Novak Djokovic "Rafael Nadal Surprised Me" - Roland Garros 2020 (HD)
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MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
100-2 
The Blond Blur
G.O.A.T.
“A 12 time RG champion’s level surprised me.”
- Abraham Lincoln
- Joker
- Abraham Lincoln
- Joker
terribleIVAN
Hall of Fame
The main point here is Novak was ready physically and didn't carry any injury going in.
Rafa beat the best version of current Novak.
Unlike what Novak did in AO 2019.
Rafa beat the best version of current Novak.
Unlike what Novak did in AO 2019.
He needs to fire Goran. If he is surprised by a 12 time champion producing a super-high level of tennis in the final of his pet slam, then there has been a failing in his team and coaching. You can never, ever underestimate someone like Rafa on clay, in the final of RG. Always expect he will play like a God, even if on the day he doesn't.
Goran's "you are unbeatable Novak, you will crush Nadal who won't like these conditions" pep talks is not good coaching. It's Yes Man spiel and backfired on their camp spectacularly.
Goran's "you are unbeatable Novak, you will crush Nadal who won't like these conditions" pep talks is not good coaching. It's Yes Man spiel and backfired on their camp spectacularly.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. How can you go into a Roland Garros final against Nadal and be surprised by his high level of play? Along with Goran’s interview, this is the height of hubris and probably what you get when you’ve been unbeaten all year in completed matches.
Rafa has lost three sets in four years at Paris and not a single set in this tournament. Talk about being overconfident.
Rafa has lost three sets in four years at Paris and not a single set in this tournament. Talk about being overconfident.
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UnforcedTerror
Hall of Fame
He seemed like he underestimated Bull for some reason which is crazy thing to do at RG. You could see it from the first game, he was clowning with the drop shots.
If Nole entered the match with the right mindset, he would have done way better but that was not possible of course with Goran telling him Bull had no chance.
If Nole entered the match with the right mindset, he would have done way better but that was not possible of course with Goran telling him Bull had no chance.
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OldschoolKIaus
Hall of Fame
Djoko played like that one kid we all know from back in the days FIFA (or PES) session on Play Station: he knows he can't win so he produces own goals like a madman to laugh his insecurity off.
GabeT
G.O.A.T.
no Excuses for anyone
Azure
G.O.A.T.
He is being more than generous and lavish in his praise for Rafa. He has always been a wonderful and gracious opponent in his losses.
U kiding right?Novak was unbeatable AO2019, no one and any version human couldnt beat him on that tournament.
Fedinkum
Legend
Actually, it was the reverse. Novak’s plan was to punch Rafa hard but Rafa evaded all the attack. Novak was shell shocked that his punches were hitting air, so his backup plan was throw harder punches.
Basically Novak got the rope the dope treatment.
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MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Surprised that Rafa played great in the RG final
Lol tbh I don't think anyone saw that coming though, he had depth on his shots not seen all tournament.
Tshooter
G.O.A.T.
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D
Deleted member 762343
Guest
Classy from Djokovic. Unfortunately some Nadal fans can't appreciate the gesture and have to be douchy.
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Start da Game
Hall of Fame
that's what happens when you bump into clay god in a roland garros final........i kept saying that if he gets to the final nobody was beating him simply because of his insane focus and level he displays in slam finals particularly at roland garros........shorty providing better resistance in the semis than novak in the final is the icing on the cake........
Subway Tennis
Legend
Both players did wonderful press conferences. Very good discussions and analysis, without any saltiness or making excuses.
I have been just as critical of Novak as anyone about some of his behaviour this year, but he showed terrific sportsmanship during and after the match imo.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Agree, no temper, no broken racquets, I was shook.
N
Nole14_15NoPressure
Guest
I'm dead.
Tennis_Freak99
Legend
To be fair 2014 was a long time back. Novak hadn't seen the RG Reality for a long time and was 'rusty' in that department xDSurprised that Rafa played great in the RG final
Rosstour
G.O.A.T.
