Spare a thought for poor Novak and Andy :(

[Kalin]

Not too long ago last year there were times when either of them was firmly established at the top of the tennis world. At some point Novak held pretty much all Slams, titles and points that were to be held and looked like he would go on to win seemingly forever and rake in weeks and year-end No.1s for quite a while more.

Then, suddenly Andy took over the World No.1, took the year-end ranking and trophy and seemingly emerged with a clear path to greatness given the sudden disappearance of Novak and the inability of anyone else to mount any kind of a challenge.

The AO was the tournament when one of two was supposed to happen - Novak to come back with a vengeance and take what many thought was rightfully his (no, not Kim Sears) or, barring that, Andy to come of age and finally win a big one as a reigning World No.1 without anyone questioning whether he belonged there.

And now what? A win by either Roger or Rafa will put a serious dent on Novak's legacy while Andy's World No. 1 now looks like some cruel mathematical joke, same as Raonic's No.3 or Wozniacki's No.1 years ago. Poor guys...

Of course, all is not lost. Both can come back with a vengeance throughout the year and reclaim their positions. But this AO (and the last few months in general) have proven how fickle time at the top can be even for the best prepared.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

Sport is crazy. A good amount of it is luck - even if it is possible to create one's own luck.

 

[DerekNoleFam1]

I feel more for Andy, his chances of getting the AO trophy may have gone, just like his coach Ivan Lendl at Wimbledon.
Having the Number 1 does not mean you are going to win slams though, so he will have to learn to deal with that one.
Novak lost numerous slam finals while having the Number 1 ranking, and won quite a few without it too.
But another Djokoray final at the AO still may occur, we will see next year.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

It's tough to feel bad about Djokovic, since he has won so much (and has canoodled with such nice Indian actresses).

Sir Murray will be back too, I'm sure.

Amor Y Paz.

 

[Djokovic2011]

First of all, I don't see how Federer or Nadal winning the AO will affect Djokovic's legacy. It'll certainly enhance theirs but it won't in any way detract anything from what Novak himself has achieved throughout his career. And I don't get what you mean by Murray's number 1 ranking being "some cruel mathematical joke" when he currently holds the Wimbledon title, the WTF and 3 Masters 1000s!

 

[Crocodile]

I think they will both manage somehow.

 

[Kalin]

Amor y Paz indeed. Although, given the nature of tomorrow's grudge match, there might be a deficit of both for a while

First of all, I don't see how Federer or Nadal winning the AO will affect Djokovic's legacy. It'll certainly enhance theirs but it won't in any way detract anything from what Novak himself has achieved throughout his career. And I don't get what you mean by Murray's number 1 ranking being "some cruel mathematical joke" when he currently holds the Wimbledon title, the WTF and 3 Masters 1000s!

Novak was well on the way in surpassing Nadal career-wise and was threatening quite a few of Roger's records, including the (admittedly vague and ambiguous) King of Hard Courts title. If Nadal wins tomorrow, his 15 Slams suddenly look very impressive next to Novak's total. If Roger wins, few will dare argue Novak is comparable on hard courts.

Of course, Novak can come back strong and win the remaining Slams this year; I honestly believe it's possible. All he has to do is get rid of that sleazy Pepe crook, bring back Becker (or get a serious coach) and fix his domestic problems. We don't know what they are but damn it, unless he ate his children (and he's a vegan, so unlikely) they can't be that bad.

As for Andy, yeah... it was kind of a light-hearted dig. He deserves his No. 1 ranking as all do; it's a clear formula. But it was a lame way to finish your first big tournament as a reigning No.1 like this. Especially when it was the one tournament that we all know he badly wants to win.

 

[Meles]

Amor y Paz indeed. Although, given the nature of tomorrow's grudge match, there might be a deficit of both for a while



Novak was well on the way in surpassing Nadal career-wise and was threatening quite a few of Roger's records, including the (admittedly vague and ambiguous) King of Hard Courts title. If Nadal wins tomorrow, his 15 Slams suddenly look very impressive next to Novak's total. If Roger wins, few will dare argue Novak is comparable on hard courts.

