40-15 still haunts me
Banned
Clever , but not true , that’s the first wheel not the thirdAlways remember folks.....the third wheels leads the way.
….you don’t count backwards 
Media claim that Djokovic is still the “third wheel” in Tennis Trifecta
- Thread starter 40-15 still haunts me
- Start date
….you don’t count backwards 
Gary Duane
Talk Tennis Guru
Me. And anyone old who was around when he was the gold standard. I put Laver right at the top.
Joker? Not a fan. Never was a fan. But I think you have to be a pure idiot not to appreciate what he is doing. Whatever you think of him, he's an absolutely amazing athlete who is presently in a position to get the 3rd leg of a CYGS, something we have not seen since 1969. I'll never enjoy his tennis as much as Fed's, but you will never catch me giving him any less than the credit he deserves. Was Nadal at his best this year at RG? Obviously not. But this is the 2nd time he's beaten Nadal at RG. You have to be totally biased not to give that credit. Add to that his painful loss the year he was so close to winning. Taking it to the King of Clay is a huge accomplishment.
As for what the average idiot out there thinks, I could not care less. Most people are as stupid as a box of rocks.
Backspin1183
Talk Tennis Guru
I'm being honest. Djokovic can't be 'GOAT' with less number of Grand Slams won. He needs to at least equal the record.
Beckerserve
Legend
Lol. If it ends 20-20-19 Djokovic will be beyond gutted and his fans will disappear.
While i will bang on about RG2020 as decisive most will bang Djokovic over the head with USO2020.
Gary Duane
Talk Tennis Guru
You just have to make that 3rd wheel in the picture way more flexible. By the way, I was going to touch base, but you are again unreachable here except in public. I wanted to check if you are able to start training people again in person!Always remember folks.....the third wheel leads the way.
Hitman
Bionic Poster
Clever , but not true , that’s the first wheel not the third
Nah, that's the third wheel.
Fedal having their little party at the back.Always remember while Federer and Nadal are making out in the back, it's Djokovic who has his hands on the wheel in the front.
And totally OK with Fedal being more popular, I'm not watching the Miss World paegent here. I am interested in competitive tennis.
Djokovic2011
Bionic Poster
That seems harsh considering all his other achievements. I'm sorry but I just can't take "slams are all that matter" posters too seriously. You seem like a nice guy but still.
Hitman
Bionic Poster
40-15 still haunts me
Banned
Lol no, I deal with facts. It’s the front wheel aka the first wheel. If you go to a mechanic and ask for the third wheel to be checked he must go to the front right lol?Nah, that's the third wheel.
Always remember while Federer and Nadal are making out in the back, it's Djokovic who has his hands on the wheel in the front.
And totally OK with Fedal being more popular, I'm not watching the Miss World paegent here. I am interested in competitive tennis.
'This is scary': Lineswoman targeted in 'disgraceful' fallout to Djokovic DQ
The innocent victim has been subjected to awful abuse after her name and Instagram account were leaked to Novak Djokovic fans.
7news.com.au
Backspin1183
Talk Tennis Guru
Slams aren't all that matter but they matter the most in tennis. Novak already has other records to put him above Fedal when he matches the Slam record of 20 titles.
D
Deleted member 771911
Guest
The media just want to keep that narrative going. No way do they want Nole to be seen as an equal or popular. They need their villain edit!
Jokervich
Hall of Fame
Popularity will always be subjective. But numbers are black and white and can't be argued with. This is yet more smear tactics by Federer fans to disparage Djokovic - Djokovic breaks all his records, but no, he's not "loved" as much, therefore he can never be greater. 
-facepalm-
-facepalm-
xFedal
Legend
Yes Nole got very close during 2015-16 he could have done it if he was more PR savy and shrewd and din't fall of since RG2016 he was on pace to overtake Fed then the fall from grace happens Wimby16 . 67m>55m>37M
Top 10 Highest-Paid Tennis Players For 2015
- 1 Roger Federer: $67 Million Total Earnings.
- 2 Novak Djokovic: $48.2 Million Total Earnings. ...
- 3 Rafael Nadal: $32.5 Million Total Earnings. ...
Federer banked $67.8 million between June 2015 and June 2016 from prize money, endorsements and appearance fees. Federer has been the top-earner in the sport annually since Andre Agassi hung up his racket in 2006.
Djokovic ranks No. 2 among tennis’ top earners for the second straight year with $55.8 million, including $21.8 million in prize money. He was the first to ever win $20 million in prize money in a single year with his dominant 2015 season. The Serbian star completed the career Grand Slam in June with his French Open title and in the process became the first tennis player to cross the $100 million threshold in career prize money. Djokovic’s three Slam titles in 2015 and year-end No. 1 ranking triggered lucrative bonuses from sponsors like Uniqlo , Head and Adidas .
