Novak played great but is the most arrogant player I’ve seen. Can you see Federer sticking his tongue out at someone in the audience? He has too much class to do such a thing.

In the event you did not get my message… Novak played great tennis - but is the most arrogant player I’ve seen on TV. Can you see Federer sticking his tongue out at someone in the audience - he has too much class to do such a thing!

federer and djokovic has different personality….emotions cannot be controled….especially ur playing the best player in the world.its just djokovic were very emotional in every point he won.its just djokovic were very intense in every game he has.i just believe that in every game, u have the best and worst.and djokovic played his best.

Fed played against Agassi and Roddick at consecutive US Open finals.. against a very vociferous crowd. But he handled them very well. He has just turned 23 and 24 then. Probabably a few month older than Tsonga.

Sharapova is only 20 years old.. but she behaved well when most of the fans were cheering for Ivanovic.

There’s no excuse for bad manners! The apple does not fall far from the tree.

This is an interesting article about first slam victories and the trials and tribulations thereafter, including some stuff of Becker and Sampras.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/30/stories/2008013055732000.htm

Guess it’s not easy being a champ - though the checks can’t hurt.

This is what Fed needs. He needs to feel beatable, he needs to know that there is danger on the court, he needs to know that he needs to beat his rivals to win, that’s when he becomes invincible again.

It has been too long that Fed felt that his rivals had to beat him (he didn’t have to beat them) on the court, Fed was satisfied only by winning matches, this time he knows that he must beat his rivals again, and not just win the match.

Go Fed! Take your place in history! You are the greatest when you feel beatable.

Yeah.. thats a great article Jane. No doubt its a great achievement by Djoker and he thoroughly deserved it.

The difference between Fed and Nadal and Djokovic is about just a Slam now.

Fed - GS (2W + 1F + 1SF), MS(2W + 3F) , MC
Nadal - GS (1W + 1F + 1SF + 14R), MS(3W + 2F)
DJok - GS(1W + 1F + 2SF), MS(2W + 1F + few SF)

So Djoker is infact better than Nadal in terms of Grand Slam points.

Wow, I had no idea it was *that* close of a race - thanks for sharing those stats.

Kay Pointon:

“Novak played great but is the most arrogant player I’ve seen. Can you see Federer sticking his tongue out at someone in the audience? He has too much class to do such a thing.”

Not only his toungue, but he was wagging his finger and pointing with his racquet. He stared down the Umpire when he was told about taking too much time in between serves. He did the same thing on the next serve and just opened his eyes wide and stared at the Umpire. It seemed that he was showing the Umpire that he’ll do as he pleases. Doesn’t that remind you of a kid in his terrible twos/threes stage?

If he wants to be on the big stage, he needs to grow up. But, he doesn’t have anyone to reprimand him, or teach him how to behave properly, just look at the behavior from his parents.

Djoker doesn’t need to grow up any more than any other player. We’ve been treated to some of the finest sportsmanship in Roger Federer that anyone has seen in the last few years. And Sampras wasn’t bad before that.

Djoker is more like the arrogant champions of Hewitt, Agassi, and (shudder) Connors. Hardly unknown or unusual in the world of tennis.

Someone with a personality like Djokovic’s or Hewitt’s may win a slam or two, but they can never become a champion of all times, like Federer and Sampras.

How can people compare Hewitt and Djokovic? I can see it in terms of personality, but in terms of winning? Cmon. Djokovic has soooo much more game than Hewitt has ever or will ever have. If he can stay as consistent as he’s been the last year and a half, there’s no reason why he should end up with less than 5 or 6 slams, assuming other players can continue to challenge him. His arrogance, as much as people don’t like it, is needed. Federer is too classy. Sure people argue he contradicts himself and is a sore loser, but overall he’s a very classy (if not the classiest) number 1. And Nadal just stays below him licking his balls every chance he gets. Even Federer admits what Djokovic says isn’t that big of a deal. We need some conflicting personalities. It makes tennis a lot more interesting. Ever notice how even though Nadal owns Federer people are still bored? Because they’re too nice. Am I the only one who misses John McEnroe or McEnroe-esque characters?

