What Novak needs to realize about RF

[Elektra]

One of the commentators said that during the second set. Novak let the pro Federer crowd get to him and mentally meltdown.

Of course it is going to be difficult going against Federer and getting that instant love and appreciation. Roger Federer is not just a tennis player but a huge PR machine with the big commericals, apparel, luxury endorsements and celebrities always rooting for him. Of course it will hard for Novak to win that instant support. He is going against a brand/ propaganda and not just a tennis player. Even though Roger has not been winning slams and he will still get accolades because of his legend depsite his form or how horrible he plays.

Novak needs to understand that and realize that it is not personal. Federer fans motto is about believing.
Even Rafa went through that earlier in his career when he faced Roger and he eventually got the appreciation and love.

Novak will get his appreciation, it just needs to happen within a couple of years and the mean time keep the Federer fans quiet by winning and proving why he is the best in the world.Tennis fans do not forget and soon he will get that appeciation.

 

[swizzy]

not exactly

 

[tennisaddict]

Novak Needs some immediate PR machinery to change this

Federer's Box

Novak's Box

 

[veroniquem]

I think he gets plenty of appreciation right now. There were lots of Djoko fans in the crowd. It's just that the Fed fans tend to be super loud, especially when Fed has the momentum, which makes it seem like they're twice as numerous. But there were people cheering for Novak too.

 

[maruzo]

A picture says a thousand words. Truly.

 

[Elektra]

Novak Needs some immediate PR machinery to change this

Federer's Box

Novak's Box

The president of Serbia is not enough to change that.

The biggest larger then life celebrity that could help Novak out is Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Samuel L Jackson or Angelina Jolie.

 

[tennisaddict]

I think he gets plenty of appreciation right now. There were lots of Djoko fans in the crowd. It's just that the Fed fans tend to be super loud, especially when Fed has the momentum, which makes it seem like they're twice as numerous. But there were people cheering for Novak too.

Brad Gilbert
‏@bgtennisnation
FedFans willing him ATM crowd must be at least 97% for RF

 

[Elektra]

Brad Gilbert
‏@bgtennisnation
FedFans willing him ATM crowd must be at least 97% for RF

That is also part of the pressure of being #1. People want to see the #1 player beat.

Hopefully things will get better for Novak in Miami. It is a more diverse area then Indian Wells which is 99% red/Republican area.

Now he can see why Serena never came back for 14 years.

 

[tennisaddict]

That is also part of the pressure of being #1. People want to see the #1 player beat.

Hopefully things will get better for Novak in Miami. It is a more diverse area then Indian Wells which is 99% red/Republican area.

Now he can see why Serena never came back for 14 years.

The best fans are probably New York fans.

You sure about that as Novak had major issues a few times there ?

 

[maruzo]

I don't think the majority of the spectators ever wanted to see Fed beat when he was #1 in the world.

The guy is just loved by all race and creed. You can't stop this!

Without Fed's presence Novak will truly enjoy all the fan's love and attention at Miami.

Small token from Fed for poor Novak's lack of love from the crowd.

 

[Elektra]

You sure about that as Novak had major issues a few times there ?

Can count the Asian swing but people say that is really the end of tennis season.

Forget about the French Open and Wimbledon fans.

Wimby fans were 100% for Fed last year and of course Andy Murray in 2013.

Don't have Novak go against Monfils and Tsonga in Paris.

New York is the best for Novak, there are a lot of Serbians living in the east coast of America. New York loves tennis not the just the star quality of the players.

 

[merwy]

I think lots of folks like Djokovic already. Whenever he plays anyone other than Federer I hear lots of people yelling out support for him. So the only one who's getting a LOT more love than Djokovic is Federer. If that bother him, he shouldn't have such high standards.

 

[tennisaddict]

Can count the Asian swing but people say that is really the end of tennis season.

Forget about the French Open and Wimbledon fans.

Wimby fans were 100% for Fed last year and of course Andy Murray in 2013.

Don't have Novak go against Monfils and Tsonga in Paris.

New York is the best for Novak, there are a lot of Serbians living in the east coast of America. New York loves tennis not the just the star quality of the players.

