Things are hanging by a thread

[USO]

Djokovic

vs Thiem 7-5
vs Medvedev 4-3
vs Zverev 4-2
vs Tsitsipas 4-2

You could see that 2021 will be very different as these players are getting stronger and Djokovic is getting weaker.

These 4 will most likely have a winning record against Djokovic by 2022.

Add players like Rublev, Sinner & Sonego and you can see why Djokovic seems very nervous these days.

 

[BackhandDTL]

Thiem and Medvedev have his number.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Tennis is constantly evolving, and better tennis players replace the older generations.

 

[Jonesy]

Novak Tesla is going to seek the energy pyramids and come back with a nasty vengeance.

 

[USO]

Novak Tesla is going to seek the energy piramids and come back with nasty vengeance.

Teslavic is over...

 

[King No1e]

As a card carrying Djokobitch, I say Vamos Dominic/Stef/Z/Med! The quicker these guys kick out the Big 3, the better it is for the game.

 

[Crazy Finn]

Tennis is constantly evolving, and better tennis players replace the older generations.

Except during 2012-2019

 

[stringertom]

Djokovic

vs Thiem 7-5
vs Medvedev 4-3
vs Zverev 4-2
vs Tsitsipas 4-2

You could see that 2021 will be very different as these players are getting stronger and Djokovic is getting weaker.

These 4 will most likely have a winning record against Djokovic by 2022.

Add players like Rublev, Sinner & Sonego and you can see why Djokovic seems very nervous these days.

Joe Kovic know how to take a d-ivo-t. 1-3 vs The Good Doctor with zero wins since 2008.

 

[tonylg]

Djokovic

vs Thiem 7-5
vs Medvedev 4-3
vs Zverev 4-2
vs Tsitsipas 4-2

You could see that 2021 will be very different as these players are getting stronger and Djokovic is getting weaker.

These 4 will most likely have a winning record against Djokovic by 2022.

Add players like Rublev, Sinner & Sonego and you can see why Djokovic seems very nervous these days.

You forgot Kyrgios.

 

[socallefty]

If Djokovic plays like he did in 2019 or early 2020, he is way better than the rest and slightly better than Thiem on most courts - only Rafa on clay is better. If he plays like he did in the Fall with many mental up/downs and a more passive brand of baseline play, his H-H record might be in trouble against many players. The question is why he played passively and irritably in the last few months and whether that is going to continue this year.

 

[r2473]

If Djokovic plays like he did in 2019 or early 2020, he is way better than the rest and slightly better than Thiem on most courts - only Rafa on clay is better. If he plays like he did in the Fall with many mental up/downs and a more passive brand of baseline play, his H-H record might be in trouble against many players. The question is why he played passively and irritably in the last few months and whether that is going to continue this year.

Last time he looked that irritable and bad it was because he was injured

 

[aditya123]

Djokovic

vs Thiem 7-5
vs Medvedev 4-3
vs Zverev 4-2
vs Tsitsipas 4-2

You could see that 2021 will be very different as these players are getting stronger and Djokovic is getting weaker.

These 4 will most likely have a winning record against Djokovic by 2022.

Add players like Rublev, Sinner & Sonego and you can see why Djokovic seems very nervous these days.

people are taking those losses to Zverev seriously???? smack that give me some more, smack that all on the floor.

 

[Nadalgaenger]

Three words:
The game evolves.

Two words:
Avantage Sonego

Two more words:
Call Pepe

 

[AnOctorokForDinner]

I have to say I'd love it if Djokovic ended with negative H2H against all of them, would shut up the age deniers nicely.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

I have to say I'd love it if Djokovic ended with negative H2H against all of them, would shut up the age deniers nicely.

That is not even in question, unless he stops playing now.

 

[Sport]

I have to say I'd love it if Djokovic ended with negative H2H against all of them, would shut up the age deniers nicely.

No, it wouldn't. Federer fans would still be age deniers. They would still deny that being older initially gives a gigantic advantage: Federer won 9 Slams in 2003-2007 without facing Nadal or Djokovic because they were too young and immature.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

No, it wouldn't. Federer fans would still be age deniers. They would still deny that being older initially gives a gigantic advantage: Federer won 9 Slams in 2003-2007 without facing Nadal or Djokovic because they were too young and immature.

Being young = not facing

Another one straight from the vault of wisdom of the VB

 

[zagor]

Novak is still much better than those guys on a slam level when he's focused. His main problem is his head, always has been.

 

[blablavla]

No, it wouldn't. Federer fans would still be age deniers. They would still deny that being older initially gives a gigantic advantage: Federer won 9 Slams in 2003-2007 without facing Nadal or Djokovic because they were too young and immature.

So Fed was simply awarded the GS during 2003 - 2007 without having to play 7 BO5 matches?

wow.

 

[blablavla]

Novak is still much better than those guys on a slam level when he's focused. His main problem is his head, always has been.

