It has begun...

[Respect for big 5]

The fall of the big three. I'm starting to think Federer's 20 slam record could be safe, seeing how the last 24 hours has played out... Djokovic should not have struggled against Fed and should have won today. Maybe he won't be cleaning up in 2019...

Thoughts?
Are we going to be seeing the next gen winning slams next year?

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

I thought it was the big 5

 

[MatsPhilander]

Thoughts?
Are we going to be seeing the next gen winning slams next year?

 

[Moses85]

Shoulda Coulda Woulda.

 

[Ann]

One match, two matches, one tournament does not the future predict.

 

[upchuck]

An under-the-weather Djokovic lost. Hardly the time for such prognostications.

 

[Bender]

The fall of the big three. I'm starting to think Federer's 20 slam record could be safe, seeing how the last 24 hours has played out... Djokovic should not have struggled against Fed and should have won today. Maybe he won't be cleaning up in 2019...

Thoughts?
Are we going to be seeing the next gen winning slams next year?

You need more respect for the Big 5

 

[Hamnavoe]

A new age has begun. A Diamond Age.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

You need more respect for the Big 5

Repoarted for false advertising

 

[ibbi]

We've heard that the end is here before, and yet they are still redefining possibilities and sitting at 1, 2 and 3 in the world. This year has given us more reason to be hopeful than previous ones have. Zverev took a minor step forward from his very good 2017, Tsitsipas and Khachanov's runs in Rogers Cup and Bercy were big deals, Medvedev has looked good since that Japan run, and even Chung's efforts all the way back in Australia should not be forgotten. Good stuff. Fingers crossed. Doing it is one thing, moving on and taking the next step up is something else entirely.

 

[Bender]

Repoarted for false advertising

repoarted you for bringing fedr and delpo into a djkr and hach thread

 

[vex]

Karen edged him out. Frankly not a huge surprise, everyone's hyping 2018/19 Djokovic like he's in full 2015 mode. Thats never gonna happen. He's going to have upset matches like today that he generally didn't in 2015. But those upsets are harder for lower players to pull off in Slams and even if Djoker gets upset a healthy Rafa is still right behind him and if Rafa loses theres a good chance Fed cleans up if he's reasonably healthy. So, while its possible the next gen could upset the Big 3 in 2019 its less likely than the Big 3 just claiming 3/4 or 4/4 of the slams again.

 

[Red Rick]

Murray YE#1 confirmed

 

[Bender]

Murray YE#1 confirmed

YE o1de mury goat

 

[tennis_pro]

Djokovic was far from his best today.

BUT that's the point. The big 3 will never play peak tennis again and the younger players will have to take advantage of that sooner or later. This COULD be the beginning but I still think it's too early.

 

[Standaa]

Any decade now.

 

[BeatlesFan]

The fall of the big three. I'm starting to think Federer's 20 slam record could be safe, seeing how the last 24 hours has played out...

And most of us who have watched tennis for more than 20 years already knew his record was safe.

There have been literally 200 threads since the USO from Djokovic fans who endlessly claimed it would be child's play for him to bag 25 majors. ("No one can stop him!!!") Whenever I or some others pointed out that a new guy will come along, it was met with arrogant scorn and derision. 99% of the Novak fans never lived through the rise of a great new player and they come from nowhere and when they come, they're there to stay: Boris and Pete are the two prime examples. Both upped the level of power in the game and made everyone else look weak. That's what Karen did today.

The game evolves and we saw a pure power player today who basically blew Nole off the court. Of course we'll hear from the Nole fans: he was tired (then don't take 3 hours to beat a Grandpa), he has "the flu," blah blah. This match was so reminiscent of Safin blowing Pete off the court in the USO final. He's the real deal and he will win multiple majors. He made a 31 year old look old today because he is old. And this match today represents a seminal shift in tennis. Look for Basilashvili doing considerable damage next year too.

 

[Ann]

And most of us who have watched tennis for more than 20 years already knew his record was safe.

There have been literally 200 threads since the USO from Djokovic fans who endlessly claimed it would be child's play for him to bag 25 majors. ("No one can stop him!!!") Whenever I or some others pointed out that a new guy will come along, it was met with arrogant scorn and derision. 99% of the Novak fans never lived through the rise of a great new player and they come from nowhere and when they come, they're there to stay: Boris and Pete are the two prime examples. Both upped the level of power in the game and made everyone else look weak. That's what Karen did today.

The game evolves and we saw a pure power player today who basically blew Nole off the court. Of course we'll hear from the Nole fans: he was tired (then don't have 3 hours to beat a Grandpa), he has "the flu," blah blah. This match was so reminiscent of Safin blowing Pete off the court in the USO final. He's the real deal and he will win multiple majors. He made a 31 year old look old today because he is old. And this match today represents a seminal shift in tennis. Look for Basilashvili doing considerable damage next year too.

