Massive Credit to Djokovic

[MichaelNadal]

Ah, couldn't muster the courage to watch it

How dare you not watch Chainz v TBP lol

 

[fedfan24]

Yes brother, Novak nearly won the CYGS in 2023 and Sinner/Raz struggled against Zed/Med in 2024, but somehow younger Djokovic will be easier to beat for them

Alcaraz >> Ruud, Berretini, Kyrgios
Sinner >> Medvedev, Tsitsipas

Djokovic would still win slams but wouldn’t sweep everything imo.

 

[RaulRamirez]

I was actually rooting for Carlos, but Novak was simply the better, more decisive, more sound player today. Truly impressive, and we'll see if he can keep it going.

Carlos was not bad at all, but Johnny Mac mentioned (I think correctly) several times about him not adjusting his return positioning and approach, especially versus Novak's second serve. Something to work on.

 

[nolefam_2024]

I was actually rooting for Carlos, but Novak was simply the better, more decisive, more sound player today. Truly impressive, and we'll see if he can keep it going.

Carlos was not bad at all, but Johnny Mac mentioned (I think correctly) several times about him not adjusting his return positioning and approach, especially versus Novak's second serve. Something to work on.

This freak from Serbia outlasted Carlos in 9+ shot rallies lol. He is just Natural on the AO courts in night.

 

[McGradey]

I was actually rooting for Carlos, but Novak was simply the better, more decisive, more sound player today. Truly impressive, and we'll see if he can keep it going.

Carlos was not bad at all, but Johnny Mac mentioned (I think correctly) several times about him not adjusting his return positioning and approach, especially versus Novak's second serve. Something to work on.

Agree, it's a useful loss for Carlos in the long run. How he lost will be obvious when he watches the tape and should give him clear work-ons. He's already tinkering and the list just grew a little.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

=

This freak from Serbia outlasted Carlos in 9+ shot rallies lol. He is just Natural on the AO courts in night.

But Alcaraz was in control and dictating most of those rallies. Alcaraz's huge power often overwhelmed The Djoker who often had to defensively slice just to remain in the point.
Djoker won the match primarily on the return of serve and clutch high-risk serving.
At one point Alcaraz was winning just 33% of his second serve points. This was a Master Class by the GOAT returner.

 

[Eren]

He will need to play better IMO. Alcaraz made a lot of UEs, Sinner doesn't make those. There is a reason why he won all the big HC titles over the past 12 months.

The UEs surprised me. I haven't watched many HC matches of Alcaraz, but on grass (and maybe clay) he seems to have less tendency to make these errors. This was especially true in both Wimbledon finals.

(Or I watched the matches in which Alcaraz was zoning lol.)

 

[nolefam_2024]

=

But Alcaraz was in control and dictating most of those rallies. Alcaraz's huge power often overwhelmed The Djoker who often had to defensively slice just to remain in the point.
Djoker won the match primarily on the return of serve and clutch high-risk serving.

How many second serve pts did alcaraz win ? Was it all 0-3 shots. Is that what you are saying.

31% second serve pts won.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

How many second serve pts did alcaraz win ? Was it all 0-3 shots. Is that what you are saying.

31% second serve pts won.

At one point Alcaraz was winning just 33% of his second serve points. This was a Master Class on returning by the GOAT returner.
That was the primary factor for the win. Along with clutch high-risk serving by Djoker.
The stats might show Djoker winning the 9+rallies but let's not pretend that Djoker was dictating those rallies.
Those rallies were difficult to watch as Djoker was often counterpunching just to stay alive in those rallies.
Those rallies were on Raz's racquet.

 

[Bastion]

Carlos need a big win against the Goat this year, otherwise it will be Fed 2.0 15-45 mental problems for him ... and if Sinner beats Novak again if they meet, then same problem for him, important tennis moments rest of this week... and year.

 

[NoleFam]

=

But Alcaraz was in control and dictating most of those rallies. Alcaraz's huge power often overwhelmed The Djoker who often had to defensively slice just to remain in the point.
Djoker won the match primarily on the return of serve and clutch high-risk serving.
At one point Alcaraz was winning just 33% of his second serve points. This was a Master Class by the GOAT returner.

What match did you watch? From the end of the 2nd set to the end of the match, the tide turned and you could feel it. Djokovic was controlling the tempo and he had Alcaraz caught in his web at that point from the baseline. Alcaraz could never escape it although he fought hard in the 4th. Djokovic also was hitting his forehand bigger on average so I don't know how Alcaraz's power overwhelmed him.

 

[Eren]

I think you, as well as most of your base is being disingenuous and envious today. I mean, when Fed at 38 beat Nadal in 2019 Wimbledon, it was seen as a huge win, no questions asked. It didn't matter how good Nadal's level was, it didn't matter that Nadal was almost a journeyman on grass by then, it didn't matter that Federer won most of their recent matches like you point out here. Federer was 38 beating a 5 years younger ATG, and everybody respected that.

