Final Slam count of Novak?

[MeatTornado]

You say this like Nadal barely lost to a Djokovic that played with all the confidence in the world, as opposed to a Djokovic on the mend who is ranked 21.

Fair enough, but we saw what Novak at his best was able to do against Rafa at RG. It was never enough.

Rafa played slightly worse in 2018 than 2017, but 2017 was pretty darn close to his prime levels on clay from his 2012-14 clashes with Novak. So even if Novak gets back to his absolute best, it still may not be enough against a slightly worse Nadal.

I hope that came across somewhat coherent.

 

[Hyde]

Nole had 2014-2016 where he collected 6 weak era slams.

Why are the years 2015 and 2016 so underrated? Especially 2015 with Djokovic, Murray and Federer playing top-level tennis throughout the whole year.

If that’s a weak era 70‘s, 80‘s, 90‘s and 00,s were also a „weak era“.

 

[StrongerThanAll]

15 give or take 1. And no I’m not insulting him . Winning even one grand slams is a lot of work and effort.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KINGROGER]

Why are the years 2015 and 2016 so underrated? Especially 2015 with Djokovic, Murray and Federer playing top-level tennis throughout the whole year.

If that’s a weak era 70‘s, 80‘s, 90‘s and 00,s were also a „weak era“.

Because there was 1 ATG at his peak with no one on his level at grand slams.

Murray is same level as Roddick, Hewitt etc were vs Fed. Old Fed proved he couldn’t handle Nole over BO5 and bottled it.

 

[Hyde]

Because there was 1 ATG at his peak with no one on his level at grand slams.

Murray is same level as Roddick, Hewitt etc were vs Fed. Old Fed proved he couldn’t handle Nole over BO5 and bottled it.

If Djokovic had his 2015 form in 2012 he would have won at least 3 slams in 2012, so everyone would call 2012 „weak era“? Laughable.

Also laughable to compare Murray to Roddick and Hewitt. Hewitt is Wawrinka level at best.

 

[BlueB]

Let's take them one at a time.
He already achieved more than I originally thought... But then, so did Fed and Rafa...
Whatever he does, will be great for me. Enjoy the ride.

Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk

 

[justasport]

16

 

[KINGROGER]

If Djokovic had his 2015 form in 2012 he would have won at least 3 slams in 2012, so everyone would call 2012 „weak era“? Laughable.

Also laughable to compare Murray to Roddick and Hewitt. Hewitt is Wawrinka level at best.

He might take USO but Wimbledon vs 2012 Fed? Nah.

Also for peak level I would compare Murray to those guys. Actually, both of those were tougher for Federer at slams and they played Federer at his very best.

 

[Hyde]

He might take USO but Wimbledon vs 2012 Fed? Nah.

Also for peak level I would compare Murray to those guys. Actually, both of those were tougher for Federer at slams and they played Federer at his very best.

So Roddick or Hewitt would have been YE#1 in 2016 (the year in which Djokovic won 2 slams and reached USO final)?

 

[Sarzy]

16 or 17

 

[Sport]

He's pretty much guaranteed to pass 15 now. He went a whole year with no title and then walked into Wimbledon and won it. He didn't play his absolute best against Nadal but Nadal redlined and threw the kitchen sink at him and he still prevailed. Djokovic may be gearing up for one last dominant run.

You are only seeing the positive aspects from Nole! It was on indoor grass, yet Nadal made it competitive. Imagine in a sunny day outdoor. I don't think Nole played bad by the way, tennis is a sport of mistakes. Djokovic is not perfect, even if he had some little mistakes during the match, he played overall on great level. Also, the rival plays. If Djokovic didn't dominate and needed 5 sets is because Nadal was playing great. Even peak Djokovic has needed 5 sets against Nadal (AO 2012) or even lost (US Open 2013).

 

[KINGROGER]

So Roddick or Hewitt would have been YE#1 in 2016 (the year in which Djokovic won 2 slams and reached USO final)?

