Tennis will Shrink after Djokovic retires, it will need a New Federerlike player to take it out of the doldrums....

[Apun94]

Based on...what? He is not a better player than Djokovic and not an ounce of charisma. while lacking the kind of spectacular, one-of-a-kind game where said charisma would never factor (e.g., Lendl or Sampras, who preferred to let their games serve as their "character"). So, how is Alcaraz going to "finish as a bigger star than Djokovic"?

LOL. Alcaraz's game has more charisma than Djokovic's game, and it's not even CLOSE. Yes Djokovic will always be the greater overall player career wise but charisma and style creates more fans than robotic-possum-sliding-always-feigning-injury-midmatch style. This is not a discussion of who the greater player is, and yes style is subjective but you should recognise what most people like in general, than parroting your own view and thinking thats what everyone else likes too. Youre in a VAST minority if you like Djokovic's style of play more

 

[Apun94]

Alcaraz might not win more than 5-6 slams, his body is not built to dominate tennis. To become a bigger star one needs to win slams, develop a fanbase over a decade, fanatics to argue in your favor, to fight for you.... all this comes with winning slams.... you won't find gael monfils or kyrgios having fans ready to fight for them...

So no, Alcaraz will need to win lot of slams if he has to develop stardom even compared to djokovic. Djokovic has a loyal Slavic army ready to fight for him, who does Alcaraz have? Spaniards? Only a matter of time before Alcaraz is forgotten as soon as a new young rising star emerges, already Sinner seems to have Alcaraz's number.

I believe youre wrong and this is all subjective anyways. No one knows the future. Lets see

 

[darthrafa]

apart from his crybabies, majority of the tennis audience does not show any interest/appreciation/attention/whatever u name it

 

[tennis24x7]

Tennis is on a decline since Federer retired. Of course it would be great if another Federer version comes along but there will never be another Federer, just like there will never be another Jordan in basketball.

Beg to differ, you cannot compare Fed with Jordan. Jordan beatdown every young up comer in basketball. Fed never did that with Nadal. Jordan was even schooling newcomers 10 years after he retired.

 

[TMF]

Beg to differ, you cannot compare Fed with Jordan. Jordan beatdown every young up comer in basketball. Fed never did that with Nadal. Jordan was even schooling newcomers 10 years after he retired.

I don't think you follow basketball long enough because what you said is not true. Jordan had to go through a lot of failure too when he was at peak performance in the late 80s. The Bird and the Celtics beat him in the playoff, and of course he took a lot of beating from the Pistons for 3 straight years. His road to greatness have a lot obstacles in front just like Federer had Nadal who is widely considered the clay GOAT.

But still, Jordan and Federer are the iconic, their influence played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport on a global scale. They draw the most fans, generate money and excitement more than any other athletes

 

[iceman_dl6]

Djoko is shrinking tennis dude

There has been zero suspense at Slams for years and years now, that isn't good for the game

Just like F1, lol !

 

[Rosstour]

Just like F1, lol !

Kinda. I remember the absolute dominance by Ferrari in the Schumacher era got kinda cringe. And I was a huge fan of both Ferrari and Schumacher.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Let's see if Novak is shrinking tennis or driving tennis by ticket rates.
It's pretty simple and during Rogers last few years it was so easy to see. Roger was a phenomenon. Everyone wanted to see Roger.

Now Novak is near retirement. If there is next grand slam let's see. it would be straight fight between Djokovic and sinner who are number 1 and 2 in the world. Who is driving more fans.

Without a doubt it's Nole. But let's wait for the next grand slam.

 

[iceman_dl6]

Kinda. I remember the absolute dominance by Ferrari in the Schumacher era got kinda cringe. And I was a huge fan of both Ferrari and Schumacher.

But it was still fun to watch because MSC had challengers, such as Mika Hakkinen, Jacques Villeneuve especially at the end of the 90s.

Now with Max Verstappen, it’s basically a sure win at the very start of each race. So boring now!

ATP Tennis on the other hand, is getting interesting, but we as spectators must cope with the injury plague that is going around right now unfortunately.