“We need some conflicting personalities. It makes tennis a lot more interesting. Ever notice how even though Nadal owns Federer people are still bored? Because they’re too nice. Am I the only one who misses John McEnroe or McEnroe-esque characters?”

sensationalsafin:

no, you’re not: I loved Johnny Mac’s “you can’t be serious!” It was fun and exciting to watch his matches; not only was he a great player but he could explode at any minute. I think Federer and Rafa have their own styles, but they’re very “professional”. I like that Djoker is a bit of a renegade. It’s refreshing. Sometimes we this in Roddick or Safin, but their emotions can hurt their games. Djok seems to use his anger in a better way; only when he gets nervous does it hurt him. I liked that McEnroe, Connors, and Borg were all different personalities. Now, with the Djoker, we have something more interesting happening.

That was the best slam final I had watched in years! I am still tickled pink that Federer lost in straight sets and that Djokovic won. A new king has finally entered the court!

The king is dead! Long live the king!

tennis is not a gladiator’s fight. I think expecting a level of decency and character from the players is not too much.
When we get used to arrogant behavior and name-calling, then what else will make the sport interesting?

Jane:

“We need some conflicting personalities. It makes tennis a lot more interesting. Ever notice how even though Nadal owns Federer people are still bored? Because they’re too nice. Am I the only one who misses John McEnroe or McEnroe-esque characters?”

Tennis began a Gentleman’s sport, with class and dignity, that is why the players shake hands when the match is over. However, some players have strayed w-a-y too far from the real meaning of tennis and have turned it into a street boxing event. This happens when different cultures are thrown together Each culture brings to the sport what they feel is proper behavior. I just speak for myself and I may be in the minority on this site, however, the McEnroe/Connors/Nastase kind of behavior does not bode very well with the majority of tennis fans. Much has been written and frowned upon these characters’ behavior and lack of clsss. We are supposed to be a civilized people and class still has its place in society. Take that away and we will probably revert to the caveman days.

It’s too soon to call Djokovic the new king. He’s certainly the new prince. If Djokovic can stay consistent and not lose too many points in the next few months, I expect him to surpass Nadal as number 2 before Nadal surpasses Federer as number 1.

Zola, I’ve been reading your comments here as well as on the other blogs and I completely agree with you! Go figure - a Nadal and Federer fan actually agreeing a lot lately!

Go Zola!

Even though I am not a Federer fan, and there is probably a minute possibility of the players I like being No.1, I would rather see Fed as the No. 1 than that boor Djokovic with his helium inflated head, attain the No. 1 ranking spot.

The possibility of him staying consistent is quite slim. Let’s see how he is going to defend all of those points from ‘07 and cut back on his schedule at the same time. He could do it, if he wins 2 more grand slams. However, mama is going to miss the fat checks.

I don’t know what’s all the big deal about this guy. He has only won one slam. There is presently about 5 players who have won 1 or 3 slams still playing. Any one of them could have a good run and knock Djok out of the No. 3 spot.

Sorry, last paragraph, line 2, 3 dhould be 2 slams.

federer is still the King.. period!!!

Yes .. we certainly are making a big deal.. Nadal had won his 1st GS when he had just turned 19th… 2 days after his b’day after beating Fed in the semis. He was almost 2 years younger than what Djoker is now before he won his 1st GS.

All this hype with Djoko is happening because we didn’t have a different Slam winner since Safin in AO 2005. Three years ago! That’s a lot.
So I think this “new” scenario is interesting, although he was already in the top with Fed and Nadal a long time. They 3 are way above the rest.

Fed only will be threatening after Wimbledon. Nadal, in the other hand, has to defend 3200 over 4000 possible points between Dubai and Roland Garros, and Djoko 2000 points in the same period. That’s why I think, and mentioned it last year; Djoko will be n.2 before Nadal overthrowing Fed.

The situation for Fed still is under control because he can gain points in the next 2 MS that he can overbalance “if” he lost in Wimby or US open.

Von, “This happens when different cultures are thrown together Each culture brings to the sport what they feel is proper behavior”

Well, call me an assimilationist, but I think the fact that tennis is not strictly a “gentleman’s sport” anymore, that the doors to the private lawn clubs have been cast open, and the sport is now “open” (the Open Era) is GREAT. That we have a cool Swiss, a hot Spaniard, and an emotional Serb at the top, too me, is bliss. I love the diversity and the different personalities. Maybe, too, “class” is a tad over-rated. After all, it’s the genteel of the world who are often the most hypocritical.

