percentage won behind the first serve has improved and also his total points won and return points won has improved

 

[dking68]

@Aabye5 currently Jannik is the second best returner on tour. All he needs is to improve that first serve percentage to 65% and he will be a disaster for everyone on tour

 

[Aabye5]

It hasn’t at all. But the percentage won behind the first serve has improved and also his total points won and return points won has improved

Well, percentage won is in some ways more important than serves in, as long as you aren't abysmal in the second category. So that explains his great runs this year and last year at Wimbledon.

 

[dking68]

Well, percentage won is in some ways more important than serves in, as long as you aren't abysmal in the second category. So that explains his great runs this year and last year at Wimbledon.

Well now that he has improved the percentage won, if he improves the percentage in, he will start to win more big tournaments

 

[mental midget]

Meddy looks "inspired". Like he was before losing to Nadal in the AO final.

I think it will be close. An inspired Meddy is no joke on US Open hardcourt.

agree. if they both show up in good form, should be a very interesting match.

i can see these guys getting along btw, both thoughtful personalities.

 

[Aabye5]

Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev have been in many matches on hc in past 5 years. Djokovic is clearly dominating with 9-4 H2H on hard courts. But Medvedev leads the USOpen series with 2-0 H2H with wins in Cincinnati semis and USOpen finals.

Both have traded a slam finals on hc. Feels like Medvedev would have beaten Djokovic in Astana last year where he had mp as well.

This year Djokovic is winning Australian open, Cincinnati and Adelaide. While Medvedev has won Doha, Dubai, Rotterdam and Miami.

These two have played in slam finals, masters finals and in YEC matches. Sometimes Nole had the upper hand and sometimes Medvedev. Overall we have been given 13 matches on hc.

After Federer Djokovic epic and Djokovic Murray semi epic, this has been the most consistent rivalry on hard courts.

On top of that, both these guys are friendly.

Forgot what thread I was in. Didn't mean to change topics here.

I really love this rivalry, because I don't know what will happen. If Nole wins in 3, it won't be shocking, but Medvedev is always underestimated by this forum, fans and commentators when playing anyone other than Rafa.

 

[mental midget]

Next 1-2 years will tell us what Ben Shelton is made up of, he seems a bit hollow as of the moment but maybe he could emerge as a top athlete. He doesn't lack in morale, his confidence seemed okay even after being schooled by Novak.... lets see

There is Rune and Sinner, these 2 are the dangerous and will rise more next year, Zverev and Tsitsipas are there as well who are not done. Then we have Nadal returning next year for 1 last huraah.... So amidst all this I think Novak winning this USO is very crucial from the way I see it, the 24th slam sealed this year itself will do him good for next year rather than baggage from 2 slam losses.

shelton mentioned in his press conference that he didn't serve his best in the last 2 rounds, would agree. and although in another thread i was raising some questions about his kinda strange remarks in his press conference, at the end of the day i like that he's got a ton of confidence and is definitely looking forward.

that serve alone is a VERY big weapon. add to that his movement, which is quite good for a guy his size, his generally solid stroke production and willingness to finish at net...all the tools to do some real damage. just as long as he doesn't go the way of shapovalov, shot selection-wise. a touch of shot tolerance should put him in the top 20 pretty handily.

 

[mental midget]

Forgot what thread I was in. Didn't mean to change topics here.

I really love this rivalry, because I don't know what will happen. If Nole wins in 3, it won't be shocking, but Medvedev is always underestimated by this forum, fans and commentators when playing anyone other than Rafa.

same. i have this match close to even atm...might even give meddy a 5% edge or so. his game is just plain effective against anyone who isn't redlining offensively (still think carlos will generally be a tough matchup for him going forward...as was roger.)

 

[Razer]

shelton mentioned in his press conference that he didn't serve his best in the last 2 rounds, would agree. and although in another thread i was raising some questions about his kinda strange remarks in his press conference, at the end of the day i like that he's got a ton of confidence and is definitely looking forward.

that serve alone is a VERY big weapon. add to that his movement, which is quite good for a guy his size, his generally solid stroke production and willingness to finish at net...all the tools to do some real damage. just as long as he doesn't go the way of shapovalov, shot selection-wise. a touch of shot tolerance should put him in the top 20 pretty handily.

I agree, some of the points he finished at the net vs Novak were very quick, if he can do that more often then it can become a big problem in future.

His attitude after losing is also such that he doesn't wanna apologize for Novak's celebration, he said winner gets to celebrate the way he wants. So you r right, the attitude, serve, net game all can translate into something big if he doesn't go the shapovalov way.

Next 1-2 years will tell us what he becomes. If he can back his swagger with his racquet skills then he will rule, otherwise he will have to tone down.

 

[tennis3]

Next 1-2 years will tell us what Ben Shelton is made up of, he seems a bit hollow as of the moment but maybe he could emerge as a top athlete. He doesn't lack in morale, his confidence seemed okay even after being schooled by Novak.... lets see

"The book" will be out on Shelton in his Sophomore year. He'll struggle. Then we'll see what happens.

In a sense, "the book" must already be out on him, as he hasn't won back to back matches outside of AO and US Open. I think both Paul and Tiafoe were a bit shocked to lose to Ben. I'm sure both thought they'd win (and probably have pretty easy wins).

 

[mental midget]

"The book" will be out on Shelton in his Sophomore year. He'll struggle. Then we'll see what happens.

In a sense, "the book" must already be out on him, as he hasn't won back to back matches outside of AO and US Open. I think both Paul and Tiafoe were a bit shocked to lose to Ben. I'm sure both thought they'd win (and probably have pretty easy wins).

i was kind of shocked myself. didn't see the paul match but tiafoe did look flat in that match...also tbh tiafoe does not play with a ton of margin either so in a way that was a bit of a gunslinger match and shelton did well to win it.

his dad seems to be doing a great job but if they went looking for a coach i think mark p. would be an interesting choice, or raonic if he decides to get into coaching...that guy is like the ultimate optimizer and could really help shelton build around his strengths.

honestly if shelton just ups his serve % a bit he'll be a good bit of the way there.

 

[duaneeo]

Quantity not quality thus far. Their slam meetings have mostly been one-sided.

 

[Aabye5]

Quantity not quality thus far. Their slam meetings have mostly been one-sided.

True, but they have been one-sided both ways.

 

[junior74]

Best thing is Djokovic can't win with mind games against Medvedev.
He has to actually beat him out on the court.

But Medvedev has a lot to prove. The USO title was a mental breakdown we never expected from Novak.