Djokovic On Federer: "He's A Role Model, Even For Me"

[TennisFan3]

Novak Djokovic On Roger Federer: 'He's A Role Model, Even For Me' | Nitto ATP Finals 2019 | ATP Tour | Tennis

Novak Djokovic reflects on losing to Roger Federer at the Nitto ATP Finals and missing his chance to finish as year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.

www.atptour.com

Great post match comments by Novak after his defeat:

“He was the better player in all aspects and absolutely deserved to win,” said Djokovic. “He served great, moved well, returned my serve very well. From his end, I think he did everything right. From my end, I was just playing too neutral. I couldn't read his serve well. Just a pretty bad match from my side.

“[But] I have the utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. He's a role model, even for me, and one of the toughest opponents I’ve had in my career. Looking at his career and what he's still doing just inspires you.”

__________________

So while the Fed and Djokovic fans may still bicker, the two players have nothing but respect for each other. It is amazing how Novak still feels that Fed can be a role model. Even for someone as good as Djokovic.
Just goes to also show how humble Djokovic is too, and how lucky we are to see these two great champions together.

 

[RNadal]

Even for me? Even for me as a great tennis player he means? Such humility... Nadal steps down as most humble player to Djock.

 

[Chadalina]

the two players have nothing but respect for each other.

Can you link me Fed saying similar things after todays match? So far im only seeing that Djok respects Fed

 

[RaulRamirez]

Even for me? Even for me as a great tennis player he means? Such humility... Nadal steps down as most humble player to Djock.

Come on. There are many posters on this board who can't be civil with one another, or the least bit articulate, in their primary language, while simply typing on their devices.

On the other hand, with the tennis world watching, a world class player shows up for a media session minutes after a very tough defeat, and handles all questions in a secondary language (I just watched it) with thoughtfulness and graciousness. And this was your take?!

 

[TripleATeam]

Even for me? Even for me as a great tennis player he means? Such humility... Nadal steps down as most humble player to Djock.

It's not often people refer to one of their greatest rivals who just defeated them in quick fashion as a role model.

Oftentimes it's someone who played before your time and you watched while learning (a la the NextGen and Federer, or the old guard and Sampras). Referring to someone as a role model is a big honor, and it should mean a lot coming from someone only 6 years his junior.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Oh, stop it, will ya!

 

[TennisFan3]

Even for me? Even for me as a great tennis player he means? Such humility... Nadal steps down as most humble player to Djock.

After having achieved 16 slams and counting + having a favorable h2h with Fedal - Novak still believes that Fed can be his role model. That is despite Novak being as great (if not more) than Fed.
That is true humility. To regard your competitor as your role model. In your own era. A competitor whom you have bested at the big stages..

 

[Deleted member 743561]

It's not often people refer to one of their greatest rivals who just defeated them in quick fashion as a role model.

Oftentimes it's someone who played before your time and you watched while learning (a la the NextGen and Federer, or the old guard and Sampras). Referring to someone as a role model is a big honor, and it should mean a lot coming from someone only 6 years his junior.

Humility was his only conceivable course of action from a PR perspective.

After getting taken to the woodshed by a guy nearing 40, anything but deference would be construed as sour grapes.

 

[yokied]

Yeah I gotta ask @ABCD what was the hold up in poasting this link with a baity poll and no actual commentary?

 

[TripleATeam]

Humility was his only conceivable course of action from a PR perspective.

After getting taken to the woodshed by a guy nearing 40, anything but deference would be construed as sour grapes.

Of course it was. I'm not disputing that, but no one forced him to say Federer was a role model. No one asked him if he considered Federer a role model. He just said it.

Yeah, Federer did incredibly well and he deserved the win. Saying Djokovic is arrogant for calling Fed a role model is just absurd.

 

[Deleted member 743561]

Of course it was. I'm not disputing that, but no one forced him to say Federer was a role model. No one asked him if he considered Federer a role model. He just said it.

Yeah, Federer did incredibly well and he deserved the win. Saying Djokovic is arrogant for calling Fed a role model is just absurd.

The "role model" stuff all goes to the deference.

It's preservation of a brand.

Where's your "arrogant" piece come into this, btw...?

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Of course it was. I'm not disputing that, but no one forced him to say Federer was a role model. No one asked him if he considered Federer a role model. He just said it.

Yeah, Federer did incredibly well and he deserved the win. Saying Djokovic is arrogant for calling Fed a role model is just absurd.

40-15

 

[TripleATeam]

The "role model" stuff all goes to the deference.

It's preservation of a brand.

Where's your "arrogant" piece come into this, btw...?

The person I quoted sarcastically called Djokovic humble, clearly saying he's arrogant. I really don't get why you're trying to pick a fight with me of all people.

 

[Deleted member 743561]

The person I quoted sarcastically called Djokovic humble, clearly saying he's arrogant. I really don't get why you're trying to pick a fight with me of all people.