Jane:

“Maybe, too, “class” is a tad over-rated. After all, it’s the genteel of the world who are often the most hypocritical…”

The “Open Era” allowed people from other countries to participatein tennis, but, tennis has not lost it’s basic roots. The Lawn Tennis Club doors are now open, but that does not mean that decorum is dead or should be swept aside.

If we take away decorum from everything, be it the Military, a tennis tournament, soccer, golf, or any other sport, then we’ve got bedlam and chaos. Codes, Rules and Regulations are made to be followed, and there aren’t any ifs and buts, it’s a fact, to engender the smooth running of any association, company and organization.

Call me hypocritical, genteel, whatever, just give me pomp and circumstance, an opera, the ballet and a nice waltz and, I’m in heaven and I’m dancing cheek to cheek.

“Codes, Rules and Regulations are made to be followed” Oh for sure -I am not calling for tennis anarchy or anything! Just some variety in personalities.

I’d rather go to a rock show, as I’ve mentioned, but I can appreciate an opera or two. One night after night, though, and I’D be ripping of my shirt, or something!

Jane:

“Just some variety in personalities.”

There’s nothing wrong with diversification, however, diversification does not give these different personalities the green light to be rude and crude.

I don’t think any one will disagree that Nadal is the most respectable of the 3. No matter who you’re a fan of, Nadal has some irking things but overall, he’s very humble and his personality is not at all overbearing like Federer’s and Djokovic’s. I will come back to this point later.

I think it’s incredibly important for there to be very different top players so that the fans can pick sides. It’s lame when everyone’s cheering against Federer, I mean cmon the guy plays so great. (In this case I’m just gonna say the top 3 because everyone knows they’re the ones that matter.) But it’s good to have 3 different players who different people can root for. Loyal fans, opposing fans, stuff like that. I think it’s good. So back to what I was saying earlier about Nadal… even though he’s the most humble, I like him the least. I like Federer because he’s great and I like Djokovic because he’s great and he’s got a pretty obnoxious personality. I don’t like people like that in real life but it’s fun to watch on the tennis court.

For Fed-fans or anyone who thinks the guy needs a coach:

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=3222520

sensationalsafin

“I don’t like people like that in real life but it’s fun to watch on the tennis court.”

Glad to know you only like them on the tennis court, otherwise I would have to send a note to your mom to take you to see a psychiatrist.

Nadal is by far the most well-mannered of the three. He has a gracious personaliry, in winning and in defeat. However, sometimes his type of personality could grate on one’s nerves just like Djok’s could. Fed, is too sugarcoated. I sometimes feel like shaking him to see what’s under that facade. Give me Safin, Baggy and, Roddick. At least you know with them if you push them too much they’ll growl, (an expletive for sure).

“(In this case I’m just gonna say the top 3 because everyone knows they’re the ones that matter.)”

Oh, No, that’s not fair. I think I’ll say the top 8, per the TMC pick for the tournament. I just can’t allow you to say my little guy does not matter, turkey temper, expletives, et al.

Jane.. i had read that article earlier today.. yeah.. its a good article. and i do think a good coach will help fed.

I think we have to de careful not to trap ourselves in what we say.

who says diversity is bad? No one! what does arrogance and bad manners has to do with culture? Why then Ana and Jelena and Tipsy don’t have this “culture”? Now you are going to tell me that people are different. That’s running in circles and running out of reason.

what culture promotes dissing of the crowd? or imitating a fellow player in a grand slam.?..is that a cultural issue or a personal need to be in the spotlight?

Of course we all want different people with different personalities in the men’s tennis. But please don’t make use of “culture” as an excuse when you run out of reasons to explain Djoko’s behavior.

This type of defense is not going to help him at all. He can stay as energetic and enthusiastic as he is and still be respectful to the crowd and to his fellow players.I seriously think he will change a few things next time we see him. He is a smart guy.

I am trying very hard not to talk about Djoko’s manners anymore. Everything to be said is said. Afterall he won this championship and closed the gap with Rafa and Fed. I think we have to let Djoko fans enjoy this moment.

***

hey FoT,
nice to see you here!
yeah, I think we all are trying to say the same thing! as strange as it may seem!

Zola,

“Everything to be said is said.” - you got that right! Well said.