I've been hearing that Nadal didn't lose one single match yet when fully fit and uninjured

 

[alexio]

I've been hearing that Nadal didn't lose one single match yet when fully fit and injured

injured or uninjured?

 

[blablavla]

injured or uninjured?

thanks, uninjured of course

 

[Slowtwitcher]

thanks, uninjured of course

1-0 when punching "injured" left arm though.

 

[BorgTheGOAT]

I have to say I'd love it if Djokovic ended with negative H2H against all of them, would shut up the age deniers nicely.

Especially against Thiem because then Lew must find another random benchmark number for his “Big 3 negative H2Hs with x or more matches” threads than the current 10 which he uses to exclude Djokovics negative H2H against Roddick.

 

[junior74]

Novak is still much better than those guys on a slam level when he's focused. His main problem is his head, always has been.

Focused Djokovic has never lost.
Uninjured Nadal has never lost.
Peak Federer has lost. Clearly inferior.

 

[nov]

People talking here very confidently that Djokovic is done. I wonder how many of these "experts" gonna bet their money against Djokovic when he is gonna play at AO/WIMB/USO in 2021?

 

[MichaelNadal]

Thiem and Medvedev certainly are not playing games w him anymore lol

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

people are taking those losses to Zverev seriously???? smack that give me some more, smack that all on the floor.

Sir the wtf18 was a terrific display by the young German in SF-F. It has to be taken seriously. Otoh, rome F is still not something to be ignored as well, Zverev could have easily collapsed mentally, like many youngsters did against nole (even 2017 nole), but he kept himself together and that was enough to take down 2017 nole.

 

[aditya123]

Sir the wtf18 was a terrific display by the young German in SF-F. It has to be taken seriously. Otoh, rome F is still not something to be ignored as well, Zverev could have easily collapsed mentally, like many youngsters did against nole (even 2017 nole), but he kept himself together and that was enough to take down 2017 nole.

Sir I agree that Wtf 2018 was a terrific display but its was a once in a while performance and regarding Rome 17, we all knew Djokovic was in a path of a downfall ( still incredible that he kept reaching atleast qf and beyond in Rome, Madrid , Fo and Wimbledon) . If you follow cricket then Zverev can be compared to a flat track bully batsman who can destroy the bowlers when there is no spin , seam and swing to offer but then if there is atleast a slight bit of opposition, or any of seam, swing and spin is offered to him he begins to fold mentally!! Thats the case with him most of the times.

 

[NoleFam]

Didn't Zverev and Tsitsipas actually have winning records against him before? The gap there has widened not lessened, and Thiem has closed the gap with all the big 3 as he should be doing being that he is at his peak. Medevedev is also right at his. Djokovic is 33 years old and #1 in the world and still holding 2 Slams. That's not the definition of hanging on by a thread.

 

[blablavla]

Didn't Zverev and Tsitsipas actually have winning records against him before? The gap there has widened not lessened, and Thiem has closed the gap with all the big 3 as he should be doing being that he is at his peak. Medevedev is also right at his. Djokovic is 33 years old and #1 in the world and still holding 2 Slams. That's not the definition of hanging on by a thread.

sure he does.
there is no discussion about this.

but, in an alternative universe, where so many lunatics like to hang around:
- had Novak lost the AO 2020 to Thiem
- had Novak lost the Dubai to Monfils
- had Novak lost the S&W to RBA or Raonic

do you think the entire tour would be looking at Novak and seeing his aura of invincibility?
or would they see a chance to defeat The Novak and brag about it later to their friends and kids?

and what is your guess, if Novak will be having such matches next year, do you think he will still win them all or go down the drain?

 

[stringertom]

Especially against Thiem because then Lew must find another random benchmark number for his “Big 3 negative H2Hs with x or more matches” threads than the current 10 which he uses to exclude Djokovics negative H2H against Roddick.

“X” should be 4 too include the very impressive 1-3 h2h and 0-3 on HC vs The Good Doctor Ivo. Kyrgiosity is right...Muzziah returns big serves while Joe Kovic is playing dodgeball like the Average Joe he is.

 

[zagor]

Focused Djokovic has never lost.
Uninjured Nadal has never lost.
Peak Federer has lost. Clearly inferior.

I wasn't being sarcastic this time actually. I do think that Novak with his head in the game is still better than these bums in slams. I don't have a high opinion on Thiem, Medvedev, Zverev etc.

Of course he does seem to be losing it mentally again lately so there's that.

 

[zagor]

Didn't Zverev and Tsitsipas actually have winning records against him before? The gap there has widened not lessened, and Thiem has closed the gap with all the big 3 as he should be doing being that he is at his peak. Medevedev is also right at his. Djokovic is 33 years old and #1 in the world and still holding 2 Slams. That's not the definition of hanging on by a thread.

Novak is going cuckoo again. No result from him is gonna surprise me in 2021.

 

[NoleFam]

Novak is going cuckoo again. No result from him is gonna surprise me in 2021.