This post should be mandatory reading for all tennis fan newbies whose tennis expertise began around 2007 and after.

 

[Steve0904]

I don't know that any serious fall has begun. Overreaction IMO, but I will say this.

Novak isn't invincible. He's not as good now as he was in 2011 or 2015. Yeah he had the flu, cry me a river, I don't care about that.

Right now, Novak is in the middle of an incredible run where he has a burning desire to finish YE#1 and be the best player in the world for another length of time, however long that is. But it likely won't last as long this time as it did the 2 previous times. That's the way aging works. When you're young it can go on, seemingly forever, but as you get older it gets harder to dominate day in and day out.

Novak is showing the world that he's back now, despite this loss, but what happens after he fulfills his #1 goals this year, and maybe tacks on a WTF title and possibly an AO title in 2019? What motivates him after that? For years we saw it was RG, and then we saw what happened after he fulfilled that dream. We thought Federer's slam record might keep him motivated even after he had won RG, but that didn't work out so well. I'm not trying to be all doom and gloom here. I'm just saying he's lost motivation once before, and he's not exactly young in tennis terms anymore so appreciate this latest run while it's happening.

 

[NoleFam]

Djokovic was far from his best today.

BUT that's the point. The big 3 will never play peak tennis again and the younger players will have to take advantage of that sooner or later. This COULD be the beginning but I still think it's too early.

This is similar to Rome 2016 when Djokovic played two tough matches back to back against Nishikori and Nadal in the QF and SF, and Murray coasted to the final with an easier draw. Djokovic was pretty easy pickings in the final and depleted in energy. I wouldn't rush to drastic conclusions about this loss especially since Djokovic hasn't been at his best all week and under the weather.

 

[Respect for big 5]

And most of us who have watched tennis for more than 20 years already knew his record was safe.

There have been literally 200 threads since the USO from Djokovic fans who endlessly claimed it would be child's play for him to bag 25 majors. ("No one can stop him!!!") Whenever I or some others pointed out that a new guy will come along, it was met with arrogant scorn and derision. 99% of the Novak fans never lived through the rise of a great new player and they come from nowhere and when they come, they're there to stay: Boris and Pete are the two prime examples. Both upped the level of power in the game and made everyone else look weak. That's what Karen did today.

The game evolves and we saw a pure power player today who basically blew Nole off the court. Of course we'll hear from the Nole fans: he was tired (then don't have 3 hours to beat a Grandpa), he has "the flu," blah blah. This match was so reminiscent of Safin blowing Pete off the court in the USO final. He's the real deal and he will win multiple majors. He made a 31 year old look old today because he is old. And this match today represents a seminal shift in tennis. Look for Basilashvili doing considerable damage next year too.

I'm keeping a close eye on Basilashvili. What a player! Powerhouse hitting

 

[Dilexson]

I will believe it when i see them actually going for the #1 ranking. Untill then it's still the geriatric era.

 

[Respect for big 5]

Djokovic definitely had a cold against Federer so was probably far from his best in the Final today

 

[D.Nalby12]

I think Coric, Shapo, Sisi and this Karen guy showing real promise. Next will be interesting season.

 

[OhYes]

Djokovic was far from his best today.

BUT that's the point. The big 3 will never play peak tennis again and the younger players will have to take advantage of that sooner or later. This COULD be the beginning but I still think it's too early.

So general idea should be - infect big3 with virus before every big tournament.

 

[Roddick85]

Total overreaction. Djokovic wasn't 100%, has been sick all week, had a long and tough match against Federer yesterday, 31 years of age, he's not invincible anymore. It was a well deserved victory for Khachanov, the big question is will he be able to follow that up next year? Who knows. As far as Djokovic goes, I don't think today really changes anything, I mean no disrespect here, but a victory or defeat at this stage of the season in Paris indoor really means little for him. He's regaining the #1 ranking tomorrow, will go into London as the favorite. He's more vulnerable now than he was in his prime, so we should expect more defeats/upsets, but he will most likely still have a strong grip on the #1 ranking for many months and he's still a top if not the top contender at all 4 slams.

 

[tennis_pro]

So general idea should be - infect big3 with virus before every big tournament.

Yes when you get older you get sick/injured more often, it's human nature.

 

[junior74]

The fall of the big three. I'm starting to think Federer's 20 slam record could be safe, seeing how the last 24 hours has played out... Djokovic should not have struggled against Fed and should have won today. Maybe he won't be cleaning up in 2019...

Thoughts?
Are we going to be seeing the next gen winning slams next year?