 

[Rosstour]

But it was still fun to watch because MSC had challengers, such as Mika Hakkinen, Jacques Villeneuve especially at the end of the 90s.

Now with Max Verstappen, it’s basically a sure win at the very start of each race. So boring now!

ATP Tennis on the other hand, is getting interesting, but we as spectators must cope with the injury plague that is going around right now unfortunately.

I'm talking about the later years, when every race was a gross example of team orders. I think it was USGP 01 that was the most egregious

 

[DSH]

Novak became GOAT. That was huge. It was climax of the tennis competition. Novak is the youngest of the Big 3 and the greatest opportunist ever. The GOAT debate was eneded. Novak set some records that might never be broken again. People know this achievement will unlikely be surpassed in their lifetimes so they normally lose interest. There is no one as determined as Novak in sight among young guys. They do come, shine shortly, win GS or MS here and there, get money and have fun in their personal lives. They are not like old guys who want glory and to make history. Novak had zest and burning fire in him to become the greatest ever. Fans might not like him because essentially they are either Nadal or Roger fans or they are simply drunk mob. Novak showed finger to drunk mob which infuriated them even more while Novak was nice to real fans of tennis and respected them. It was a mutual respect and recognition. Real fans will always love tennis no matter who plays while drunk mob will scream on stadiums and fight on tennis forums.

Fixed for you!

 

[iceman_dl6]

I'm talking about the later years, when every race was a gross example of team orders. I think it was USGP 01 that was the most egregious

True! It was the MSC / Barrichello pairing during the beginning of the 2000s. Those team orders were disgusting! Mika unfortunately went downhill then and there was no more competition.

I just hope that Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next year will give Verstappen a run for his money!

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

LOL. Alcaraz's game has more charisma than Djokovic's game, and it's not even CLOSE.

What charisma? Alcaraz is no different than most of his contemporaries where personality is concerned (other than a certain player who beat up his ex), and lacks magnetism. I know some are desperate to hang their hopes on Alacraz to save the rotting men's game, but he is not one of those once-in-a-generation players with game and character on that memorable level. He's just there, and no, "most people" do not like or even know who Alacraz is. He is not--by any stretch of the imagination--one of those historic tennis players who--through a certain kind of game and personality--transcends the sport to any degree, otherwise, his cheerleaders would have proven it.

 

[a10best]

Tennis is on a decline since Federer retired. Of course it would be great if another Federer version comes along but there will never be another Federer, just like there will never be another Jordan in basketball.

But, I'm but I'm starting to see that MJ in Anthony Edwards. He's only 22 and unfortunately 6'4" yet he's a 2-way player.
Federer was box-office. Not a coincidence there's a lot less American A-list celebs at USO and Wimbledon since he left. And Rafa leaving makes it doubly bad.

The casual non-playing tennis Fed fans have moved towards watching Alcaraz.
Alcaraz' flashy game & Sinner must stay healthy for this sport to survive. I haven't heard of any junior player with outstanding shots.

 

[mental midget]

I don't think you follow basketball long enough because what you said is not true. Jordan had to go through a lot of failure too when he was at peak performance in the late 80s. The Bird and the Celtics beat him in the playoff, and of course he took a lot of beating from the Pistons for 3 straight years. His road to greatness have a lot obstacles in front just like Federer had Nadal who is widely considered the clay GOAT.

But still, Jordan and Federer are the iconic, their influence played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport on a global scale. They draw the most fans, generate money and excitement more than any other athletes

jordan and fed are definitely alike. neither built their fan base by winning, but by playing the game the way most wish they could: with elegance, flair, seeming effortlessness, creativity...style. of course the winning came for both, but i don't think most fans of a sport immediately latch on to whoever last won something big. it's that there's something in their game they admire, covet, have to keep watching...that's what draws you in.

i know i didn't become a federer fan because he won wimbledon, or reached #1, or whatever...it's because i saw somebody doing things i hadn't seen before, and it made me want to see what he did next. that i rooted for him to win was mostly because i wanted to see the next match. same with jordan...it was showtime, that's pretty much it.

