Same old story with Novak

[OhYes]

Since I have started following him and witnessed what a marvelous player he has grown into, Novak always had problem with French Open. Always.
Most probably because of Nadal and his aura of invincibility, French Open became unconquered fortress, almost like holy grail of tennis. I know that other players have issues with Nadal too, their heart and eyesight shrinks or they are just not good enough to beat Nadal at RG. Whether it's Roger, Stan or now Thiem, Novak just loses grip of himself and we have to watch him losing concentration which wouldn't happen in other Slams.
Now Thiem made Novak stiff and nervous, so having in mind that Thiem is youngish player capable of having good resume at RG, I can only say one thing - 2016 was Novak's lucky year, but unfortunately it won't happen again.

 

[Spencer Gore]

The French has been the graveyard of the dreams of many of the greatest players of all time: Connors, McEnroe, Sampras, Federer, Djokovic.

It is clearly an incredibly difficult tournament to win on multiple occasions if you are a multiple slam winner elsewhere.

It makes Nadal's multiple victories all the more impressive.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

At least your guy won’t be accused of tanking to avoid Ned like Fed would if he lost to Tim

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Thiem

 

[Tennis_Freak99]

What is more painful is his inability to convert GAME POINTS.

The man can break anyone's serve in the most tense of moments but can't serve out his service games to save his life?!?

Hardest part of being a Nole fan imo

 

[OhYes]

What is more painful is his inability to convert GAME POINTS.

The man can break anyone's serve in the most tense of moments but can't serve out his service games to save his life?!?

Hardest part of being a Nole fan imo

Totally true. He could break Thiem many times, but couldn't capitalize on that which is really sad and frustrating.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Some people just miss the forest for the trees in their grand delusions. Djokovic is a HC player who adapts his game to clay.

 

[OhYes]

The French has been the graveyard of the dreams of many of the greatest players of all time: Connors, McEnroe, Sampras, Federer, Djokovic.

It is clearly an incredibly difficult tournament to win on multiple occasions if you are a multiple slam winner elsewhere.

It makes Nadal's multiple victories all the more impressive.

Nadal would be more impressive if he won more on other surfaces and bit less on clay, but nevertheless his success has to be one of most remarkable. Even Roger and Novak can't be ultimate favorites at Wimby and AO as Nadal is here.

 

[Jonas78]

Yeah its weird, if not for Rafa, Joe & Fred would almost be considered just as good on clay as any other surface. Only one man stood in their way.

Sinse Rafa arrived, noone has ever won FO by beating Rafa on their way...

 

[NoleFam]

RG is his unlucky Slam and always has been. 2011 he was on a hot streak and ran into a goating Federer. Who saw that coming? 2012 he got blitzed in the 1st two sets and then started bludgeoning Nadal. They cancel the match and have to come back the next day but by then all his momentum is gone. He loses in 4. In 2013, he had Nadal on the ropes and had an epic run in with the net. The momentum shifts and Nadal comes back to win. 2014, he get sick after going up a set with a good chance in the 2nd. 2015, he finally slays the dragon but lays as an egg in the final to a hot opponent. In 2016, when he won, he still had to play 4 days in a row to get it. Even this year, he was unlucky. He was on the side of the draw that had to play multiple days due to the weather. So RG has been very unlucky for him overall but if he wins Wimbledon again, all will be forgotten.

 

[Raining hopes]

Since I have started following him and witnessed what a marvelous player he has grown into, Novak always had problem with French Open. Always.
Most probably because of Nadal and his aura of invincibility, French Open became unconquered fortress, almost like holy grail of tennis. I know that other players have issues with Nadal too, their heart and eyesight shrinks or they are just not good enough to beat Nadal at RG. Whether it's Roger, Stan or now Thiem, Novak just loses grip of himself and we have to watch him losing concentration which wouldn't happen in other Slams.
Now Thiem made Novak stiff and nervous, so having in mind that Thiem is youngish player capable of having good resume at RG, I can only say one thing - 2016 was Novak's lucky year, but unfortunately it won't happen again.

This loss hit me hard. I was so sure of him winning the SF.



But this match really made me question Novak's attitude.

The real Novak didn't turn up till 1-4 down in the 5th and even then got tight a lot. He really needs some weeks off to reconfigure his mentality.