Necks can be tricky.
I really don't like the guy, but if his neck was really bothering him, and that wasn't just a tactical MTO...it can really affect your play. I had a strained (left) latissimus recently from stomach-sleeping w/head turned to the side, and it absolutely killed my speed and my BH. I played through it, but I wasn't very good.
I'm not trying to make excuses for him but if the injury is real then it could explain why he was SO flat.
terribleIVAN
Hall of Fame
I can only go by what Novak said. He looked fresh as a daisy vs Tsitsipas, although shaky closing it out, which cost him 2 sets.
We simply have to realize Novak doesn't have anymore his legs from the mid-decade, and without those he simply cannot run down Rafa's bombs on clay, just like 95% of the tour.
And it's going to get even harder in the future.
His hopes of besting Rafa at RG are truly gone.
aldeayeah
G.O.A.T.
Tbf Nadal was pretty aggro as well, except his landed in
Rabin
Professional
Really interesting press conference. I think it's great Djokovic is so open about his thoughts actually. But the answer that actually made me go is the one where he said that if he didn't think that he could still overtake Rafa/Roger he would retire today. That is absolutely insane to me and explains so much about him that I never really could place before. In so many tournaments, especially the early rounds against opponents that don't really challenge him he seems lackluster and almost bored, like he doesn't want to be there. Only to be hyper focused in the final. For him it's definitely the destination and not the journey. Polar opposite to Fed/Nadal approach. It's fascinating to me and I honestly couldn't say which mindset is better for longevity and getting those records.
is the one where he said that if he didn't think that he could still overtake Rafa/Roger he would retire today. That is absolutely insane to me and explains so much about him that I never really could place before. In so many tournaments, especially the early rounds against opponents that don't really challenge him he seems lackluster and almost bored, like he doesn't want to be there. Only to be hyper focused in the final. For him it's definitely the destination and not the journey. Polar opposite to Fed/Nadal approach. It's fascinating to me and I honestly couldn't say which mindset is better for longevity and getting those records.
Bill Tilden
New User
Before the final I told a friend who gave Djokovic favorite that Rafa in the final at Roland Garros with Federer's one-step record would enter the field with the intention of losing only when he was dead or if someone shot him in the leg.
Rafa’s level was higher than in most of his finals.
It’s madness that people were making Djokovic the favourite at any point (and I’m a Novak fan). Barring injury Nadal will always bring his maximum level at the FO.
Tennis_Hands
Banned
Djoke was trying to subdue the fail at the USO by artificially pumping his ego before the match with Nadal. If his (Djoke's fans) thought that he got over it in a heartbeat just because he won Rome, well ... . Do not forget, "Majors are a different beast", with their own development and histories flowing in the next.
Djoke was trying to subdue the fail at the USO by artificially pumping his ego before the match with Nadal. If his (Djoke's fans) thought that he got over it in a heartbeat just because he won Rome, well ... . Do not forget, "Majors are a different beast", with their own development and histories flowing in the next.
I think you’re just inventing this, there’s no reason at all to think the US Open played any part. He was playing a Nadal that significantly raised his quality from all the previous rounds - incredible depth, power, tactics and almost no unforced errors. Novak actually would have beaten anyone else in the final but had to try to match Rafa’s level and couldn’t do it without errors. No player in history could have matched Nadal playing like that.