Ana, Jelena and Tipsy have no reason to be arrogant. Only Ana is close to Novak, but even she is far away. No one really minded Djokovic’s arrogance, until he proved it.
He was arrogant since they 1 of pro tennis.
His first statement was: “I want to be number 1.”, and he will be.
Then in one of the matches that he lost to Nadal, he said that he felt he is in control of the match even though he lost, and he added that time he beats Nadal in important tournament is closer and closer. Everybody laughed, but he did beat him.
So is he really arrogant, or he is just saying the truth? Everything he said, and predicted for himself, it happened. The guy is just saying the facts.
His mom should shut up. I agree on that one.

Jelena Not Arrogant?
Read this on JJ:

http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/7681872

Djoker is jealous of federer.There was a news article recently where djoker said he loves to see fed struggling in matches against tipsarevic and himself.What sort of a comment is that? Even if thats true he’s not supposed to say that.Is that class? No. Djoker somehow feels that the no.1 ranking is supposed to be his and that fed doesn’t deserve to be there because fed is old and has been there for a long time.So what? If fed is there its because he has kicked djoker’s loser ass 5 times. Djoker knows he can never be as great as fed and can never dominate like the way fed has done.He’s just cocky like his mom and dad.

All the players wat to be No 1. Stating that wish is not arrogant. Even saying “I was in control” when he lost the match ( on clay) to Rafa in RG 06, was not arrogant too. It was plain STUPID. He proved it when? His H2H with RAfa is 6-2! RAfa beat him good in IW on hard and in RG again and in wimbeldon again…Then Blake or Youzhny or Berych have to open their mouth till eternity!

Seeing these comments, now I can understand why Djoko is trying to do what he is doing. Therer are people who actually like that sort of behavior. If Djoko wants to have his fan base in them, then that is his business. I think his next tournament is going to tell us about that.

Jelena Not Arrogant?

Stating that Jelena is not arrogant is like stating Djok is not arrogant. They’re both arrogant. Ivanovic and Tipsy are not arrogant, but I have seen Ana yank a towel/balls out of the ballboys’/girls’ hands, when she is losing. Of the 4 Tipsy is the most well-mannered.

There are quite a few similarities in Jankovic’s and Djok’s personalities. For example, she is very bellicose and thrives on arguments with the umpires, he is also quite argumentative and likes to glare at the umpire, and that glare seems to say, I dare you. They both have fitness issues amd many medical timeouts. I’ve seen Jankovic throw a fit if the ballgirl does not bring her towel as quickly as she feels it should happen. Her behavior was so bad at one of her matches that the commentator remarked why doesn’t she just walk over and get it herself.

Michael Chang once remarked that he felt that Tennis players are too spoilt. I tend to agree.

I was watching the finals today again, and I concentrated more on the players’ box behavior, and instead of being angry with Djok’s family’s behavior I think they are to be pitied. It was obvious that they have absolutely no idea on how to behave in a proper manner in public and I can only attribute their behavior to a lack of education and their new found wealth. There aren’t many people who can handle success and new wealth.

When you look at Rafa’s family one cannot help but admire that family. Class and good breeding all the way. Uncle Tony applauded some of Tsonga’s net play even though Rafa was losing. That’s class. Djok on the other hand acknowledged one of Tsonga’s pints when Djok was winning.

All of the hype surrounding Djok’s GS win and questions as to how great and consistent a player he is, can only be fully answered when next he gets on court and faces Rafa and Federer and aome others. He did beat sll of the players he faced, but he had a very exhausted Hewitt, Ferrer, Federer and a frustrated Tsonga. Until then all we’ll be doing is just spinning our wheels.

He lost to Nadal at Wimbledon because he was tired. He lost to Nadal (and everyone else) at the TMC because he was just out of it. If that hadn’t happened he would have been 4-4 against Nadal.

Losing “because he was tired” at Wimbledon and being “just out of it” at the TMC, all comes down again to the questions concerning his fitness and consistency. Everyone at the TMC won at least one (1) match, he won none. Every TMC player, with the exception of Roddick, played at Mutua Madrilena and Bercy. He was out of Bercy in the first round. Any thoughts???

Great players just dont go out of it and lose 4 matches is row … like he did from Paris to Master’s cup…. comon.. he was the last in the MC files without any wins and he is supposed to be No 3. Put him in a field where there are just top-8 players and he couldnt even win one match??? Fed on the other hand doesnt even lose one match during his MC rout of 2003, 2004.. and he also never lost a round robin match till he lost to Gonzo last year. If he is that great.. he should consistently beat top-10 players.. Fed had this streak of 20+ straight wins against top-10 players.