Of course, Novak can come back strong and win the remaining Slams this year; I honestly believe it's possible. All he has to do is get rid of that sleazy Pepe crook, bring back Becker (or get a serious coach) and fix his domestic problems. We don't know what they are but damn it, unless he ate his children (and he's a vegan, so unlikely) they can't be that bad.

As for Andy, yeah... it was kind of a light-hearted dig. He deserves his No. 1 ranking as all do; it's a clear formula. But it was a lame way to finish your first big tournament as a reigning No.1 like this. Especially when it was the one tournament that we all know he badly wants to win.

The wrath of @Mainad is heading your way. As a former long-time Murray fan (and still like him), this tournament was a step back to his typical inconsistency. The player from the Fall was a very, very deserving #1, but has only showed up briefly in the Doha final at the end of the 2nd set.

The Muzziah may still return:

But Fedal and Dimitrough may plug up the trophy spree.

With Djokovic's planned schedule I'll be imazed if he finds strong form, but the tight Masters schedule before the French Open may do the trick.

 

[swordtennis]

Nadal winning double career slam might fire Djokovic up.
Murray might have a shot next year. I think they both will come back eventually they have a major or two each in them.
Djokovics legacy never was dependent on either of them. only a few radical fans were and media hype were ever seeing him get 18 majors.
However I understand when its all said and done he will have underachieved by 2 or 3 majors.

 

[Sentinel]

It's tough to feel bad about Djokovic, since he has won so much (and has canoodled with such nice Indian actresses).

Sir Murray will be back too, I'm sure.

Amor Y Paz.

No, you should feel bad for Nolan.

Bloomed late and then retired early. His career only started when Roger and Nadal declined, and now that Nadal is having second wind, he won't be able to get his toe back in again. Nole's entire career and dominance happened during a lul/slump in the Fedal era. *

Amor Y Paz.

(* just teasing Chico)

 

[Dope Reign]

I have a feeling the fedal ao final will be all the motivation Novak needs to get his ass back in gear.

As for Murray, it's not like he's a lock for anything. He'll be there or thereabouts like he usually is.

 

[Harry_Wild]

Tennis is back in it third generation glory days! First was the Connors/McEnroe/ Lendl, follow by Sampass/Aggasi.

Murray/Djokovic is not that interesting tour players! Sure they win but draw very little fan interest!

 

[Dope Reign]

Tennis is back in it third generation glory days! First was the Connors/McEnroe/ Lendl, follow by Sampass/Aggasi.

Murray/Djokovic is not that interesting tour players! Sure they win but draw very little fan interest!

Sorry to tell you this, but Djokovic has more twitter followers than Federer. It's ok though, I'm sure Feds followers love him more.

 

[Sartorius]

 

[Kalin]

Sorry to tell you this, but Djokovic has more twit followers than Federer. It's ok though, I'm sure Feds followers love him more.

Fixed it for ya!

P.S. It's just a joke... Amor y Paz, man!!

 

[14OuncesStrung]

Murray and Djokovic have such a ranking points buffer on Raonic that they'd have to lose early in the next 2 or 3 slams to go down in the rankings.
Don't you people looking at the rankings & ranking points? I thought you were tennis fans...

 

[DerekNoleFam1]

Nadal winning double career slam might fire Djokovic up.
Murray might have a shot next year. I think they both will come back eventually they have a major or two each in them.
Djokovics legacy never was dependent on either of them. only a few radical fans were and media hype were ever seeing him get 18 majors.
However I understand when its all said and done he will have underachieved by 2 or 3 majors.

I have a feeling the fedal ao final will be all the motivation Novak needs to get his ass back in gear.

