Nadal calls Djokovic his toughest opponent; Federer thinks the same about Nadal. Who is Novak's?

[Levi_Ackerman]

Has he come out and said?

Roger Federer admits rivalry with Rafael Nadal is the ‘most intense’ in his career: http://media.indiatimes.in/media/content/2013/Aug/2013-08-01_190332_1375364867_1375364882.jpg

Rafael Nadal insists Novak Djokovic is toughest opponent he has ever played as he prepares for final:http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/tennis/open-rafael-nadal-insists-novak-2260955

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Waiting for him to say Federer so the circle would be complete.

 

[bjsnider]

The toughest opponent Djokovic faces these days is the one he sees in the mirror.

 

[Deleted member 512391]

Good question.

I think that Federer's customary game troubles Djokovic more than Nadal's. Djokovic finds Fed's serve tougher and Federer can dominate the forehand to forehand exchanges, where Nadal's killer shot, CC forehand, goes directly to Djokovic's strongest weapon - the backhand. Also, Federer's variety can usually force Djokovic to send an attackable ball or to, at least, prevent him to be offensive, which gives him opportunity to attack with his forehand.

Nadal had to change his game in order to challenge prime Djokovic - he started to play more aggressive, low percentage tennis (had to use his forehand down-the-line more than ever) and still has to serve well enough to have a chance. But that's not his natural choice of how the tennis should be played and Djokovic can neutralize Nadal's weapon more easier that Federer's (both serve and forehand).

Of course, Djokovic now has Fed's numbers, but it's related to Fed's age as well.

 

[tennis_pro]

Who gave Djokovic the most problems before 2008? Federer, head to head 5-1 for Federer, that only loss came in Canada after Djokovic had to play near perfect tennis to beat him 7-6 2-6 7-6
2008-2010? Nadal and Federer equally.
2011-2012? Nadal was tough but Djokovic still went 7-0 against him after which Nadal had some wins on clay in 2012. Federer beat him at the FO, virtually beat him at the US Open, then in 2012 beat him at Wimbledon and Cincinnati and played him very close at the WTF.
2013? Nadal for sure.
2014-2015? Federer. He ended 2014 with a 3-2 head-to-head against Djokovic and this year is the only man to beat him in more than one match, not to mention he takes at least a set in every loss that he suffers.

Federer is also 6 years older than Djokovic and further from his prime than Djokovic is. If they were the same age there would be no question who the toughest opponent for Djokovic would be. So even tho Djokovic's head to head against Fedal is just about identical, Federer gives Djokovic a harder time given that he plays him close in every match while there have been a lot of matches when Djokovic schooled Nadal. That never happened to Federer or very rarely.

 

[StannisTheMannis]

Novak has called Rafa the biggest rival of his career.

 

[StannisTheMannis]

Who gave Djokovic the most problems before 2008? Federer, head to head 5-1 for Federer, that only loss came in Canada after Djokovic had to play near perfect tennis to beat him 7-6 2-6 7-6
2008-2010? Nadal and Federer equally.
2011-2012? Nadal was tough but Djokovic still went 7-0 against him after which Nadal had some wins on clay in 2012. Federer beat him at the FO, virtually beat him at the US Open, then in 2012 beat him at Wimbledon and Cincinnati and played him very close at the WTF.
2013? Nadal for sure.
2014-2015? Federer. He ended 2014 with a 3-2 head-to-head against Djokovic and this year is the only man to beat him in more than one match, not to mention he takes at least a set in every loss that he suffers.

Federer is also 6 years older than Djokovic and further from his prime than Djokovic is. If they were the same age there would be no question who the toughest opponent for Djokovic would be. So even tho Djokovic's head to head against Fedal is just about identical, Federer gives Djokovic a harder time given that he plays him close in every match while there have been a lot of matches when Djokovic schooled Nadal. That never happened to Federer or very rarely.

Nadal beat Novak is a slam in 2014. That automatically gives 2014 to Nadal.

 

[tennis_pro]

Nadal beat Novak is a slam in 2014. That automatically gives 2014 to Nadal.

Well thought reply.

Djokovic-Nadal h2h since the 2013 US Open final = Djokovic 7-1 including 6 straight set wins for Djokovic

Djokovic-Federer h2h in 2014-2015 = Djokovic 6-5 including 1 straight set win for Djokovic.

I rest my case.

 

[StannisTheMannis]

Well thought reply.