Nadal earned $37.5 million and ranks third. The 14-time Grand Slam champion was sidelined for two months because of injuries, but returned to play at the Rio Olympics and won a gold medal for doubles. Nadal's endorsement partners include Nike, Babolat, Kia Motors, Telefonica, Banco Sabadell, Richard Mille, Tommy Hilfiger and more. Kia renewed its deal with Nadal year last for an additional five years through 2020.
xFedal
Legend
He isn't as PR savy as Fed he is too real.
Beckerserve
Legend
Slams are all that matter. Djokovic himself said so as well as Olympics are as big as Slams!!
D
Deleted member 762343
Guest
Lol. Every time he wins something big, people write this kind of article to cope. I almost feel sad for them, to be honest. Reality is reality, no amount of damage control or embellishment will change it.
Hitman
Bionic Poster
Lol no, I deal with facts. It’s the front wheel aka the first wheel. If you go to a mechanic and ask for the third wheel to be checked he must go to the front right lol?
I’ll just leave this article here which proves my initial post is 100% correct'This is scary': Lineswoman targeted in 'disgraceful' fallout to Djokovic DQ
The innocent victim has been subjected to awful abuse after her name and Instagram account were leaked to Novak Djokovic fans.
Nope.
Oh, and being more popular and in the limelight reminds of how Dorian Yates would come from the hole in the wall gyms in the UK to the USA and beat the crap out of the all the media favorites that lived in the limelight. They were having all the media attention etc, while Dorian continued to pick up Mr Olympia after Mr Olympia after Mr Olympia.
Djokovic has won the last 10 out of the last 11 slam meetings against Fedal, they can enjoy the love and adulation, yes, Novak will never reach that level, personally I am fine with that, nothing wrong with them being more popular, but like Dorian, he just comes out beats the media darlings and leaves.
I mean if it gives you a kick, or a high to enjoy Djokovic not being as a popular, sure, but I felt I should state that many of us Djokovic fans are OK with that, Fedal are awesome and they were there first, but as long as Novak does what he should be doing, we're all happy, right?
Beckerserve
Legend
Whole media has Djokovic 3rd. Now whether the UK media are doing it to wind Djokovic up im not sure but all i see on twitter is Fedal are GOATS by virtue of 20-20-19.
Djokovic is the 3rd wheel for now. Media saying what ive been saying for ages.
xFedal
Legend
Total earnings Novak was on pace to surpass Fed in earnings like he surpassed Nadal, he was on pace to do the same to Fed but fall from grace stopped it. cygs in 2016 would have done it, it would have triggered bonuses left right and center.
The 35 year old is No. 4 in total 2016 earnings on the Forbes list with $67.8 million, trailing only footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and NBA star LeBron James.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes (Forbes)
| Name | Total Earnings | Endorsements | Salary/Prize Money |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $88 million | $32 million | $56 million |
| Lionel Messi | $81.4 million | $28 million | $53.4 million |
| LeBron James | $77.2 million | $54 million | $23.2 million |
| Roger Federer | $67.8 million | $60 million | $7.8 million |
| Kevin Durant | $56.2 million | $36 million | $20.2 million |
| Novak Djokovic | $55.8 million | $34 million | $21.8 million |
| Cam Newton | $53.1 million | $12 million | $41.1 million |
| Phil Mickelson | $52.9 million | $50 million | $2.9 million |
| Jordan Spieth | $52.8 million | $32 million | $20.8 million |
| Kobe Bryant | $50 million | $25 million | $25 million |
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
To quote Hulk Hogan in those NWO following announcement videos.
''Not anymore.''
''Not anymore.''
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
2015 endorsements:
Federer: $58 million
Djokovic: $31 million
Nadal: $28 million
2016 endorsements:
Federer: $60 million
Djokovic: $34 million
Nadal: $32 million
Beckerserve
Legend
Nadal is much higher as are a few others. They have better accountants though
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
Yeah, but that includes prize money, where Novak was $14 million ahead of Federer. In endorsements only Fed was still very comfortably ahead
Beckerserve
Legend
Federer needs Nadals accounting firm i would suggest.
Djokovic_is_the_best#1
Bionic Poster
If he does equal them though then he’s greater than both. As Djokovic has the best overall achievements out of the 3. Fed and Rafa are hanging on by their finger tips now.
I agree though he does need 1 more and the next one but if he does then he’s on top. Unless Fed or Rafa can win big again to change the narrative.
Djokovic2011
Bionic Poster
You seem to be contradicting yourself here. Are you saying that Djokovic could in theory spend another 50+ weeks at number 1, achieve another YE #1, win another WTF etc and yet all of this would count for nothing if he remains on 19? I'm sorry but that just sounds ludicrous to me. I mean what's the point in him accomplishing all those other things if it doesn't add to his greatness?
Cashman
Hall of Fame
These days Djokovic wins a lot more big tournaments than Nadal, which triggers bonus clauses in his contract, which increase his endorsement earnings
If he and Nadal had similar wins, Djokovic would be earning less - because Nadal is a more valuable brand and attracts bigger base payments
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
Nadal is way lower. He was at $37.5 million total earnings in 2016. $32 million in endorsements + $5.5 million in prize money
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
Are you suggesting Nadal is illegally evading taxes?