As for Murray, it's not like he's a lock for anything. He'll be there or thereabouts like he usually is.

Yes, I am sure Novak will be watching this final with fam in Monte Carlo, and thinking about his own plan of attack for the rest of the year.
Just seeing Fedal in the final should be enough to re-motivate him imo.
The DCGS is particular, whether or not Nadal gets it first, should be a primary goal.
Murray was never going to be a superdominant Number 1, but am sure he should be fired up as well to get a slam this year.

 

[clayqueen]

Too much is made of the calendar ranking. It only tells us who won the most points in the last 52 weeks but I don't think it tells us who the best players are overall. People and the bookies pick the favourites according to the rankings which is a false base to use; how else can two players outside the current top 8 be in the final and the #1 & #2 didn't even make the 4th round?

 

[MatsPhilander]

Why feel sorry for either of them? Murray played against Zverev Sr like he did against Dimitrov at Wimbledon in 2014 & Novak has relatively speaking fallen off a cliff since last summer.

 

[clayqueen]

Too much is made of the calendar ranking. It only tells us who won the most points in the last 52 weeks but I don't think it tells us who the best players are overall. People and the bookies pick the favourites according to the rankings which is a false base to use; how else can two players outside the current top 8 be in the final and the #1 & #2 didn't even make the 4th round?

 

[SamprasisGOAT]

Australia have there first medium paced court since about 2003 and Djokovic and Murray go out early.

 

[OhYes]

No, you should feel bad for Nolan.

Bloomed late and then retired early. His career only started when Roger and Nadal declined, and now that Nadal is having second wind, he won't be able to get his toe back in again. Nole's entire career and dominance happened during a lul/slump in the Fedal era. *

Amor Y Paz.

(* just teasing Chico)

What ?
Some of you keep tellng to yourself such bedtime stories is non of my business, but when you go publicly about it oh my

 

[OhYes]

Double post

 

[Kalin]

Murray and Djokovic have such a ranking points buffer on Raonic that they'd have to lose early in the next 2 or 3 slams to go down in the rankings.
Don't you people looking at the rankings & ranking points? I thought you were tennis fans...

We do, hence the initial poast.

We noticed that The No.1 and 2 were missing from the business end of the tournament and No. 3, when it mattered, was playing like a Number.2, i.e. like crap.

 

[LETitBE]

i think this could do both of them the world of good,the odds are very slim indeed that either or both will go out early at RG and they'll both be gunning for it.

 

[ANDYbhGENIUS]

Not too long ago last year there were times when either of them was firmly established at the top of the tennis world. At some point Novak held pretty much all Slams, titles and points that were to be held and looked like he would go on to win seemingly forever and rake in weeks and year-end No.1s for quite a while more.

Then, suddenly Andy took over the World No.1, took the year-end ranking and trophy and seemingly emerged with a clear path to greatness given the sudden disappearance of Novak and the inability of anyone else to mount any kind of a challenge.

The AO was the tournament when one of two was supposed to happen - Novak to come back with a vengeance and take what many thought was rightfully his (no, not Kim Sears) or, barring that, Andy to come of age and finally win a big one as a reigning World No.1 without anyone questioning whether he belonged there.

And now what? A win by either Roger or Rafa will put a serious dent on Novak's legacy while Andy's World No. 1 now looks like some cruel mathematical joke, same as Raonic's No.3 or Wozniacki's No.1 years ago. Poor guys...

Of course, all is not lost. Both can come back with a vengeance throughout the year and reclaim their positions. But this AO (and the last few months in general) have proven how fickle time at the top can be even for the best prepared.

Way too emotional and several things overstated to my taste. Might get a fair few replies, but really, running into Mischa Zverev and losing is all on him, Murray; Zverev was superb, but Murray and Novak will firmly stay at 1 and 2 of the rankings. You know that full well.

For a poster of your quality this thread and esp the way you misrepresent the situation is a bit of a major downfall.