Novak will always be a little cookoo to a lot of people but I don't think that has much bearing on what he's going to do on the court. Before when he went off the rails, he was carrying a chronic injury.

 

[Red Rick]

Novak will always be a little cookoo to a lot of people but I don't think that has much bearing on what he's going to do on the court. Before when he went off the rails, he was carrying a chronic injury.

To me it mainly matters why he hasn't replicated his AO 2019 in the slightest. If he reaches that level nobody is gonna beat him at 3/4 Slams. If he goes on like 2020 he just seems too dependent on ****housing to me.

 

[NoleFam]

To me it mainly matters why he hasn't replicated his AO 2019 in the slightest. If he reaches that level nobody is gonna beat him at 3/4 Slams. If he goes on like 2020 he just seems too dependent on ****housing to me.

I still think he was getting ready to wreck 2020 if the pandemic hadn't stopped him and he's the type of player that when he gets on a roll, he will ride that wave through multiple tournaments and Slams. Now, it's more of a question mark because his form after the pandemic hasn't been that great.

 

[junior74]

I wasn't being sarcastic this time actually. I do think that Novak with his head in the game is still better than these bums in slams. I don't have a high opinion on Thiem, Medvedev, Zverev etc.

Of course he does seem to be losing it mentally again lately so there's that.

Yup, they have a poor mentality. It's like they're about equally happy, win or lose.

No players can really win without being mentally engaged. Djokovic in the famous W19 final is a good example. He understood his winning chance was tiebreaks, reached three and won them all. A terrible mental match by Federer, despite being very far from his peak.

 

[Red Rick]

I still think he was getting ready to wreck 2020 if the pandemic hadn't stopped him and he's the type of player that when he gets on a roll, he will ride that wave through multiple tournaments and Slams. Now, it's more of a question mark because his form after the pandemic hasn't been that great.

lockdown was a clusterfuck for everyone. I think his results were quite good all things considered, but he just never looked impervious. Hope the off season does him good.

 

[USO]

Djokovic...

 

[Deleted member 777746]

So Fed was simply awarded the GS during 2003 - 2007 without having to play 7 BO5 matches?

wow.

I mean, when your best competitor in slams is Roddick, the bar ain't high

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

I have to say I'd love it if Djokovic ended with negative H2H against all of them, would shut up the age deniers nicely.

Djokovic was already in his 30s when he played nearly all the matches against those guys. Nobody will care if he ends up with a narrow H2H deficit except some big stat aficionados.

 

[AnOctorokForDinner]

Djokovic was already in his 30s when he played nearly all the matches against those guys. Nobody will care if he ends up with a narrow H2H deficit except some big stat aficionados.

Opinion is king indeed.

 

[Gazelle]

Don't think Rublev '500' will make any top player anxious.

 

[blablavla]

I mean, when your best competitor in slams is Roddick, the bar ain't high

you think so?

go check the highest ranking achieved by Roddick
go check what is his best result at GS
and go check his H2H with Novak

not bad for a "mug"?

now please publish the entire list of players younger than Djokodal that at least have:
- reached #1 in ranking before 24 years old
- won GS title. I'll be generous, no time limit here

 

[Lew II]

Djokovic

vs Thiem 7-5
vs Medvedev 4-3
vs Zverev 4-2
vs Tsitsipas 4-2

You could see that 2021 will be very different as these players are getting stronger and Djokovic is getting weaker.

These 4 will most likely have a winning record against Djokovic by 2022.

Add players like Rublev, Sinner & Sonego and you can see why Djokovic seems very nervous these days.

Or he could do like Federer, that drastically improved his H2H against Nadal, Murray, Berdych:

until 2013 --> 30-39 (43.5%)
since 2014 --> 20-2 (90.9%)

 

[blablavla]

Or he could do like Federer, that drastically improved his H2H against Nadal, Murray, Berdych:

until 2013 --> 30-39 (43.5%)
since 2014 --> 20-2 (90.9%)

just wait till Berdych & Murray will enter their prime and the H2H will reverse immediately
according to some Nole fans, modern medicine allows players to become better with every year
these Nole fans don't say till when it lasts, but my own prediction is that this improvement cycle goes till approximately 67 years old

 

[Lew II]

I have to say I'd love it if Djokovic ended with negative H2H against all of them, would shut up the age deniers nicely.

Slams won:

Over30 Djokovic --> 5
Thiem + Medvedev + Tsitsipas + Zverev --> 1 (thanks to Novak's DQ)

 

[junior74]

Slams won:

Over30 Djokovic --> 5
Thiem + Medvedev + Tsitsipas + Zverev --> 1 (thanks to Novak's DQ)

Stronk era aka Diamond Age

 

[Lew II]

Especially against Thiem because then Lew must find another random benchmark number for his “Big 3 negative H2Hs with x or more matches” threads than the current 10 which he uses to exclude Djokovics negative H2H against Roddick.