a10best
Hall of Fame
1.) 2006 French Open QF: Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal
- Nadal was leading 6-4, 6-4 when Djokovic decided to stop due to lower back pain
Djokovic was 19 yrs old.
2.) 2007 Wimbledon SF: Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal
- Nadal was leading 3-6, 6-1, 4-1 when the fourth-seeded Serb complained of a blister on his toe and back pain before retiring. He held his five-set quarterfinal against Marcos Baghdatis responsible for the blister.
~ I can understand blisters and the reason.
Djokovic was 20 yrs old
3.) 2008 Monte Carlo Masters SF: Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer
- In a match where Roger Federer yelled at Djokovic's parents and asked them to be quiet, the Serb cited a sore throat and dizziness to concede defeat. The Swiss maestro was leading 6-3, 3-2 before he was declared the winner.
Djokovic was 20 yrs old
4. 2009 Australian Open QF: With ice packs and massages failing to provide relief, third-ranked Djokovic looked increasingly woozy and had to give up while trailing 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2, 2-1, allowing No. 7 Andy Roddick to claim a spot in the semifinals.
- Djokovic was 22 yrs old.
These matches above were decided. There's many more matches where he had MTOs
Everyone here thought Djokovic would be what he was in 2008. A guy who retires or gets tired late in matches and may win a few slams when it's all said and done.
Let's not act as if Alcaraz v. Djokovic FO 23' match was a defeat for Alcaraz. It was undecided as they were both 1 set all and tied in the 3rd with Alcaraz taking the momentum. This was not the case with Novak above. Novak is a great champion, person, family guy, and shown with perseverance and dedication you can be the best. Very admirable.
Alcaraz definitely has the skills to change his future and stop nervous cramping.
And yes, Alcaraz could still surpass Novak's GS titles if he takes his health seriously. A big, big, BIG IF. Does a young 20 yr old kid have the same desire as Djokovic to be better or just thrill fans with speed and shots?
But here's why?
1. There won't be a big 3 to contend with.
2. We may indeed get a 5th slam in the next 5-15 years.
~ where? I'd say Indian Wells, Canada or China. China has a huge economy and will be pushing for it to be there probably a few weeks before or after the USO.
3. The case for that increases if he wins the USO or AO.
I am not a huge fan boy of Carlos like (I was of Roger pre-2006), but it is possible. Otoh, if Medvedev, Tsitsadosa, or Djokovic wins either the USO or AO 24', then Carlos should just pack it in and enjoy la vida fiesta in Espana.
- Nadal was leading 6-4, 6-4 when Djokovic decided to stop due to lower back pain
Djokovic was 19 yrs old.
2.) 2007 Wimbledon SF: Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal
- Nadal was leading 3-6, 6-1, 4-1 when the fourth-seeded Serb complained of a blister on his toe and back pain before retiring. He held his five-set quarterfinal against Marcos Baghdatis responsible for the blister.
~ I can understand blisters and the reason.
Djokovic was 20 yrs old
3.) 2008 Monte Carlo Masters SF: Novak Djokovic vs Roger Federer
- In a match where Roger Federer yelled at Djokovic's parents and asked them to be quiet, the Serb cited a sore throat and dizziness to concede defeat. The Swiss maestro was leading 6-3, 3-2 before he was declared the winner.
Djokovic was 20 yrs old
4. 2009 Australian Open QF: With ice packs and massages failing to provide relief, third-ranked Djokovic looked increasingly woozy and had to give up while trailing 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2, 2-1, allowing No. 7 Andy Roddick to claim a spot in the semifinals.
- Djokovic was 22 yrs old.
These matches above were decided. There's many more matches where he had MTOs
Everyone here thought Djokovic would be what he was in 2008. A guy who retires or gets tired late in matches and may win a few slams when it's all said and done.
Let's not act as if Alcaraz v. Djokovic FO 23' match was a defeat for Alcaraz. It was undecided as they were both 1 set all and tied in the 3rd with Alcaraz taking the momentum. This was not the case with Novak above. Novak is a great champion, person, family guy, and shown with perseverance and dedication you can be the best. Very admirable.
Alcaraz definitely has the skills to change his future and stop nervous cramping.
And yes, Alcaraz could still surpass Novak's GS titles if he takes his health seriously. A big, big, BIG IF. Does a young 20 yr old kid have the same desire as Djokovic to be better or just thrill fans with speed and shots?
But here's why?
1. There won't be a big 3 to contend with.
2. We may indeed get a 5th slam in the next 5-15 years.
~ where? I'd say Indian Wells, Canada or China. China has a huge economy and will be pushing for it to be there probably a few weeks before or after the USO.
3. The case for that increases if he wins the USO or AO.
I am not a huge fan boy of Carlos like (I was of Roger pre-2006), but it is possible. Otoh, if Medvedev, Tsitsadosa, or Djokovic wins either the USO or AO 24', then Carlos should just pack it in and enjoy la vida fiesta in Espana.