His game is there just not his patience

 

[Lleytonstation]

Yeah its weird, if not for Rafa, Joe & Fred would almost be considered just as good on clay as any other surface. Only one man stood in their way.

Sinse Rafa arrived, noone has ever won FO by beating Rafa on their way...

If Rafa is going down at RG... he is taking you with him.

 

[Tennis_Freak99]

RG is his unlucky Slam and always has been. 2011 he was on a hot streak and ran into a goating Federer. Who saw that coming? 2012 he got blitzed in the 1st two sets and then started bludgeoning Nadal. They cancel the match and have to come back the next day but by then all his momentum is gone. He loses in 4. 2013, he had Nadal on the ropes and epic run in with the net. The momentum shifts and Nadal comes back to win. 2014, he get sick after going up a set with a good chance in the 2nd. 2015, he finally slays the dragon but lays as an egg in the final to a hot opponent. In 2016, when he won, he still had to play 4 days in a row to get it. Even this year, he was unlucky. He was on the side of the draw that had to play multiple days due to the weather. So RG has been very unlucky for him overall but if he wins Wimbledon again, all will be forgotten.

He was unlucky in 2016 too....That took so much out of him that it cost him two years !

French Open is a red flagged tournament for players with big dreams(except Nadal)

 

[hipolymer]

The French has been the graveyard of the dreams of many of the greatest players of all time: Connors, McEnroe, Sampras, Federer, Djokovic.

It is clearly an incredibly difficult tournament to win on multiple occasions if you are a multiple slam winner elsewhere.

It makes Nadal's multiple victories all the more impressive.

In Nole's case it's a graveyard because every single draw he's had at RG has been the worst possible, and every scheduling the worst possible, and every weather the worst possible. It's a minor miracle the powers that be even allowed his single slam there

 

[Incognito]

The French has been the graveyard of the dreams of many of the greatest players of all time: Connors, McEnroe, Sampras, Federer, Djokovic.

It is clearly an incredibly difficult tournament to win on multiple occasions if you are a multiple slam winner elsewhere.

It makes Nadal's multiple victories all the more impressive.

But Federer and Djoko shouldn’t be compared to the others. Most of the time they lost to one person. Can’t say the same for Pete and Mac lol.

 

[Jonas78]

If Rafa is going down at RG... he is taking you with him.

Im not a Rafa-fan

 

[OhYes]

This loss hit me hard. I was so sure of him winning the SF.



But this match really made me question Novak's attitude.

The real Novak didn't turn up till 1-4 down in the 5th and even then got tight a lot. He really needs some weeks off to reconfigure his mentality.


His game is there just not his patience

It's not something we haven't seen before from him. He will never change in that department, no guru or special diets can erase his fear of winning FO. It is stuck with him for good.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

In Novak's 2 best seasons, he lost to players not named Nadal at RG. It's by far his weakest surface.

One of those losses was in 2011 when he was owning Nadal and before he had won Wimbledon or USO so it being the last slam unconquered had nothing to do with it.

 

[NoleFam]

This loss hit me hard. I was so sure of him winning the SF.



But this match really made me question Novak's attitude.

The real Novak didn't turn up till 1-4 down in the 5th and even then got tight a lot. He really needs some weeks off to reconfigure his mentality.


His game is there just not his patience

2013? Yes. I was pissed for days.

I hated his attitude in this match and hate when he gets like that which isn't often. He started the match with a negative mindset because of the weather and couldn't get out of it. Yea he came out of great after the break and then did get tight, or his game started unraveling again. I think he was so focused on how the conditions were that he couldn't stay focused on his game. This loss at least takes the pressure off. I think he wanted the Nole Slam too much and got testy with the scheduling and conditions because that was going to make it harder for him. At least, that is gone now and he can focus at Wimbledon.

 

[BorisRogerFan]

Since I have started following him and witnessed what a marvelous player he has grown into, Novak always had problem with French Open. Always.
Most probably because of Nadal and his aura of invincibility, French Open became unconquered fortress, almost like holy grail of tennis. I know that other players have issues with Nadal too, their heart and eyesight shrinks or they are just not good enough to beat Nadal at RG. Whether it's Roger, Stan or now Thiem, Novak just loses grip of himself and we have to watch him losing concentration which wouldn't happen in other Slams.
Now Thiem made Novak stiff and nervous, so having in mind that Thiem is youngish player capable of having good resume at RG, I can only say one thing - 2016 was Novak's lucky year, but unfortunately it won't happen again.

