What do you think of the Sinner-Djokovic QF at Wimbledon last year…?

[Kralingen]

2022 Wimbledon QF.

Sinner goes 2-0 up, 7-5 in a close but clutch set and then a dominant 6-2, taking control of the match. After that, the match completely flips with Djoker winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the remaining 3 sets and Sinner faltering a bit on serve, looking done mentally, then slightly twisting his ankle and looking like he no longer belongs on the same court after the 3rd set.

This was the first time a player has taken the first two sets from Novak at Wimbledon since 2015, and I was impressed by Sinner’s play in the opening two sets as well as the previous round defeating Carlos. But the last 3 sets were just completely one sided in Novak’s favor. I am really not sure of what to make of it.

Was Sinner’s dominance in the first two sets legit, and he was just lacking the fitness and experience to finish the job? Was Djokovic lucky not to lose?

Or was Djokovic simply very flat to start and just needed to wake up and take Sinner seriously? Was Sinner lucky that Djoko played so badly the first 2 sets and fluked into winning them?

What does it mean for this year’s match?

Vote.

 

[Biotic]

That video is correct. It was incredible Djokovic comeback.

 

[dking68]

2022 Wimbledon QF.

Sinner goes 2-0 up, 7-5 in a close but clutch set and then a dominant 6-2, taking control of the match. After that, the match completely flips with Djoker winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the remaining 3 sets and Sinner faltering a bit on serve, looking done mentally, then slightly twisting his ankle and looking like he no longer belongs on the same court after the 3rd set.

This was the first time a player has taken the first two sets from Novak at Wimbledon since 2015, and I was impressed by Sinner’s play in the opening two sets as well as the previous round defeating Carlos. But the last 3 sets were just completely one sided in Novak’s favor. I am really not sure of what to make of it.

Was Sinner’s dominance in the first two sets legit, and he was just lacking the fitness and experience to finish the job? Was Djokovic lucky not to lose?

Or was Djokovic simply very flat to start and just needed to wake up and take Sinner seriously? Was Sinner lucky that Djoko played so badly the first 2 sets and fluked into winning them?

What does it mean for this year’s match?

Vote.

This is my take, and you will see on Friday that the job will be finished

 

[dking68]

@Kralingen Djokovic is 36 and Father Time is undefeated. He will be surprised on Friday, mark my words

 

[StrongRule]

Typical stuff from the next gen: playing well for two sets and then totally collapsing, not even being close in any other set. Djokovic didn't even have to do anything after the second set.

This year it's probably going to be even wore. Djokovic in 3-4 sets.

 

[Kralingen]

Typical stuff from the next gen: playing well for two sets and then totally collapsing, not even being close in any other set. Djokovic didn't even have to do anything after the second set.

This year it's probably going to be even wore. Djokovic in 3-4 sets.

Vote.

 

[Krish0608]

Sinner is a bit overrated on this forum. This will again be reinforced on Friday when Novak takes down Sinner in 3 or 4 sets. It’s usually the semis where Novak absolutely peaks both in terms of play and mental toughness. That’s usually the statement making match. Won’t be any different on Friday.

 

[dking68]

@Kralingen if it plays under a roof, I’m a believer in the upset

 

[dking68]

Sinner is a bit overrated on this forum. This will again be reinforced on Friday when Novak takes down Sinner in 3 or 4 sets. It’s usually the semis where Novak absolutely peaks both in terms of play and mental toughness. That’s usually the statement making match. Won’t be any different on Friday.

 

[Biotic]

Typical stuff from the next gen: playing well for two sets and then totally collapsing, not even being close in any other set. Djokovic didn't even have to do anything after the second set.

This year it's probably going to be even wore. Djokovic in 3-4 sets.

Some notable examples:

2019 USO F
2022 RG R4
2022 AO* QF and F

And they didn't even play well for 2 sets. It was more the case of Nadal sucking more.

 

[-NN-]

I don't wanna say Sinner fluked 2 sets, but once Djokovic "found himself" he was beyond Sinner.