 

[tennis24x7]

I don't think you follow basketball long enough because what you said is not true. Jordan had to go through a lot of failure too when he was at peak performance in the late 80s. The Bird and the Celtics beat him in the playoff, and of course he took a lot of beating from the Pistons for 3 straight years. His road to greatness have a lot obstacles in front just like Federer had Nadal who is widely considered the clay GOAT.

But still, Jordan and Federer are the iconic, their influence played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport on a global scale. They draw the most fans, generate money and excitement more than any other athletes

That is true, I have only started watching basketball about a decade now. But is there one player who was consistently able to hold Jordan so that they could not win? There are many instances of Nadal beating Fed even after coming off a long retirement. One AO comes to mind which I remember watching. For 3 consecutive years Nadal was the finalist in Wimbledon, then he finally beat Federer in the now iconic 2008 final. Similarly Fed was the finalist in RG for 3 consecutive years but could never beat Nadal in RG. Infact it took a year where Nadal was taken out by Soderling for him to win RG or else he would have been like Sampras. If you are the GOAT then you should be able to beat Nadal in RG.

 

[Apun94]

What charisma? Alcaraz is no different than most of his contemporaries where personality is concerned (other than a certain player who beat up his ex), and lacks magnetism. I know some are desperate to hang their hopes on Alacraz to save the rotting men's game, but he is not one of those once-in-a-generation players with game and character on that memorable level. He's just there, and no, "most people" do not like or even know who Alacraz is. He is not--by any stretch of the imagination--one of those historic tennis players who--through a certain kind of game and personality--transcends the sport to any degree, otherwise, his cheerleaders would have proven it.

Are you high? I dont mean his personality. That is boring. His game is very entertaining and charismatic. His game is by far the most charismatic game we have had since the emergence of Nadal (maybe delpotro, but he was often injured to make a global impact).
Ofcourse Alcaraz is not a historic player, or transcends the sport. He is 21! No one, not even Federer with his super graceful game, transcended sport or anything like that at that young age. That comes with time and success. If Alcaraz stays injury free, he will win a lot by the end of his career, and yes he will be one of the few proper successors to the Fedalovic era, even if he will never be as successful as them.
Stop hating players for no reason, his game is very entertaining and he often plays at a very high level to separate himself from other purely entertaining players like Monfils etc. No one can deny that.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Are you high?

Resorting to flames when you cannot support your fantasies about Alcaraz.

Of course Alcaraz is not a historic player, or transcends the sport. He is 21!

Then people like you should drop the high-handed praising of him as if he's guaranteed to be such a player, when the evidence does not suggest it at all.

No one, not even Federer with his super graceful game, transcended sport or anything like that at that young age

Learn the history of the sport you claim to enjoy; as noted days ago, McEnroe already ascended to being a player who was well known outside of the sport before he won his first major, and continued to transcend the sport to become a cultural icon. Becker--in addition to his historic first major at Wimbledon--was a news story around the world, with innumerable people wanting to know who this truly young man was with the breakout game which shocked everyone. There are other, similar examples in tennis history, all to conclude it is not some impossibility--unless the player lacks that kind of game and personal appeal. Alcaraz--two majors in--is as uninteresting as one would dare imagine. Again, if he had the kind of game (and personality) that you claim he does, you'd be able to prove it...which has not happened.

 

[Quaichang]

Wrong

Djokovic is the one who is at least keeping tennis afloat..... Sure he is no Federer but he is the last of the familiar faces who are truly great..... people like to either hate him or love him but I dont think people want him gone.

We need someone really great to arrive, don't blame Djokovic.....blame the youngsters.

Maybe it will be good for the sport to have some parity instead of one guy winning everything in sight.

 

[Apun94]

Resorting to flames when you cannot support your fantasies about Alcaraz.



Then people like you should drop the high-handed praising of him as if he's guaranteed to be such a player, when the evidence does not suggest it at all.