No. I said peak level in terms of being viable grand slam competition for likes of Djokovic, Federer. Murray is undoubtedly more consistent.

 

[Mark Asher]

Fed has played 7 tournaments this year, won 3 titles and reached finals of 2 others. Had MP in the 2 early losses..just sayin ..he signed a 300 million dollar deal. He is not going anywhere

He may not have 2017-18 level of success but he will be around like 2014-16

He gets the $300M whether he plays or not, so if anything that kind of financial security is a disincentive -- not that Fed needs a single more dollar in his lifetime. My guess is 2019 is his last active year.

 

[NoleFam]

You are only seeing the positive aspects from Nole! It was on indoor grass, yet Nadal made it competitive. Imagine in a sunny day outdoor. I don't think Nole played bad by the way, tennis is a sport of mistakes. Djokovic is not perfect, even if he had some little mistakes during the match, he played overall on great level. Also, the rival plays. If Djokovic didn't dominate and needed 5 sets is because Nadal was playing great. Even peak Djokovic has needed 5 sets against Nadal (AO 2012).

I think the indoor conditions helped Novak especially on the serve because there was no outside elements but I also think it helped Nadal as well. With the roof closed, the air is humid which makes the ball travel through the air slower. Nadal has that heavy spin so his shots still jump off the court more but in those slowed down conditions, Novak's shots didn't shoot through the air as much because he has less spin. I think this is why Nadal had the upperhand in the majority of extended rallies and why Djokovic had a more difficult time hitting through the court. If the roof is open, that changes a bit. Also, yes Novak played great but I just don't think it was his best. You can't expect for him to be at his best in that type of match because he is still trying to find his confidence and Nadal's confidence is much higher being the dominant player and #1. I do think Djokovic at his best would have won that match in 4 sets.

 

[mistik]

If they invent new DİET STORY Djoko camp he might even won the 3 next slams.which will be 2nd non calendar slam.All the top players a bit fishy only to point him not fair but no one puts it on to your eye as much as Djokovic.

 

[Mark Asher]

Agree. I don’t get why so many set certain age after which winning slam is almost impossible according to them. Federer has already shown that if competition is what it is, winning slams at 34-36 isn’t out of question at all for players of Federer and Djokovic calibre.

It's just that it used to be that players didn't win much in their 30s. Agassi and Rosewall were the outliers. Players like Roddick retiring in their early 30s were more common. I think Roddick realized that while he still had the game to go deep in some big tournaments, he had no real chance of winning.

There's so much money in tennis now that the top players have whole teams dedicated to keeping them fit, keeping their diets correct, giving them the proper training, etc. It makes sense that they are playing and succeeding longer.

 

[Sport]

I think the indoor conditions helped Novak especially on the serve because there was no outside elements but I also think it helped Nadal as well. With the roof closed, the air is humid which makes the ball travel through the air slower. Nadal has that heavy spin so his shots still jump off the court more but in those slowed down conditions, Novak's shots didn't shoot through the air as much because he has less spin. I think this is why Nadal had the upperhand in the majority of extended rallies and why Djokovic had a more difficult time hitting through the court. If the roof is open, that changes a bit. Also, yes Novak played great but I just don't think it was his best. You can't expect for him to be at his best in that type of match because he is still trying to find his confidence and Nadal's confidence is much higher being the dominant player and #1. I do think Djokovic at his best would have won that match in 4 sets.

Djokovic at his best has also had 5 sets matches against Nadal (AO 2012), or even lost (USO 2013). Nadal has also defeated twice Djokovic on indoor hard courts. The match was so close because Nadal played incredible, even better than 2012/2013 in the shot making. Sure, Nadal has lost speed, but he has incorporated many shots, better volleys, better drop shots, better backhand, etc.

I do not think the match was close because of a supposed low level of Djokovic. The rival also plays, and Nadal did not give Djokovic the chance of an easy victory in 4 sets like Nishikori or Edmund. Nadal is not Nishikori or Edmund, stop underrating him.