Federer was out of it for almost 4.5 years, then he struck back and won three slams.
Nadal was out of it for 2.5 years, then he struck back and won three slams.

Djokovic was a little under the weather, and lost a final. Definitely Finnish

That said, I welcome KK a lot. He has a strong game with no obvious weaknesses.

 

[duaneeo]

I've said all along that the NextGen will not be another LostGen, and 2018 will be the final year of Big-3 slam dominance. Fedalovic will win at most 2 slams in 2019.

 

[Respect for big 5]

Total overreaction. Djokovic wasn't 100%, has been sick all week, had a long and tough match against Federer yesterday, 31 years of age, he's not invincible anymore. It was a well deserved victory for Khachanov, the big question is will he be able to follow that up next year? Who knows. As far as Djokovic goes, I don't think today really changes anything, I mean no disrespect here, but a victory or defeat at this stage of the season in Paris indoor really means little for him. He's regaining the #1 ranking tomorrow, will go into London as the favorite. He's more vulnerable now than he was in his prime, so we should expect more defeats/upsets, but he will most likely still have a strong grip on the #1 ranking for many months and he's still a top if not the top contender at all 4 slams.

Yeah I think this is a solid opinion. I'm realising how much being sick must have affected him the last few days. Personally I can't play for shiiiiit when I'm sick, so I've actually no idea how he can even bring himself out on court.

 

[Roddick85]

Yeah I think this is a solid opinion. I'm realising how much being sick must have affected him the last few days. Personally I can't play for shiiiiit when I'm sick, so I've actually no idea how he can even bring himself out on court.

It probably has more than he or we are willing to admit. It obviously wasn't bad enough for him to withdraw, he toughed it out. But we all know how tiny the edge is at the very top, so when your battling an illness, it can be enough to throw you off.

 

[Ann]

The next time anyone has a hissy fit over a Nadal or Federer loss and it was obvious there were physical issues making them less than 100%, Djokovic fans will need to keep their fool mouths shut if the injury or illness of Fedal is pointed out. If Djokovic fans are going to make Djokovic having a cold the reason he lost Paris, then they need to STFU about Fedal losing for like reasons. It works both ways and it's time for all tennis fans to appreciate that.

I think Khachanov just played a fantastic tournament and deserved to win.

 

[Respect for big 5]

I've decided this post is a complete over reaction on my part. I wish I could take it back but I can't. So....

 

[MeatTornado]

Djokovic wins 4/5 tournaments, catches a cold and still beats Cilic & Federer who were playing great. Karen played the match of his life to barely scrape by him, but yes, clearly this is the end.

 

[MatsPhilander]

Total overreaction. Djokovic wasn't 100%, has been sick all week, had a long and tough match against Federer yesterday, 31 years of age, he's not invincible anymore. It was a well deserved victory for Khachanov, the big question is will he be able to follow that up next year? Who knows. As far as Djokovic goes, I don't think today really changes anything, I mean no disrespect here, but a victory or defeat at this stage of the season in Paris indoor really means little for him. He's regaining the #1 ranking tomorrow, will go into London as the favorite. He's more vulnerable now than he was in his prime, so we should expect more defeats/upsets, but he will most likely still have a strong grip on the #1 ranking for many months and he's still a top if not the top contender at all 4 slams.

Exactly-he has the flu & played the real grueling final yesterday. The lad mopped up & congratulations to him-let's see him do it over 5 sets. Zverev is great over 3 sets & has long been hailed as the future, yet couldn't even get past round 4 of a slam until recently & still hasn't even made it to the last 4 of one yet. Just like Fed beat Joker at the YEC group stage in 2015, but who won when it mattered? Novak of course. Take this bug away & it is not likely he would have lost today.

 

[KINGROGER]

Don’t think it’s over but think it’s hilarious to read that Nole will win 2-3 slams minimum for the next 5 years straight.

 

[MatsPhilander]

Don’t think it’s over but think it’s hilarious to read that Nole will win 2-3 slams minimum for the next 5 years straight.

That is highly probable. Who is going to stop him? Next gen have shown no inclination. Murray is done. Fed is pretty much done. Nadal will likely still win slams but has injury problems. Unless Stan can come back to fitness it is a two horse race with Novak & Nadal.

 

[Boxton1611]

Vintage TTW knee-jerk reaction thread. At least OP recognizes his mistake.

Cvac just had a good run in the second half of 2018, I still think Rafa is the biggest threat to *******'s slam record.

When did TTW start blocking the word Old erer ???? Orwell was right...

 

[kailash]

The fall of the big three. I'm starting to think Federer's 20 slam record could be safe, seeing how the last 24 hours has played out... Djokovic should not have struggled against Fed and should have won today. Maybe he won't be cleaning up in 2019...