Looks like he did not do himself any favors today at IW

Matt Cronin ‏@TennisReporters
Djokovic broken back to 21, some poor play, smashes racket 2 times, gets warning from chair umpire. Novak is very angry.

Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg
Federer breaks back for 1-2, and Djokovic is ****ED. He fires a ball toward photographer pit that luckily hit no one, then breaks racket.

 

[Elektra]

Looks like he did not do himself any favors today at IW

Matt Cronin ‏@TennisReporters
Djokovic broken back to 21, some poor play, smashes racket 2 times, gets warning from chair umpire. Novak is very angry.

Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg
Federer breaks back for 1-2, and Djokovic is ****ED. He fires a ball toward photographer pit that luckily hit no one, then breaks racket.

If that is is true then he is only showing why fans continue to root for Federer.

Rafa won't even do such antics.

 

[Elektra]

I think lots of folks like Djokovic already. Whenever he plays anyone other than Federer I hear lots of people yelling out support for him. So the only one who's getting a LOT more love than Djokovic is Federer. If that bother him, he shouldn't have such high standards.

Knowing how hard he worked to get to elite level he should raise the level of his publicity and PR machine.

 

[rh310]

Federer is a great representative for tennis, plays a beautiful game, and doesn't feel entitled to his popularity even though he wears it well.

Djokovic...there's something a little off about him. It's like his parents worshipped him or something, and unless the fans do too he gets a little weird about it.

 

[veroniquem]

Brad Gilbert
‏@bgtennisnation
FedFans willing him ATM crowd must be at least 97% for RF

BG always exaggerates! They kept showing the crowd on TV and there were more than 3% for Djoko lol.

 

[rh310]

If that is is true then he is only showing why fans continue to root for Federer.

Rafa won't even do such antics.

PR won't fix that, either.

 

[Elektra]

Federer is a great representative for tennis, plays a beautiful game, and doesn't feel entitled to his popularity even though he wears it well.

Djokovic...there's something a little off about him. It's like his parents worshipped him or something, and unless the fans do too he gets a little weird about it.

The worse thing he is doing is comparing his standards to Federer. Non of the players of the past wanted to love or admired like a god like Fed.

If anything his friend Andy Murray has resisted being that loved and admired from the fans in Great Britain.

It is part of the PR machine and if Novak understands the system then he should not be bothered by it.

 

[Tiger8]

Novak Needs some immediate PR machinery to change this

Federer's Box

Novak's Box

Hey now, P. Diddy was in Djokovic's box at US Open in 2011!

 

[Strange Bird]

Hey now, P. Diddy was in Djokovic's box at US Open in 2011!

Robert de Niro (and his wife), Sharapova:twisted: were in his box at us open final 2007
edit: Kanye West was in his box at RG 2011 I believe

 

[Elektra]

Robert de Niro (and his wife), Sharapova:twisted: were in his box at us open final 2007

What an alternate universe that was, Novak was not in his full form yet.

 

[marc45]

Tennis writer Steve Tignor's quote, was there...

"At the start of the next game, Djokovic responded with a sarcastic thumb’s up to the audience. I have to say, I understood the sentiment. I’ve seen plenty of pro-Federer crowds, but this was the most anti-Federer’s-opponent audience I’ve ever heard."

 

[swordtennis]

Fed and Nadal and the third man own Djokovic mentally it is sad. It is a testament to his determination and resiliency that he has had the success he has had against them.

 

[Elektra]

Tennis writer Steve Tignor's quote, was there...

"At the start of the next game, Djokovic responded with a sarcastic thumb’s up to the audience. I have to say, I understood the sentiment. I’ve seen plenty of pro-Federer crowds, but this was the most anti-Federer’s-opponent audience I’ve ever heard."

We can see why Serena never came back to Indian Wells after her getting booed in 2001.

Indian Wells crowd remind me of French Open crowd with their hyperpartisanship for certain players.

 

[marc45]

Howard Bryant of ESPN...there as well...

"Djokovic has the credentials, the game and the personality to be the people's champion, but that title belongs to Federer. Each point won by Federer was met with an uproarious cheer from the crowd. The pressure was not simply being put on Djokovic by Federer -- but by the reminder that he is not Federer.