Learn the history of the sport you claim to enjoy; as noted days ago, McEnroe already ascended to being a player who was well known outside of the sport before he won his first major, and continued to transcend the sport to become a cultural icon. Becker--in addition to his historic first major at Wimbledon--was a news story around the world, with innumerable people wanting to know who this truly young man was with the breakout game which shocked everyone. There are other, similar examples in tennis history, all to conclude it is not some impossibility--unless the player lacks that kind of game and personal appeal. Alcaraz--two majors in--is as uninteresting as one would dare imagine. Again, if he had the kind of game (and personality) that you claim he does, you'd be able to prove it...which has not happened.

Alcaraz is a 2 time slam winner already, with atleast 3(?) masters 1000s at this point, already has risen to world no1 and has easily the most exciting game since Fedal (or maybe since Delpo). What other evidence do you need. If you dont watch tennis these days and know nothing about today's tennis and are stuck in the past, just say so.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Alcaraz is a 2 time slam winner already

...and no one knows who he is, as he failed to transcend the sport (in the way others who had not one even a single major did), and lacks broad appeal within it. Yeah, the writing is on the wall, but you choose to ignore it--and tennis history you apparently do not know--all to prop up Alcaraz.

 

[Dane_is_Finnish_OJ]

What charisma? Alcaraz is no different than most of his contemporaries where personality is concerned (other than a certain player who beat up his ex), and lacks magnetism. I know some are desperate to hang their hopes on Alacraz to save the rotting men's game, but he is not one of those once-in-a-generation players with game and character on that memorable level. He's just there, and no, "most people" do not like or even know who Alacraz is. He is not--by any stretch of the imagination--one of those historic tennis players who--through a certain kind of game and personality--transcends the sport to any degree, otherwise, his cheerleaders would have proven it.

He's just emerged and has won a lot more than Djokovic had at his age – and with a far more interesting game. Nobody would have thought that Djokovic would be the most succesful player in history back then. So in that context, Alcaraz is more promising, although I don't he'll win more than 8-10 GS. And what's happened is that Djokovic' game has actually become more boring over the years. Apart from his often delusional Slavic fans, nobody really thinks that Djokovic is that exciting. He' just the boring one of the Big 3 and the one who's still winning stuff.

 

[Dane_is_Finnish_OJ]

...and no one knows who he is, as he failed to transcend the sport (in the way others who had not one even a single major did), and lacks broad appeal within it. Yeah, the writing is on the wall, but you choose to ignore it--and tennis history you apparently do not know--all to prop up Alcaraz.

Who knew or cared about who Djokovic was when he was 23? Try comparing that to the Alcaraz hype. Compared to that, Djokovic was a nobody.

 

[Apun94]

Who knew or cared about who Djokovic was when he was 23? Try comparing that to the Alcaraz hype. Compared to that, Djokovic was a nobody.

Djokovic's game is still like watching paint dry. Even today I dont think Djokovic's game can even compete with Alcaraz's in terms of entertainment and charisma. Not sure whats wrong with this delusional thundervolley kid who enjoys Djokovic's game more than Alcaraz's. Pretty sure even djokovic's son would prefer alcaraz's game

 

[Clay lover]

I might be biased but I find it hard to fathom that anyone thinks Djokovic has a more interesting game than Alcaraz. Total respect for his achievements though

 

[CHillTennis]

Who knew or cared about who Djokovic was when he was 23? Try comparing that to the Alcaraz hype. Compared to that, Djokovic was a nobody.

You mean the guy that had two grand slam titles and a 41 match win streak at the age of 23?

 

[DjokoLand]

Are the problem with tennis is like what modern football(soccer for US) has become. It is more tactical than ever which is fazing out the skilful players and shoemakers.

This is what impressed me the most with Fed is the success he had with the style he played. Though you could see Nadal and Djokovic finding solutions it still was unbelievable.

Most players these days are 6.2 solid off both sides but nothing flashy and unfortunately it is the right way to play for results but not for fans

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Who knew or cared about who Djokovic was when he was 23? Try comparing that to the Alcaraz hype.

