Here’s Novak Djokovic’s Incredible Matchpoint From His Win Over Stan Wawrinka [Video]

by Tom Gainey | January 20th, 2013, 10:21 am
  • 87 Comments

What an incredible performance from Novak Djokovic. If you weren’t lucky enough to see it live here is one the greatest matchpoints you will ever see. After five hours of tennis Djokovic finally turned away Stan Wawrinka 16, 75, 64, 67, 12-10 in the Australian Open round of 16 with this backhand pass on the 20th stroke of the rally.

It was worth the wait:



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87 Comments for Here’s Novak Djokovic’s Incredible Matchpoint From His Win Over Stan Wawrinka [Video]

Michael Says:

I like the way Novak consoled his opponent after the tough loss. He is a true Champion.


skeezer Says:

Sorry Nole fans, just my imo, but the shirt ripping is a little too much of “look at me look at me”. Great point however, and great win,


Kimmi Says:

WOW! this match ended up like this? incredible


Kimmi Says:

i go to bed thinking it will be a easy win for nole. great one wawa, sad he had to lose.


Brando Says:

Amazing rally to finish with for sure.

The shirt ripping was unnecessary and somewhat tasteless IMO.

Nole’s better than that, and should cut it out as he doesn’t need to do that.


Giles Says:

^^ A leopard never changes it’s spots!


alison Says:

I like the way Novak consoled his opponent,but i agree with Skeezer and Brando in that the shirt ripping celebration was rather OTT,even if he does have a hot body underneath,anyway congrats to Jane,Wogboy,Courbon etc on their man pulling out the w,although i think Nole might be more vulnerable than i 1st thought,Stan will be having nightmares about not challenging on that break point,as i think Nole was there for the taking,however there is a good reason the guy is no 1,with the champions mentality and never say die attitude,good luck to Nole in the next match against Berdych,hope he can give him a good thrashing.


Djoks_Forever Says:

Shirt-ripping is a characteristic of a true gladiator that Novak truly is. He deserves to show his emotions after such an exhausting fight. On the other hand, seeing Murray celebrating and cursing all the time is classless and makes me vomit.


courbon Says:

I agree about shirt ripping…pisses me off!


Ben Pronin Says:

It’s all about sending a message. The guys in the locker room are thinking “yeah, look at that, Djokovic must be tired after that, I have a real chance.” And he goes and roars and flexes his muscles and so on. He’s unbreakable, fitness-wise. No matter how long or grueling a match is, he won’t wilt. It’s the same message Nadal sends when he pumps his fist and flexes his arms. Or when Murray first got strong and started flexing his bicep at the end of matches. They’re expressing their physical dominance.

If Djokovic is the last man standing in a week’s time, imagine how much stronger his aura will be. Especially if he beats Murray or Federer in the final. That’s a serious way to reassert yourself as unbeatable.


MMT Says:

I am absolutely fed up with Djokovic’s histrionics – it’s such an affront to his opponent and so self congratulatory that I would walk off the court rather than shake his hand. What the hell happened to winning with class? One minute hugging and kissing the vanquished, and then acting like Hulk Hogan on Monday Nitro in the next?

And PLEASE stop with the messages – there is no message other than, “Hey everyone look at how tough and strong I am!” Of course, if he just SAID that, you’d wonder what the hell was wrong with him. But because he goes through these moronic, low-forehad rituals of screaming and lowering his balls and ripping his shirt, you make up some idiotic message he’s sending.

Please…

You know, primates in the wild – the strongest ones – never make a peep. They don’t have to make a show of it. I guess Djokovic still has something to prove, but I could care less.

Every player in the history of tennis who’s won a long match feels the same way he does – Djokovic isn’t the first. He’s just the one who’s decided he’s going to make his celebrations last minutes instead of seconds – kind of like his routine in between points.


Nina Says:

Oh shut up already, I’m fed up with this shirt ripping discussion. As far as I know Novak can do what he pleases, he has played a five-hour match with incredible tension and adrenaline, something you coach potatoes won’t ever understand. Stop judging others and learn to enjoy tennis with every element to it. You’ll be much happier for it.
Nole is a champion, an ambassador for the sport and the most charismatic guy to ever grace a tennis court.


mat4 Says:

@Nina:

You overdid it a bit…


skeezer Says:

Niners on in the Superbowl , yea baby!!!!!( ripping shirt off )

Oops sorry wrong blog.


Brando Says:

@skeezer: LMFAO!


mat4 Says:

@Skeez:

Do you think he would do that if it was a Nike polo? Last time he ripped his shirt he changed his apparel…


Ben Pronin Says:

MMT, no one’s forcing you to watch. If you’re sick of it, you don’t even have to turn off the tennis, just turn it off once the match is over. I still think he’s sending a message. Whether it’s mature or not, I don’t care. It doesn’t bother me like it bothers apparently 90% of everyone else. I don’t get why. It’s how he celebrates. We all do it differently.


DC Says:

@Ben at 1:38 pm and 7:10 pm
If his intent was to send a message to the other players, after the match he could have done 10 laps of the court, a few sets of pushpups and a few pullups to show that he has more energy left.