.. he is always tired when he loses to Rafa … or injured.. that 2-6 H2H should have been 2-0 and 6 matches that Rafa won should be dis-credited.. cuz poor Djokovic wasnt match-fit was tired but his big mouth is never tired

Wimbledon was an unfair situation, but mostly for RAfa. So you think RAfa was not tired? It all goes back to the required fitness. That’s no excuse.

It is funny how Fed’s having stomach flu and losing about 4 kg is not an issue and it all goes back to Djoko’s greatness! but when it comes back to Djoko losing, then it is a legitimate excuse! too plain!

Its his moment in limelight .. so i guess let him enjoy it till the next Grandslam comes around the corner.

“Wimbledon was an unfair situation, but mostly for RAfa…”

Wimbledon was extremely challenging for Rafa. There were four guys who suffered because of the rain: Rafa, Soderling, Roddick and Gasquet. Rafa had it the worst of all and to make the final, was just strength of character.

I remeber one day after Rafa and Soderling had to come back to play their match, Mary Carillo, who was the commentator began laughing as they started their warm up and she said “those guys are just going to lose it.” They went everyday to try to play without any days off, nor could they get in any practice time.

When Roddick was asked how he felt about the rain situation and how it will affect him if he met Fed in the finals, he stated that he could just see Fed taking a tour of London in one of those double decker buses, going around and around.

Djok retired in his match against Rafa, he just fell apart. I don’t know if they have it down as a loss or just a walkover and if it’s a walkover, then Rafa would not have it as a win.

Correction: 4th para, 2nd line, should be “semi-finals” not finals.

Tejuz:

“…but his big mouth is never tired…”

His big mouth just shoots hot air to match his big head that’s filled with helium to make up for his lack of brain cells.

**Its his moment in limelight .. so i guess let him enjoy it till the next Grandslam comes around the corner.***

I agree. I suggest we all move on to another subject and Djoko and his fans enjoy this moment. This is Djoko’s first GS and a big achievement at the age of 20. I hope Djoko fans cooperate too.

oops , should read like this:

I suggest we all move on to another subject and Let Djoko and his fans enjoy this moment.

Novak sure does have a big mouth. And fortunately I don’t think anyone is going to shut him up. So in the long run I think it will be good for the game overall as it may be easier to spark rivalries and create more interest in casual fans. But I have to wonder how he will handle the negativity that will likely follow him.

He seems like a good kid who means well and wants to be well liked, yet I get the feeling he doesn’t fully understand why people take issue with some of the things he says and does.

Maybe over time he’ll learn, maybe he won’t. For my entertainement I hope he doesn’t because having a top player stirring things up makes tennis that much more interesting.

True.. its does make Tennis more interesting for sure.

The rain at wimbledon affected Nadal more than Djoker.. Djoker’s retiring was his own doing.. by playing 4 hr matches against Hewitt and Baghdatis consectively. He couldnt sustain those long matches.

Fine. You guys got me, Djokovic is not fit enough and those matches are legite. Fine. But the excuse does exist for Federer that he was still being affected by his stomach virus.

Holy crap - I can’t get over the wrath for Djokovic at this blog, on both this thread and the previous one. He sure inspires a response!

But I think I’ll give up on defending Djokovic for now. Maybe when there is some actual match play we’ll be able to discuss things with less invectives. Dubai is attracting the best of the men’s field from what I read, so that should be a good tournament to look forward to.

Anyhow, I’ll leave you to rip the Djoker (his family, his personality, his fitness, his talent, his status, his ball-bouncing, etc, etc,…..) to shreds.

Er, have fun!

Sean Randall:

“…yet I get the feeling he doesn’t fully understand why people take issue with some of the things he says and does.”

Unfortunately for him, the help he so desperately needs to understand why people take umbrage to his remarks should come from his parents. I am sure by now you have seen, read, and/or heard about his parents’ crude behavior at the AO, and the comments made by his mother after the ‘07 US Open.

Considering that they themselves are sadly lacking those skills and do not have an inkling of what is proper demeanor and how to conduct themselves in public, this youngman is now like a ship adrift in a turbulent sea. He does not have a foundation from which he can draw to find his desperately needed answers.