Djokovic won points to polite applause. He lost points to ferocious applause.

As the second set moved to a tiebreaker, Djokovic double-faulted three times, essentially handing Federer that portion of the match. In the third, Djokovic's hand shook as he drank water. He smashed a racket in frustration. Pressure, without a crowd to lift him, was taking away his championship.

Novak Djokovic understands why he wasn't a crowd favorite in the Indian Wells final.
"I don't know what to say," Djokovic said. "I can't identify the emotion that was behind it, but it was a little bit of everything."

After the match, Djokovic was philosophical on where he stands with the fans.

"Well, first of all," Djokovic said, "with all the success that [Federer] had throughout his career, he's somebody that's been around on the tour for so many years, plus he's a great guy on and off the court, and I'm sure its normal that he has the support, major support anywhere he goes, especially in the United States.

"So, I don't get upset with that, even though in the moments of the battle, you're sometimes looking for the support of the crowd. I did feel I had my support, but the majority was on his side. That's something that's normal. I don't really get upset for that. I expect that.

"I have to earn my majority of the support here or at any tournament with the time spent on this level, with the titles, and with my responsibility as somebody that is on top of the men's game. On and off the court, I have to carry myself in the right way and then hopefully one day the people will get to recognize that even more and more."

This past week, Federer said tennis is now living in the age of Djokovic. That's no understatement. Djokovic won the first major of the year and now the first Masters 1000, just as he did last year. He has a 4,000-point lead in the rankings over No. 2 Federer and leads Nadal and Murray by 7,000 points. Djokovic is proving a calendar Grand Slam, which hasn't been done since 1969, appears to be possible.

The pressure was suffocating, and Djokovic defeated it. He has won everything except the French Open and maybe, more importantly, the true hearts of the public."

 

[Elektra]

Howard Bryant of ESPN...there as well...

"Djokovic has the credentials, the game and the personality to be the people's champion, but that title belongs to Federer. Each point won by Federer was met with an uproarious cheer from the crowd. The pressure was not simply being put on Djokovic by Federer -- but by the reminder that he is not Federer.

Djokovic won points to polite applause. He lost points to ferocious applause.

As the second set moved to a tiebreaker, Djokovic double-faulted three times, essentially handing Federer that portion of the match. In the third, Djokovic's hand shook as he drank water. He smashed a racket in frustration. Pressure, without a crowd to lift him, was taking away his championship.

Novak Djokovic understands why he wasn't a crowd favorite in the Indian Wells final.
"I don't know what to say," Djokovic said. "I can't identify the emotion that was behind it, but it was a little bit of everything."

After the match, Djokovic was philosophical on where he stands with the fans.

"Well, first of all," Djokovic said, "with all the success that [Federer] had throughout his career, he's somebody that's been around on the tour for so many years, plus he's a great guy on and off the court, and I'm sure its normal that he has the support, major support anywhere he goes, especially in the United States.

"So, I don't get upset with that, even though in the moments of the battle, you're sometimes looking for the support of the crowd. I did feel I had my support, but the majority was on his side. That's something that's normal. I don't really get upset for that. I expect that.

"I have to earn my majority of the support here or at any tournament with the time spent on this level, with the titles, and with my responsibility as somebody that is on top of the men's game. On and off the court, I have to carry myself in the right way and then hopefully one day the people will get to recognize that even more and more."

This past week, Federer said tennis is now living in the age of Djokovic. That's no understatement. Djokovic won the first major of the year and now the first Masters 1000, just as he did last year. He has a 4,000-point lead in the rankings over No. 2 Federer and leads Nadal and Murray by 7,000 points. Djokovic is proving a calendar Grand Slam, which hasn't been done since 1969, appears to be possible.

The pressure was suffocating, and Djokovic defeated it. He has won everything except the French Open and maybe, more importantly, the true hearts of the public."

I am sure Novak is appreciated in the United States. That is what happens when you go against a fan favorite.

He won't have to deal with that in Miami. Anytime you meet Federer in the final expect a partisan crowd.

It was like that in Dubai.

 

[marc45]

We can see why Serena never came back to Indian Wells after her getting booed in 2001.