 

[StrongRule]

Some notable examples:

2019 USO F
2022 RG R4
2022 AO* QF and F

And they didn't even play well for 2 sets. It was more the case of Nadal sucking more.

Total BS. Medvedev didn't collapse in any set in USO 2019 final. In this match all sets were pretty close. Actually, when Djokovic faced Med in the final of the same slam, he lost in straight sets. The only next gen who proved he sometimes can bring good level.

 

[PerilousPear]

Sinner fluked the first set (Djokovic was up 4-1) but he earned the second.

 

[Kralingen]

I don't wanna say Sinner fluked 2 sets, but once Djokovic "found himself" he was beyond Sinner.

But was him finding himself more a function of level raising from Djokovic, reading Sinner’s serves and point patterns, and playing a lot better?

Or was it mainly because of a drop in intensity from Sinner that allowed him to take advantage?

 

[Biotic]

Total BS. Medvedev didn't collapse in any set in USO 2019 final. In this match all sets were pretty close. Actually, when Djokovic faced Med in the final of the same slam, he lost in straight sets. The only next gen who proved he sometimes can bring good level.

Bwahahaha.

Medvedev didn't collapse bcoz he was already DEAD coming into the match. It was Nadal who collapsed in the 3rd-4th, only to recuperate a bit in the 5th, just enough for Zombiedvedev.

 

[NeutralFan]

@dking68 has sold Sinner hype to many people here even though he hasn't done anything to deserve the hype. @Kralingen is also guilty of hyping him

 

[mike danny]

Typical stuff from the next gen: playing well for two sets and then totally collapsing, not even being close in any other set. Djokovic didn't even have to do anything after the second set.

This year it's probably going to be even wore. Djokovic in 3-4 sets.

Everyone and their mother knew Djokovic won the match the moment he broke in the 3rd set.

 

[StrongRule]

Bwahahaha.

Medvedev didn't collapse bcoz he was already DEAD coming into the match. It was Nadal who collapsed in the 3rd-4th, only to recuperate a bit in the 5th, just enough for Zombiedvedev.

Yeah, a dead player can play a physical match of 5 hours. Instead of embarrassing yourself more, here is a suggestion:

 

[Kralingen]

Everyone and their mother knew Djokovic won the match the moment he broke in the 3rd set.

But why? Because he is just too good? Or because Sinner is too weak mentally and physically?

Who actually had the better level when both were playing well?

 

[mike danny]

But why? Because he is just too good? Or because Sinner is too weak mentally and physically?

Who actually had the better level when both were playing well?

Djokovic simply woke up and routined Sinner.

 

[-NN-]

But was him finding himself more a function of level raising from Djokovic, reading Sinner’s serves and point patterns, and playing a lot better?

Or was it mainly because of a drop in intensity from Sinner that allowed him to take advantage?

It's been a year since I watched, but Sinner had 3 sets to counter the counter and he was simply lost. Djokovic improved and got a way better read on the match patterns and Sinner had no answer. Sinner was probably quite confused out there trying to figure out why the dynamics became so unfruitful for him after having so much previous success, and though he still produced a lot of good tennis in the final 3 sets, he never really got a proper foothold again in terms of controlling match flow. The match had the distinct feeling of a prime Lomachenko downloading the information of his opponents in the earlier rounds and then dominating thereafter, able to read every move and possible response. Obviously, Sinner needed and needs to do a better job of strategizing during matches, because he always plays with one dynamic... that's not to say he lacks variety or tactical options, but he lacks strategic versatility.

 

[Kralingen]

@dking68 has sold Sinner hype to many people here even though he hasn't done anything to deserve the hype. @Kralingen is also guilty of hyping him

Is it hype to point out that he took 2 sets from the guy everyone thinks is unbeatable on grass?

 

[Biotic]

Yeah, a dead player can play a physical match of 5 hours. Instead of embarrassing yourself more, here is a suggestion:

5 hours of intermittent vulturing is not what any sane person would call a physical match.