Djokovic-Nadal h2h since the 2013 US Open final = Djokovic 7-1 including 6 straight set wins for Djokovic

Djokovic-Federer h2h in 2014-2015 = Djokovic 6-5 including 1 straight set win for Djokovic.

I rest my case.

I'm sure you have spouted crap about slams being the real indicator. I'm just returning the favor. Roger would trade all of those wins for 1 win over Novak at a slam final.

 

[tennis_pro]

I'm sure you have spouted crap about slams being the real indicator. I'm just returning the favor. Roger would trade all of those wins for 1 win over Novak at a slam final.

I'm sure he would. Doesn't make Nadal a tougher opponent for Djokovic in the last 2 seasons since he only beat him once and that was basically the only match (other than Rome 2014 which he still lost) where he took a set or more off of him. Meanwhile Federer has not given Djokovic an easy match despite being in his mid 30's.

One match doesn't constitute a player being tougher than the other.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

Waiting for him to say Federer so the circle would be complete.

Triangle.

The toughest opponent Djokovic faces these days is the one he sees in the mirror.

Ooooh! That's deep. How very very original!

 

[Djokovic2011]

Good question.

I think that Federer's customary game troubles Djokovic more than Nadal's. Djokovic finds Fed's serve tougher and Federer can dominate the forehand to forehand exchanges, where Nadal's killer shot, CC forehand, goes directly to Djokovic's strongest weapon - the backhand. Also, Federer's variety can usually force Djokovic to send an attackable ball or to, at least, prevent him to be offensive, which gives him opportunity to attack with his forehand.

Nadal had to change his game in order to challenge prime Djokovic - he started to play more aggressive, low percentage tennis (had to use his forehand down-the-line more than ever) and still has to serve well enough to have a chance. But that's not his natural choice of how the tennis should be played and Djokovic can neutralize Nadal's weapon more easier that Federer's (both serve and forehand).

Of course, Djokovic now has Fed's numbers, but it's related to Fed's age as well.

Yep, pretty much this. Even now I fear Djokovic playing Federer more than Nadal because he's still such a nightmare when his serve and forehand are clicking. And for some reason he nearly always seems to play like his life depends on it whenever he sees Novak on the other side of the net. Grrrrrrr.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

Novak has called Rafa the biggest rival of his career.

Proof? Could you substantiate this statement please via a link to an article?

 

[Djokovic2011]

Proof? Could you substantiate this statement please via a link to an article?

I think I have heard Djokovic say this(probably due to all their epic battles in recent years) but deep down I suspect he'd pick Federer if he were being totally honest.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

but deep down I suspect he'd pick Federer if he were being totally honest.

You've got an insight into his (Djokovic's) soul and inner thoughts, have you?

 

[Djokovic2011]

You've got an insight into his (Djokovic's) soul and inner thoughts, have you?

Let's just say he probably dreads Federer's serve more than he does Nadal's forehand. It's one of the very few serves Djokovic has struggled with throughout his career due to its pace and placement and has cost him at least a couple more titles this year alone.

 

[Murrayfan31]

Federer obviously.

 

[CYGS]

Djokovic's biggest opponent is himself, so Djokovic > Nadal > Federer. Case closed.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

Federer obviously.

You'd probably say Ernest Gulbis if he was an option and add "obviously" to it.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

Djokovic's biggest opponent is himself, so Djokovic > Nadal > Federer. Case closed.

Case closed, guys! CYGS says "case closed", so case closed. Thread over. We needn't discuss this any further. CYGS has spoken!

I should also point out to CYGS that it appears he/she has mixed up his/her greater-than and less-than symbols. ">" means greater-than. Greater!

Here, let me fix it for you:

Djokovic < Nadal < Federer.

No need to thank me.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Djokovic's biggest opponent is himself, so Djokovic > Nadal > Federer. Case closed.

Take it easy bro. Novak has not achieved THAT high status yet.

 

[xFedal]

I think I have heard Djokovic say this(probably due to all their epic battles in recent years) but deep down I suspect he'd pick Federer if he were being totally honest.

He also called Nadal the greatest in 2010 or 11, his toughest rival is obviously Rafa, 9-4 in the Majors h2h. Djokovic vs Federer is more balanced.

 

[xFedal]

Waiting for him to say Federer so the circle would be complete.

Major h2h Nadal - Nole 9-4. It's Nadal. Novak has only beaten him 4 times at a major.

 

[Djokovic2011]

He also called Nadal the greatest in 2010 or 11, his toughest rival is obviously Rafa, 9-4 in the Majors h2h. Djokovic vs Federer is more balanced.