Spot on. But We all have problem with this stupid crappy phoney major. RG should be degraded to a master 500 at best

 

[NoleFam]

He was unlucky in 2016 too....That took so much out of him that it cost him two years !

French Open is a red flagged tournament for players with big dreams(except Nadal)

It's been that way for many champs who were not naturally great on clay too or if clay was not their best surface. Many have been cursed at this tournament. At least Djokovic was able to win it though whereas I'm sure someone like McEnroe still has nightmares about that loss in the final.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Im not a Rafa-fan

Says the guy that calls Rafa Rafa and calls Djokovic Joe and Federer Fred... I am on to you now

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

In Novak's 2 best seasons, he lost to players not named Nadal at RG. It's by far his weakest surface.

One of those losses was in 2011 when he was owning Nadal and before he had won Wimbledon or USO so it being the last slam unconquered had nothing to do with it.

Then there are the last two editions. He lost to a meme player and Thiem while winning the other three slams

 

[Jonas78]

Says the guy that calls Rafa Rafa and calls Djokovic Joe and Federer Fred... I am on to you now

I support Fred. Dont dislike Rafole though. Tomorrow i will cheer for the one that plays best.

 

[zagor]

Novak just isn't as good on clay as he is on other surfaces, especially in a BO5 match.

 

[OhYes]

Spot on. But We all have problem with this stupid crappy phoney major. RG should be degraded to a master 500 at best

After this years organisation, I will start thinking they really deserve demoting. I can't recall that both semi finals in any Slam had so small attendance as RG 2019 did.

 

[Luka888]

I just hope that Thiem can do something in the final. I love Dominic but it might be too much. Nadal is boring. Sorry guys.

 

[Lleytonstation]

I support Fred. Dont dislike Rafole though. Tomorrow i will cheer for the one that plays best.

So you will be a Rafa fan

 

[OldschoolKIaus]

Djoko ... what have you done?

Nole slam ... denied.
DCGS ... denied.
Much whining by his TTW army ... achieved.

First set of his SF ... almost as classic as Drunken Djokovic.

 

[Incognito]

RG is his unlucky Slam and always has been. 2011 he was on a hot streak and ran into a goating Federer. Who saw that coming? 2012 he got blitzed in the 1st two sets and then started bludgeoning Nadal. They cancel the match and have to come back the next day but by then all his momentum is gone. He loses in 4. In 2013, he had Nadal on the ropes and had an epic run in with the net. The momentum shifts and Nadal comes back to win. 2014, he get sick after going up a set with a good chance in the 2nd. 2015, he finally slays the dragon but lays as an egg in the final to a hot opponent. In 2016, when he won, he still had to play 4 days in a row to get it. Even this year, he was unlucky. He was on the side of the draw that had to play multiple days due to the weather. So RG has been very unlucky for him overall but if he wins Wimbledon again, all will be forgotten.

All these excuses

2011, you can’t really do anything if Federrr is playing like that. That’s why I personally consider him the second or third greatest on clay, despite being less accomplished.

The bludgeoning would have continued if not for the weather in 2012.

2013, Nadal choked in the 4th, period. That 5th should not have been played. The net incident is just one point. He won that game and another game after that IIRC.

2014, Yeah, that one he should have won. Nadal had severe back pain and could barely serve in the fourth. I remember Nadal missing an overhead from the baseline in the fourth which he dumped at the bottom of the net. I thought, there’s the match, he’s losing this. Nole was fresher than Nadal in the 4th, and should have won.

2015, he didn’t mug it up. Stan played unbelievably well and would have beaten Rafa as well that year.

2016 sure, but then he needs a choking Andy Murray in a final if is to win more RG. I don’t know what happened to Murray after that first set.


The weather. Are you saying Nadal should have won wimbledon 2007 had he not played for 5 days straight because of the weather?

I don’t get why people blame the weather all the time. You’re a professional, stop whining and do your job!!