Normally, young adults have their parents to guide them, but in his case, from what I have heard and seen, his parents appear to need more help than he does. Children are a reflection of their parents!

“But I have to wonder how he will handle the negativity that will likely follow him.”

Through many tears and heartaches. It will most probably be a trial and error learning experience. Or, he could attend a finishing school where proper etiquette is taught, and/or consult a psychologist.

To quote a proverb: “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”

You stated: “For my entertainment I hope he doesn’t because having a top player stirring things up makes tennis that much more interesting.”

Aren’t we being somewhat selfish here? He’ll have a huge price to pay and he’s going to have to learn like yesterday how to diffuse the repercussions when they happen. Personally, I would not want to see another McEnroe, Nastase, or Connors, except in their case, their bad behavior was on the court and they did not spout off to the press. Nor, did their mothers issue statements to the press. Oh, what a tangled web we weave!

“But the excuse does exist for Federer that he was still being affected by his stomach virus.”

I don’t think anyone has, or maybe a few have doubted Fed concerning his stomach flu/food poisoning. Not even me. I was very fair in my comments. I had a similar experience. For him to get to the semis and not gotten beaten comprehensively is a major accomplishment, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6. Except for a few points here and there, he could have won.

Jane:

“Holy crap - I can’t get over the wrath for Djokovic at this blog, on both this thread and the previous one. He sure inspires a response!”

Why the surprise? Just go back and read the comments about Sampras when he played Fed. Surely, by now you should be aware that all actions cause a reaction. However, in Sampras’ case he didn’t even utter a negative word.

I had stopped when I had my discussions with you on Sunday, and then I received two hostile posts from a few of his fans and they are still continuing in the same vein just writing. We are not mummies you know.

Sean
I agree with Von. I don’t want to see a tennis player doing foolish hings just so that I be entertained. I want to see good tennis and good competetion. We’ll see how things will fold.

Jane,
**I’ll leave you to rip the Djoker (his family, his personality, his fitness, his talent, his status, his ball-bouncing, etc, etc,…..) to shreds.**

no one is ripping Djoko and his family apart. They do a very good job at this themselves. I expected a better reaction when I asked everyone ( including Djoko fans ) to back off a bit.

Zola:

“I agree with Von. I don’t want to see a tennis player doing foolish things just so that I be entertained. I want to see good tennis and good competetion. We’ll see how things will fold.”

Thanks for the support. I have had enough of the childish behaviors and the stupid comments. I just want to see a stimulating match and enjoy my tennis. When I want to laugh I look at the comedy channel. Tennis is a serious sporrt. Have you ever seen a golfer, jump up and down. No. So our tennis players should be professional instead of being spoilt brats.

“I expected a better reaction when I asked everyone ( including Djoko fans ) to back off a bit.”

On Sunday evening I decided that I was through with Djok and posting about him, I also mentioned to Jane that it stops right then. On Monday, I found 10-12 posts about Djok from his fans and other posters and 2 posts were directed to me by Djok’s fans. I did not want to be impolite, so I answered them. I then received additional posts from these fans, and they were abusive, and 2 other new posts and when you answer one, some more appears. However, the posting from the regular posters did not stop, and one topic led to the other, and on, and on.

It’s difficult to stop this because his fans are doing it, and we answer, and then other points are brought up. I just wish that the MS will begin soon and we can get away from this. I am sure tomorrow we’ll see some new posts. However, this is small in comparison to the Fed/Sampras posts.

Von,
I am sure we will get more posts…..but I am not going to respond anymore because as you said, one thing leads to another and this is not supposed to turn into a fan war.

We were offended by some of Djoko’s behavior and we said that. people tried to defend him and they did too. So really there is nothing more to say. We like it or not, he is another figure in tennis and he has the game to win a GS title. we can just hope for improvements.

Can we please stop flogging the dead horse and move on. The AO has been done and dusted and time will tell who prevails as the No. 1.

Next topic.

Zola:

“I am sure we will get more posts…..”

Take a look at the thread, Winning Djoker Not So Funny Anymore. The guy probably thinks I am crazy, and I got 2 other after him. One of them thinks I am a Fed fan. Oh wow.

I’m a Fed fan, but don’t agree Djokovic is rude or arrogant, not a least bit more than it is expected from a man so young and so successful.

He just shows more emotions on the court than Fed. He is also one of the very few pro sportsmen that applauds when his opponent makes a nice shot.