 

[NoleFam]

Djokovic at his best has also had 5 sets matches against Nadal (AO 2012), or even lost (USO 2013). Nadal has also defeated twice Djokovic on indoor hard courts. The match was so close because Nadal played incredible, even better than 2012/2013 in the shot making. Sure, Nadal has lost speed, but he has incorporated many shots, better volleys, better backhand, etc.

I do not think the match was close because of a supposed low level of Djokovic. The rival also plays, and Nadal did not give Djokovic the chance of an easy victory in 4 sets like Nishikori or Edmund. Nadal is not Nishikori, stop underrating him.

Nadal was amazing in that match, he really was, and I don't want to take anything away from his performance. It was one of my overall favorite Nadal performances. Nadal is definitely not Nishikori and he definitely played miles better than Nishi did, and he did force Djokovic to earn it. He would have been tough to put away even for Djokovic at his best but I do think 2015 Djokovic would have beaten him in 4 sets. Yes Djokovic was close to his best in AO 2012 and Nadal went toe to toe with him. I don't think USO 2013 was Djokovic at his best because his confidence was shattered after that RG match and losing the Wimby final. He didn't play that well that night imo.

 

[EloQuent]

I doubted him in the past and I had to eat crow, so I'm going to even that out by saying that I now predict he hits 15-16.

 

[Hyde]

No. I said peak level in terms of being viable grand slam competition for likes of Djokovic, Federer. Murray is undoubtedly more consistent.

Murray beat Djokovic in straight sets at Wimbledon final and also beat him at USO final.

I would like to see Hewitt do that to 2012/13 Djokovic.

 

[KINGROGER]

Murray beat Djokovic in straight sets at Wimbledon final and also beat him at USO final.

I would like to see Hewitt do that to 2012/13 Djokovic.

Maybe not Hewitt at Wimbledon, but 06 USO Roddick and 03,04,09 Roddick definitely has a big chance vs 2013 Djokovic.

 

[Jontyg]

Considering this field is there anyone except Rafa and Roger who can challenge a healthy Djoker. So I think what we thought would happen between 2011 to 2015 is going to happen from 2018 ro 2021. He might end up with more slams than both Rafa and Fed. Unless @Meles can motivate the next gen in a hurry. I think he ends up with 20.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Also laughable to compare Murray to Roddick and Hewitt. Hewitt is Wawrinka level at best.

Serious question: were you even born when Hewitt played?

 

[Deleted member 716271]

Murray and Hewitt are actually good comparisons. Courier too. Wawrinka has peak arguably higher than Murray/ Hewitt but less accomplished/way less consistent. Especially than Murray.

But nothing wrong with comparing Murray to Hewitt, I think they're similar players actually. Murray is a bit better due to size ---bigger 1st serve. Both are conterpunchers who succeed on faster surfaces.

You would have to give Murray the edge with consistency and 1 more slam but not a crazy one.

 

[mike danny]

True.
My Fed also benefited from weak eras, perhaps more than anyone else.
12 slams during 2003-2007
3 slams during 2017-

That's 15 weak era slams if you are an objective observer.

Nole had 2014-2016 where he collected 6 weak era slams.

One could argue Dull as much as i dislike him had it worst, having to face peak federer and peak Nole throughout his career.

His only weak era slams came during 2017 and 2018.

And 2010.

 

[Hyde]

Serious question: were you even born when Hewitt played?

Serious question: were you still on your full cognitive abilities when Murray played?

 

[upchuck]

Considering this field is there anyone except Rafa and Roger who can challenge a healthy Djoker. So I think what we thought would happen between 2011 to 2015 is going to happen from 2018 ro 2021. He might end up with more slams than both Rafa and Fed. Unless @Meles can motivate the next gen in a hurry. I think he ends up with 20.