Majors aren't the only tournaments though. Federer is a tougher matchup for Djokovic on hard courts(the predominant surface) and grass than Nadal is.

 

[Deleted member 512391]

Major h2h Nadal - Nole 9-4. It's Nadal. Novak has only beaten him 4 times at a major.

I think this is also related to the fact that Djokovic and Nadal have played only once at Novak's best Major (AO), where they've met seven times at Roland Garros, which obviously favors Nadal.
Had they played, for example, six times at the AO and only once at the FO, their H2H would've looked different.

 

[ibbi]

Djokovic's toughest opponent is bread.

 

[xFedal]

Majors aren't the only tournaments though. Federer is a tougher matchup for Djokovic on hard courts(the predominant surface) and grass than Nadal is.

Nadal also led the h2h 14-4 at one point, it wasn't until 2011 Nole got his victories.

 

[xFedal]

I think this is also related to the fact that Djokovic and Nadal have played only once at Novak's best Major (AO), where they've met seven times at Roland Garros, which obviously favors Nadal.
Had they played, for example, six times at the AO and only once at the FO, their H2H would've looked different.

Federer - Nole is balanced everywhere, however Nole - Rafa isn't

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

Had they played, for example, six times at the AO and only once at the FO, their H2H would've looked different.

You seem quite certain. Remember, the one time they met at Djokovic's best major, the AO, Rafa came very close to beating Novak. It took Novak five sets and nearly six hours to beat Rafa. Conversely, how many times has Djokovic really challenged Rafa at RG? Once: 2013. 2015 wasn't even a contest really; more a beatdown.

 

[Livedeath]

Nole always calls Rafa and Roger as his toughest competitors, never singles out one. He is quite diplomatic not to upset either of the parties.

 

[xFedal]

You seem quite certain. Remember, the one time they met at Djokovic's best major, the AO, Rafa came very close to beating Novak. It took Novak five sets and nearly six hours to beat Rafa. Conversely, how many times has Djokovic really challenged Rafa at RG? Once: 2013. 2015 wasn't even a contest really; more a beatdown.

It's Nadal, Federer has never been toughest for Rafa or Nole. Rafa and Nole has been toughest for each other due to same age.

 

[NBP]

Federer. It's that simple, the last 8 matches between Djokovic and Nadal is 7-1. Nadal has played Novak tough since 2011, but, for what, a 12 month period?

 

[AceSalvo]

Novak has already admitted that Nadal is his biggest rival.

http://www.**************.org/Novak...l-he-has-had-in-his-career-articolo17308.html

I don't feel Federer is Novak's rival. During Federer's peak between 2004-2008, Novak was young and inexperience. During Novak's peak 2011-present day, Federer is an aging superstar.

Federer's peer rival was Hewitt and Roddick, and to some degree, Rafa.

Rafa's peer rivals are Novak and Murray.

If Roger is an aging superstar, why is he producing results almost similar to Novak's peer??

Against Novak since 2011, Federer has 8 wins and Nadal has 7 wins

 

[Deleted member 512391]

You seem quite certain. Remember, the one time they met at Djokovic's best major, the AO, Rafa came very close to beating Novak. It took Novak five sets and nearly six hours to beat Rafa. How many times has Djokovic really challenged Rafa at RG? Once: 2013. 2015 wasn't even a contest really; more a beatdown.

You could look at it from a different point of view. Nadal had one day more to rest, Djokovic had five-hour battle with Murray, Nadal won the first set, pushed Djokovic to another five setter and six-hour match, had a break in a fifth set and still managed to lose. So, he had all the factors on his side, but failed anyway.

But, this is just guessing. The point is that Nadal's had seven chances to play Djokovic on his favorite Major, while Djokovic had only once chance.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

Federer.

I'm shocked that you'd conclude this! Shocked! Absolutely shocked!

Oh btw, way to judge a career of many many years (dating back to 2006) by the events of the last two years. Logic wins again on TTW!

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

I'm shocked that you'd conclude this! Shocked! Absolutely shocked!

Oh btw, way to judge a career of many many years by the events of one year. Logic wins again on TTW!

You think it is Nadal? I know Nadal has a bit more wins against Djoko than Fed, but in Federer-Djokovic rivalry, none of the two owned the other at any point, even when Novak was young and when Roger entered his 30s.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

You think it is Nadal? I know Nadal has a bit more wins against Djoko than Fed, but in Federer-Djokovic rivalry, none of the two owned the other at any point, even when Novak was young and when Roger entered his 30s.