wangs78
Legend
i
If not for the proximity of the Slam record, I’m sure Rafa would be retired too. Rafa is just much more politically correct and would never admit that. The guy loves boating, has a family he has yet to start Bc of his dedication to tennis, and his academy. The record is what keeps him on the tour, let’s be honest. Same for Djokovic. For Roger, it’s highly likely that protecting the record is what’s kept him going as well. These three guys should thank each other Bc without each other they would not be at or close to 20 Slams. Would have prob hung up their racquet at 16-17. Look at Pete, he lost motivation at age 30 and 14 slams Bc no one at the time was remotely challenging his record. Of the Big 3 I can only see Federer being the one who stays on tour for love of the game. The fans adore him, the entire world admires him, and the sponsors won’t stop giving him more money. And the nex gen all kow tow to him. It’s who he is though, you know. Of the Big 3 he does the most PR, charitable work, and proactively reaches out to befriend younger players. Not saying Rafa and Djokovic don’t do these things but Roger has set the standard in all of these things without anyone else to emulate. It is part of his personality and so he is probably the only one who keeps playing for love of the game. After all the heartbreakers he’s had against Rafa and Novak only that deep love for the game can keep him coming back. In contrast, remember Borg? A loss to McEnroe when he was only 25 prompted him to give up and retire. Roger is the polar opposite. He never stays down after being beaten.Really interesting press conference. I think it's great Djokovic is so open about his thoughts actually. But the answer that actually made me go
Tennis_Hands
Banned
I am not inventing anything. By now Nadal's level at RG is well known, especially in finals. That Djoke's coach went out on a limb like that was nothing short of astounding, as was Djoke's statement that he was "surprised" by Nadal on PC.
Strong vibes from the infamous press conference where the phrase "I had the match under control" was said, but obviously, for completely different reasons. Some things never change.
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Rabin
Professional
You know, they might be retired, who can say. Of course these two want the record as well, Rafa said as much in his presser. What I took from that statement still doesn't change my overall opinion on their motivation though. I do think that Rafa's main drive is the competition because he loves it. Just like Federer's is just to keep playing high level tennis because he loves it. And Djokovic plays tennis because he loves getting to those records. Is any of that wrong? Don't think so, just explains their behavior for me.
Born_to_slice
Legend
Surprised by the guy he played 55 times before...
Do you saw Nadal playing like that before?Im watching tennis almost last 10 years, never saw Nadal so agressive against Djokovic. He made almost all shots and thats different story.Surprised by the guy he played 55 times before...
To be honest, he surprised all of us, not just Novak. We weren't surprised that he would win, or that he would play well, but he surprised us that he played basically perfectly:
- First of all we didn't know what would new conditions on Chatrier mean for Rafa. Colder temperatures, closed roof, lower bounce ... all of these should favor Novak.
- Secondly we didn't know how Covid situation and only one clay tournament before RG would affect Rafa's form.
- Thirdly Novak didn't play bad at all, maybe it wasn't his best final, but the point is Nadal was just a beast on the court. He made/forced Nole go for riskier shots. Beating anyone of similiar quality 6-0 is a great achivement. Beating someone 6-0 on this kind of stage with so much on the line is just unimaginable. If you think about it, most of the games were tied and went to 40-40, yet he seem to find another gear when needed.
- Fourthly up to 4-1 in the second set Nadal made 2 unforced errors (all in the first set). The third unforced error came on the break point on Djokovic serve, where he basically won the point and then hit the net when going for down the line winner, Djokovic was already wrong footed. If that ball went in, it would be 5-1 and surely second set would end 6-1.
- Finally third set was just a formality. At that point even Djokovic knew that he can just prolong it, but the match was already lost.
I have seen Rafa live in RG last year. I have seen basically all other top ranked players on RG as well. Main difference between Rafa and others is that no matter what you do to Rafa, he is at worst in neutral position on the court. Defensive position for him doesn't exist on RG. He could be streched on one wing, going full sprint to the other side past the doubles alley and he can do whatever he wishes with that ball - he is just that good. It's a privilege to live in the same era as him and been able to witness such a dominance in Paris. And this is coming from someone, who cheers for Nole
- First of all we didn't know what would new conditions on Chatrier mean for Rafa. Colder temperatures, closed roof, lower bounce ... all of these should favor Novak.
- Secondly we didn't know how Covid situation and only one clay tournament before RG would affect Rafa's form.
- Thirdly Novak didn't play bad at all, maybe it wasn't his best final, but the point is Nadal was just a beast on the court. He made/forced Nole go for riskier shots. Beating anyone of similiar quality 6-0 is a great achivement. Beating someone 6-0 on this kind of stage with so much on the line is just unimaginable. If you think about it, most of the games were tied and went to 40-40, yet he seem to find another gear when needed.