Hardly saw this as picking a fight.

Stripping away veneer. Nothing more.

Peace.

 

[ghostofMecir]

Yeah I gotta ask @ABCD what was the hold up in poasting this link with a baity poll and no actual commentary?

Lool!

 

[Lleytonstation]

Yeah I gotta ask @ABCD what was the hold up in poasting this link with a baity poll and no actual commentary?

Sounds like Djoker is not only impressed with what Fed is doing at this age, but is even inspired by what Fed is doing at this age. Would you not agree with Djokers comments @ABCD ? Especially considering it was Djokers ACTUAL statements. I think Djoker would know and if he says it, it is true...

 

[Rosstour]

Even for me? Even for me as a great tennis player he means? Such humility... Nadal steps down as most humble player to Djock.

I think it's OK to say "even for me". It's perhaps a tacit admission that there is some rivalry there, and I think that's OK to say as long as you're not being catty about it. Doesn't sound like he was, but I didn't see the remarks.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Can you link me Fed saying similar things after todays match? So far im only seeing that Djok respects Fed

At 1:30... praise or not from Fed for Nole? There's dozens of other positive remarks he's made for him over the years. He's never going to call Novak a "role model." Why should he?

 

[ABCD]

Sounds like Djoker is not only impressed with what Fed is doing at this age, but is even inspired by what Fed is doing at this age. Would you not agree with Djokers comments @ABCD ? Especially considering it was Djokers ACTUAL statements. I think Djoker would know and if he says it, it is true...

I agree here with Djokovic 100%.

 

[aditya123]

By the time Djoker started showing up i.e 2011, Fed had already won 16 slams.... adding the age gap too it would be extremely difficult for any one in Fed's shoes to reckon Djokovic as their role model!!!!!

 

[ABCD]

Yeah I gotta ask @ABCD what was the hold up in poasting this link with a baity poll and no actual commentary?

I have no idea what are you talking about.

 

[Gary Duane]

Novak Djokovic On Roger Federer: 'He's A Role Model, Even For Me' | Nitto ATP Finals 2019 | ATP Tour | Tennis

Novak Djokovic reflects on losing to Roger Federer at the Nitto ATP Finals and missing his chance to finish as year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.

www.atptour.com

Great post match comments by Novak after his defeat:

“He was the better player in all aspects and absolutely deserved to win,” said Djokovic. “He served great, moved well, returned my serve very well. From his end, I think he did everything right. From my end, I was just playing too neutral. I couldn't read his serve well. Just a pretty bad match from my side.

“[But] I have the utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. He's a role model, even for me, and one of the toughest opponents I’ve had in my career. Looking at his career and what he's still doing just inspires you.”

__________________

So while the Fed and Djokovic fans may still bicker, the two players have nothing but respect for each other. It is amazing how Novak still feels that Fed can be a role model. Even for someone as good as Djokovic.
Just goes to also show how humble Djokovic is too.

I have nothing but respect for Djokovic when he loses. He shows great sportsmanship and always seems to give credit to his opponents. I also like how he always is gracious at the net at the end. There is a lot to admire in Novak Djokovic.

 

[Krish0608]

Novak Djokovic On Roger Federer: 'He's A Role Model, Even For Me' | Nitto ATP Finals 2019 | ATP Tour | Tennis

Novak Djokovic reflects on losing to Roger Federer at the Nitto ATP Finals and missing his chance to finish as year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.

www.atptour.com

Great post match comments by Novak after his defeat:

“He was the better player in all aspects and absolutely deserved to win,” said Djokovic. “He served great, moved well, returned my serve very well. From his end, I think he did everything right. From my end, I was just playing too neutral. I couldn't read his serve well. Just a pretty bad match from my side.

“[But] I have the utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. He's a role model, even for me, and one of the toughest opponents I’ve had in my career. Looking at his career and what he's still doing just inspires you.”

__________________

So while the Fed and Djokovic fans may still bicker, the two players have nothing but respect for each other. It is amazing how Novak still feels that Fed can be a role model. Even for someone as good as Djokovic.
Just goes to also show how humble Djokovic is too.

Agreed completely. Novak is a class act. I don't care what Federer or us fans think. He's a class apart and the Fedovic matchup is my favorite. You NEVER know what's gonna happen. The patterns are never the same (Like Fedal or Djokodal). The better guy on that day ends up winning. That's about it.

 

[HetTheGreaterer]

Novak Djokovic On Roger Federer: 'He's A Role Model, Even For Me' | Nitto ATP Finals 2019 | ATP Tour | Tennis

Novak Djokovic reflects on losing to Roger Federer at the Nitto ATP Finals and missing his chance to finish as year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.

www.atptour.com

Great post match comments by Novak after his defeat:

“He was the better player in all aspects and absolutely deserved to win,” said Djokovic. “He served great, moved well, returned my serve very well. From his end, I think he did everything right. From my end, I was just playing too neutral. I couldn't read his serve well. Just a pretty bad match from my side.

“[But] I have the utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. He's a role model, even for me, and one of the toughest opponents I’ve had in my career. Looking at his career and what he's still doing just inspires you.”

__________________

So while the Fed and Djokovic fans may still bicker, the two players have nothing but respect for each other. It is amazing how Novak still feels that Fed can be a role model. Even for someone as good as Djokovic.
Just goes to also show how humble Djokovic is too.

Where's that novak djokovic "respect" compilation when you really need it??

 

[Azure]

Oh, stop it, will ya!

This is so adorable

 

[yokied]

Where's that novak djokovic "respect" compilation when you really need it??

djokothousandyardstare.gif

 

[TennisFan3]

Novak Djokovic is a CLASS ACT. Among the big 3 he is the best loser. Always congratulates his opponents and is very GRACIOUS. Nadal and Fed sometimes act sour after losses, but Novak is always a good sport. Smiles warmly and doesn't begrudge anyone.
Credit where it's due. For people who deny that, they are NOT being objective.

Imagine calling Fed a "Role Model" after having been schooled in a one sided match. To look up to someone and think of them as a role model even after having beaten them so many times - that's just incredible.

There is NO OTHER interpretation except that Novak is NOT only a great champion but also a good person above all - full of humility and respect for his compatriots. Great example for kids and the whole tennis community.

 

[TennisFan3]

I have nothing but respect for Djokovic when he loses. He shows great sportsmanship and always seems to give credit to his opponents. I also like how he always is gracious at the net at the end. There is a lot to admire in Novak Djokovic.

Excellent post. My thoughts 100%. I've never seen any other player so gracious after a defeat. Fedal certainly are not. And Novak has shown this time and again over these years.

 

[Fedforever]

Come on. There are many posters on this board who can't be civil with one another, or the least bit articulate, in their primary language, while simply typing on their devices.

On the other hand, with the tennis world watching, a world class player shows up for a media session minutes after a very tough defeat, and handles all questions in a secondary language (I just watched it) with thoughtfulness and graciousness. And this was your take?!

I agree. People are really clutching at straws if they think Novak's said anything wrong here.

No-one wants players bragging all the time but they should be able to make some acknowledgement of who they are. Novak's "even for me" is perfectly reasonable given the context.

 

[LETitBE]

Fedal dick sucking Media should just leave Novak alone.Really just leave him alone..Then cream your walls of your home with Fedal erections..We want no part of it..

you must be an interior designer! thanks for the idea

 

[Wilhelm]

This humbalito stuff is too much. Just say that you weren't feeling it tonight and move on...

 

[ghostofMecir]

Sounds like Djoker is not only impressed with what Fed is doing at this age, but is even inspired by what Fed is doing at this age. Would you not agree with Djokers comments @ABCD ? Especially considering it was Djokers ACTUAL statements. I think Djoker would know and if he says it, it is true...

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

“[But] I have the utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. He's a role model, even for me, and one of the toughest opponents I’ve had in my career. Looking at his career and what he's still doing just inspires you.”

Gag.

Even for me...
was that so bad to say?
Fed is only 5 years older, role models aren’t normally only 5 years older, more like a generation. Likely he said even for me for those reasons.

 

[TennisFan3]

Even for me...
was that so bad to say?
Fed is only 5 years older, role models aren’t normally only 5 years older, more like a generation. Likely he said even for me for those reasons.

Excellent post. Good interpretation. Typically role models are reserved for people who are NOT in your era.

The fact that Novak is talking about his compatriot and competitor is why he said "Even me". It is a mark of Djokovic's humility and respect for Federer.

 

[duaneeo]

Even for me...
was that so bad to say?

I have my view of the comment, and you have yours. This isn't about the GOAT, weak era, etc, so who cares.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Excellent post. Good interpretation. Typically role models are reserved for people who are NOT in your era.

The fact that Novak is talking about his compatriot and competitor is why he said "Even me". It is a mark of Djokovic's humility and respect for Federer.

Absolutely!!
It’s common they say about fellow players “he is a good role model for the kids”, they don’t say that about themselves almost equal age.
Novak a class act.

 

[Sentinel]

Nole all classy. Period.

 

[Incognito]

“I hope it's nothing that will make me unable me to play [in] Madrid. The pain was pretty sharp,” Djokovic said. “But I could play the rest of the match. If I had something really serious, I think I wouldn't be able to hold the racquet. So it was probably just an awkward, quick movement that I did. It did not pose any issues later on.

This quote is also from the same interview.