NoleFam
Bionic Poster
Yea convenient that only Slams matter when the person you support are missing some of the "other issues".
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Media claim 1m is larger than 1km.
Beckerserve
Legend
Exactly. Way people talk on here it is like Djokovic should be gifted slams lol. He has to earn them.
If he loses at W guarantee he gets written off as 3rd wheel. This is the culture we live in. Recency bias galore.
If Nadal wins USO i can guarantee USO gets hammered for the court speed lol
Beckerserve
Legend
Slams have always been the be all and end all. That is why we see tables for Slams won everywhere.
All i can say is of it ended 20-20-19 who would be happiest?
Beckerserve
Legend
Yes that is what he has declared lol
Beckerserve
Legend
No. I am saying he has good accountants. Huge difference between evasion and avoidance.Are you suggesting Nadal is illegally evading taxes?
xFedal
Legend
Total earnings I meant, 67M>55 got close though, failing at Wimby and USO prevented the eclipse .
NoleFam
Bionic Poster
Always? False. If that were so, Borg and Mac wouldn't have skipped AO, and Mac and Connors wouldn't have skipped RG so much. Djokovic has had a better tennis career than Nadal. No one is ranking Nadal over him now as things stand except for his fans.
maratha_warrior
Hall of Fame
There are few religions which preach slavery ,killings , discrimination , inequality ,hate . Billions of people follow those religions .
Something that is popular isn't always right . .
I am sure Fed and Nad would love to be Greater players than be popular among Corporates and media magazines and fans . Fandom ends but Greatness always remains .
In the end , people will talk about records and measure greatness by looking upto the greatest Warrior who came up winning from impossible losing positions .
Slam race is still ON .
Something that is popular isn't always right . .
I am sure Fed and Nad would love to be Greater players than be popular among Corporates and media magazines and fans . Fandom ends but Greatness always remains .
In the end , people will talk about records and measure greatness by looking upto the greatest Warrior who came up winning from impossible losing positions .
Slam race is still ON .
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
The former King of Spain certainly was!
Are you suggesting Nadal is illegally evading taxes?
D
Deleted member 758560
Guest
Djokovic_is_the_best#1
Bionic Poster
Which is why I won’t look past the first round of Wimbledon for Novak. He might be the favourite but it’s still not easy to go out and win 7 best of 5 matches in a row each time.
Djoko did amazing to win the last 2 slams but his back was against the wall a lot. In terms of pure fight and grit they are up their as arguably the best slams he won. He fought through many tricky situations to get over the line in both. A testament to his amazing mental strength and ability to raise his level when he needed it
I have high hopes for Wimbledon for Novak but all it takes is one match where a players peaks and Novak is slightly off or a match up issue and it could be danger. It’s the same for any player including fed or Rafa.
xFedal
Legend
Illegally evading taxes would make him criminal.Are you suggesting Nadal is illegally evading taxes?
In all seriousness, all 3 are some of the worst tax payers of all high profile athletes.Are you suggesting Nadal is illegally evading taxes?
Djokovic = Monte Carlo resident (lol)
Federer = Swiss bank accounts need I say more - also he famously declares earnings in Dubai
Nadal = look, if Messi and Ronaldo did it there’s no way Rafa - who owns half of Mallorca - can’t
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
Slam race will be irrelevant if the gap between the Big Three is small. Otherwise it will always be arguable.
There are few religions which preach slavery ,killings , discrimination , inequality ,hate . Billions of people follow those religions .
Something that is popular isn't always right . .
I am sure Fed and Nad would love to be Greater players than be popular among Corporates and media magazines and fans . Fandom ends but Greatness always remains .
In the end , people will talk about records and measure greatness by looking upto the greatest Warrior who came up winning from impossible losing positions .
Slam race is still ON .
Beckerserve
Legend
Lmao. Nadal has more slams. And Olympic gold. Trust me any pro player will take Nadals career over Djokovic. Plus hate to say this but as you have admitted the AO has never had the allure of the other 3 Majors.
Nadal has won far more of the 3 most historic majors. 19-10.
Ask any pro on twitter which career theyd have.
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
Only marginally. Djokovic entered a massive slump in 16-17, but his figures didn't fall that much in the year(s) following it, despite coinciding with a Nadal resurgence.
2017 endorsements:
Federer: $58 million
Djokovic: $28 million
Nadal: $26 million
2018 endorsements:
Federer: $65 million
Nadal: $27 million
Djokovic: $22 million
2019 endorsements:
Federer: $86 million
Djokovic: $30 million
Nadal: $26 million
Like I said, when it comes to endorsements, there's Federer and then there's everyone else.
Beckerserve
Legend
Id be celebrating for sure.
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
LMAO, so all you have is completely unsourced and unverifiable information. Just like your claims that the locker room says Nadal is GOAT
Also, why would an athlete understate the value of his endorsement deals? It would just hurt them in negotiations with other sponsors
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