 

[NoleFam]

All these excuses

2011, you can’t really do anything if Federrr is playing like that. That’s why I personally consider him the second or third greatest on clay, despite being less accomplished.

The bludgeoning would have continued if not for the weather in 2012.

2013, Nadal choked in the 4th, period. That 5th should not have been played. The net incident is just one point. He won that game and another game after that IIRC.

2014, Yeah, that one he should have won. Nadal had severe back pain and could barely serve in the fourth. I remember Nadal missing an overhead from the baseline in the fourth which he dumped at the bottom of the net. I thought, there’s the match, he’s losing this. Nole was fresher than Nadal in the 4th, and should have won.

2015, he didn’t mug it up. Stan played unbelievably well and would have beaten Rafa as well that year.

2016 sure, but then he needs a choking Andy Murray in a final if is to win more RG. I don’t know what happened to Murray after that first set.


The weather. Are you saying Nadal should have won wimbledon 2007 had he not played for 5 days straight because of the weather?

I don’t get why people blame the weather all the time. You’re a professional, stop whining and do your job!!

It seems like you are the one coming up with excuses. I'm only saying that Novak has been unlucky at RG and he has. Quite often nothing has gone his way and this has been the case for many players at RG in the past also, which I pointed out. All you're doing is trying to counter the losses with your own perception of them and missed the main point of the post.

 

[Incognito]

It seems like you are the one coming up with excuses. I'm only saying that Novak has been unlucky at RG and he has. Quite often nothing has gone his way and this has been the case for many players at RG in the past also, which I pointed out. All you're doing is trying to counter the losses with your own perception of them and missed the main point of the post.

I get it.

He was unlucky Fed was Goating in 2011.

In 2012, He was unlucky they had to stop the match when it was raining heavily and he had the momentum, even though he still trailed in sets. Yeah Novak loves crappy tennis conditions, that’s why he didn’t run out of the stadia faster than anyone after the Rain break yesterday against Thiem.

2013, he was unlucky. They should have played that 5th set without a net.

2014. He is actually unlucky here. He should have won. Rafa had severe back pain.

2015, he is unlucky Stan decided to play well that day.

2016, Murray. Luck?

 

[Badabing888]

Kohlschrieber 2009
Federer 2011
Wawrinka 2015
Thiem 2017, 2019
Cecchinato 2018

All single handed backhanders and beat Novak. The rest were left handed double backhanders in the last 10 years.

 

[NoleFam]

I get it.

He was unlucky Fed was Goating in 2011.

In 2012, He was unlucky they had to stop the match when it was raining heavily and he had the momentum, even though he still trailed in sets. Yeah Novak loves crappy tennis conditions, that’s why he didn’t run out of the stadia faster than anyone after the Rain break yesterday against Thiem.

2013, he was unlucky. They should have played that 5th set without a net.

2014. He is actually unlucky here. He should have won. Rafa had severe back pain.

2015, he is unlucky Stan decided to play well that day.

2016, Murray. Luck?

You obviously don't get it and I don't get why you seem so upset. Isn't your favorite player on the verge of another RG? Why does my view of Novak being unlucky at RG have you so triggered?

 

[Cupcake]

This loss hit me hard. I was so sure of him winning the SF.

But this match really made me question Novak's attitude.

The real Novak didn't turn up till 1-4 down in the 5th and even then got tight a lot. He really needs some weeks off to reconfigure his mentality.

His game is there just not his patience

I'm sorry your guy lost. Rafa is my favorite, but Nole is second. He is a great player, and perhaps when all is finished, the greatest. But like many prima donnas, he seems to have a more fragile temperament which at times prevents him from zeroing in on his gift. When he is 'on', he is a marvel to watch.

Any off-court antics/gossip? Unless he commits a felony, that doesnt really matter. This is tennis, not 'the Kardasians'

 

[OhYes]

I get it.

He was unlucky Fed was Goating in 2011.

In 2012, He was unlucky they had to stop the match when it was raining heavily and he had the momentum, even though he still trailed in sets. Yeah Novak loves crappy tennis conditions, that’s why he didn’t run out of the stadia faster than anyone after the Rain break yesterday against Thiem.

2013, he was unlucky. They should have played that 5th set without a net.

