What's your post-match feelings?

[The Fedfather]

Feeling frustrated of course, because the expectations were high and the match delivered like 40% of that before dropping below zero.

Hoping for a better second semi though, and really think it could turn out well, just from the angle of Zverev and Ruud being closely matched on clay. It's good that Djokoraz were put first in this regard.

 

[Mainad]

As I just said in an another thread my immediate feelings are that Alcaraz's fitness is suspect which is worrying for someone who has just turned 20. Unless he manages to address this issue successfully as he gets older it's going to start putting limitations on what he can achieve, certainly by Big 3 Standards. I hope I am wrong but, for now, I am concerned!!

Meanwhile, 36 year old Djokovic continues to prove he is the fittest player on tour (and probably in the entire history of the game) putting guys more than a decade younger than him to shame. Doesn't bode well for their chances against him and is going to ensure that Djokovic continues to be the best player in the game for a long time to come!!!

 

[mike danny]

Alcaraz should never be considered the favorite for a slam title until he actually proves himself as one.

Back to back years he has disappointed at RG too.

 

[StrongRule]

He’s not almost 37, he just turned 36, so maybe try not to gild the lily.
Djokovic won because Carlos had a physical issue, not because he was the better player. Those are the facts, like it or not.
We have not seen the match today that we needed to, simple really.

Alcaraz having physical issues at his age is pathetic. He is never going to beat Djokovic in BO5 if he can't play for more than 2 sets. Just like the other next gen.

 

[SlangB]

just disappointment, I wasn't really invested in the outcome so much as seeing a competitive match between the two best players currently on tour, not to mention all of the storylines surrounding the changing of the guard

now I have to decide whether I want to watch a recording of the first two sets since I was at work during the match

 

[NoleFam]

Honestly, I thought Djokovic was tested more this tournament and was playing a high level against Fokina and Khachanov when he had to. He was amazing against Varillas. I think Alcaraz wasn't used to someone absorbing his shots like that and sending them back with interest. Those were winners against Musetti and Tsitsipas. That made it way more physical for him and he wasn't used to that, at least not this tournament. I think that made the difference today.

So people always cry about age this, age that, and Djokovic only wins because the competition is bad. Then they say, this guy will crush him and he is finally playing against a younger ATG, and then when this happens they go quiet. Honestly, Alcaraz will be a great player and will be an ATG but people need to start putting more respect on Djokovic's name.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Yes, I have been on record repeatedly hailing Carlos Alcaraz as the Second Coming. That's why I posted earlier this week that he should retire from the sport altogether if he couldn't even beat a washed-up old fogey who'd probably need a Zimmer just to get onto the court. Given that he lost pretty easily in the end, I'm not sure retirement suffices. He should probably have to sit in the stocks and get pelted with rancid tomatoes first.

Pointing out that someone isn't "almost" at their next birthday three weeks after their previous one is not what I'd call "semantics".

It's blasphemy to call him second coming while son of god is still fit and playing.

 

[RS]

Disappointed as the match was picking up and in a good place beforehand but I did predict Djokovic to win but not like this.

 

[tennis_pro]

Very mixed feelings regarding the match alone, pretty dissapointed in Alcaraz to be honest.

Regarding Djokovic I think he will end the GOAT debate this year for good.

 

[dking68]

Sinner is better, that’s my feeling

 

[mike danny]

So people always cry about age this, age that, and Djokovic only wins because the competition is bad. Then they say, this guy will crush him and he is finally playing against a younger ATG, and then when this happens they go quiet. Honestly, Alcaraz will be a great player and will an ATG but people need to start putting more respect on Djokovic's name.

Well, clearly Alcaraz is not playing at ATG level yet which means that such a player after Djokovic has not yet arrived. 16 years and counting.

 

[Checkmate]

By what possible measure was he the better player in the 2nd?

Baseline exchanges, Pressure points, Quality of chances missed.

 

[TheFifthSet]

I hope people cool it with the big 3 comparisons.

A supposed future GOAT in his physical prime has no business losing to an almost 37 yr old in a slam semifinal.

People have severe amnesia or easily susceptible to propaganda when they drink the Alcaraz being better than the big 3.

It’s beyond laughable.

Yes it’s beyond premature to coronate him as a successor, but it’s bold to assume he’s in his physical prime.

 

[robthai]

My feelings are of vindication. Djokovic will probably play till 40, win 3/4 slams more and Raz and Rune time will come within 2 years. All the beliefs are proven.

While those who tried to discourage nolefams saying he is too old had to eat their own words. Pure vindication.

Because he beat a compromised opponent who couldnt even run in sets 3 and 4? If Djokovic had beaten him without the cramps, then yes, total vindication. But this result proves nothing other than Djokovic being superior to a cramping opponent.