Thoughts?
Are we going to be seeing the next gen winning slams next year?

Grand slams is a different story; I highly doubt that the Big 3 will go away soon! Maybe the other 2 from Big 5 (Wawrinka, Murray) may not peak again, but Federer, Nadal & Djokvoic, as long as they play it is hard to get past them in slams. Then there is Stanimal, Murray, Del Potro, Cilic and similar players who would challenge the new gens in slams.

Let us see, if one or two stars emerge from the next generation. If not in 2019, maybe in 2 or 3 years time.

 

[Respect for big 5]

Grand slams is a different story; I highly doubt that the Big 3 will go away soon! Maybe the other 2 from Big 5 (Wawrinka, Murray) may not peak again, but Federer, Nadal & Djokvoic, as long as they play it is hard to get past them in slams. Then there is Stanimal, Murray, Del Potro, Cilic and similar players who would challenge the new gens in slams.

Let us see, if one or two stars emerge from the next generation. If not in 2019, maybe in 2 or 3 years time.

2019 i feel is going to be a super exciting year

 

[dunlop_fort_knox]

i would believe you if any of the 22 and under could make, or even attempt a volley....

The fall of the big three. I'm starting to think Federer's 20 slam record could be safe, seeing how the last 24 hours has played out... Djokovic should not have struggled against Fed and should have won today. Maybe he won't be cleaning up in 2019...

Thoughts?
Are we going to be seeing the next gen winning slams next year?

 

[Fabresque]

What’s the point of these threads? They show up every week on this forum it seems and everytime they always say it’s the end for The Big 3, or the end of Federer or something.

As long as they’re still going deep in masters and slams, they’re not going anywhere.

People were saying grandpa was done and dusted after Wimbledon this year, and he just reached a masters semifinal against the new number 1 and didn’t get his serve broken, not even once. Also won a title last week.

People were saying Djokovic was done after Roland Garros this year but then he won two slams, 2 masters, went on a 20+ match unbeaten run, and just reached another masters final. He also reclaimed the World no.1 slot.

People are currently saying Nadal is done because he’s harboring an injury. How many times has Nadal been injured in the past, and managed to come back on tour and have incredible success? Too many for me to count.

So don’t call them out and don’t say it’s the decline, as long as they’re still dominating the tour, they’re not declining lol.

 

[OhYes]

Yes when you get older you get sick/injured more often, it's human nature.

Depends which older we are talking about.

 

[MatsPhilander]

Why do people think Fed's 20 slams record is safe for eternity? Novak went from 12 to 14 in the blink of an eye not even playing at his peak. If he hadn't wasted the best part of 2 years with Pepe & all that nonsense then he would already be on 17 or 18 slams by now. Both Rafa & Novak wil go past him in the next few years. Roger is having problems beating 12 year olds.

 

[KINGROGER]

That is highly probable. Who is going to stop him? Next gen have shown no inclination. Murray is done. Fed is pretty much done. Nadal will likely still win slams but has injury problems. Unless Stan can come back to fitness it is a two horse race with Novak & Nadal.

He’s 32 next year.

 

[Rafa's OCD]

Djokovic didn't play especially well for the entirety of this tournament (he did mention being ill several days ago) and was noticably shaking his legs out early in today's match. He had nothing left in the tank and couldn't move at all against yet another young player who was going for broke on every ball in a best-of-3 match. Don't read too much into what happened today.

 

[MatsPhilander]

He’s 32 next year.

Which means he probably has another 4-5 years, maybe longer-he is a better athlete than Fed who is still doing it at 36/37. As we are seeing in some sports age is no longer a barrier, but an advantage.

 

[KINGROGER]

Which means he probably has another 4-5 years, maybe longer-he is a better athlete than Fed who is still doing it at 36/37. As we are seeing in some sports age is no longer a barrier, but an advantage.

Fed’s baseline game fell off a cliff aged 32 so let’s see if Djokovic can avoid that happening.

 

[HetTheGreaterer]

I've said all along that the NextGen will not be another LostGen, and 2018 will be the final year of Big-3 slam dominance. Fedalovic will win at most 2 slams in 2019.

The only reason behind nextgen not becoming next lostgen, is that fedalovicurray are all on the wrong side of 30s.....

 

[Jonas78]

The fall of the big three. I'm starting to think Federer's 20 slam record could be safe, seeing how the last 24 hours has played out... Djokovic should not have struggled against Fed and should have won today. Maybe he won't be cleaning up in 2019...

Thoughts?
Are we going to be seeing the next gen winning slams next year?

I thought the slam race was over already at AO17 and i stand by that. I think Novak will win more slams though, he hasnt been at his best this tourney.