Novak should have just given Murray a walkover

[Amelie Mauresmo]

I don't know why Novak bothered to compete today? He was clearly injured, exhausted and just not mentally fresh. I felt so sad watching Novak just not feeling well on the court today. If Novak had given Murray the walkover his record for the year would be perfect because a walkover does not count as win. Well at least Novak retired and did not give Murray the satisfaction of a complete victory.

 

[DeShaun]

Novak and Murray are friends, Novak would not have deprived his friend of a shot at beating him fairly. As it turned out, Novak couldn't finish the match, but injury defaulting out of a match in progress was arguably more respectful than giving the other guy a walkover; just as Rafa did not injury default against Ferrer down under this year but took his beating like a man..that's what friends do.

 

[nethawkwenatchee]

Well at least Novak retired and did not give Murray the satisfaction of a complete victory.

Wow... you make it sound so honorable to be a quitter and not give it 100% for a huge title... I am obviously from a different mold than you, and thankfully so is nole.

Why didn't you just collaborate with the OP of the "If a final ends in retirement - why is there a winner by default?" thread?

 

[Cormorant]

The great Amelie Mauresmo, one of the most magnanimous tennis players of the Open Era, would not want to be associated with such petty whining.

 

[kishnabe]

He should have lost to Monfils...at least there would be a final in that case!

 

[Mustard]

Had Djokovic lost by walkover, it wouldn't have counted on Djokovic's or Murray's win-loss records and their head-to-head, but it would have ended Djokovic's winning streak at 16 just as effectively.

 

[ollinger]

A stadium full of fans paid to see a final. Tennis is an entertainment industry and its players have an obligation to try to give the fans what they paid for if they feel they're able to. I applaud Novak for making that effort and understand Amelie does not relate to that sort of integrity. Recall, if you saw it, that when Novak was interviewed yesterday after the semi he said he hoped they could give the fans a better show than they got in the semi.

 

[ximian]

I don't see any problem with what Novak did. He thought about throwing in the towel a few matches earlier, but somehow managed to pull through. Who's to say it wouldn't happen again? But down a set and two breaks, its all over.

 

[CDestroyer]

Novak and Murray are friends, Novak would not have deprived his friend of a shot at beating him fairly. As it turned out, Novak couldn't finish the match, but injury defaulting out of a match in progress was arguably more respectful than giving the other guy a walkover; just as Rafa did not injury default against Ferrer down under this year but took his beating like a man..that's what friends do.

Well said. This is also what i believe happened. The shoulder prevented Novak from finishing.

 

[r2473]

He should have lost to Monfils...at least there would be a final in that case!

That was a strange match. Nole started out tanking to Monfils and looked like he was going to complete the tank, but for some reason decided somewhere in the second set to win.

I agree. Much better if he had tanked to Monfils. At least Nadal had the decency to tank to Fish.

 

[scotus]

Djokovic: Guys, I am really sorry, but I can't compete today. My shoulder feels like it is about to fall off and I can't serve at all, let alone hit a decent forehand.

Tournament Director: Novak, would you mind just playing at least a set? If you don't play at all, we would have to refund all the ticket money, but if you can somehow get through a set, we won't have to. Remember, all these people paid a lot of money to see you compete.

Djokovic: Okay, I'll give it a try, but I need to let you know I may not be able to finish the whole match.

Tournament Director: Not a problem. Take it easy on the arm, and just finish a set. That's all we ask.

 

[Bud]

Djokovic: Guys, I am really sorry, but I can't compete today. My shoulder feels like it is about to fall off and I can't serve at all, let alone hit a decent forehand.

Tournament Director: Novak, would you mind just playing at least a set? If you don't play at all, we would have to refund all the ticket money, but if you can somehow get through a set, we won't have to. Remember, all these people paid a lot of money to see you compete.

Djokovic: Okay, I'll give it a try, but I need to let you know I may not be able to finish the whole match.

Tournament Director: Not a problem. Take it easy on the arm, and just finish a set. That's all we ask.

An intentional tank job wouldn't include fighting hard to get back on serve in set #1. Novak was trying to win out there, no doubt.

 

[celoft]

He should have lost to Monfils...at least there would be a final in that case!

I concur.....

 

[NadalAgassi]

He should have withdrawn before his match with Monfils. He did have a shoulder injury so it would have been a valid WD anyway, and he was clearly running on fumes and risking himself by continuing to play. Hopefully he does not regret the decision to keep playing Cincinnati.

 

[Manus Domini]

If Novak had given Murray the walkover his record for the year would be perfect because a walkover does not count as win.

Perfect? He would have 1 loss anyway, and that record, unless all it has is win-win-win...win, ain't perfect

The great Amelie Mauresmo, one of the most magnanimous tennis players of the Open Era, would not want to be associated with such petty whining.

Especially since she won a slam when her opponent defaulted. Maybe Mauresmo should've gotten a walk-over too? :lol: