Sean, you’re right on the money.

Djokovic went through a bit of a skid after the Australian Open, too. He’s still very young, but it may be hard for him to mature out of this problem in the relatively brief time he has left as a pro.

JOKEBITCH SHOULD BE REALLY ASHAMED OF HIMSELF. HE ALWAYS DOES THE SAME WHEN THINGS DON’T GO HIS WAY HE CALLS THE TRAINER AFTER LOSING A SET AND RETIRES WHEN HE SEES HE HAS NOT CHANCE TO COME BACK IN THE MATCH. THIS GUY IS PATHETIC.

And once again, we have a Djokovic retirement. By my count, this is the 3rd high-profile ATP Tour Match retirement since he came onto the tour: 2006 French 4th Round vs. Nadal (saying in his press conference that day how in control of the match he thought he was, down 2 sets to love before packing it in LOL); 2007 Wimbledon Semi vs. Nadal (supposedly a blister); and now today vs. Federer (a vague unexplained “breathing” issue). All these retirements to players ranked above him. Hmm.

When I think about Sampras playing Agassi in the 2000 AO Semi with a torn groin muscle - he finished the match (not to mention his entire run at 2000 Wimby on an inflamed shin); when I think of Nadal laying on the ground at last years US Open in agony with tendenitis against Ferrer, yet he finished the match; when I think of Federer playing Canas at IW last year with blisters on both feet - he finished the match too. And countless other examples. Retiring once or so? Yeah, OK - I get that. But Djokovic is making retiring in matches a habit - and not just any match, like a first rounder. He quits when the stakes are highest - and always when he’s losing. Somebody needs to tell him to Man Up - take the loss no matter what the issue (unless you’re literally gonna DIE), and come back to live & fight another day. You can bet the other guys on the tour were howling watching Novak throw in the towel - again.

Quitting is for wusses. And no mater what he says, the REAL reason he quits is becoming obvious: he doesn’t want the outright loss to blemish his record, ESPECIALLY against Federer or Nadal, since his PR Narrative is that he’s the real #1 Player in the world. It’s tough to buy the spin if he loses outright to these guys. He wants the “well, I had to quit or else I would have won” excuse or asterisk next to these losses.

Allow me to repeat from another string since we have a new one:

So I woke up for this? Djo retires again? Is there a doctor in the house? (Angel - love “Jokebitch” but a bit cruel don’t you think?)

From Fox Tennis:

“From the start I didn’t feel so great,” Djokovic said, complaining of dizziness and a sore throat.

“I just couldn’t get enough energy back after each point,” he said. “I feel dizziness a little bit in the last three days. I don’t know. Doctor in the tournament couldn’t give me the right diagnosis. I’ll check as soon as possible.”

So let’s see here. He felt ill for three days, but managed to win the quarterfinals, and then really felt this coming on when he was losing to Fed. In my professional opinion (1) he will live! and (2)

Nullus guttus

Mononucleosis

Take two aspirin and see the Disciplinary Committee in the morning.

I think that djokovic’s rise has shown all of us how we never realized the geniuneness and respect that both federer and nadal seem to possess .its only now that an ass like djokovic is at the 3rd
spot that we understand the true greatness of nadal and federer .Djokovic is a coward and i would put my money on baghdatis and murray to eventually become the best players of this gen-next (excluding nadal of course)

“And his ego maybe does get the best of him.”

Or if not his ego, his nerves. When Novak gets behind, is it his ego or nerves that make him pant? I don’t know obviously; none of us do. But I think that sometimes, for all of Novak’s bravado, there’s a somewhat less confident young guy underneath. I could very well be wrong. But it is often the case. It’s also very well documented that anxiety leads to shortness of breath and dizziness.

Sean you’re right about this - he should hire a psychologist and talk some of this out. Get away from his Dad and Mom (especially), who I think put added pressure on him, and talk to a professional. Why not? It can’t hurt.

I’d speculate, too, that there is a constitutional element - if you look at lanky guys like Djokovic, Davydenko & Murray, they all seem a little more susceptible to flaking out or injury. Again, I might be way off, but one can only speculate.

I’d agree that Djokovic will not reach number 1 if he doesn’t deal with these issues. He needs to deal with losses and/or being behind. Play things out Novak; there’s no shame in losing to Roger!!

I’ll be rooting for him still, anyhow.

As for tomorrow’s final, it’s a toss up - of course this is Rafa’s surface and all that, but this is Federer’s chance for *major* revenge, and even better, redemption. And nobody wants to be number 1 more, I don’t think.

With the year we’ve had, Roger’ll probably win the French, Rafa (or maybe a surprise - Murray, Gasquet, Tsonga Djok?) will take Wimbledon, and Roddick will win the USO.

The Olympic gold medal? Someone who can stand smog and political turmoil.

Jane - as to the Olympics - there will be no smog and no political turmoil. The Security Bureau guarantees it.

As to Djo, you are a kind person. Would you like to buy shares in one of my bridges (Beijing - Singapore is quite popular at the moment).

Ha-ha Dr. Death - sorry, I’m not one for high stakes investments. Maybe that’s why I empathize with the Djoker. I knew everyone would crap all over him, and fair enough. But I like the guy: his game and his personality. It’s just innate, for whatever reason.

Cheers

Angel you’re sick - you just copied your comment full of hate from another place to this one - that is sick!

Jane you’re mature and great person and that’s the kind of fan every player could wish for. It’s not some virtue to root for a player only at his best… Djokovic played great today, I think that this is even his best play ever but his retirement is something we don’t have to support. Anyway, nobody can deny how incredible player he is.

It’s scary how predictable he is. As soon as he lost the first set I knew it was trainer time. Then, of course, once he was broken in the second set I knew it was match over.

For someone so in love with himself, he sure is chicken-sh–!!!

Now, I’m sure all the others know that all they have to do is hang in a match, break him from time to time and he’s history.

Someone, please next time bring an oxygen mask!!

As a Fed fan, the more I see of Djoko - what with his off-putting arrogance, the no-class behavior of his entourage, and his lame penchant for pulling the plug when he’s down - the more I admire and respect Rafael Nadal as a worthy and sportsmanlike rival to Federer. Rafa has clearly never been scared of Fed, yet he’s still managed to show him a great deal of respect.

Rafa = class, plus, the kid’s game is growing on me.

Right on target!!! And the fans are so creative in the new nicknames for Djoker the Choker, Chokevitch, Djokoquits, Djokobitch….Wow! Does Federer do imitations??? Nah, too much class to laugh at another player. But I do love the suggestion herein for one.

Djokovic should lose all ATP points for this tournament and forego any cash earnings. He should also be fined … and the penalties should rise with each recurrence going forward. If this is what a future champion is made of … I’m going back to watching table tennis!

The reactions of Djokovic’s haters are as much predictable as it is Djokovic’s retirement…I don’t like he retired aswell but this comment of yours (all of you with insulting comments) are not so classy so you are the last persons who should judge to Djokovic. He’s great player besides all of his personal issues, so what gives you right not to respect him for his great play. He played so great today and Federer wouldn’t win easily at all, Djoko’s retirement made it easy, but they both played proffesionally. Besides, I don’t believe he was so sick that he couldn’t play, but still - how can we know and who are we to judge how he feels????? That’s something only God could know for sure,

“And I feel confident in speaking for many tennis fans in saying that we are tired of this act.”

I agree.

“But Novak, what I cannot understand is if it’s that serious how come you don’t ever retire when you are winning?”

He was winning against Davydenko 2:1 (Davis Cup) when he retired. He wasn’t losing against Wawrinka when he retired 6-6.

“Part of being a great tennis player is being a great fighter. And Novak really hasn’t shown much of that fighting spirit up to this point in his career.”

Fighting spirit? You obviously haven’t seen him against Baghdatis at Wimbledon. And what about the match against Stepanek at US Open? Or against Federer if you want - In Montreal he was down a break and Fed was serving for the 1 set - Novak won the set. He lost the second set 2-6 but he won the match. Melbourne had a similar scenario.
BTW Against Nadal at Wimbledon he won the first set without actually moving.

Serving 3 consecutive aces to save 3 break points in a 3rd set (against Fish) - mentally fragile?

The best tie-break record in top 30 or 50 or something like that. (4-2 against Fed) - mentally fragile?

9-3 in finals - that’s 75%. (Federer 76%, Nadal 74%) - big match player or mentally fragile?

What you all seem to forget that he is only 20 years old and going up too fast - way too fast. The only player in history to be voted the most improved player for two consecutive years and on the way win it for the 3rd consecutive time! That’s not one but three breakthrough years! Those are giant leaps. Of course his body can’t keep up! But he is not fragile, just too talented.

… the fine should be equal to today’s gate receipts so that he can refund all those people that payed to see that sorry display or sportsmanship ….

Sean, great great post, but please, I beg you no predictions for RAfa.

This is what Djoko said:

**”It’s not worth it,” Djokovic said. “I’m just 20 years old. Still a lot of time, a lot of tournaments to come.”***
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=3368768

It is not worth it!

Imagine all those people who paid to watch that match and he says it is not worth it. I am hardly a federer fan, but if he could play with mono, sweating like crazy and still finish his semi-final match in AO, giving Novak’s parents the headlines…..Novak could play three more games and let the match finish.

where is ATP? Why Davydenko was fined for “lack of effort” when he could not serve, and here is a guy who actually puts it to words” It is not worth it” and doesn’t get fined?

20 years is not young for a tennis player. Please don’t expect kindergarten behavior from a guy who wins more than a million dollars in a grand slam!

Rafa was 17 when he first beat Fed. barely 19 when won his first GS. Andy Murray, GAsquet, Monfils, Berdych, Del Potro, Gulbis,…that are all in the same age range.They all behave sensibly.

If Novak is still a baby , he should not play professional tennis.

well, sorry for triple post. last one I promise.

I don’t think anyone denies that Djoko has a great game and that he is very talented. What I don’t like is his unbalanced attitude. I also agree( I think I wrote it after his retirement in DC) that his breathing problem is more of a nervous reaction. He probably gets too tight when he finds himself in undesired situations.Because he has been programmed by his parents that he should be No 1 sooner than later. But he needs to learn to overcome this rather than quit a semi final match ( for the third time?)

I think ATP should follow this and make sure than players can not retire at their pleasure. At least they should not be able to collect the money for that round unless the seriousness of their condition is confirmed by an ATP doctor.

The other point is that as critical I am of Djoko ( not a fan at all), but I also don’t like the name-calling and insults I see in some posts. It is not right and it also clouds the fair criticism that most of people present here.

Without failure there can be no learning, without learning there can be no growth, without growth there can be no victory. Djoko has to walk the painful walk of loss on the path to victory. There is no other map. Fear of loss and ultimate fear of success can’t be overcome by opting out.

another point to remember. What about Serena. Do you remember when she was injured and continued to play and ultimately managed to win against Hantuchova I believe in Wimby 2007…that’s determination.

I do understand if Novak really can’t breath.

What some of you need to understand is not that he loses and quits because of feeling ill. Hi is feeling ill so that he starts to lose and then decides to quit.

Boom Boom:

Glad you brought up this point about Djokovic serving 3 aces to Fish in the IW Final’s opening game of the third set. This game is often cited to me as THE example of what a weapon his Brilliant Serve is. I was there for that match and I wonder if you can answer a question that’s been puzzling me about this vaunted serve of his:

If his serve is so brilliant that the 3rd Set Game 1 is so often cited as proof of it - where was that Brilliant Serve in the SECOND set of that very same match against Fish? Djokovic had the Championship on his racquet serving at 5-3 in the 2nd Set, and promptly got broken. But wait..after Fish holds to 5-all, Djokovic’s Brilliant Serve GETS BROKEN AGAIN to trail 5-6, then he LOSES the set 7-5. So for as much as I gotta listen to the 3rd Set Game 1 as proof this guys serve is being so awesome, I sure as hell would like someone to tell me where the hell it went when he lost it TWICE in the same set. That he even needed a 3rd set speaks to a marked mental wobbliness. And his cause in that 3rd Set was helped considerably when Fish manged to get only 22% of his first serves in play when serving in his first two serve games. For as much praise as you give him here, I sure would hope a guy ranked in the Top 5 in the world could manage to break serve when his opponent is hititng second serves 78% of the time. Sheesh!!

Zola returns - did u get my back hand info I posted some time ago?

All of the kind souls who have so much sympathy for Djokovic make me feel really bad. I will have a think on this. Thank you for showing me the bright side.

“And of course Nadal’s got Fed’s number, especially on clay.”

*Nadal has Federer’s number on clay* is more accurate. Why embellish it?

Also - when was the last time Federer retired from a match? He finishes what he starts, even if the situation looks bleak & a loss inevitable. Same thing with Nadal.

I remember Serena from the YEC in ‘04 against Pova. Serena was crushing her in the 3rd set and then with one swing during her service motion severely injured an abdominal muscle. Serena stood up and walked from one end of the court to the other until the match was over.

All of the truly great players have matches where they lost while sick/hurt/injured, but they suck it up, and play the match through to completion. Somebody needs to give Djoko the memo.

Dr. Death,
I experienced some not very good personal moments and haven’t been posting a lot. But I did see your backhand message ( Iwas during the good moments at that time, very jolly!). that’s actually a great tip and I am going to try it. Actually a pro told me the same thing. To get under the ball and move up.
I also appreciate the advice about the muscle memory. I will try to play at least once a week under a pro supervison, so that I don’t get the bad habits.

***All of the kind souls who have so much sympathy for Djokovic make me feel really bad.***

well, I am not one of those kind souls. No sympathy for Novak from me. I thik he should have played the remaining 3 sets.
I think Jane qualifies though. She is the ultimate fair and nice person.

quote- “Part of being a great tennis player is being a great fighter.”

It makes you appreciate players like Hewitt and Roddick all the more doesn’t it? They take their lumps but they still fight on. How about Nadal’s valiant effort at the US Open last year when he went down to the ground in pain but still played on? Even Federer played through his illness at the Australian Open.

This is what becomes a world number one player. Djokovic simply does not have the character to become world number one yet if ever.

Djokovic’s parents also reflect very badly on him but I am not surprised that Sean Randall has not criticized Federer for hissing at Novak’s parents like a snake, no doubt he thought that was a heroic gesture on Roger’s part.

Zola,

Good idea on the pro especially if you have a good TEACHING pro. The little fine tuning (arm fully extended, where the racquet head finishes) all help build the shot and there is no way we can do that without help.

As to the not so good personal moments, hang in there. Buddha says it all goes away.

My old colonel was fond of - it is always darkest before the dawn. Of course, I like the dark so I am always up before sunrise.

[…] pusteproblem. Det rimer ikke helt for meg, og det er ikke første gang at noe slikt skjer. Ikke for skribenten på tennis-x.com […]

Sean, do you post on Tennis.com blog? I’m sure you do, because a few of your paragraphs above are verbatim from there. If you don’t, then you’re plagiarizing.

“I haven’t been feeling well for three days and I’ve been waking up with a sore throat,” said Australian Open champion Djokovic.

“I thought it was nothing serious but against the best player in the world you have to be able to run down a lot more balls and need more energy which I didn’t have. I was feeling dizzy and I didn’t want to risk anything.”
(From Independent online)

Altought it looked uncovincing for me that he retired because of illnes, now when I think that he barely once succeeded to hit the first serve and that he had 15 unforced errors (which happens very rare to him) - illness is the only thing which sounds convincing for that mistakes he rarely do.

Well, first of all, congrats to Roger for beating the odds and reaching the final! Who would’ve thought he will be playing Nadal on Sunday after seeing that struggle against Hidalgo-Ramirez (not to even think he will beat Nalby & Djoker)? But, the guy fought back - and that’s what champions are made of, isn’t it?

As for Djoker, well, I’m not quite sure if he’s got that champion’s HEART yet… Don’t get me wrong, he’s a champion already (after all, it’s only 3 months since he won his first GS title, isn’t it?), but if he wants to be called himself a TRUE champion, he’s got to react to adversities - and one of them being less than 100 % fit… I mean, it’s OK when you retire once or twice, but this guy (despite being only 20) has already a HISTORY of retirements behind him… The truth is - what’s once done can’t be undone, and only he himself knows whether that injury/breathing problems/dizziness/whatever were serious enough to say “it’s not worth it”, but frankly, if Fed or Sampras can play (and win) with mono or stomach pains & vomiting, then why shouldn’t he AT LEAST finish that match? As far as I know, Fed has NEVER lost a match by retirement or by giving his opponent a walkover - and that says something… Surely, the guy can say he’s pretty lucky to be void of any serious injuries (if we don’t count those 2 which occured in the autumn of 2005 and 2006, that is), but that’s not to say he’s played all of his matches being 100 % fit… Just think of that TMC 2005 final vs Nalby - he played that one virtually on one leg, yet it was still “worth” for him to try… But with Djoker, I’m not quite sure what’s “worth” for him to try - especially after seeing him retiring in a SW19 semifinal…

Now onto the match itself… Frankly, when I compare it to yesterday’s encounter between Fed and Nalby, this one certainly wasn’t that good… There were maybe a couple of rallies here and there which were quite interesting, but overall, it wasn’t exactly a spectacular match in my opinion (but then again, the same can be said about their recent meetings in AO 2008 and USO 2007)… I’ve actually read on a certain Swiss website that there were even some boos from the crowd (who simply wanted to see more from the two players), though as far as I remember, the only boos which I heard were those which came after Djoker’s announced his retirement…

As for Fed, well, on one hand, he played pretty well (especially hitting some top-notch forehands), while still keeping a low number of UEs, but on the other hand, some of his shots (like those smashes and drive volleys which grendel mentioned) could’ve been executed better, so Roger better be wary of this when playing that Spaniard tomorrow! But anyway, even though his 1st serve pct. could have been a bit higher, he’s still won around 82 % of the rallies when that 1st serve came in, and that’s quite impressive - especially when we consider that there was Djoker (in my opinion the best returner currently on the tour) standing on the other side of the net…

Djoker was definitely a bit off today (missing his forehand a lot), but it wasn’t like he’s been playing a complete cr.p either… Some of his shots (especially those aggressive returns) were exceptional, and had he broke the Swiss in that 5th game of the 1st set (where Fed saved one of those BPs with a lucky shot which clipped the net), who knows what would’ve happened?

Re: tomorrow’s final, well, I’m not expecting any miracles from the Swiss… Though it’s quite unusual to say this about him, but the fact is - he’s already surpassed the expectations which I had for him in this tourney, and everything else will be simply a bonus… Can he beat the Spaniard on clay? Surely, he CAN! It’s maybe true that Nadal wasn’t as fresh in that Hamburg 2007 final as he was 3 weeks before in MC (where he beat Fed 6:4 twice), but it’s NOT like he’s decided to tank that match in Germany either, is it? ARE YOU LISTENING HERE, DJOKER?

The key for Fed will be his determination… If he really wants the title, then we’ll see him play the way he did in that Rome 2006 final (which, for me, was his best clay-court match ever), but if he decides to just play with a “let’s see what happens” type of attitude (like last year), then I really can’t see him even troubling the Spaniard - even if Nadal had an extra-off-day…

P.S. Can someone of you guys tell me what was exactly the reason for Fed to shout at Djoker’s parents? Did they disturb him by making some screams or what? As far as I remember, I didn’t see anything like that, but I certainly remember one idiot whistling literally through the entire Fed vs Nalby match yesterday…

Djoko served, and the ball was called out even though it clipped the line. Fed walked over and pointed out that the ball was in so the point should be replayed. At the same time, Djoko’s parents were yipping at either the ump or Fed, and Fed said, “Be quiet, ok?”

djokovic must see gonzalez and massu at the olympics in 2004. maybe he could learn something

Djokovic’s actions are tainting the sport. I think it’s bad that Davydenko retired in the Estoril final, but luckily that’s just Estoril. Years from now, when people are going to be looking up scores and whatnot (freaks like me :P), they’re going to see number 3 retired against number 2 at Wimbledon, then against number 1 here. I mean these are huge tournaments and it’s the semifinals!!!

People are criticizing Federer for PLAYING wtih mono. Yet he’s completed every match he’s been in. Sampras played his whole career with that disease that made his stamina low. Yet how many 5 setters did he will his way to victory?

In 2005 I think it was, Agassi was terribly injured in the first round of the French when he lost in 5 sets to I forget who. Still, he couldn’t move but he let his opponent close him out.

Gasquet and Baghdatis happened to cramp in the same USO in 2006. Gasquet is generally a bad example but in that case both players gave it their all to the very end and they put up one hell of a fight. For all his talk, Djokovic isn’t showing he should be number 1. Who wants to see number 1 retire from half his matches?

Some of you guys mention last year’s Hamburg match. How ugly is it to see a 6-0 third set between 1 and 2? A hell of a lot less uglier than seeing a ret. at the end of the score! Nadal still fought as much as he could. Same thing in Chennai this year when he was dead tired against Youzhny. He could’ve retired, but he still tried. Damnit Djokovic, and I really liked you, too.

Maja,

Take heart; don’t worry about defending Novak too much. People will think what they think. Some wise person once said, “it is what it is.” Thanks for the kind words above b.t.w.

You believe that Novak is truly a great player (he’s proven that - just read Boom Boom’s post above) who’s young and has some things to learn &/or some issues to work on, so stick with that. Seems pretty level-headed to me.

There are literally hundreds of great players on the ATP tour, all of them different, from different backgrounds & circumstances, and therefore with the full gamut of strengths, weaknesses and so on (kind of like us hey?). There’s no reason to latch onto one or vilify another, but that’s the way with sports: pick a team or a player and go with it.

More-and-more I’m just enjoying the game.

No, I don’t write for Hallmark, but ugh, it sounds like it doesn’t it? LOL.

Zen Tennis, call it that.

To rogerstwinsister:

Thanks for the explanation. I just couldn’t hold my laugh when I saw how promptly Roger put these 2 in their place http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjEwO2FnbmQ

sensationalsafin, good point. Fed played with mono at the Australian Open. Djokovic can’t suck it up and play three more games against Fed today.

Skorocel, agreed. At least finish the match!

Maja, why doesn’t Djoko ever retire when he’s ahead? Surely this illness doesn’t only appear when he’s losing to top guys?

Rogerstwin, sorry. I don’t post on tennis.com or anywhere else. But I’d love to see what I copied.

TD, if the circumstances were diff I would criticize Fed for yelling at Djoko’s parents. But not here. Not when those same parents talk crap about Fed. And not when their son is about to throw in the towel. I applaud Fed for that!

Boom Boom, he retired against Davy - if i remember - only after he failed to close out the match, then lost the fourth, then quit. Poor effort.

-Voicemale1

You are missing the point.

It’s not about his serve. It called guts. It’s called clutch serving.

Using your logic you could also prove that even Federer is mentally fragile. I even mentioned those examples (matches against Djokovic).

Even in this match when Novak faced a break point and his first serve wasn’t working he served an ace on the second serve- right on the line. Try to find an interview with Moya - after their last match I believe. Novak did the same thing and Moya said that that’s the quality of a champion and that’s why he will be no.1.

Back to your example. Yes he lost a set but he didn’t lose a match. When it mattered the most he was stable. Maybe he was lucky, maybe he was brave. But the point is you cant’t serve THREE consecutive aces when your legs are shaking. (Remember Ana Ivanovic against Henin at RG. She was shaking and couldn’t even toss the ball. It was not about the serve. It was the brain.)

Actally, I can’t think of another similar example when he didn’t manage to close the match. So it happened once, maybe five times, who knows. The point is it it doesn’t happen often and he actually won that match.

For some reason you addressed only that example and completely ignored other examples that I mentioned. Also what does MF’s second serve percentage have to do with anything?

Ok, what is the difference between those examples?
The tie-break record and finals record show a trend. A rule. It’s not some break point from some match - it’s his entire career. It’s still a short career but it’s a huge sample. Dozens and dozens of matches. He is what you call a big point and a big match player.

Somebody was inspired to even make a video about it.

Big points. Big matches.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ez7cSEr2nsI

Did you see Federer against Fish. He looked like he didn’t care. At all.
Did you see him against Hidalgo in the third set before the poor guy started to shake. Fed was playing like an angry 15 year old kid. At one point the local comentator even said: Calm down for gods sake! Federer was even swearing out loud.
When he was Novak’s age he used to break rackets and kick them over the court.

Here’s an intersting video. You can see Federer crying like a baby after a loss to Henman. He was 20.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w8QDlcFHA4o

So, would you say (using your logic) that Federer is a wuss, a crybaby, immature and mentally unstable. No. How many times did you see that happen? Almost never. Those are exceptions.

Jane

Another wise person said (to paraphrase) “the poor huckleberry. His heart wasn’t strong enough.”

The way I put it is very simple, when Federer is playing like Federer, we are going to see a lot of tennis players retire, Djokovic is only one amongst many that will.

I bet Djokovic would not have quit if he was in a winning position. Down a set and a break, did he finish up the match like a man? No. He is quitter who has no qualms quitting when the match is not going his way. This is hardly the first time he has done it. He has done this time and again. Nor will this be the last time he quits. He was up a break just a few games before he quit. How come his medical problems were not as bad then? If the medical problems were as bad the whole week as he claims it was, then how come he blanked Murray and basically did not lose a single set the whole tournament and was dominant until this match against Federer. This proves that he is a fair-weather player — he is fine and dandy when he is winning, but problems creep up suddenly and out of nowhere when he is losing. He could not take a loss like a man. Djokovic is a sissy. He should wear a skirt and join the WTA: being a drama queen, he will feel at home and fit right in.