 

[ANDYbhGENIUS]

Not too long ago last year there were times when either of them was firmly established at the top of the tennis world. At some point Novak held pretty much all Slams, titles and points that were to be held and looked like he would go on to win seemingly forever and rake in weeks and year-end No.1s for quite a while more.

Then, suddenly Andy took over the World No.1, took the year-end ranking and trophy and seemingly emerged with a clear path to greatness given the sudden disappearance of Novak and the inability of anyone else to mount any kind of a challenge.

The AO was the tournament when one of two was supposed to happen - Novak to come back with a vengeance and take what many thought was rightfully his (no, not Kim Sears) or, barring that, Andy to come of age and finally win a big one as a reigning World No.1 without anyone questioning whether he belonged there.

And now what? A win by either Roger or Rafa will put a serious dent on Novak's legacy while Andy's World No. 1 now looks like some cruel mathematical joke, same as Raonic's No.3 or Wozniacki's No.1 years ago. Poor guys...

Of course, all is not lost. Both can come back with a vengeance throughout the year and reclaim their positions. But this AO (and the last few months in general) have proven how fickle time at the top can be even for the best prepared.

Way too emotional and several things overstated to my taste. Might get a fair few replies, but really, running into Mischa Zverev and losing is all on him, Murray; Zverev was superb, but Murray and Novak will firmly stay at 1 and 2 of the rankings. You know that full well.

For a poster of your quality this thread and esp the way you misrepresent the situation is a bit of a major downfall.

 

[killerboi2]

I'm sure they will be back. The "young" players still can't step up and take their chances as proven with old man Fed or Nadal about to win another slam.

 

[killerboi2]

Double post

 

[LETitBE]

Too much is made of the calendar ranking. It only tells us who won the most points in the last 52 weeks but I don't think it tells us who the best players are overall. People and the bookies pick the favourites according to the rankings which is a false base to use; how else can two players outside the current top 8 be in the final and the #1 & #2 didn't even make the 4th round?

its a bit more relevant than H2H counts taken over 10 tears though

 

[ABCD]

For a poster of your quality this thread and esp the way you misrepresent the situation is a bit of a major downfall.

I disagree with your assessment. This thread is in accord with the quality of the OP.

 

[reaper]

If there's one thing this tournament has demonstrated it's that the careers of the true greats normally have a sting in the tail. With 12 slams Djokovic is a true great, so he'll be back in a slam final eventually.

 

[reaper]

If there's one thing this tournament has demonstrated it's that the careers of the true greats normally have a sting in the tail. With 12 slams Djokovic is a true great, so he'll be back in a slam final eventually.

 

[ANDYbhGENIUS]

I disagree with your assessment. This thread is in accord with the quality of the OP.

Then perhaps I am overestimating him somewhat, or am seeing just a part of the picture.

I am sure though that the post was quite a hyperbole, and part misleading on purpose.

 

[uliks]

First slam after so many (8 in a row) without either Murray or Djokovic in the final, so let's feel sorry for them. Lol

 

[uliks]

delete

 

[ANDYbhGENIUS]

First slam after so many (8 in a row) without either Murray or Djokovic in the final, so let's feel sorry for them. Lol

NOT

 

[ABCD]

First slam after so many (8 in a row) without either Murray or Djokovic in the final, so let's feel sorry for them. Lol

Djokovic and Murray seem to have done some heavy psychological damage around here. There are mental scars.

 

[uliks]

Djokovic and Murray seem to have done some heavy psychological damage around here. There are mental scars.

Classic case of Stockholm syndrome i would say. Although the OP is usually a very smart poster, so i believe this is more trollish than serious thread!

 

[uliks]

Djokovic and Murray seem to have done some heavy psychological damage around here. There are mental scars.

Classic case of Stockholm syndrome i would say. Although the OP is usually a very smart poster, so i believe this is more trollish than serious thread!