"Alcaraz hype" is just that--hype. Its certainly not widespread, otherwise he would be someone who the entire tennis business viewed as a force that transcends the sport in both game and personality, like the noted McEnroe before he won his first major.

Compared to that, Djokovic was a nobody.

You mean the guy that had two grand slam titles and a 41 match win streak at the age of 23?

Exactly.

 

[nolefam_2024]

The newest of new people who watch tennis as casual viewing, they know alcaraz as well.

To say that Alcaraz hype is not widespread is false.

 

[BorgTheGOAT]

concerned (other than a certain player who beat up his ex)

That has been proven in court in the meantime? You have any insider news nobody else has?

 

[Dane_is_Finnish_OJ]

Resorting to flames when you cannot support your fantasies about Alcaraz.



Then people like you should drop the high-handed praising of him as if he's guaranteed to be such a player, when the evidence does not suggest it at all.




Learn the history of the sport you claim to enjoy; as noted days ago, McEnroe already ascended to being a player who was well known outside of the sport before he won his first major, and continued to transcend the sport to become a cultural icon. Becker--in addition to his historic first major at Wimbledon--was a news story around the world, with innumerable people wanting to know who this truly young man was with the breakout game which shocked everyone. There are other, similar examples in tennis history, all to conclude it is not some impossibility--unless the player lacks that kind of game and personal appeal. Alcaraz--two majors in--is as uninteresting as one would dare imagine. Again, if he had the kind of game (and personality) that you claim he does, you'd be able to prove it...which has not happened.

You mean the guy that had two grand slam titles and a 41 match win streak at the age of 23?

Alcraz had that at 20. That’s my point. He’s a superstar, Djokovic wasn’t then. Sponsors love him, they were lukewarm with Djokovic. One of The reasons for The Alcaraz hype is Djokovic - because he isn’t exciting or that marketable.

 

[slipgrip93]

it will need a New Federerlike player to take it out of the doldrums....​

Alcaraz does it for me as the next ATG if he has better seasons down the line in his early 20's. He just turned 21 and won slams at a younger age than Fed.
Meanwhile if the rest of the men's tour gets too boring in their games, I continue to follow some of the WTA.

 

[CHillTennis]

Alcraz had that at 20. That’s my point. He’s a superstar, Djokovic wasn’t then. Sponsors love him, they were lukewarm with Djokovic. One of The reasons for The Alcaraz hype is Djokovic - because he isn’t exciting or that marketable.

Yes. But Alcaraz only managed to win those slams because the tour is completely void of any young talent.

Djokovic was 20 back when Nadal and Federer were at their absolute best.

It was really hard to stand out back then.

Alcaraz has it EASY.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Alcraz had that at 20. That’s my point. He’s a superstar, Djokovic wasn’t then. Sponsors love him, they were lukewarm with Djokovic. One of The reasons for The Alcaraz hype is Djokovic - because he isn’t exciting or that marketable.

Djokovic's marketability has nothing to do with the unjustified Alcaraz hype. The men's tour is in desperation mode, since the last of the "Big Three" is closer to retirement than not, and the men's field has not produced any turly great players to follow, which is a historic "tennis desert" on display.

Yes. But Alcaraz only managed to win those slams because the tour is completely void of any young talent.

Djokovic was 20 back when Nadal and Federer were at their absolute best.

It was really hard to stand out back then.

Alcaraz has it EASY.

Indeed he (Alcaraz) does. If one does not add Djokovic, Alcaraz has what kind of field? Sinner...and? Men's tennis has never been this devastated before, and as much as some love to accuse Djokovic of "vulturing" majors (hiding their tears for the players he surpassed), the current and foreseeable future men's tour is so poor, Alcaraz winning more majors would be the ultimate, textbook definition of "vulturing" majors.

 

[Megafanoftennis100]

1990s gens have been weak and impotent as we all know, now it seems even the 2000s gens ain't far better, or at least the ones who will uplift Tennis from this generation have not yet arrived. Guys aged 20-23 are getting injured, unable to play tournaments leading upto the slams. At an age when youth should kick out the old farts they are actually struggling to stay fit..... Pathetic...