 

[The Fedfather]

Baseline exchanges, Pressure points, Quality of chances missed.

Pressure points is the only one I'd give him. It was Alcaraz's set to lose otherwise.

 

[ojo rojo]

Tired. Thirsty. Vaguely aroused.

 

[Third Serve]

One of the most disappointing matches and results I’ve ever seen, and I did not have high hopes to begin with. Underwhelming level for most of the first two sets from both players and then it completely fell apart in the third with Alc’s cramping.

If I read another comment about this supposedly being a strong era, I might get sick. You can make excuses for a lot of things but this is just… bad bad.

 

[mattennis]

I think Alcaraz doesn't have yet all it takes to defeat a good Djokovic in a GS SF.

Djokovic has lost only three times at a GS SF in his entire career against players not named Federer or Nadal.

Thiem RG'19
Berdych WIM'10
Nishikori USO'14

Carlitos biggest wins in GS are, up to now:

Ruud, Tsitsipas, Sinner, Tiafoe, Cilic


Djokovic in a GS SF is a completely different animal.

Well, I guess I was kind of right.

Carlos didn't have any really hard test before getting to the semi-finals.

The emotional tension and the thing that he ran like a possessed for two and a half hours (making some gets no one could believe, by the way) depleted some of his muscles of electrolytes.

He is just too intense, hitting the ball and running top end full time.

Nadal and Djokovic used to run like crazy for hours too, but then they waited 40 seconds to start the next point every time.

 

[NoleFam]

Well, clearly Alcaraz is not playing at ATG level yet which means that such a player after Djokovic has not yet arrived. 16 years and counting.

And it continues....

 

[Shaolin]

Im bummed but I want to see Novak get #23 so looking forward to that.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Honestly, I thought Djokovic was tested more this tournament and was playing a high level against Fokina and Khachanov when he had to. I think Alcaraz wasn't used to someone absorbing his shots like that and sending them back with interest. Those were winners against Musetti and Tsitsipas. That made it way more physical for him and he wasn't used to that, at least not this tournament. I think that made the difference today.

So people always cry about age this, age that, and Djokovic only wins because the competition is bad. Then they say, this guy will crush him and he is finally playing against a younger ATG, and then when this happens they go quiet. Honestly, Alcaraz will be a great player and will be an ATG but people need to start putting more respect on Djokovic's name.

Alcaraz wasn't tested at all. 3 back to back matches vs single handers.

Single hand backhand is a relic. No one should use it in modern game. Novak is hitting 210 mph serves and Carlos is hitting 220 kph serves.

Both are hitting well over 150 kph forehands. The game is changed. This is even more power than just 3 years ago. Rafa bullied single handers in 2005 when power wasn't such an issue. Now though, it's all about power. And Alcaraz or any other next gen with double hander should and would dominate single handers mercilessly.

 

[Mainad]

Sinner is better, that’s my feeling

Better at what?

 

[Checkmate]

Pressure points is the only one I'd give him. It was Alcaraz's set to lose otherwise.

That's why I said it was 49-51 Alcaraz. I deduct some points from him for failing to serve it out at 5-4.

 

[jl809]

The first two sets were God tier as far as quality was concerned. Very sad to see Alcaraz injured, he was looking the better player heading into the third set, 1-1 was a very fair scoreline. They were neck and neck. Last two sets were seriously deflated.

But, Djokovic won in the end, and Earth's citizens can sleep well at least one more night, and that is what ultimately matters.

On this occasion I’m actually not going to bother refuting this, because it occurs to me that if you believe it, it probably means you find more tennis to be “amazing” on average than the typical TTW user… which presumably means you enjoy it more too. And it would be just nasty to try to drag that enjoyment down. Especially as your man is on another amazing run. Enjoy!

 

[nolefam_2024]

Because he beat a compromised opponent who couldnt even run in sets 3 and 4? If Djokovic had beaten him without the cramps, then yes, total vindication. But this result proves nothing other than Djokovic being superior to a cramping opponent.

I honestly don't give a damn if Alcaraz was even dying. A win is a win.

 

[dking68]

Better at what?

Everything. He had a 2 set lead over Djokovic at his second best slam. Carlos was never in a lead in Novak’s worst slam. Sinner is better and has more potential

 

[dking68]

I honestly don't give a damn if Alcaraz was even dying. A win is a win.

Sinner is just better. Sinner actually had a chance to beat Novak at his second best slam

 

[mike danny]

And it continues....

Exactly.

It is a shame and Djokovic has shown his mettle.

I guess Carlos should never be considered a favorite for a slam title until he actually earns it against better players than Ruud, Tsitsipas and Tiafoe.