 

[Kalin]

Way too emotional and several things overstated to my taste. Might get a fair few replies, but really, running into Mischa Zverev and losing is all on him, Murray; Zverev was superb, but Murray and Novak will firmly stay at 1 and 2 of the rankings. You know that full well.

For a poster of your quality this thread and esp the way you misrepresent the situation is a bit of a major downfall.

First of all, thank you for the compliment. Please ignore ABCD; a man who has only bothered to learn the first 4 letters of the alphabet can't be expected much of, after all

Emotional is the last thing the post was; it was just stating things as they currently are. I was actually having tons of fun watching Andy and Novak (particularly Andy) squirm on the court. I admire Murray's tenacity but I'm not the biggest fan of his suffocating game and it was fun to see him on the receiving end for once. I like Novak a lot but he is currently the best poster child of the old saying: 'What you can do to yourself noone else can'. I hope he realizes he's not doing well these days; and not only tennis-wise.

Which part is overstated? Did I misstate anything? Both Novak and Andy were widely expected to contest the final and to be the leading tennis story of the year and now they're suddenly a side story, what with Fedal and Williamsx2 hogging all the headlines. If anything, I'm understating it

And yes, I'm aware that Andy and Novak will be 1 and 2 for quite a while. It has nothing to do with the contents of my post.

 

[Kalin]

Classic case of Stockholm syndrome i would say. Although the OP is usually a very smart poster, so i believe this is more trollish than serious thread!

He-he, of course it was trollish but it was also extremely factual, like all good trolling. I've learned from the best.

 

[Sentinel]

What ?
Some of you keep tellng to yourself such bedtime stories is non of my business, but when you go publicly about it oh my

Are you Chico ? I clearly pointed out I was just teasing him. Get yourself a sense of humour, kid. You'll find it in the same aisle as western grips

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

saint-john had a thought for them at 0:45
http://video.eurosport.com/tennis/a...he-messiah-has-returned_vid955777/video.shtml

 

[OhYes]

Are you below Chico level? Why on earth would you write anything for clear fanatic that is not even here ?

Are you Chico ? I clearly pointed out I was just teasing him. Get yourself a sense of humour, kid. You'll find it in the same aisle as western grips

 

[ABCD]

Classic case of Stockholm syndrome i would say. Although the OP is usually a very smart poster, so i believe this is more trollish than serious thread!

There are people that are ashamed of their hate so try to rationalise. I personally prefer honest haters.

 

[Sentinel]

saint-john had a thought for them at 0:45
http://video.eurosport.com/tennis/a...he-messiah-has-returned_vid955777/video.shtml

Can't be seen in my country

 

[Incognito]

Australia have there first medium paced court since about 2003 and Djokovic and Murray go out early.

Sir Murray has won Ciny multiple times. That court is faster than AO.

 

[Kalin]

There are people that are ashamed of their hate so try to rationalise. I personally prefer honest haters.

Amor Y Paz, my man, Amor Y Paz. The only person doing hatin' around here is yourself. It ain't our fault that Novak decided to go all guru on us.

 

[Incognito]

Please come back Sir Murray. The tour misses you

Also may JMDP come back stronger than ever. We need some of our elite players back

 

[ABCD]

The only person doing hatin' around here is yourself. It ain't our fault that Novak decided to go all guru on us.

On the contrary. I am very happy with Federer-Nadal final. Bearing Djokovic, this is my favourite natch up to watch.

 

[Kalin]

On the contrary. I am very happy with Federer-Nadal final. Bearing Djokovic, this is my favourite natch up to watch.

I would have preferred Dimitrov vs Federer but no denying this is a match-up for the ages. Hope the quality of the match lives up to it

 

[dr325i]

Tennis is back in it third generation glory days! First was the Connors/McEnroe/ Lendl, follow by Sampass/Aggasi.