Alcaraz and Sinner are not as great as we think they are, they will win a few slams for sure but they cannot reach double digits, they are not of that level.

Tennis needs a new Federer who will just rise and take control of Tennis with a firm grip. If Roger was born 20 years later then today he would taken control of the tennis, likewise we need someone young to emerge, a person who will not get injured, a person who can play an entire year and win some 75-80 matches with ease and 3 slams an year,then replicate it after that...that kind of a force is required now to save Tennis.... that is the type of player who can captivate the kids who are growing up now, otherwise we will see Tennis shrink IF these fellows are the best that sports has to offer.

Alcaraz, Sinner etc etc are all just average fellas, none of them will hit double digits, wait and watch.....once Novak is done we will find young players unable to defend slams. You might think it is an interesting era when anyone can win but on the contrary viewers like constant winners...the familiar faces that we can relate to.... Tennis is too stagnant now and in a moribund state as we speak.

We need a new Federer ... an enigma... !

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!!!!
Man, sorry to say this, but you are so hypocritical. You accuse me of trolling all the time, and yet, you do something considerably worse!

 

[Megafanoftennis100]

Reality is that people never respect/like/connect with an old man winning over youngsters but they love a young man winning because youth always gives hope for the future while old means the future is dark.

There was a vacuum in 01-06 as well but nobody (at least most ) did not take offense at Federer winning lot of Slams then but 18-23 is seen as an abomination for Djokovic by a few, now in the same vein if a young ATG had arrived in 2020 like you said and picked up most of the slams until 2024 then nobody would question the lack of a rival young ATG, but Nole is criticized .... well that is human mentality, people just don't connect with the older man beating up less talented youngsters but youngsters beating up others is an exciting prospect.

Because Djokovic is actually a weak era vulture, who wouldn't even have 10 Slams if he were born later and had to compete in the 2024-future era.

 

[Dane_is_Finnish_OJ]

Djokovic's marketability has nothing to do with the unjustified Alcaraz hype. The men's tour is in desperation mode, since the last of the "Big Three" is closer to retirement than not, and the men's field has not produced any turly great players to follow, which is a historic "tennis desert" on display.



Indeed he (Alcaraz) does. If one does not add Djokovic, Alcaraz has what kind of field? Sinner...and? Men's tennis has never been this devastated before, and as much as some love to accuse Djokovic of "vulturing" majors (hiding their tears for the players he surpassed), the current and foreseeable future men's tour is so poor, Alcaraz winning more majors would be the ultimate, textbook definition of "vulturing" majors.

We don't have to agree, but you're wrong. You need to broaden your horizont and accept that not everybody loves Djokovic.

 

[Crocodile]

I think Novak and Andy Murray are working hard with the ATP to promote the profile of the young guys to take over once they retire.
However I think a bigger problem is how we as tennis people promote the sport in our local areas.
I think one of the topics I have always been concerned with about tennis is the pathway and earning capability of the lower tier players and also those who work in the industry such as coaches, facility managers and everyone else,
A lot of young players and their parents are now looking at the variety activities available to them and then assessing the pathway. For example in Australia a growing number if girls are now choosing to play soccer over say tennis or netball because the pathway is easier. You could also include pickleball into the discussion- all options are on the table.

 

[Razer]

Because Djokovic is actually a weak era vulture, who wouldn't even have 10 Slams if he were born later and had to compete in the 2024-future era.

If Djokovic in his mid 30s is beating today's youngsters then do you think he being younger by 10 years wouldn't make it even tougher for youngsters to touch him ??

 

[PK6]

Iokovic will play in 40s-think he gets 30 grand slams/500 weeks #1.

 

[Megafanoftennis100]

If Djokovic in his mid 30s is getting destroyed by today's youngsters like Nardi, Ruud & Tabilo then do you think he being younger by 10 years wouldn't make it even tougher for youngsters to touch him ??