I'm surprised more people don't feel this way. Federer would have 24 or 25 slams today if it were not for a peaking Djokovic stopping him at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open over the last eight years. I ask: who is going to do to Novak what Novak did to Federer? Which younger player will step up and stop him from winning slams at ages 32, 33 and 34 like Federer was stopped at those ages? Nadal will do it sometimes, but not always. The capacity for both him and Djokovic to pad their slam count in this, their early to mid thirties, is significant and I expect them to do just that.

 

[World Beater]

anything less than 16 would be a disappointment considering the calibre of player that he is...

 

[clout]

15 seems like a safe pick. Catching Nadal, let alone Fed, is still quite unlikely as winning slams in your 30's will only get tougher and tougher. And the fact that they're both still playing and playing very well. Also, this was still his first great slam performance in over two years so let's see how the rest of the year goes for him before we make any further predictions. This win being his last major is just as likely as him eclipsing Nadal and Fed tbh; we really have no clue what's in store for Djoko at this moment. As for Fed, I'm honestly not sure how many realistic chances he'll still have as he's turning 37 next month and will be 38 next year!! As for Rafa and Novak, barring injuries, I still think both of them can keep contending at majors since they're significantly younger, the next gen is trash in bo5 and they still seem hungry to want more. Nonetheless, even if all three of them decide to call it a career tomorrow, they'll unquestionably go down as three of the greatest tennis players we've ever seen or will ever get to see.

 

[Jontyg]

I'm surprised more people don't feel this way. Federer would have 24 or 25 slams today if it were not for a peaking Djokovic stopping him at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open over the last eight years. I ask: who is going to do to Novak what Novak did to Federer? Which younger player will step up and stop him from winning slams at ages 32, 33 and 34 like Federer was stopped at those ages? Nadal will do it sometimes, but not always. The capacity for both him and Djokovic to pad their slam count in this, their early to mid thirties, is significant and I expect them to do just that.

Totally agree..especially if Murray and Stan don't come back. Honestly at this point the threat for Djoker is more from the thirty year olds than the Next gen.. For all his talent Zevrev cannot keep up with Djoker from the baseline...The only guy who has the shots and the talent especially, if he gets his head into the game, is Nick..but we all know its a big IF...I mean seriously can you think of anyone else...I can't..Thiem?? Maybe a Delpo...I just don't see it...

 

[jstr]

He looked pretty strong there ( and younger than Federer ) and he has a lot of grit similar to Nadal . Could be 4 or more slams over the next few years. He does have a kid though, which he needs to spend time with, which can alter the motivation to win somewhat.

 

[ewiewp]

let's slow things down a bit. to say a player could easily run off another 10 Slams past the age of 31 is borderline lunacy.

10 may not be possible.

But 31 is pretty young in terms of top contender career these days.

My bet is Rafa is likely to reach 20+ and Nole has a good chance to reach 20 or almost 20.

 

[Fedforever]

Was it only last week that people were saying Novak wasn't going to win any more slams? And now he's going to win eight more easily.......

 

[moonballs]

2008 had peak rafa and peak fed( aside from a mono episode during the first quarter of the season)
Plus Nole coming of age.

2010 wasnt strong neither was it weak.
It was just average.

2004-2007 had what?
Old agassi, teen nadal, hewitt, roddick, nalbandian?
LMAO, is that supposed to be a decent competition?

Fed, as much as i like him didnt have to face a single all time great in his prime during that period.

All these comparison of eras are just excuses.

If you think 20 slams is easy, just do it.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Only on TTW could Novak go from "never winning a slam again" to "he'll hit 20".

LMAO

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Totally agree..especially if Murray and Stan don't come back. Honestly at this point the threat for Djoker is more from the thirty year olds than the Next gen.. For all his talent Zevrev cannot keep up with Djoker from the baseline...The only guy who has the shots and the talent especially, if he gets his head into the game, is Nick..but we all know its a big IF...I mean seriously can you think of anyone else...I can't..Thiem?? Maybe a Delpo...I just don't see it...

Istomin Thiem Berdych Chung Cecchinato say hi.

Part of getting older = higher chance to lose to randos and higher chance to get injured.

7 more slam wins? Not happening.