 

[jl809]

Honestly, I thought Djokovic was tested more this tournament and was playing a high level against Fokina and Khachanov when he had to. He was amazing against Varillas. I think Alcaraz wasn't used to someone absorbing his shots like that and sending them back with interest. Those were winners against Musetti and Tsitsipas. That made it way more physical for him and he wasn't used to that, at least not this tournament. I think that made the difference today.

So people always cry about age this, age that, and Djokovic only wins because the competition is bad. Then they say, this guy will crush him and he is finally playing against a younger ATG, and then when this happens they go quiet. Honestly, Alcaraz will be a great player and will be an ATG but people need to start putting more respect on Djokovic's name.

I actually totally agree with this, said throughout that I felt he played better vs KK (and was kinda forced to). KK was so clear of focus and execution

 

[nolefam_2024]

Sinner is just better. Sinner actually had a chance to beat Novak at his second best slam

Sinner is just 2 years elder. At his age Carlos would be even better. Technically Carlos is levels above sinner and physically he is maturing. He is 20 and sinner is 22.

Carlos will get stronger easily. How will sinner improve his game. That's much more difficult.

I am not worried for both alcaraz and rune.

 

[NoleFam]

Alcaraz wasn't tested at all. 3 back to back matches vs single handers.

Single hand backhand is a relic. No one should use it in modern game. Novak is hitting 210 mph serves and Carlos is hitting 220 kph serves.

Both are hitting well over 150 kph forehands. The game is changed. This is even more power than just 3 years ago. Rafa bullied single handers in 2005 when power wasn't such an issue. Now though, it's all about power. And Alcaraz or any other next gen with double hander should and would dominate single handers mercilessly.

Single handers and they played like scared puppies.

I agree. They couldn't handle his pace of shot. It's a whole different ballgame against the backhand of Djokovic. Single hander is hard to play against the power and spin of Nadal and Alcaraz.

As big as Alcaraz hits the ball, Djokovic was beating him on pace on the forehand today. Averaged 81 mph the 2nd set although he lost it.

 

[TheFifthSet]

Pointing out that someone isn't "almost" at their next birthday three weeks after their previous one is not what I'd call "semantics".

“Sir, you’re $3.50 short on your tab”

“Stop splitting hairs with your semantics, you fastidious pedant!”

 

[dking68]

Sinner is just 2 years elder. At his age Carlos would be even better. Technically Carlos is levels above sinner and physically he is maturing. He is 20 and sinner is 22.

Carlos will get stronger easily. How will sinner improve his game. That's much more difficult.

I am not worried for both alcaraz and rune.

Sinner is 21.8. He’s physically below Alcaraz and has more room for improvement despite the age difference

 

[ibbi]

Djokovic was certainly impressive in the first set, but Alcaraz was also bad in ways beyond what he was forced into by Novak's play. The second set was worse. There was a couple of exciting games at the end, but just look at Djokovic in that final game. Errors, errors, errors. Novak's MTO and how many errors he was making, especially when coming forward, were telling. He was getting worn down by the long match (over 2 hours for 2 sets) which is just how Alcaraz would have wanted it. He was turning the screw... He just wasn't ready himself

All that excitement from his post-match interviews after the QF where he went on about how excited he was, the obvious nerves he was feeling through the first couple of sets. It was cumulative stress. Couple it probably with the heat. His body choked. Even greater farce than last year's letdown of a semi.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Sinner is 21.8. He’s physically below Alcaraz and has more room for improvement despite the age difference

Then it's even worse. Because his game needs huge improvement.

 

[legcramp]

Better at what?

Being Berdych.

 

[helterskelter]

As I just said in an another thread my immediate feelings are that Alcaraz's fitness is suspect which is worrying for someone who has just turned 20. Unless he manages to address this issue successfully as he gets older it's going to start putting limitations on what he can achieve, certainly by Big 3 Standards. I hope I am wrong but, for now, I am concerned!!

Meanwhile, 36 year old Djokovic continues to prove he is the fittest player on tour (and probably in the entire history of the game) putting guys more than a decade younger than him to shame. Doesn't bode well for their chances against him and is going to ensure that Djokovic continues to be the best player in the game for a long time to come!!!

You're a Murray fan, so you should know that the common wisdom that players should be fittest when young is absolute bunk! Murray had real stamina problems in his teens, but by his mid-20s was completely indefatigable. I think that Alcaraz does indeed have suspect fitness if today's match tells us anything, but that there is no reason at all why he should have suspect fitness when he's 23 or 27.

 

[dking68]

Then it's even worse. Because his game needs huge improvement.