2014. He is actually unlucky here. He should have won. Rafa had severe back pain.

2015, he is unlucky Stan decided to play well that day.

2016, Murray. Luck?

2011 - Fognini forfeited and Novak had 4 days of rest instead of usual 2, in my opinion that did put him out of rhythm for dangerous opponent as Fed was.
2012 - I can't remember his matches in 2012 at this point
2013 - Ok, this was more than clear thing, Novak had that point in a bag and would get him 1 point away from breaking Nadal in deciding set. He rushed carelessly instead of letting ball drop so he got caught in the net. I really think Novak would beat Nadal if he didn't lose that point.
2014 -

Spoiler

2015 - 2 days in a row against Murray in 5 sets, more than 4 hours of playing. Next day against Stan who noticed Novak was getting tired at the end of first set.

All those losses have their story and breaking points, but in general as Novak fan, I do feel that Djokovic himself allowed for such factors to determine him as a loser when he could and should emerge as winner. Too much pressure.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

I agree Novak and french open just never marry well together. I’m not that downbeat as he still had a great tournament. Just glad he got it once. I’m confident he can Wimbledon again this year! He’s no1 favourite!

 

[Raining hopes]

I'm sorry your guy lost. Rafa is my favorite, but Nole is second. He is a great player, and perhaps when all is finished, the greatest. But like many prima donnas, he seems to have a more fragile temperament which at times prevents him from zeroing in on his gift. When he is 'on', he is a marvel to watch.

Any off-court antics/gossip? Unless he commits a felony, that doesnt really matter. This is tennis, not 'the Kardasians'

Thank you. Congrats for another Terrific run from Nadal.

As for Djokovic ,yes really needs to learn how to focus when things are against him. He could do that before , especially in 2015. Now given off court controversies, his temper is always on his sleeve.

 

[MeatTornado]

It's been that way for many champs who were not naturally great on clay too or if clay was not their best surface. Many have been cursed at this tournament. At least Djokovic was able to win it though whereas I'm sure someone like McEnroe still has nightmares about that loss in the final.

Considering he brings it up 30 times a year, you'd be correct about that.

 

[MeatTornado]

Kohlschrieber 2009
Federer 2011
Wawrinka 2015
Thiem 2017, 2019
Cecchinato 2018

All single handed backhanders and beat Novak. The rest were left handed double backhanders in the last 10 years.

THat's spooky

 

[Incognito]

2011 - Fognini forfeited and Novak had 4 days of rest instead of usual 2, in my opinion that put him out of rhythm for dangerous opponent as Fed was.
2012 - I can't remember his matches in 2012 at this point
2013 - Ok, this was more than clear thing, Novak had that point in a bag and would get him 1 point away from breaking Nadal in deciding set. He rushed carelessly instead of letting ball drop so he got caught in the net. I really think Novak would beat Nadal if he didn't lose that point.
2014 -

Spoiler

2015 - 2 days in a row against Murray in 5 sets, more than 4 hours of playing. Next day against Stan who noticed Novak was getting tired at the end of first set.

All those losses have their story and breaking points, but in general as Novak fan, I do feel that Djokovic himself allowed for such factors to determine him as a loser when he could and should emerge as winner. Too much pressure.

So, in some he had too much rest and in some he wasn’t rested enough. And also the net that shouldn’t have been there in the first place in 2013.

Only @Hitman opinion matters anyway in discussions like these

 

[Plamen1234]

Djokovic is not the second best player at RG anymore.It is Dominic Thiem.Djokovic is never going to win RG again imo.

 

[OhYes]

So, in some he had too much rest and in some he wasn’t rested enough. And also the net that shouldn’t have been there in the first place in 2013.

Only @Hitman opinion matters anyway in discussions like these

Well ofc. If you give a tennis player too much rest before big opponent, it really is tricky situation and should backfire. You can joke about it, but until every player gets same and equal treatment, we won't have fair tournament.
About the net.... i said it was his fault to rush so much, Rafa already lost that point, Novak and tennis rules (about ball hitting ground twice before player could touch the net) gave Rafa that point on silver platter.

 

[Eren]

What is more painful is his inability to convert GAME POINTS.

The man can break anyone's serve in the most tense of moments but can't serve out his service games to save his life?!?

