There was a recent exchange between Pete Sampras and Novak Djokovic in relation to their hypothetical match-up. What didn't go unnoticed was their appreciation for each others' game and the shot about them they admired most. For Sampras, he would love to have Novak's return of serve (hey, who wouldn't). Naturally Novak returned (excuse the pun here) the sentiment with how he'd like to have Sampras' serve / volley game.
I then used this as an opportunity to analyse their game with some context. For me - personally, even though I am a fan of Sampras, I do try to be impartial - but make out of that what you will when I say that Pete Sampras was the best FAST court tennis player in history. I am not talking about Sampras 2002. And I am not talking about Wimbledon 2001+. I am referring to the man at the height of this powers around 1995 (I saw his quarter-final against Chang - it was perfect tennis) on a court with a CPI index that today is simply well out of bounds.
But a match-up with THIS Sampras and Novak (take any Novak, they're all good) is where I question what the result would be. This highlights how good Novak really is.
In 2016, I saw Federer somehow escape out of the clutches of defeat against Cilic, saving 3 match points with 2 sets down, only to end up winning the match. I was amazed how Federer pulled it off. Mental strength? Luck? Cilic Nerves? Who knows... but he came through.
And in 2019 I was also at the Wimbledon final (lucky me!).Yep, I saw the 40-15 and was almost ready to celebrate a fine championship win. But Novak turned it around. Mental strength? Luck? Federer nerves? In an odd way I wasn't surprised with the outcome. Truth be told, I may have even posted here before - but I've always associated Novak with the fighting ability of a tiger and his mental strength is just off the scale. Let's just make one thing clear - Federer, Nadal - Sampras, all mentally super strong players. Novak is just a level above. And I believe that is definitely one of the things that have improved along his game over the last 5/10 years.
The truth is Djokovic has it all (his overheads could improve, granted). His only real weakness now is the limited time he has to be truly at the height of his powers (I give him 2-3 years max). His adaptability, tactical game and mentality are his greatest strengths. He is not the most exciting player. And for me he often plays in "pusher mode" because he is the best pusher there is ( I am not saying this negatively) - and why not, if the other players just keep making mistakes. But when they don't make mistakes..and when they hit more winners than he would like - he changes his game accordingly. Angles, aggression - movement, footwork - they all change and it completely stumps them - just ask Tsitsipas. Mesuti. Just ask Federer. It takes something special from the opponent to beat him - that hasn't happened in a long time. Where is today's Wawrinka? Shapovalov is close...
One day Novak will be gone, along with the others on the BOAT podium. And his legacy will be of a player who could outlast and always win. (Well - most of the time). As someone who isn't a particularly Novak fan, I remember this and appreciate his performances when I watch him for this reason. Great sportsmen are with us for life. When they're active - it really is an honour to watch them perform.
I then used this as an opportunity to analyse their game with some context. For me - personally, even though I am a fan of Sampras, I do try to be impartial - but make out of that what you will when I say that Pete Sampras was the best FAST court tennis player in history. I am not talking about Sampras 2002. And I am not talking about Wimbledon 2001+. I am referring to the man at the height of this powers around 1995 (I saw his quarter-final against Chang - it was perfect tennis) on a court with a CPI index that today is simply well out of bounds.
But a match-up with THIS Sampras and Novak (take any Novak, they're all good) is where I question what the result would be. This highlights how good Novak really is.
In 2016, I saw Federer somehow escape out of the clutches of defeat against Cilic, saving 3 match points with 2 sets down, only to end up winning the match. I was amazed how Federer pulled it off. Mental strength? Luck? Cilic Nerves? Who knows... but he came through.
And in 2019 I was also at the Wimbledon final (lucky me!).Yep, I saw the 40-15 and was almost ready to celebrate a fine championship win. But Novak turned it around. Mental strength? Luck? Federer nerves? In an odd way I wasn't surprised with the outcome. Truth be told, I may have even posted here before - but I've always associated Novak with the fighting ability of a tiger and his mental strength is just off the scale. Let's just make one thing clear - Federer, Nadal - Sampras, all mentally super strong players. Novak is just a level above. And I believe that is definitely one of the things that have improved along his game over the last 5/10 years.
The truth is Djokovic has it all (his overheads could improve, granted). His only real weakness now is the limited time he has to be truly at the height of his powers (I give him 2-3 years max). His adaptability, tactical game and mentality are his greatest strengths. He is not the most exciting player. And for me he often plays in "pusher mode" because he is the best pusher there is ( I am not saying this negatively) - and why not, if the other players just keep making mistakes. But when they don't make mistakes..and when they hit more winners than he would like - he changes his game accordingly. Angles, aggression - movement, footwork - they all change and it completely stumps them - just ask Tsitsipas. Mesuti. Just ask Federer. It takes something special from the opponent to beat him - that hasn't happened in a long time. Where is today's Wawrinka? Shapovalov is close...
One day Novak will be gone, along with the others on the BOAT podium. And his legacy will be of a player who could outlast and always win. (Well - most of the time). As someone who isn't a particularly Novak fan, I remember this and appreciate his performances when I watch him for this reason. Great sportsmen are with us for life. When they're active - it really is an honour to watch them perform.