 

[NeutralFan]

Is it hype to point out that he took 2 sets from the guy everyone thinks is unbeatable on grass?

Dimitrov took 2 sets off a better version of Djokovic. It doesn't prove anything unless he beats him .Did you see the last three sets when Djokovic started moving him around the court and exposing his weak movement? Djokovic was trading blows in first two sets and became Djokovic that we know and Sinner looked helpless.

 

[weakera]

It was a straight sets win for Novak with some light hitting at the start

 

[Curtennis]

These options are garbage.

 

[NeutralFan]

There's a reason why Djokodal have been successful against not so great movers. Old washed up Nadal was moving him like a puppet in their RG encounter. He's not even that tall , for his height he should be an elite mover and be quite fast at 20

 

[Curtennis]

Is it hype to point out that he took 2 sets from the guy everyone thinks is unbeatable on grass?

What extra prize money did he get for the two sets? Can you upload a picture of the two set trophy? For some reason I feel like I have amnesia right now. I must have been hit in the head.
I woke up with this insane notion that winning two sets in a best of five set match is the equivalent of losing.

 

[dking68]

Sinner will defeat the Serbian legend in max 4 sets

 

[dking68]

@Kralingen don’t mind them. Sinner has been knocking at the door for a year now and the door must open at some point. Why not here at Wimbledon?

 

[Kralingen]

What extra prize money did he get for the two sets? Can you upload a picture of the two set trophy? For some reason I feel like I have amnesia right now. I must have been hit in the head.
I woke up with this insane notion that winning two sets in a best of five set match is the equivalent of losing.

Well, that’s not the point. If a 20 year old player can take the first two sets in a match last year, what does it mean for a rematch this year?

 

[dking68]

Well, that’s not the point. If a 20 year old player can take the first two sets in a match last year, what does it mean for a rematch this year?

And he was very skinny and underdeveloped. Look at his physique last ywar compared to now

 

[NeutralFan]

And he was very skinny and underdeveloped. Look at his physique last ywar compared to now

Is he moving better now? Is he faster now?

 

[dking68]

@Kralingen I’m a believer if he does get the win on Friday, it’s gonna COMPLETELY change his career trajectory, irregardless of how the final goes. He will start to win big titles and stuff. But I’m sure he will be a slam winner before he turns 23

 

[dking68]

Is he moving better now? Is he faster now?

Yes he is moving better and hitting the ball a lot harder and serving better. Believe me, you’re in for a surprise. Djokovic is getting older and he can’t win everything

 

[Spin Diesel]

I was wondering the same as @Kralingen . Unfortunately I don't remember the match really well. I thought Sinner played at a very high level in those first two sets, while Djokovic not so much. Novak raised his level after that and Sinner looked as if he ran a bit out of focus/mental capabilities.
Too bad the full match isn't online - I'd love to rewatch it.

 

[Winners or Errors]

2022 Wimbledon QF.

Sinner goes 2-0 up, 7-5 in a close but clutch set and then a dominant 6-2, taking control of the match. After that, the match completely flips with Djoker winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the remaining 3 sets and Sinner faltering a bit on serve, looking done mentally, then slightly twisting his ankle and looking like he no longer belongs on the same court after the 3rd set.

This was the first time a player has taken the first two sets from Novak at Wimbledon since 2015, and I was impressed by Sinner’s play in the opening two sets as well as the previous round defeating Carlos. But the last 3 sets were just completely one sided in Novak’s favor. I am really not sure of what to make of it.

Was Sinner’s dominance in the first two sets legit, and he was just lacking the fitness and experience to finish the job? Was Djokovic lucky not to lose?

Or was Djokovic simply very flat to start and just needed to wake up and take Sinner seriously? Was Sinner lucky that Djoko played so badly the first 2 sets and fluked into winning them?

What does it mean for this year’s match?

Vote.

Don't like any of the poll choices. Where's the "Sinner was the better player until he veered away from his game plan, handing Djokovic the last three sets" option?