I’m not against people doing what they want, but Nole is now a champion, watched and emulated by millions. I certainly wouldn’t want our kids to be ripping off their shirts every time they win a grueling sporting event


Brando Says:

@Ben:

I’m sorry but i completely disagree with this idea of nole sending a message to the locker room by ripping his shirt.

In fact i think it’s a ridiculous notion.

The ONLY possible message he or ANYONE else could send to the locker room after ripping off their shirt post shaking the hands off a valiant opponent after a close match is:

Guys i’m a real JACKASS. Check me out acting like insensitive idiot in front of an opponent who’s going off the court in tears.

Yeah, i’m a real tough guy!

That’s pretty much the ONLY message he or ANYONE could be sending to the dressing room by ripping their shirt off in such a scenario.

It’s just a JACKASS move. Plain and simple.

Nole is MOST DEFINITELY better than that, and is best advised as not doing such a thing in the future!


jane Says:

This is more of a Jackass move, imo. Hee hee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBXQlGNAx_Q


skeezer Says:

Jane

Lol! An unappreciated sport and unappreciated skill. These pro ping pong players nowadays are awesome!


Brando Says:

@Jane:

LMFAO, that was something!

But could it be that he was just sending a message to the locker room, especially with that dance move in front of the opponent………


Brando Says:

P.S.:

Seeing as we are on the subject of ping pong, take a look at this insane rally.

EASILY the best and most jaw dropping one i have ever seen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo13rT1rA14


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

No she did not ! Nina is right !


Wog boy Says:

Brando,

What Wawrinka craying has to with Nole’s celebration, are we now all suppose to cry ant not celebrate Nole’s win. I still remember how one celebration was spoiled by the other one’s crying. I thought at one stage Rafa is going to give trophy to Roger just to make him stop crying. Nole gave Wawrinka his shoulder for crying to calm him down, that is enough. How nice is from you to call somebody idiot and jackass, not nice really.


mat4 Says:

WB: I was serious in the other thread…

Can I make a joke or two tonight?


mat4 Says:

WB: Anyway, I think that you are well aware what most of southern Europeans think of anglo-saxon behaviour and habits.


mat4 Says:

So, different cultures… different ways of looking at things.


Tennis coach Says:

Well said Nina! Thank you ! Friendly advice for the rest of you, do not watch it if it bothers you so much.


Brando Says:

@Wog Boy:

I’m not calling Nole a Jackass at all.

In my post I make it clear that he or ANYONE who does such a thing to send a message to the dressing room is ONLY sending one of being a jackass.

The jackass remark is NOT about nole but about the notion of sending a message to the dressing room by doing such a thing (re Ben’s suggestion).

This is NOT about Nole per se, but the ACT of tearing up one’s shirt like that: it’s unnecessary and crass IMO.

And seemingly in many others opinion too. NOT about nole at all (ONLY the other day did i praise him for being an honest guy re how he handled the Armstrong question, so i do like his personality) just the ACT.

It’s somewhat tasteless.

Another example would be off MY FAV: Rafa and his silly and completely inappropriate tucking off his bottom after virtually every single point.

That’s also completely unnecessary and crass.

I don’t care that he’s my fav or may have some OCD ritual: dude, your playing in front of thousands on court and millions around the world who are watching:

QUIT doing this disgusting, silly and completely unnecessary tic of yours!

So i hope you understand WB that it’s not about nole (for the record he ain’t no jackass IMO), but the ACT (whoever were to do it):

it’s unnecessary and tasteless IMO.

I can understand if you take offence and think this is some attack on nole (it isn’t) and are justifiably defending him. But if you take nole out of the equation (as one should) and just think of the ACT (ripping one’s shirt like that post match) and the circumstances of it, I’m sure that if you cannot agree with my or others views regarding this you can hopefully understand why some feel as they do regarding this.

Ultimately I AGREE with Nina: Nole is a fantastic ambassador of the game. I just feel he doesn’t need to do such a thing post match.

That’s just my opinion anyhow.


mat4 Says:

@Brando:

But Ben was right here: although not done intentionally, it was indeed a message, just like most things men do.

Just look at the hug on the net: Stan taps Novak on the back to let him go (message), then Nole gently taps him on the cheek to show that he’s the boss (message). Just watched them between serves, or return of serves — everything is a message of strength, self-confidence, power. Your fav, Rafa, is a master of it.


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

Can I be semiserious? I know the way you are writing so that is not a problem and never was with me, don’t worry;)
Yes I am aware, very much so.