Federer was crying in that match against Henman because he lost in Basel, his hometown tourny. It meant a lot to him and he was ashamed of himself for not being able to do more. He was mad he didn’t fight enough… wow, maybe Djokovic should cry after some matches then.

Against Fish, yeah, Federer didn’t look like he cared or tried or anything. But he still finished the match. And Federer didn’t make any excuses. It was his fans that said it was the mono, he claimed he was outplayed.

Again, Federer may have acted like a 2 year in the Hidalgo match, he still won. He still hung tough and came back after a huge deficit. Djokovic is a pansy. Simple as that.

-Sean Randall

Davydenko-Djokovic

No, he retired right after the 3 set. He was told not to play but it was his decision to go on the court. He thought he could get it done in three sets. It was evident right from the begining end especially in the 3rd set when he was a break up that he wanted to keep the points as short as possible.

Boom Boom,

those videos that you have posted do not justify Djoko’s retirement from a semi final for the third time with the excuse of ” It was not worth it!”.

So what if Federer cried? Did he take the win away fron Henman? He was man enough to finish the match.

or he didn’t care against Fish? That’s your judgement. I think he knew he was getting back to his game and a bump like that should not have disheartened him. Still, he played and lost badly and everyone teased him and talked about him slumping and losing No 1, etc. He was again man enough to not to retire with a lame excuse.

was Djoko man enough to stay for 3 more games and finish the match today? you tell me.

Dr. Death,
thanks for the words of wisdom. I will remember them. I don’t know if there is any dawn after this, but I will certainly look for it.

A HONEST PIECE OF WRITING, IN MY OPENION. I WAS SEARCHING THE INTERNET CRAZILY TO FIND SOMETHING HONEST ABOUT THAT MATCH. MANY TEENAGE PEOPLE MAKE STUPID MISTAKES AND THEY SHOULD BE FORGIVEN AND LET’S ONE MORE TIME COUNT THE 20 YEAR OLD TENNIS PLAYER AS A TEENAGE ADN FORGIVE HIM…OH, WAIT A SECOND…LET’S PRETEND HIS ANNOYING PARENT ARE ALSO TEENAGERS AND FORGET THEM…

-Zola

Did you read the whole post?

I put the first video there to illustrate the point that he is a big point player. I was replying to a post.

With the second video I just wanted to show his reaction that can be considered an exception. The poster Voicemale1 made some elementary logic thinking errors. I just wanted to make it easier for him to understand.

That has nothing to do with Novak’s retirement. And there is nothing wrong with Roger’s crying.

Djokobitch is a born pussy…..Once he knows that he is getting his ass whooped he quits.For all the trash talking that he and his family did they deserved this loss and hopefully many more to come…..from the king that rose from the dead.Looking at this wimp and his family, we have to appreciate nadal and his uncle for displaying a lot of class after everything that nadal has been through including king of clay getting bagelled by fed in his own surface.I believe fed is going to kick his ass even in the slams including hardcourts…..so its better if he can plan more retirements even before the match starts….

jane:

“There’s no reason to latch onto one or vilify another, but that’s the way with sports: pick a team or a player and go with it.”

Albeit, I’m not a Djokovic fan, but I’m amazed at the posts from the ‘ex’ Djokovic fans. WOW, I was killed for making any comments by these ‘ex-fans’ concerning Djoko’s AO behavior. I’m sure you see their posts today. Latching onto one and vilipending another is the only way these posters can fit in. Or Didn’t you know that already? Go with the tide. That little child who wants to fit in, is just dormant, but surfaces on these ocasions. Welcome to the world of the vilipenders/vilifiers. I’ve been accused of my drip, drip, venom regarding Federer, but I can truly say, that’s multiplied to the 10th exponent coming from Fed fans when another player just steps out of the box, or just for a smidgen, strays away from what is supposed to be protocol, or in their minds, not so ‘classy behavior’.

I don’t buy the argument that Fed was justified in his outburst toward Djoko’s parents. Who knows, this could have upset Djoko who got broken immediately after. The mind/brain is a very fragile organ, which can go haywire for even hearing, as much as an unsavoury comment. I know if someone spoke to my parents in that manner, I would become upset and totally shaking from hurt/anger. They are not children.

Skorocel, my friend, I’m sorry but I don’t think it was something to be laughing about. Fed was being a bully. This is a No.1 player, who is dubbed as “classy”, but cannot control his tongue. My God, when I think of the horrible attacks on other players it makes me sick to see how this guy’s behavior is adored, justified and rationalized. Who said life was fair.

I still remember those awful headlines regarding Roddick and the cruel posts emanting from the Fed fans who were aghast at the ‘ugly American’s’ behavior at the AO. Their attacks were relentlenss. I don’t understand the duplicity and the justification of TMF’s behavior, all I know is that there are a lot of hypocrites in this world. What was so much different from Roddick’s outburst to TMF’s? Just a few extra words, but the press and the critics came out in droves. This man is treated as some diety, idol worshipping galore. Absolutely ridiculous and sad.