Yes I agree. For a big guy he doesn’t serve well. He needs to fortify his endurance and believe me, Alcaraz won’t have such a glamorous career

 

[ffw2]

You're a Murray fan, so you should know that the common wisdom that players should be fittest when young is absolute bunk! Murray had real stamina problems in his teens, but by his mid-20s was completely indefatigable. I think that Alcaraz does indeed have suspect fitness if today's match tells us anything, but that there is no reason at all why he should have suspect fitness when he's 23 or 27.

Your belief is that Murray is natty?

 

[Kralingen]

Honestly, I thought Djokovic was tested more this tournament and was playing a high level against Fokina and Khachanov when he had to. He was amazing against Varillas. I think Alcaraz wasn't used to someone absorbing his shots like that and sending them back with interest. Those were winners against Musetti and Tsitsipas. That made it way more physical for him and he wasn't used to that, at least not this tournament. I think that made the difference today.

So people always cry about age this, age that, and Djokovic only wins because the competition is bad. Then they say, this guy will crush him and he is finally playing against a younger ATG, and then when this happens they go quiet. Honestly, Alcaraz will be a great player and will be an ATG but people need to start putting more respect on Djokovic's name.

I’m ready to crown him if he wins on Sunday. With 23 it’ll be unassailable at this point.

 

[Mainad]

Everything. He had a 2 set lead over Djokovic at his second best slam. Carlos was never in a lead in Novak’s worst slam. Sinner is better and has more potential

Very creditable but it takes 3 sets to beat Djokovic at a Slam. Until he lands a Slam and at least 4 other big titles he is not better than Alcaraz.

 

[legcramp]

Carlos just needs to make adjustments to his fitness and not running for everything like his life depended on it. Running for lobs + drop shots over and over and over = cramps in 90 degree weather.

 

[Omega_7000]

Tennis is dead. We had one potential ATG after 15 or so years and it looks like he is made of glass.

 

[mike danny]

You're a Murray fan, so you should know that the common wisdom that players should be fittest when young is absolute bunk! Murray had real stamina problems in his teens, but by his mid-20s was completely indefatigable. I think that Alcaraz does indeed have suspect fitness if today's match tells us anything, but that there is no reason at all why he should have suspect fitness when he's 23 or 27.

But he won his maiden slam by going through 3 straight 5 setters at 19. How is his fitness worse at 20?

 

[nolefam_2024]

Novak is aging. But he is aging lion.

Every gs match since Australia Dimitrov match he is taking mid match pain killers and then easily defeating his opponent.

None of them are at his level. How can they be. Big 3 are world apart. But physically they can grind him down for a set and win it. Until he takes pain pill and they get obliterated.

 

[Mainad]

You're a Murray fan, so you should know that the common wisdom that players should be fittest when young is absolute bunk! Murray had real stamina problems in his teens, but by his mid-20s was completely indefatigable. I think that Alcaraz does indeed have suspect fitness if today's match tells us anything, but that there is no reason at all why he should have suspect fitness when he's 23 or 27.

As I said, I hope I'm wrong and you're right but, for the time being............

 

[nolefam_2024]

Yes I agree. For a big guy he doesn’t serve well. He needs to fortify his endurance and believe me, Alcaraz won’t have such a glamorous career

Serve, net game and dropshots which are becoming part of modern tennis. He lacks probably more things but these 3 off the top of my head. Do you seriously think he could go toe to toe with alcaraz FH like Nole was able to do today? I don't think so. His return and backhand is only thing that is better and him being 2 years older he beat Carlos a few times. But he has a lot to improve first.

 

[Rattie]

Alcaraz having physical issues at his age is pathetic. He is never going to beat Djokovic in BO5 if he can't play for more than 2 sets. Just like the other next gen.

Now you’re being ridiculous. Have you never had something physical come at you out of the blue? Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.
You know very well he can play 5 setters, even back to back 5 setters as he has previously done so.
Beyond stupid remark

 

[dking68]

Very creditable but it takes 3 sets to beat Djokovic at a Slam. Until he lands a Slam and at least 4 other big titles he is not better than Alcaraz.

I think it’s quite obvious he isn’t better but in my humbly opinion. If he develops his serve and gets stronger in the legs and arms, he will be a bigger player than Alcaraz

 

[helterskelter]

But he won his maiden slam by going through 3 straight 5 setters at 19. How is his fitness worse at 20?

I don't think his fitness really has declined. I think it's a combination of the heat and sun getting to him (several of his US Open matches were in the evening - notably the very long one against Sinner), coincidence (cramps can strike at any time), and nervous tension (nerves make cramps more likely).

Look, there is no question that this is a disappointment for him. I've said that several times. But it's a mistake to draw massive sweeping conclusions from it.