Hardest part of being a Nole fan imo

Really? After Fed blew a 40-0 lead on his own serve against Nadal and got broken and lost the 2nd set, you think Nole has the issues?

IMO, Djokovic does awfully good when he is down BPs in big matches (keep in mind, this is his first SF loss since USO 2014 vs. Nishikori).

 

[Tennis_Freak99]

Really? After Fed blew a 40-0 lead on his own serve against Nadal and got broken and lost the 2nd set, you think Nole has the issues?

IMO, Djokovic does awfully good when he is down BPs in big matches (keep in mind, this is his first SF loss since USO 2014 vs. Nishikori).

I agree...But saving break points is slightly different than converting game points.

What I meant was Novak has a tendency to screw himself when he is in a good position and he plays well when he has his back against the wall.

As for Fed, he has similar tendencies too but lets not forget he has the highest percentage of service games converted among the Big 3, thanks to his serve!

 

[Incognito]

Well ofc. If you give a tennis player too much rest before big opponent, it really is tricky situation and should backfire. You can joke about it, but until every player gets same and equal treatment, we won't have fair tournament.
About the net.... i said it was his fault to rush so much, Rafa already lost that point, Novak and tennis rules (about ball hitting ground twice before player could touch the net) gave Rafa that point on silver platter.

Oh stop it. You can’t win them all. IM sure Novak is not the only one who had been ”unlucky” somewhere.

Like @TMF said many times before, Rafa and Novak have won too much already anyway.

 

[OhYes]

Oh stop it. You can’t win them all. IM sure Novak is not the only one who had been ”unlucky” somewhere.

Like @TMF said many times before, Rafa and Novak have won too much already anyway.

 

[ghostofMecir]

RG is his unlucky Slam and always has been. 2011 he was on a hot streak and ran into a goating Federer. Who saw that coming? 2015, he finally slays the dragon but lays as an egg in the final to a hot opponent. In 2016, when he won, he still had to play 4 days in a row to get it. Even this year, he was unlucky. He was on the side of the draw that had to play multiple days due to the weather. .

Thiem was was also on that side and he simply outplayed Djokovic. The sets score look twice, but the guy won nearly 20 more return points and generated 22 break points.

He’s now lost to “weak era” Kohli, weak era Melzer, Thiem twice, Cecchinato, and Wawa. He simply hasn’t been good enough at RG.

 

[ghostofMecir]

2011 - Fognini forfeited and Novak had 4 days of rest instead of usual 2, in my opinion that did put him out of rhythm for dangerous opponent as Fed was.
2012 - I can't remember his matches in 2012 at this point
2013 - Ok, this was more than clear thing, Novak had that point in a bag and would get him 1 point away from breaking Nadal in deciding set. He rushed carelessly instead of letting ball drop so he got caught in the net. I really think Novak would beat Nadal if he didn't lose that point.
2014 -

Spoiler

2015 - 2 days in a row against Murray in 5 sets, more than 4 hours of playing. Next day against Stan who noticed Novak was getting tired at the end of first set.

All those losses have their story and breaking points, but in general as Novak fan, I do feel that Djokovic himself allowed for such factors to determine him as a loser when he could and should emerge as winner. Too much pressure.

He’s now lost to “weak era” Kohli, weak era Melzer, Thiem twice, Cecchinato, and Wawa. He simply hasn’t been good enough at RG. Please stop with these excuses.

 

[NoleFam]

Thiem was was also on that side and he simply outplayed Djokovic. The sets score look twice, but the guy won nearly 20 more return points and generated 22 break points.

He’s now lost to “weak era” Kohli, weak era Melzer, Thiem twice, Cecchinato, and Wawa. He simply hasn’t been good enough at RG.

Of course Thiem outplayed Djokovic as we already know. He won 8 more points so that's the number that is really important here. It was a close match. Thiem was on the same side of the draw and as a result he is an even bigger underdog than he already would have been in the 1st place. He will have to play 4 days in a row against a well rested Nadal.

I don't know what this is supposed to mean since he won RG, been to 4 finals in total, and 5 SFs. The fact that he has the 4th best winning percentage at RG in the Open Era refutes your claim that he was simply not good enough there.