 

[Jai]

I just can't fathom how or why such forced, baseless negatives are being made out of some very genuinely appreciative statements by Novak. In fact, he acknowledged just how excellent Fed's level was, and also how much he's achieved over the years and still is! There wasn't anything in that interview to label as vain or arrogant or condescending; and yet here we are, with some people trying to force fit that unfounded reading into it.

If one actually heard the interview, there were a few words in that sentence which were omitted in the ATP tour website. The actual transcript is up on several news websites, including The Express and Tennis World USA.

https://www.**************.org/tenn...ration-for-roger-federer-he-is-a-role-model-/

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/ten...er-Federer-ATP-Finals-group-stage-tennis-news

Novak's actual words were: "" I have utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on the court.
What he has achieved over the years and what he's still showing on the court is phenomenal. I mean, he's a role model even for me that I'm one of his rivals and, you know, one of the toughest opponents I had in my career.
You know, looking at his career and what he still is doing, it just inspires you.""

It's abundantly clear, that the "even for me" in terms of Fed being his role model, is in terms of the rest of that sentence-- where Novak specifically mentions their rivalry and how tough an opponent Fed has been. In terms of such a rivalry, it is highly unusual for one of the players to term the other his role model. The "Even for me" is in that light, wish it could be appreciated as such, without baseless condemnation.

Perhaps it's because I don't subscribe to a binary world view, I can whole-heartedly root for Novak and count him as my favorite player (with Rafa being second); and yet acknowledge that Fed's aesthetic game and his sheer longevity and quality of play even at 38, give him a definite edge in the GOAT stakes. May be, it might come down to if or when Rafa or Novak overtake him in the GS title count. In any case, it's highly unlikely the debate can ever have a fully conclusive resolution that would satisfy every fan out there. That said, when the players themselves have mellowed and are genuinely appreciative of each other -- they may not be the best of buddies but there is clear respect-- it's a pity why so much bile has to be vented over such trivial issues, and Novak's words have to be misconstrued like this.

 

[Jai]

Sorry, the first link above didn't get uploaded properly- for some reason, the tennis world usa site does not get linked.

For the actual site address, you have to insert tennis world usa (without spaces) in the space marked by "*****"

https://www.**************.org/tenn...ration-for-roger-federer-he-is-a-role-model-/

 

[40L0VE]

Novak Djokovic On Roger Federer: 'He's A Role Model, Even For Me' | Nitto ATP Finals 2019 | ATP Tour | Tennis

Novak Djokovic reflects on losing to Roger Federer at the Nitto ATP Finals and missing his chance to finish as year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.

www.atptour.com

Great post match comments by Novak after his defeat:

“... I couldn't read his serve well...."

That is really unusual as more times than not he reads Federer's serve much better than most and good enough to put doubts in Fed's mind on where to serve.

 

[Phoenix1983]

Not unusual that a top 5 player of all time still reveres the GOAT.

 

[victorcruz]

Next time let your role model win 1 more point when he has match point.

 

[Deleted member 629564]

 

[FedFinalFantasy]

Where's that novak djokovic "respect" compilation when you really need it??

Novak has always made good remarks about other players, whether fake or not. Not a fan of his tedious style, but he's kind with the remarks.

 

[Rosstour]

I have nothing but respect for Djokovic when he loses. He shows great sportsmanship and always seems to give credit to his opponents. I also like how he always is gracious at the net at the end. There is a lot to admire in Novak Djokovic.

That is the best part about him and the part that keeps me from really disliking him.

We've all seen him applaud good shots by opponents, and in his pre-GOAT days I even saw him overrule line calls that went against his opponents. Haven't seen that in a while, but I haven't forgotten it.

 

[mental midget]

That is the best part about him and the part that keeps me from really disliking him.

We've all seen him applaud good shots by opponents, and in his pre-GOAT days I even saw him overrule line calls that went against his opponents. Haven't seen that in a while, but I haven't forgotten it.

agree. his game isnt necessarily my cup of tea but i really like his sporting attitude on court, and his interviews are consistently thoughtful, introspective, and insightful. he’s an impressive guy, no question.

likewise i don’t think the english speaking public really gets a chance to see how thoughtful and clever nadal is...the “try my best” stuff overshadows the many deeply reflective and again, insightful things i’ve heard him say over the years.

 

[Jai]

“I hope it's nothing that will make me unable me to play [in] Madrid. The pain was pretty sharp,” Djokovic said. “But I could play the rest of the match. If I had something really serious, I think I wouldn't be able to hold the racquet. So it was probably just an awkward, quick movement that I did. It did not pose any issues later on.

This quote is also from the same interview.

Yes, but this again underlines the fact that he has expressed considerable admiration for Fed's quality of play. "It did not pose any issues later on", ""But I could play the rest of the match, so, you know, if I had something really serious, I think I wouldn't be able to hold the racquet." --- it's pretty clear that Novak is not stating this as a reason for his loss.