Murray/Djokovic is not that interesting tour players! Sure they win but draw very little fan interest!

Interesting observation...
It is also easy to research the number of social media followers, and little more challenging how much of the UNIQLO and Adidas stuff they have sold. I am sure Novak is at solid #3 there...

 

[dr325i]

Tennis is back in it third generation glory days! First was the Connors/McEnroe/ Lendl, follow by Sampass/Aggasi.

Murray/Djokovic is not that interesting tour players! Sure they win but draw very little fan interest!

Interesting observation...
It is also easy to research the number of social media followers, and little more challenging how much of the UNIQLO and Adidas stuff they have sold. I am sure Novak is at solid #3 there...

 

[dr325i]

Not too long ago last year there were times when either of them was firmly established at the top of the tennis world. At some point Novak held pretty much all Slams, titles and points that were to be held and looked like he would go on to win seemingly forever and rake in weeks and year-end No.1s for quite a while more.

Then, suddenly Andy took over the World No.1, took the year-end ranking and trophy and seemingly emerged with a clear path to greatness given the sudden disappearance of Novak and the inability of anyone else to mount any kind of a challenge.

The AO was the tournament when one of two was supposed to happen - Novak to come back with a vengeance and take what many thought was rightfully his (no, not Kim Sears) or, barring that, Andy to come of age and finally win a big one as a reigning World No.1 without anyone questioning whether he belonged there.

And now what? A win by either Roger or Rafa will put a serious dent on Novak's legacy while Andy's World No. 1 now looks like some cruel mathematical joke, same as Raonic's No.3 or Wozniacki's No.1 years ago. Poor guys...

Of course, all is not lost. Both can come back with a vengeance throughout the year and reclaim their positions. But this AO (and the last few months in general) have proven how fickle time at the top can be even for the best prepared.

Well, we've had the Nishikori-Cilic anomaly not long ago, then things got back where they belong...This is a little bit different since it will create 3x the revenue and 10x more interest, but, it is an anomaly at this point (the top of the list is shaken, the young upcoming stars are not improving as fast as expected.

Now, this could be interesting...
Nadal wins on confidence and and endurance. He will be super confident if he takes the #15 tomorrow. FO would be his to lose. I cannot see him taking Wimbledon in any case, however, he would have a clear shot at the USO and YE#1. If he loses AO/FO (important because the loss to Fed, and the FO is what it is for him), he will again question himself and probably deflate...
Federer loves tennis and loves to win. Would be emotional win or loss. I cannot see him being consistent the rest of the season to attack the #1 spot or take another GS (Wimby maybe, depending on his physical condition by then).

 

[90's Clay]

I miss the old Nole pre Laziness/Desire. But if all were getting is the Nole since mid last year, its better he isn't around.

Murray I could care less if he goes away for ever. Bland Game, Bland personality, Bland Outfits. Everything about Murray is bland

 

[Incognito]

Murray I could care less if he goes away for ever. Bland Game, Bland personality, Bland Outfits. Everything about Murray is bland

Unlike Pete who had so much personality

 

[Nadal2013]

First of all, I don't see how Federer or Nadal winning the AO will affect Djokovic's legacy. It'll certainly enhance theirs but it won't in any way detract anything from what Novak himself has achieved throughout his career. And I don't get what you mean by Murray's number 1 ranking being "some cruel mathematical joke" when he currently holds the Wimbledon title, the WTF and 3 Masters 1000s!

Doesnt nadal and federer being in final enhance how great djokovic is.?

The moment he has an early loss and the other two goats make the final...i dont think its entirely unrelated.

Past couple of years neither had an answer to djokovic and i suspect that eroded confidence and made them stressed and more susceptible to injuries.

I for one dont count djokovic or murray out. Ao was a quick surface rarely seen on the tour and im not sure rafa or roger (both way past their glorious best lets be honest) will be able to handle the top 2 on slower courts.

Indian wells will be fascinating.