Actually, you could say Federer has always owned Djokovic. Djokovic has never been ahead in their rivalry.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Actually, you could say Federer has always owned Djokovic. Djokovic has never been ahead in their rivalry.

Not talking about the H2H. Even if you want that, count WTF 2014 and Novak leads.
I was talking about one of them having a long winning run and getting into the other guy's head. Neither Djokovic nor Federer had anywhere near a 7 matches winning run against the other, nor a huge advantage on any surface.

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

Not talking about the H2H. Even if you want that, count WTF 2014 and Novak leads.
I was talking about one of them having a long winning run and getting into the other guy's head. Neither Djokovic nor Federer had anywhere near a 7 matches winning run against the other, nor a huge advantage on any surface.

Why the **** would I count a match they didn't even play? Come on! And if you're not talking about h2h, what are you talking about? What reflects the nature of a rivalry better than h2h?

 

[Levi_Ackerman]

@Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil, in answer to your question, "I think Nadal?", I don't think Nadal is Djokovic's toughest opponent, regardless of what Djokovic might say. I do actually think it's Federer. Djokovic "likes" playing Rafa. Rafa doesn't like playing Djokovic. Federer doesn't like playing Djokovic either, but he doesn't dislike playing Djokovic as much as he dislikes playing Rafa. And we all know Rafa loves playing Roger. Nothing fires up Rafa more than looking to the other side of the net and seeing Roger - his whipping boy.

 

[NBP]

I'm shocked that you'd conclude this! Shocked! Absolutely shocked!

Oh btw, way to judge a career of many many years (dating back to 2006) by the events of the last two years. Logic wins again on TTW!

Nope, nothing to do with who I support. I think, as many Djokovic fans do, it's *ok* to look into the primes of both Djokovic and Nadal on this topic. Before 2011, was Djokovic a huge threat? Not really, it was the Fedal show. But since 2011 they have both had prime, and age on their side and evidently Djokovic has consistently been beating Nadal. That said, I still think Federer is a bit tougher for Novak because no one has ever owned each other during the h2h.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Why the **** would I count a match they didn't even play? Come on! And if you're not talking about h2h, what are you talking about? What reflects the nature of a rivalry better than h2h?

I meant you should not judge it strictly by saying "21-21" and "22-23". Novak never led in any of those rivalries but it would take a brave man to bet against him ending up with the lead against Fedal. What I wanted to say is Novak never had a huge edge (not H2H lead, edge) over Federer at any particular moment. He won 7 matches in a row against Nadal in 2011-12 and also won 6 out of last 7 matches against him. Next time they meet, you know who will everyone expect to win. But Federer was never in that position, not even now when he is 34. That is what I was saying. Regardless of all this, I still enjoy Djokodal matches more.

Well, since Fed bothered playing Stan in a long semi, magically coming back and win, but did not bother showing up in the final, why not count the win?

 

[Nachiket Nolefam]

He also called Nadal the greatest in 2010 or 11, his toughest rival is obviously Rafa, 9-4 in the Majors h2h. Djokovic vs Federer is more balanced.

Nadal called him one of the greatest in IW 2011. IW 2011. Not sure what Nadal was thinking. Djokovic returned the favor saying Nadal was greatest ever for HIM

 

[Amalhotra]

The crowd

 

[Djokovic2011]

I meant you should not judge it strictly by saying "21-21" and "22-23". Novak never led in any of those rivalries but it would take a brave man to bet against him ending up with the lead against Fedal. What I wanted to say is Novak never had a huge edge (not H2H lead, edge) over Federer at any particular moment. He won 7 matches in a row against Nadal in 2011-12 and also won 6 out of last 7 matches against him. Next time they meet, you know who will everyone expect to win. But Federer was never in that position, not even now when he is 34. That is what I was saying. Regardless of all this, I still enjoy Djokodal matches more.

Well, since Fed bothered playing Stan in a long semi, magically coming back and win, but did not bother showing up in the final, why not count the win?

7 out of the last 8 actually.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

7 out of the last 8 actually.

Oh, forgot Miami 2014.
I stand corrected.

 

[Djokovic2011]

Oh, forgot Miami 2014.
I stand corrected.

He's only dropped one set in all those matches as well.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

He's only dropped one set in all those matches as well.

No way. 3 of those 7 were on clay too.

 

[Djokovic2011]

No way. 3 of those 7 were on clay too.

Here's hoping for another seven match winning streak soon. 

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Here's hoping for another seven match winning streak soon. 

But match by match.
He is on 3.