Fixed it
Also, by that logic, prime Federer would destroy prime Djokovic.
Djokovic will never be the GOAT. Nothing but an incompetent overrated vulture.
Cheers

 

[Razer]

Fixed it
Also, by that logic, prime Federer would destroy prime Djokovic.
Djokovic will never be the GOAT. Nothing but an incompetent overrated vulture.
Cheers

Did those nardi, ruud, tabilo destroy Djokovic in slams?

 

[Megafanoftennis100]

Did those nardi, ruud, tabilo destroy Djokovic in slams?

Not yet, but they will in the future for sure.

 

[sherpa]

I thought he sort of retired himself yesterday in Rome

 

[Silentchimera]

Fixed it
Also, by that logic, prime Federer would destroy prime Djokovic.
Djokovic will never be the GOAT. Nothing but an incompetent overrated vulture.
Cheers

Well put.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Nadalovic csn both retire this year. Tennis will continue as normal.

 

[Meles]

The Alcaraz win at Wimbledon was a great win and the biggest win of his career. It's just after that Djokovic laid down the hammer and won the next 4 tournaments he played in a row, and beat Alcaraz twice letting him know he was still the best. Djokovic losing his grip on the game now I think is somewhat mental because maybe he's losing some motivation, plus I think he overdid at the end of 2023 when he should have opted out of DC, that exhibition, and United Cup and took a much needed break. Recovery is very important at his age.

Djokovic will be 37 in a couple of weeks though and he can't keep this up for much longer. It's already crazy impressive he was able to do it this long. His biggest opponent is really age because to me he showed in 2023 what he can do this new generation when he's playing up to his ability. However, he will slow down. So yes these guys will take over but I put that less on their level and more on Djokovic getting older, and his level dropping. Sinner has been very impressive this year though, no doubt about that.

I told you about your diamond age guys though. Lol. Djokovic had too much fire left in him to give his mantle up to those guys. Once his resurgence came, I saw another dominant run coming. I just didn't think he would be this dominant. Thiem's collapse was tragic. He was the one guy who actually could put Djokovic on his back heels and he would have been a real challenger to Djokovic if he had maintained his level from 2019-2020. I didn't think he would have such a steep decline so fast.

I'm totally onboard with an RG rematch which I would call the "back to reality" match.

Lay down the hammer, I guess he did versus Grigor, but every match in Paris and Tour Finals went three sets. Carlos had pity on him in Cincy and that should have been a straight set loss.

Still right now for RG despite bottling Rome I'd have Nole as a strong favorite. A perfect storm of gimps makes anything possible and Tabilo was much betterer than anyone will give credit, just a freak loss against a great player.

 

[Meles]

Yes. But Alcaraz only managed to win those slams because the tour is completely void of any young talent.

Djokovic was 20 back when Nadal and Federer were at their absolute best.

It was really hard to stand out back then.

Alcaraz has it EASY.

How is Alcaraz beating Nole at Wimby easy and Sinner beating him at Auz Open? These were his two fortress slams where he has been the strongest and now these fresh poking youngsters have taken him down.

Federer won in an absolute vacuum era until 2010. Get rid of Federer and you have the weakest field of all time by a wide margin.

 

[Meles]

...and no one knows who he is, as he failed to transcend the sport (in the way others who had not one even a single major did), and lacks broad appeal within it. Yeah, the writing is on the wall, but you choose to ignore it--and tennis history you apparently do not know--all to prop up Alcaraz.

There was quite a buzz around the 2023 Wimby Final. I've never heard so much from non-tennis fans and I've been watching much, much longer than most on this forum. Sure Borg v McEnroe final was bigger, but nobody cared about 2008 Wimby final outside of the mainstream tennis fans. 2023 was a far better and more dramatic, better, and interesting result as 2008 was foreshadowed by the 2007 final and Nadal long term has been shown to be a bit of a grass imposter who mainly was a matchup issue for Fed.

 

[BeatlesFan]

How Federer can electrify the crowd, he shows no emotions until the end of the match.

Damn right! He's supposed to act like this at 30-15, 2-1 in the first set.