Indian Wells crowd remind me of French Open crowd with their hyperpartisanship for certain players.

they were cheering some double faults by Rafa yesterday....I guess that was pro-Fed too, get Rafa out of the way..idk

 

[Sentinel]

Didn't know the cast of Downton Abbey was in Fed's box. I missed that entire season it seems.

 

[Elektra]

they were cheering some double faults by Rafa yesterday....I guess that was pro-Fed too, get Rafa out of the way..idk

Rafa made his point in h2h record against Federer. I bet you it is like Serena against Sharapova, where he can make mince meat off Federer even if he is not in full form or health.

With the anti-opponent sentiment during Fed matches, I hope they have good security so it won't turn into a Monica Seles situation.

 

[Elektra]

they were cheering some double faults by Rafa yesterday....I guess that was pro-Fed too, get Rafa out of the way..idk

Indian Wells is an area with rich people and Republicans.
Rich people buy luxury goods and who gets luxury endorsements...Federer.

He was at a Moet and Chandon party before the tournament.

 

[marc45]

Indian Wells is an area with rich people and Republicans.
Rich people buy luxury goods and who gets luxury endorsements...Federer.

He was at a Moet and Chandon party before the tournament.

I saw the party pictures...should be said, back and forth from LA to NYC (exo with Dimitrov) having come from Dubai with his big entourage can't be easy...it's not all about him though, he knows the tours badly need this stuff to compete for attention, particularly in the states...need to keep the sport out there in all sorts of environments...but he likes the attention too, for sure

 

[Elektra]

I saw the party pictures...should be said, back and forth from LA to NYC (exo with Dimitrov) having come from Dubai with his big entourage can't be easy...it's not all about him though, he knows the tours badly need this stuff to compete for attention, particularly in the states...need to keep the sport out there in all sorts of environments...but he likes the attention too, for sure

US is still a big market despite the fact that men's American tennis is at a low bar. US Open continues to have the largest attendance out of all the GS. Americans love tennis even though it seems like it is under the shadow of basketball, football and baseball.

Federer is the best at staying aloof but of course he loves the attention. If he did not love it, he would not even been the ambassador.

 

[chibij918]

I was at the match and much of the crowd was older, caucasian folks who tended to be very pro-Federer but that's normal at Indian Wells. Although I'm a Federer fan myself I was surprised by how excitedly the crowd applauded when Djokovic double faulted or made unforced errors Djokovic had very few vocal fans except for a band of younger males in the grandstands who would clap and yell in between most points. They were impressively well organized but also a little obnoxious and I think that made some folks in the crowd who would normally be a little quieter more vocally pro-Federer during the match.

 

[oneness]

they were cheering some double faults by Rafa yesterday....I guess that was pro-Fed too, get Rafa out of the way..idk

Yep, fanatic fed fans do that all the time all over the world.
Had gone to indian wells this year , stayed only for the second round, sat near a seemingly nice person, he asked me who I am a fan of and when I said rafa, he jokingly said I don't like you already and he went on to say he likes Djoker as Nole stops rafa from getting to 17 slams and that he roots for anyone that plays rafa as he doesn't want rafa to match fed's record.
Like I said he seemed like a very nice guy, it's just tennis fandom, doesn't make rafa a bad person or an unlikable person, as some fed fans claim here as a reason for why rafa is not supported as much as fed. Some Fanatic Fed fans have bought into the fact that fed is the greatest and they want that to remain a fact and would hate anything that comes in the way.

 

[oneness]

Rafa made his point in h2h record against Federer. I bet you it is like Serena against Sharapova, where he can make mince meat off Federer even if he is not in full form or health.

With the anti-opponent sentiment during Fed matches, I hope they have good security so it won't turn into a Monica Seles situation.

This sure is worrying, plus the security checks at these tournaments are not that great, they just check your bag thats about it, plus the crowds have great access to the practice courts, but truly truly hope it never happens. Poor seles, talk about traumatic.