Now, you can all kill me for adding my views. Don’t miss a step or a hearbeat, please feel free, the floor’s open. Hop to it!!

Boom Boom,
thanks for explanations.

He is perhaps a big point player, ,but not yet against Rafa or Fed. He retired twice against Rafa ( RG 06 and Wimbledon 07) and today against Fed.

What reaction should be considered as an exception? quitting matches at semi-finals? it is already strike 3! If he had a better history, I think people would have been more tolerant.

I think he still has work to do to become mentally tough enough to accept a defeat in a proper manner. Seriously, what would have happened if he continued to play 3 more games and lost 63 62? nothing. If you read his presser, you will be even more disappointed.
If he is ill and can’t play, then he should not collect the money or the points either.

I think ATP should fine him and think about adjusting the rules so that players cannot quit a match when they don’t feel like playing.

I understand if Novak fans get offended by all these criticism. It is not directed at his game. He is certainly very talented and off-court I think he is very funny and alive. Maybe it is his parents or too much pressure. but whatever it is, it is hurting him bad and making him lose fans.

“Did Fed really yell at Novak’s parents telling them to “Shut up” as the announced hinted? If so that was great!”

Wait, when did that happen?? anyone remember exactly at what point of the match?

Hi Von,

Thanks for being honest. I know you’re not Djokovic’s biggest fan but you can see some of the dynamics here.

I was not impressed by his retirement, as you know, but I see no reason to give up on the guy; he’s on my list of faves so I’ll stick by him.

———————————————

For anyone who cares:

I did read a report that said Djokovic had to visit the hospital in Moscow after that Davis Cup match. And from what I read in that same article (link below), when he said “it’s not worth it” he didn’t mean the match. The context, as I interpreted it, meant this: it’s not worth it risking his health when he’s only 20 and has many more chances to fight and win. He said he was going to retire after the first set but decided to try to keep playing and it wasn’t getting better.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23605592-23216,00.html

I still think he should’ve finished the match, even if he didn’t play well and lost. Nikcap threw in a nice quote about this above.

But it is what it is.

Interestingly, I also read an article about Jamie Baker, who’s recently had a *very* serious health scare; he’d love to get back to tennis, but he said it’s given him a new perspective on life and what’s important.

Here’s the link to that one:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article3822539.ece

“If he is ill and can’t play, then he should not collect the money or the points either.”

Zola, I don’t think Novak knew he was that ill; apparently he’d seen a doctor earlier, before the match, who told him he was okay.

Personally, as a side issue, I’ve often felt that the ones who get walkovers are lucky to get the points & money; they don’t even have to step on the court! Retirements are slightly different and are always touchy; in this case Roger was obviously winning. But there were a lot of retirements besides Djokovic this week: 4 others for sure.

Anyhow, I don’t want to get into a whole thing about it. But good luck to your Rafa tomorrow! Vamos!

VON:

“…his outburst toward Djoko’s parents. Who knows, this could have upset Djoko who got broken immediately after. The mind/brain is a very fragile organ, which can go haywire for even hearing, as much as an unsavoury comment. I know if someone spoke to my parents in that manner, I would become upset and totally shaking from hurt/anger. They are not children.”

WHY DON’T YOU THINK OF IT THE OTHER WAY: HIS PARENT, AT THE FIRST PLACE, SHOULD NOT MAKE “UNSAVOURY” COMMENTS AND ANNOY A PLAYER SO THAT THEIR “BELOVED” SON WIN SOME MORE MONEY AND BETTER HIS RECORD AGAINST WORLD’S GREATEST? HIS PARENTS OR HIS TEAM SHOULD NOT DO THAT BECAUSE AS YOU SAY, “the mind/brain is a very fragile organ, which can go haywire for even hearing, as much as an unsavoury comment;” I’M FEDERER’S “MIND/BRAIN” DID NOT GO HAYWIRE DESPITE THE “UNSAVOURY” COMMENTS AND CHANTS MADE BY DJOKO TEAM/PARENT DURING ALL THESE MATCH HE PLAYED HIM.

AND ONE MORE THING: YOU SAID, “I know if someone spoke to my parents in that manner, I would become upset and totally shaking from hurt/anger. They are not children.”
RIGHTLTY SAID, BUT YOU SHOULD KEEP ONE THING IN MIDE, IF THEY ARE NOT CHILDREN, THEN THEY SHOULD PERHAPS NOT BEHAVE LIKE ONE!!!

Von,

I replied to you in a longer post that had a couple of links in it, and it didn’t load. I don’t want to repeat eveything I said in case it shows up later (which happened the other day).

But thanks for being honest. I know you’re not a Djokovic fan, but at least you can see some of the dynamics, or read between the lines.

Cheers

Okay i’ve removed the articles links so this’ll upload - apologize for any doubles later folks!

————————————————-
Hi Von,

Thanks for being honest. I know you’re not Djokovic’s biggest fan but you can see some of the dynamics here.

I was not impressed by his retirement, as you know, but I see no reason to give up on the guy; he’s on my list of faves so I’ll stick by him.

———————————————

For anyone who cares:

I did read a report that said Djokovic had to visit the hospital in Moscow after that Davis Cup match. And from what I read in that same article, when he said “it’s not worth it” he didn’t mean the match. The context, as I interpreted it, meant this: it’s not worth it risking his health when he’s only 20 and has many more chances to fight and win. He said he was going to retire after the first set but decided to try to keep playing and it wasn’t getting better.