Now that Djoko did something similar at 38 (even better tbh since Carlos is 22 and IMO played better that Nadal did) most of you are unable to accept it and give credit where it's due. Even beckerserve did ffs. At least for a day.

Anyway, carry on.

Djokovic is 37 and Alcaraz is 21. So the age gap stays the same, but everyone on this forum seems to want both players to be older lol.

 

[Eren]

I will never underestimate Djoker. The guy pulled off a pair of 2-0 comebacks on clay just a couple of years ago. Clay is his worst surface(and most physically demanding).

But to your point, if Zverev makes him grind out a 5 hour 5-setter, then this could wear Djoker down for the final. Sinner's ground strokes are incredibly punishing. And Sinner is playing at an ATG level on hard courts now(60-3 record on hard courts since the 2023 Davis Cup while holding serve at a 92.5% clip).

So far, Djoker hasn't had a bunch of 5-setters. I believe that he's dropped only 3 sets. If he can have a routine 4-set win in under 4 hours over Zverev, then I believe that he can beat Sinner in a classic battle.

Djokovic will have a 2-day rest period if he reaches the final right?

I think in that scenario, even at 37, Djokovic will be fine. The guy is a beast.

 

[nolefam_2024]

What match did you watch? From the end of the 2nd set to the end of the match, the tide turned and you could feel it. Djokovic was controlling the tempo and he had Alcaraz caught in his web at that point from the baseline. Alcaraz could never escape it although he fought hard in the 4th. Djokovic also was hitting his forehand bigger on average so I don't know how Alcaraz's power overwhelmed him.

Djokovic matches up vs raz so well in rallies. Raz can't hit through him unless Djokovic is physically faltering like in Cincy.

On grass it was close 5 better in 23 and in 24 Djokovic was just not ready.

 

[NoleFam]

Djokovic matches up vs raz so well in rallies. Raz can't hit through him unless Djokovic is physically faltering like in Cincy.

On grass it was close 5 better in 23 and in 24 Djokovic was just not ready.

Especially on hardcourt. You could see the difference in overall skill and IQ on this surface in this match, and why Djokovic ruled here for so many years. I don't think I've ever seen him boss Alcaraz like that from the baseline in any match he played against him except the ATP finals. Crazy to see that from a guy his age against a physical specimen like Alcaraz.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Especially on hardcourt. You could see the difference in overall skill and IQ on this surface in this match, and why Djokovic ruled here for so many years. I don't think I've ever seen him boss Alcaraz like that from the baseline in any match he played against him except the ATP finals. Crazy to see that from a guy his age against a physical specimen like Alcaraz.

Best advantage of Nole is always able to flatten out his backhand. Almost no one can go toe to toe with him historically.

Murray/Medvedev/RBA probably only guys who were able to handle it and now I can easily add Sinner.
Fed and Stan had very different strokes than 2 handers and Rafa is lefty.

 

[NoleFam]

Best advantage of Nole is always able to flatten out his backhand. Almost no one can go toe to toe with him historically.

Murray/Medvedev/RBA probably only guys who were able to handle it and now I can easily add Sinner.
Fed and Stan had very different strokes than 2 handers and Rafa is lefty.

The backhand is not what it used to be but it was such a great shot at his peak that even if it's a little declined, it's still better than most player's backhands. To me going so much to Alcaraz's backhand was a great strategy and Alcaraz has a really good backhand, but he's not as dangerous from that wing and can't create as many angles.

I think Djokovic's forehand has been off for a year but it's definitely getting back to where it needs to be. I still don't think it's back to 2023 levels but it was darn good in that match. One thing for sure is he can still go big on it when he wants. He was at 85 mph average on it in the 2nd set.

 

[nolefam_2024]

The backhand is not what it used to be but it was such a great shot at his peak that even if it's a little declined, it's still better than most player's backhands. To me going so much to Alcaraz's backhand was a great strategy and Alcaraz has a really good backhand, but he's not as dangerous from that wing and can't create as many angles.

I think Djokovic's forehand has been off for a year but it's definitely getting back to where it needs to be. I still don't think it's back to 2023 levels but it was darn good in that match. One thing for sure is he can still go big on it when he wants. He was at 85 mph average on it in the 2nd set.

His remaining 2 opponents Sinner and Zverev

Is Djokovic better mover than both or worse ? Today in set 3 and 4 he moved almost as well as Alcaraz.

 

[NoleFam]

His remaining 2 opponents Sinner and Zverev

Is Djokovic better mover than both or worse ? Today in set 3 and 4 he moved almost as well as Alcaraz.

This is the best Djokovic has moved since his knee surgery, even with whatever physical problem he picked up at the end of the 1st set. No doubt about it. You can clearly see that was big part of his struggle last year because he wasn't moving well at all in the hardcourt tournaments in August-October.