- Fourthly up to 4-1 in the second set Nadal made 2 unforced errors (all in the first set). The third unforced error came on the break point on Djokovic serve, where he basically won the point and then hit the net when going for down the line winner, Djokovic was already wrong footed. If that ball went in, it would be 5-1 and surely second set would end 6-1.
- Finally third set was just a formality. At that point even Djokovic knew that he can just prolong it, but the match was already lost.
I have seen Rafa live in RG last year. I have seen basically all other top ranked players on RG as well. Main difference between Rafa and others is that no matter what you do to Rafa, he is at worst in neutral position on the court. Defensive position for him doesn't exist on RG. He could be streched on one wing, going full sprint to the other side past the doubles alley and he can do whatever he wishes with that ball - he is just that good. It's a privilege to live in the same era as him and been able to witness such a dominance in Paris. And this is coming from someone, who cheers for Nole
Born_to_slice
Legend
Nadal was fresher of the two and was somehow much faster than he was previously in the tournament. I've seen that many, many times in RG finals. He won 29 more points than Djokovic, who made 38 more UE than Nadal. That's the key stat. Djokovic also had more winners, for what it's worth.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
It was shocking.
Fresher or Djokovic injuries doesnt have to do anything with match end. Nadal won like 4x more 0-3 rallies shots, i dont remember exactly stats but it was like 0-3 rallies shots ~50 Nadal and ~13 Djokovic, longer rallies being about equal. Nadal never played like that against Djokovic before, he was going for the lines even from BH side, its absolutely crazy. I believe hes old and couldnt move for long time/cant risk his to get injurie again, so he played very aggresive and except the best.
SF/F he was unbeatable, before SF opponents were lower level anyway. Nadal couldnt even keep the ball in play when he was hiting his FH into Djokovic BH, it was crazy really.
Tennis_Hands
Banned
Interesting, wasn't Djoke touted as the second coming of Djesus as far as baseline play is concerned? I mean, that is his style, and he was always comfortable doing it, could play like that all day long bla bla bla. He was the top of the evolution according to his fans. The bolded statement appears to say something else.
Tennis_Hands
Banned
Wooly
Rookie
The thing is that people in this forum often take for granted what people rant, especially before big matches, witch is 98% biased Fantalk a no real assessment of what really is going on ... Djocovic played a solid Roland Garos, as did Nadal, but i thought more of a 50/50 Chance of who is winning this, with a slight favor of Nadal this being his "Hometurf" ... and the fact that Nadal played such an great game and Djocovic, despite playing well, had really no Chance at all, was a suprise for me, for Djocovic and for most of the Spactators.
For the "normal!" TTW Poster, his "Hero" Player always has to win 6:0 6:1 6:0, otherwise he is not worthy his admiration ... over Roland Garros i used to extend my ignore list quite a bit, and so it is quite comfy to read now ... ;-)
A Goran Ivanisevic, like a Djocovic and all of his team know exactly what Rafa can do on a Tennis court ... but they have to up the spirits of their Player and the fans ... but id you just have little understanding of tennis, you just take such things for granted.
For the "normal!" TTW Poster, his "Hero" Player always has to win 6:0 6:1 6:0, otherwise he is not worthy his admiration ... over Roland Garros i used to extend my ignore list quite a bit, and so it is quite comfy to read now ... ;-)
A Goran Ivanisevic, like a Djocovic and all of his team know exactly what Rafa can do on a Tennis court ... but they have to up the spirits of their Player and the fans ... but id you just have little understanding of tennis, you just take such things for granted.
wangs78
Legend
Rafa was just playing very solid tennis. Nothing crazy good but consistent. WhereasDhojovic was just off. I dont know who told him to hit dropshot after dropshot bc that was a ******** strategy. and the unforced errors followed.
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