(search tagline “Djokovic at mercy of illness”)

I still think he should’ve finished the match, even if he didn’t play well and lost. Nikcap threw in a nice quote about this above.

But it is what it is.

Interestingly, I also read an article about Jamie Baker, who’s recently had a *very* serious health scare; he’d love to get back to tennis, but he said it’s given him a new perspective on life and what’s important.

(search tagline Jamie Baker’s brush with death)

Let’s burn the witch! Burn, Baby, Burn.

Happy - Von?

Or

Djo needs to tell his thousands and thousands of fans around the globe what was/were the reason(s). We want to smell what Djo has cookin.

(The Doctor has many more disgusting things to say if someone can direct me to an R or X tennis chat site. & I hope R & X are the correct designations.)

quote- Federer Says: “A HONEST PIECE OF WRITING, IN MY OPENION. I WAS SEARCHING THE INTERNET CRAZILY TO FIND SOMETHING HONEST ABOUT THAT MATCH.”

Federerfan, you’ll find plenty of honesty here and elsewhere but it’s balance and facts that’s most in need right now.

Von, I just saw your post at 7:58 and you are my hero. Well said! (in every way)

Dr. Death Says:
“Let’s burn the witch! Burn, Baby, Burn. Happy - Von?”

Is this some kind of sick humor directed at me, from you who always want to stir the pot? if I’m reading your post correctly, considering it’s a one-liner and does not say much, then I have nothing more to discuss with you. You’ve totally missed my point and I dare say that they’ll be many one-celled brains which are juszt waiting to find an opportunity to pounce. Enjoy the sickness. Bye.

Jane,
I don’t know what was wrong with Djoko. He said in his presser he had no fever, no symptoms and the ATP dr couldn’t find what was wrong with him.
he clearly said, “it was not worth it. I am 20 years old…etc.”

this is his press conference:
http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=49171

I am not suggesting you or anyone else give up on him. He can’t be a No 3without talent and game. But his behavior is rather unbalanced and it clearly is working against him.

He can benefit from some good advice. Apparently it is not coming from his parents.

Nacho F
Fed’s “be quiet” is on youtube. Here is a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4fB5Tp-FGU

That might have been a mental turn-off for Djoko as Von suggested.. It wasn’t so nice of Fed to do it. He should have let the umpire handle the situation. However, I read that it started when Djoko’s parents started shouting at a call on a dispute. They are not helping this kid at all.

Von,

“I don’t buy the argument that Fed was justified in his outburst toward Djoko’s parents. Who knows, this could have upset Djoko who got broken immediately after.”

This is an insightful comment.

At the AO final against Tsonga, Djokovic was clearly disturbed, thrown off, or what-have-you by the conflicts between French fans and his parent’s box, which was right by where he was serving, and went on throughout the first set - which was the only set he lost the entire tournament. He may’ve been bothered by that comment and I hadn’t really thought of it that way.

And you’re right about this too - it wasn’t classy or funny.

Sometimes I just can’t be bothered getting into things with people whose minds I will not change or who will become abusive. So I just don’t comment. But I admire people like you who have a protester’s energy and a legal brain for injustice.

Federer:

Are you the TMF himself? His NIBBS? Royal ruler of the tennis court? Or are you one of his loyal subjects — idol worshippers? But, whoever you are, your post in CAPS tells me that you need to be noticed and/or someone who needs a reply, pronto.

First and foremost, two wrongs don’t make a right. The remarks by his parents was about 3 or more months ago. It’s been over — why rehash it. Today was a different day. Federer has an history of many unsavoury moments. E.g., that Masters tournament can’t remember which one) when he shouted out to Tony Nadal, “That’s OK Tony.”. I don’t know if he felt Nadal’s uncle was coaching, but, sorry to say, a classy person would let that pass. And, considering he and Nadal are supposedly good friends, wow, what a way to show frienship. Additionally, there’s that very vivid scene at last year’s Wimby when he shouted to Nadal, more or less in an intidating manner, which would upset anyone, “Challenge that,” and his statemnt about hawkeye. Unfortunately, these scenes are selectively obliterated. How so?

“IF THEY ARE NOT CHILDREN, THEN THEY SHOULD PERHAPS NOT BEHAVE LIKE ONE!!!”

I saw that match, and they were not shouting or speaking directly to Federer, he just heard some sounds emanating from their box. The commentators didn’t even hear them, so it could not have been loud. But, everyone heard Federer. But, he’s TMF. Federer needed some relief from a tense moment, so shouting at them relieved it.

If Federer wants to be thought of as classy, or the greatest, then he’s going about it in the wrong way. But, his adoring fans will justify anything.

I wish that Djoko had stayed in the match and made Federer sweat some more. If he indeed has mono, then the workout would indeed make him too exhausted to do anthing much tomorrow against Nadal — he would have been exhausted. Today, he got a gift. Don’t look a gift horse in the mounth and sneer at it. Just think about the tiredness factor. I’m sorry the crowd/spectators were not given their money’s worth; those are the unfortunate ones in this situation.