 

[marc45]

Yep, fanatic fed fans do that all the time all over the world.
Had gone to indian wells this year , stayed only for the second round, sat near a seemingly nice person, he asked me who I am a fan of and when I said rafa, he jokingly said I don't like you already and he went on to say he likes Djoker as Nole stops rafa from getting to 17 slams and that he roots for anyone that plays rafa as he doesn't want rafa to match fed's record.
Like I said he seemed like a very nice guy, it's just tennis fandom, doesn't make rafa a bad person or an unlikable person, as some fed fans claim here as a reason for why rafa is not supported as much as fed. Some Fanatic Fed fans have bought into the fact that fed is the greatest and they want that to remain a fact and would hate anything that comes in the way.

honest guy at least...Nadal does get more support than Djokovic against Fed it seems, and it definitely is something Novak struggles with..weird thing is it doesn't seem to annoy Nadal at all...I think it plays perfectly into his underdog theme...Novak fans seem to be very defensive at times too, though some of this East vs. West Europe stuff I hear from them might be buried in people...Novak doesn't help himself with the sarcastic gestures...at times he seems caught between wanting to be the crowd favorite and possibly going the villain route, like Mac and Nastase in the old days...and Connors too, though he turned that into a positive for him...Novak does kind of remind me of Connors

 

[oneness]

honest guy at least...Nadal does get more support than Djokovic against Fed it seems, and it definitely is something Novak struggles with..weird thing is it doesn't seem to annoy Nadal at all...I think it plays perfectly into his underdog theme...Novak fans seem to be very defensive at times too, though some of this East vs. West Europe stuff I hear from them might be buried in people...Novak doesn't help himself with the sarcastic gestures...at times he seems caught between wanting to be the crowd favorite and possibly going the villain route, like Mac and Nastase in the old days, and Connors too...though he turned that into a positive for him...Novak does kind of remind me of Connors

Rafa fanatics even if they are a few less in number (compared to fed) love him intensely, plus it appears that rafa mostly cares about his family and friends , everything else is a bonus, he loves the attention and is deeply touched by the love of his fans, but doesn't seem to expect it.
Novak's no nonsense game and his self confidence ( he is not an underdog) coupled with his over the top celebrations in the past after the match being more macho than joyful, along with the neediness (that ends in anger ) displayed at times is not all that endearing. But again all that could just be because he was not as well received as fed or rafa.
I think he is a pretty decent guy but tries too hard to be liked. He has worked his butt off all his carreer and has deserved all the success, he is very well respected and feared, plus he is everything to Serbia. Lots to be happy about.

 

[Elektra]

honest guy at least...Nadal does get more support than Djokovic against Fed it seems, and it definitely is something Novak struggles with..weird thing is it doesn't seem to annoy Nadal at all...I think it plays perfectly into his underdog theme...Novak fans seem to be very defensive at times too, though some of this East vs. West Europe stuff I hear from them might be buried in people...Novak doesn't help himself with the sarcastic gestures...at times he seems caught between wanting to be the crowd favorite and possibly going the villain route, like Mac and Nastase in the old days...and Connors too, though he turned that into a positive for him...Novak does kind of remind me of Connors

Novak is like the guy where he is inbetween and can't fine a true identity and alliance.

Andy Murray is what he is but Novak does not know if should be the poster boy or the villian.

The era of Federer has raised the bar so high that it is very impossible for men tennis players to be their own personalities.

The only one who distinguished himself during Fed era was Andy Roddick. Nowadays it is impossible to be your own person without Fed fans or even Rafa fans judging and comparing.

American tennis players like Connors, McEnroe, Agassi were the best in creating their personalities and which is why they had the television ratings.

 

[oneness]

Novak is like the guy where he is inbetween and can't fine a true identity and alliance.

Andy Murray is what he is but Novak does not know if should be the poster boy or the villian.

The era of Federer has raised the bar so high that it is very impossible for men tennis players to be their own personalities.

The only one who distinguished himself during Fed era was Andy Roddick. Nowadays it is impossible to be your own person without Fed fans or even Rafa fans judging and comparing.

American tennis players were the best in creating their personalities and which is why they had the television ratings.

Yep, Andy Murray is like this is who I am, take it or leave it, i don't care kind of guy. Love him for that, he is as genuine as they come.

 

[Elektra]

Yep, Andy Murray is like this is who I am, take it or leave it, i don't care kind of guy. Love him for that, he is as genuine as they come.