This was a great tournament for him, but it's still just one tournament.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Nacho Friend Anymore

 

[Bartelby]

Croatia almost and Serbia for the win. The former Yugloslavia is on a bit of a roll. Three more slam wins for Novak seems the minimum.

 

[Jontyg]

Istomin Thiem Berdych Chung Cecchinato say hi.

Part of getting older = higher chance to lose to randos and higher chance to get injured.

7 more slam wins? Not happening.

This was a great tournament for him, but it's still just one tournament.

If Federer can play till 37..I am not sure why Djoker cannot..he takes care of his body much better than Fed..at least thats what I think..so from now to him being 37..its about what 5 to 6 years..ie about 24 slams...you don’t think he can win..7 more...again motivation and health are the key..but I don’t think the younger generation will push him out...all those guys you mentioned above beat him during his comeback from injury....not sure chung can win if Djoker had played like he played during the Wimby semis..we will see..

 

[uscwang]

It is critical that he tries to avoid season-ending injuries in the next 3~4 seasons.

 

[MrFlip]

Wow I love these threads

Errr 1.....no 6500000000000000045328579842375973490594302507409592347598720943750703948759234057290384752374598273985798347589734985729387895783759827345-7-384578-9375-8734-5723-4857-4375-23487572398457265872346726430756203965072367578263478563406502736500957409825906576470236705

 

[Fedforever]

motivation and health are the key

But after AO 12 he also looked like he was going to win the next load of slams easily and again after FO 16. It's very difficult to keep finding the resilience to win again and again and again.

It is not impossible for him to win seven more slams, no. But just because no-one in the Next Gen looks like they can be a multiple slam champion doesn't mean that they can't beat him on any given day.

 

[maratha_warrior]

What the hell

As a djoker fan i would be happy with 1-2 more .
Prople have stopped enjoying play because of Slam race ..

 

[titoelcolombiano]

I'll give the obligitory answer after an ATG slam win.... Djoker will win 45 slams!!!

Seriously though, he certainly looks to be back to his best. Great to have all three in top form at the same time. US Open should be a cracker. I think at the very least Djoker will be determined to win his pet slam, the AO back in January and he will be hard to stop at the USO. Hard to see further than that.

I've always thought that Djoker will end up around 15 or 16 slams.

 

[MrFlip]

Hey guys how many slams will he win now........okay how about now!!!!?!??!

.....























How aout nwo!?

OMG What do you think now!?

 

[pikku05]

Probably 13..He won this slam because Kyrgios and Zverev was knocked out early. I don't think he can win any more slams unless he stumbles against the next gen players.

 

[Druss]

Pistol Pete had the record at 14 slams at the time. He thought his record would last a very long time....

Until Federer came along few years later and broke his record (and several other records too)....Pete wasn't happy.

Not long after, Nadal also broke Pete's record......Pete was really upset, i mean, really upset.

Then Djokovic......

Poor Pete

 

[Mark Asher]

Pistol Pete had the record at 14 slams at the time. He thought his record would last a very long time....

Until Federer came along few years later and broke his record (and several other records too)....Pete wasn't happy.

Not long after, Nadal also broke Pete's record......Pete was really upset, i mean, really upset.

I'd say he should have played longer since Pete retired at 32 in 2002, but Fed won his first Wimbledon in 2003 so I doubt Sampras was going to win any more majors.

 

[Meles]

Considering this field is there anyone except Rafa and Roger who can challenge a healthy Djoker. So I think what we thought would happen between 2011 to 2015 is going to happen from 2018 ro 2021. He might end up with more slams than both Rafa and Fed. Unless @Meles can motivate the next gen in a hurry. I think he ends up with 2 0.

Has never lost to Nole:

 

[Druss]

I'd say he should have played longer since Pete retired at 32 in 2002, but Fed won his first Wimbledon in 2003 so I doubt Sampras was going to win any more majors.

Sampras had just turned 31 when he won his last slam in 2002, roughly same age as when Federer won Wimbledon 2012.