 

[RF-18]

It was a combination of things. Sinner playing well in set 1, returning well and Djokovic trying to find his level.

I remember Djokovic pretty much tanked the 2nd set after he got broken. Very similar to the 2nd set against Tsitsipas in the FO final. Then he went into lockdown mode, and his serve was incredible for 3 sets. And Sinner couldn't come up with a level to match him in any department.

Djokovic will be no different tomorrow. This is where he switches on now, a whole other focus. Sinner will have to play the best tennis match he has ever played to date to even keep it close cause when Djokovic suddenly switches gears you need to match that. Djokovic is unbelievably strong, there is this calmness and confidence about him these days and he refuses to go down. I feel a bit sorry for these next gen players to have to play Djokovic all the time. He is too good.

Lets see what happens.

 

[aldeayeah]

Fluke is a strong word, but Djokovic did have quite a slow start.

 

[Spin Diesel]

Is he moving better now? Is he faster now?

I do think that he does move better overall and also in defense. Don't you agree?

 

[tennisandtennis]

@Kralingen Djokovic is 36 and Father Time is undefeated. He will be surprised on Friday, mark my words

EPO is a miracle drug

 

[Subway Tennis]

When the match was just about backhands and forehands, Sinner was toying with Djokovic. The majority of these top younger players (Rune, Sinner, Alcaraz, even Korda and Musetti) can make Djokovic look very human when it is just about physicality, ball-striking and court craft.

But Djokovic kept hanging in there until that inevitable point in a big match when it’s not “just” about backhands and forehands, but also about how you execute when at the outer limits of belief in your game and maintaining uncluttered decision-making about things like shot selection on a surface like grass that rewards first strike tennis.

 

[dking68]

I do think that he does move better overall and also in defense. Don't you agree?

It’s so obvious he’s moving better and the legs are stronger

 

[Kralingen]

Don't like any of the poll choices. Where's the "Sinner was the better player until he veered away from his game plan, handing Djokovic the last three sets" option?

What was his game plan, and what did he stop doing?

 

[tennisandtennis]

Yes he is moving better and hitting the ball a lot harder and serving better. Believe me, you’re in for a surprise. Djokovic is getting older and he can’t win everything

Sinner is the textbook definition of aggressive baseliner. Dude absolutely rips the ball. Few people put Alcaraz on defense like he can. That says a lot, considering how routinely Alcaraz broke Rune, who also pounds the ball.

 

[TheNachoMan]

Typical stuff from the next gen: playing well for two sets and then totally collapsing, not even being close in any other set. Djokovic didn't even have to do anything after the second set.

This year it's probably going to be even wore. Djokovic in 3-4 sets.

Yawn.

 

[Spin Diesel]

It’s so obvious he’s moving better and the legs are stronger

I do agree on the first part but for my taste his leg strength did improve less than I had hoped. I hope his team made the right decision in not bulking him up more.

 

[Winners or Errors]

What was his game plan, and what did he stop doing?

He stopped thinking. He had Djokovic off-balance and frustrated for two sets. He stopped moving him around and just played right to Djoker's strengths for the rest of the match, letting Djokovic pick the time to end the points. Shot selection...

 

[Subway Tennis]

Sinner is the textbook definition of aggressive baseliner. Dude absolutely rips the ball. Few people put Alcaraz on defense like he can. That says a lot, considering how routinely Alcaraz broke Rune, who also pounds the ball.

Agree. It’s almost laughable how big and effortless Sinner’s ball-striking is. Seeing him in his comfort zone smacking the felt off the ball is awe-inspiring.

I think Sinner does better against Alcaraz than Rune because Sinner is truly two-sided. Rune is slightly one-sided and if he gets heavy legs his forehand will lose some potency. Whereas Sinner is just going to be a battering ram on both sides.

 

[tudwell]

Mostly a matter of Djokovic being much superior. I think this year will be closer in the fundamentals of the match (Novak won’t routine Sinner for three straight sets) but ironically may not end up going five like last year.