Remember Fed on the last Wimbledon? “F..ck, this Hawk Eye is killing me?!”. Or when he said, back in 2006, “Nadal’s game is one-dimensional, and I will beat him next time for sure (on clay!)”, or when he said “I don’t care who wins the AusOpen final tommorow, I won’t watch it either”… A true gentleman would at least wish luck and a good game to both Djok and Tsonga.

You can accuse stomach virus or bad chicken for this defeat, but what about Montreal? What about US open? Back then, I thought “Well, if Djok had won first and/or second set, Fed would have surely wash him off the next three sets”. I’m not sure any more.

And I also think Fed will never win an easy match over Djoko again. The new rivalry will surely boost tennis to another level.

Spirit,

The same goes for Djoko. If Fed had win the first set in Montreal, the match would be finished in two sets.

Von,
let’s just take the backseat. There always people like that:)

This thread is also about Tsonga. I have to admit I did not think of him as muvh of a threat when he was named Murray’s opponent. Then he just took off from that win. Imagine, we were talking about Murray or Gasquet all the time when last year Djoko appeared and this year Tsonga. I wonder if Murray and Gasquet ever find their breakthrough year and if tsonga will stay in that level or be another Gozo and Baghdatis.

Daniel,

That’s absolutely right. I didn’t watch that game, but I guess he was absent in crucial moments. And he lost neither of the three sets, tie-break is somewhat like penalty shootout in football, a moment decides everything…

Zola Says:
Von,

“let’s just take the backseat. There always people like that:)”

I am done with this. I like Tsonga and I think that his run in the AO is going to give him confidence but that’s if he stays healthy. He was not very healthy in ‘06-’07 that’s why his rank dropped, but before the AO he won a doubles title with Gasquet.

I am a bit disappointed in Gasquet. He has a lot of talent but he seems to give up in the big moments. I think this year Murray, Gasquet, Baggy and Tsonga are going to have a better year and will make a shakeup in the top 10. Did you see my answer to that guy, he must think I am crazy. That was the only way to stop him.

I think we could still blog on other stuff. That thread was getting to me.

Dubai is coming soon and then the AMS so we’ll have some interesting topics to post about. Enjoy your day.

Von,
don’t worry about the other guy. What he says is his own problem.

I have ot been following Gasquet a lot. I know he was even younger than RAfa ( a coupla months) when he won his first ATP title. He was the great hope. I remember last year before Djoko’s breakthrough he was called ” baby Federer” because of his game and his one-handed backhand. Now I thinks he lacks motivation.

A bit of this is also related to fitness. It is important to be fit enough to stay in a best of 5 match with people who hit the ball bery hard. If not, they have to have the skills to cut the points short. I notice Murray started to work on his fitness and i think he is getting better But he is still way behind. Between him and Gasquet I always want Gasquet to be in Rafa’s draw. Murray has a different an unpredictable game. If he works his issues out he can be up there with the big guys.

Tsonga, I have to see. He seems to hava a good game, but them his level dropped in the match with Djoko. Although he had one more day to rest. I don’t know if it is fitness or self-belief. It is also true that Djoko’s shots are flatter than Rafa ( RAfa rake note on hard courts!) but still he missed so many shots and serves…

sorry for my typos.

“bery hard”!

Zola:

“…he was called ” baby Federer” because of his game and his one-handed backhand. Now I thinks he lacks motivation.”

I think the problem with Gasquet is that he was pressured since he was 9 to become France’s No.1, unfortunately, not everyone can handle that type of pressure. Why do you want him in Rafa’s part of the draw? Rafa will run him till he drops. I don’t think Gasquet can handle that kind of physicality. He has a great game, but he does not heve a running game like Rafa’s. Ferrer does, but he makes my head swim when I see him running. I become tired just looking at him. He has a very sweet personality, somewhat like Rafa’s. In fact, most of the Spaniard players are very well mannered.

Murray has the ability to be everywhere on the court but he lets his emotions get the better part of him. Being with Gilbert helped his game, but it was tough on him mentally. Gilbert can be very obnoxious. Murray needs a coach who could calm him and encourage him, not berate him.

With Tsonga, he has the game, but he blows hot and cold. However, I think in the finals he let his frustration get the better of him. Toward the end of the 3rd set he was moving again, but then the time-out stopped his momentum.