True that , Andy Murray is not a conformist, and will never change to become a poster boy. Novak's extroverted personality should shine instead of being the political correct poster boy like Federer.People have a way gravitating to you if you be what you are.

 

[Elektra]

I was at the match and much of the crowd was older, caucasian folks who tended to be very pro-Federer but that's normal at Indian Wells. Although I'm a Federer fan myself I was surprised by how excitedly the crowd applauded when Djokovic double faulted or made unforced errors Djokovic had very few vocal fans except for a band of younger males in the grandstands who would clap and yell in between most points. They were impressively well organized but also a little obnoxious and I think that made some folks in the crowd who would normally be a little quieter more vocally pro-Federer during the match.

If they were true tennis purists they would still applaud for Novak's great tennis that he played.

Both played great tennis.

US Open 2013-Novak vs Rafa was the best display of a 50/50 crowd cheering for great tennis.

 

[oneness]

I like rafa and andy more than fed or nole. But boy how I will miss any of the top four when they retire, they all have different and interesting enough personalities and of course the game.

 

[Starbuckingham]

Novak Needs some immediate PR machinery to change this

Federer's Box

Novak's Box

Nova can add Mr. Putin and Yeltsin and Gorbachev and Safin in his player's box. Yeltsin plays tennis. Maybe Boris can invites Ms. Merkel and Ms. Tymoshenko for some feminine touch.

 

[Elektra]

I like rafa and andy more than fed or nole. But boy how I will miss any of the top four when they retire, they all have different and interesting enough personalities and of course the game.

Once the young guns start to peak I think the one that will be the rockstar is Nishikori.

Raonic does have the personality, Dimitrov seems tense.

 

[oneness]

If they were true tennis purists they would still applaud for Novak's great tennis that he played.

Both played great tennis.

US Open 2013-Novak vs Rafa was the best display of a 50/50 crowd cheering for great tennis.

Great tennis is not cheered unless played by fed in a fed pro crowd because they are desperate for their guy to win, as he is approaching the tail end of his career. If he was a young upstart, they will want to enjoy some good tennis as they would know that even if he loses this match, the chance for the next big win is around the corner. Thats what I sensed from the crowd in indian wells this year as well as last year.
Also they fear a fed loss more, if the opponent even shows some glimpse of good form, based on how fed's not been able to keep with the good play for a long stretch, so it is just the anxiety.
Of course this is not true for some fed fans who love good tennis slighltly more than the man himself.

 

[oneness]

Once the young guns start to peak I think the one that will be the rockstar is Nishikori.

Raonic does have the personality, Dimitrov seems tense.

Nishikori really? He is way too subdued , I think so is Raonic.
Kyrgios is sure to be a star if he is even slightly consistent.

 

[Elektra]

Great tennis is not cheered unless played by fed in a fed pro crowd because they are desperate for their guy to win, as he is approaching the tail end of his career. If he was a young upstart, they will want to enjoy some good tennis as they would know that even if he loses this match, the chance for the next big win is around the corner. Thats what I sensed from the crowd in indian wells this year as well as last year.
Also they fear a fed loss more, if the opponent even shows some glimpse of good form, based on how fed's not been able to keep with the good play for a long stretch, so it is just the anxiety.
Of course this is not true for some fed fans who love good tennis slighltly more than the man himself.

That makes a lot of sense but their anxiety for their man to win should not interfere for everybody else and their development. It is that dangerous type of loyalty that made life worse for example Monica Seles once she found the blueprint on beating Steffi Graf. Fans must learn how to grown with the sport once Fed retires or can't go to the finals on a consistent basis. Federer has done it all and will go down as an all time great, right now it is Novak's peak and his turn. Sensible should respect that he is in his prime.

 

[Elektra]

Nishikori really? He is way too subdued , I think so is Raonic.
Kyrgios is sure to be a star if he is even slightly consistent.

It will take him a couple of years to find his form and win some titles.

Kei will be the rockstar because people will like him because he is subdued and his tennis is exciting enough for people to root for him. That is what tennis fans love in a way.

Raonic has no real personality yet and his tennis is not helping. He will become the living image of a servebot.

 

[Russeljones]

It's straight out of 'Rocky V'. The young gun just hasn't seen it.