I think Alcaraz is the best mover of the 4 but the other two, Sinner and Zverev, are great movers as well, especially for their height.

 

[Incognito]

How dare you not watch Chainz v TBP lol

I wanted TP to win that one. Do you also feel like TP doesn’t have killer instincts. He’s too damn nice

 

[Djokovic2011]

Especially on hardcourt. You could see the difference in overall skill and IQ on this surface in this match, and why Djokovic ruled here for so many years. I don't think I've ever seen him boss Alcaraz like that from the baseline in any match he played against him except the ATP finals. Crazy to see that from a guy his age against a physical specimen like Alcaraz.

Wasn't he wonderful mate? I'm still buzzing regardless of what happens the rest of the tournament haha. It's performances like we saw today that make me so proud to be his fan.

 

[NoleFam]

Wasn't he wonderful mate? I'm still buzzing regardless of what happens the rest of the tournament haha. It's performances like we saw today that make me so proud to be his fan.

Yea he played a pretty superb match and showed why he is the king of AO in this one. Great performance.

 

[mtommer]

Have to disagree here i think. I honestly think if Novak plays like he did tonight he will take care of Sinner.

Maybe. If Djokovic elreally did play as people here are representing, I suspect this match was Djokovic peaking too soon and will most likely lose next match. It will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[FlyingSaucer]

Exactly. There are already claims that tennis players are better than ever and that this era is never before seen. Old Djokovic is making a mockery of that era. Prime Djoko got all he could handle from Fedal. There's no doubt if they were in their prime they would slaughter the current tour.

Beyond being happy about the win on its own, I’m glad that the narratives about Alcaraz being an improved composite of TB3 is dying before our eyes. He just isn’t close to being close to being close to being there yet. If that changes…all the better, but… [gestures vaguely]

So, tennis is not evolving, or...?

 

[socallefty]

The match was won or lost on Alcaraz’s second serves where he won only 34% of points while Djokovic won a more normal 56% on his second serves.

On first serves, they both did well winning 64% and 67% of points with Alcaraz actually serving a higher %.

Djokovic attacked Alcaraz’s 2nd serve like I’ve never seen him do before and like no one else has done before - hit many return winners or put Carlos on the defensive rightaway. You could say that this was Carlos’ weak spot on a court where his kick didn’t bounce up enough and was slow enough at night for Djokovic to attack. But I think this was Djokovic using his GOAT returning skills standing close to the baseline, hitting on the rise including on the BH and being even more aggressive than usual maybe because of his leg injury. Sinner and others can’t replicate that easily and that’s why Alcaraz has a better head-head against others.

Djokovic also converted 6 of 13 break points while Carlos converted only 4 of 11. So the breakpoint performance made a difference also.

For those saying Carlos should not lose to Djokovic because the GOAT is much older, I don’t think Djokovic is returning much worse especially when he decides to be aggressive on a court that he knows very well. When Djokovic plays aggressive like this on returns and groundstrokes to keep points shorter, he is a handful for the whole tour like he was in 2023. For some reason, he decided to play more passively in 2024.

 

[nighthawkrr]

This loss might damage Alcaraz's legacy. Alcaraz will continue to improve but he is essentially at or very close to PEAK right now.
Even if he goes on to win 20+ Majors how do you make the case that he was better than Peak Djoker after this loss to Old Djoker?

But if he wins 20+ then we’ll know he wasn’t actually at his peak yet

 

[Cabeza del Demonio]

#80sBabiesAreBuiltDifferent

Seeing him and Andy celebrating together after the match really feels like we're watching the Big 4's last stand.

Last night was tennis's golden generation, together, raging against the dying of the light.

 

[SonnyT]

He wont be able to attack sinners serves like that, and he wont spray UEs either. No chance especially with a leg problem!

Djokovic will be looking for any weaknesses in Sinner's armor! And there are weaknesses, that the magnificent duo (Murray & Djokovic) will spot!

Different players have differing weaknesses! Djokovic too, but they are hard for opponents to exploit!

 

[messiahrobins]

Maybe. If Djokovic elreally did play as people here are representing, I suspect this match was Djokovic peaking too soon and will most likely lose next match. It will be interesting to see what happens.

He isnt losing to Zverev unless he is on one leg. Zverev v Paul was tragic.

 

[jackson vile]

Half man half amazing

 

[mike danny]

Are you sure Alcaraz played a better match considering he faced an injured opponent?

 

[Biotic]

Are you sure Alcaraz played a better match considering he faced an injured opponent?

I know you're relieved to see Djoko lose, go ahead and celebrate the injury the way you see fit.

 

[mike danny]

I know you're relieved to see Djoko lose, go ahead and celebrate the injury the way you see fit.

I never celebrate injuries. I wanted him to be beaten fair and square

 

[Hitman]

I never celebrate injuries. I wanted him to be beaten fair and square

He was beaten fair and square. Injuries are part of sport.