I am looking forward to Dubai. I think we will get some answers as to what we can expect for the ‘08 tennis season. I think we’ll be in for some surprises. Ryan took care of that guy for me. The man must think I am a nut, but that’s the only way to get rid of some people. Just tell them a lot of stupid things. It’s fun to post but sometimes people get carried away and become abusive.

I can see someone is pouring poison on Serbs and Serbian players again. We don’t need another Christiane Amanpour imaged in substance lacking and medocre tennis experts. Djokovic is destined to be #1. Accept that or die of jealousy.

Not everyone here is in the business of hating certain players.
I like Djokovic, but not as much, simply for aesthetic reasons: style of play. He’s a two-hander and looks more labored (like Nadal), whereas Federer makes it look relatively effortless (one-handed backhand control) when in reality it’s hard work. Same reason I prefer Sampras over Agassi. Inevitably Federer’s level will drop after time, but Djokovic still has to prove he can maintain a high level throughout season after season.

“We are supposed to be a civilized people and class still has its place in society. Take that away and we will probably revert to the caveman days.”

who’s to say that cavemen behaved without class? Didn’t they paint animals and live in awe of natural beauty? Jane’s type of prejudices are dangerous. They have caused great suffering to many tribal and indigenous people by so called “civilized” people. Oh, doesn’t Bush himself talk about the “civilized world”? Indeed, over 1 million Iraqui dead in the hands of the “civilized world” since the start of the occupation.

Now get your prejudices an hypocrisy out of the way and you might learn to appreciate players for who they are, not for how they should be according to your social constructs.

Jean:

“Now get your prejudices an hypocrisy out of the way and you might learn to appreciate players for who they are, not for how they should be according to your social constructs.”

I believe you are a bit mistaken about who wrote the post on “civilized” people. I am the one who wrote it, not Jane, hence, I am the hypocrite, not Jane. However, I may come across to you as hypocritical and also prejudicial, but we are all entitled to our opinions and standards, and the right to speak our thoughts on what we perceive to be correct decorum.

johnnhoj:
“He’s a two-hander and looks more labored (like Nadal), whereas Federer makes it look relatively effortless (one-handed backhand control) when in reality it’s hard work. Same reason I prefer Sampras over Agassi”

Exactly the reason why i am a Fed fan… because his single-handed backhand is just beautiful to watch. The same reason i cheered for Becker, Edberg, Rafter etc.. and also like watching Haas and bit of blake, gonzo and Gasquet. The only exceptions from my fav list are Safin, Agassi and Baghdatis.. but they are beautiful ball strikers. Djoker is also a good striker of the ball.. but somehow i dont like his service and forehand actions. His backhand is great though.. but i prefer single-handed style though.

IT’S all about the winning mentality.

From what I’ve noticed, it all begins with a positive mindset. Marcos Bagdhatis is the reigning king of Happyland, proclaiming after his incredible five-set loss to Lleyton Hewitt: ‘I’m very happy. I live for matches like this…It’s a pleasure even losing it’.

Give this man a life-coach certificate - he doesn’t even need to take the exam to start his career as a motivational speaker.

Nowhere have I heard the word ‘positive’ bandied around more often than at this Grand Slam.

Ana Ivanovic, the most popular player this year, also has that mantra, as she says: ‘I try to support myself and just be positive’.

Well, she was positively crying after that anti-climactic final, but hey, at least she was positive in some way.

Her countryman and this year’s men’s champion Novak Djokovic, shared his secret of beating Roger Federer: ‘I knew that I have to believe in myself in the first place and I have to be positive on the court.’

That’s the other view that seems to be a priority on players’ minds - self-belief.

Another Serbian (they did very well this year, so I’m thinking of taking a holiday there to understand more of this winning spirit) Janko Tipsarevic, who pushed Federer to five sets and almost won, said that he had gone on court ‘with the idea that I can win’.

However, it’s one thing to have positive belief in yourself, and another to be out there and have your ass positively whooped.

What do the champions do in times like these? Well, very simply, they fight.

Serena Williams is proud of this aspect of her character, saying: ‘I just wanted to win. I just wanted to fight. That’s how I always am.’

Jelena Jankovic, (yet another Serbian. I’m booking my flight there now) who has verbalised her acting aspirations, added some drama, saying that even when she’s injured, ‘I’m like a wounded animal, but I still keep going. The most important thing is that I fight on the cour