Brando,

I never said it is nice or not just that it is within Nole’s rights to celebrate the way he feels without insulting oponent, and he didn’t, on the contrary he clapped with the others when Wawrinka was leaving the court, well … and crying.
Wawrinka himself was fistpumping, shouting, smiling in the strange way towards Nole etc, so what, that is a part of the game. They are gladiators, it is not sport of aristocracy any more. Stoped being that with a likes of Nastase, MacEnroe etc.
Five hours epic match turned out to be Nolebashing, are you people tennis fans or what. I will give advice all those who cannot stand Nole’s barbaric celebration “Conan the barbarian” as soon as the last point is played change the channel or don’t watch it, Nole will not miss you. His fan base is growing;)


Alok Says:

For those of you who are saying that anyone who offers their opinion on a player’s celebration post match has no right whatsover to say it, and if the celebration/behavior is disliked by them, then they must shouldn’t watch? Or if they do watch, shut up and do not say one word. I thought this was a forum and a place for everyone to express their opinions, but that seems to be reserved folr only a chosen few.

This site seems to be one where people have to tip-toe around certain fans in order to be on their good side, as in friends. In other words, it’s a frat and chat club. That’s too bad for you guys, that it’s not a fraternity but a blog forum.


Alok Says:

If anyone reads the old blogs they will see that MMT has been posting and contributing to this site for ages, much longer than most of you, and he does have a right to his opinion. He also has more tennis knowledge than many here, and also treats everyone with respect. Hence, he should not be told to shut up by someone who occasionally drops by.


Brando Says:

@Mat4:

‘although not done intentionally, it was indeed a message’

Maybe it’s just me and others then: somehow we see such messages NOT as a sign of strength but of being a jackass.

I’m sorry but ultimately it’s all about the INTERPRETATION OF THE ACT (tearing one’s shirt) here:

Some may read that as a sign of strength, dominance, ‘don’t mess with me’ since i’ll beat you and then tear my shirt off.

Whatever. They are free do to so.

Other’s see it as a JACKASS move- doing something that is unnecessary and prove’s nothing other than how one can rip up their shirt and act a fool in public.

Like i said: it’s ALL ABOUT THE INTERPRETATION OF THE ACT.

I’ll say one final thing on this matter though:

– IF someone feels that ripping their shirt of is a good way to intimidate others, then well let’s hope for their sake that they also have some other, better ideas as this one is far from being a good one.

– IF some players get intimidated by such a thing then they really need to stay away from watching wrestling and particularly HULK HUGAN as they could end up in the embarrassing position of needing their mother to reassure them like a child , saying something along the lines of:

‘Now, now son their is no need to cry or be in fear. It’s just a fool ripping of his t-shirt.

Don’t worry- I’m sure your character is alot stronger than some uniqlo shirt made in some cheap labor factory. I promise you, he wouldn’t do that if it was a nike shirt!

Now, now son don’t cry.’


mat4 Says:

WB:

You confused me because of “!”, the exclamation mark. You write it only when you are serious. Seriously. When you joke, just a “.”, a full stop.

Anyway, never joke with Nina. Never joke especially about Novak. And never joke about Sharapova, Maria for his friends, so never joke about Maria when I am around.


Brando Says:

@Alok:

‘For those of you who are saying that anyone who offers their opinion on a player’s celebration post match has no right whatsover to say it, and if the celebration/behavior is disliked by them, then they must shouldn’t watch? Or if they do watch, shut up and do not say one word. I thought this was a forum and a place for everyone to express their opinions, but that seems to be reserved folr only a chosen few.

This site seems to be one where people have to tip-toe around certain fans in order to be on their good side, as in friends. In other words, it’s a frat and chat club. That’s too bad for you guys, that it’s not a fraternity but a blog forum.’

AWESOME POST!

EVERY single bit of it!

People should read it and move on from this topic!


skeezer Says:

Ok, a message, really? Is Nole so insecure when he wins he needs to play fantasy Hulk Hogan? C’mon……
Sorry, its fodder, arrogant, an totally disrespectful to the game and his opponets. He feel he needs to do;

“look at me look at me”.

I like his game, but he might as well do a post game in your face dance, middle finger, etc,.It’s all so in your face and anyone defending it is just the same.

Then he tries to cover it all up in postgame interview…sorry…see through all that.


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

I was trying to impress you with my english knowledge;)

Now i am getting ready for tonight to enjoy how Raonic is going to thrash Federer;)


mat4 Says:

@Brando:

There are no different interpretations: body language is almost unequivocal. That’s what it is.

I wrote on the other thread that I believe he did it as an act of frustration — not catharsis, and Nietzsche seems to be quite right that the greek tragedy was played with music, and that there can’t be catharsis without a primary art.

But the Uniqlo shirt seems to be more difficult to tore apart than the ST…

Anyway, Brando, could I recommend you to read a bit of Rabelais, or, more modern, Kundera?


Ben Pronin Says:

MMT sounds like he’s very fed up with Djokovic’s antics. He’s expressed that. No problem. And it sounds like a lot of you guys are. I’m just offering an alternative, tune out. It’s after the tennis has been played, anyway. So what’s the big deal?


Alok Says:

I have one last bit to say, if as the djoker’s fans say he does not need us, then perhaps only his fans should comment on this site, and talk among themselves, which they do anyway, but if none of us is here then it can become Nole’s chat room instead of Tenis-x. I can tell you this, it will be borrringgg as hell.

I come here, write my comments and leave, so it’s OK with me, if you talk among yourselves, because I’m not looking for friends.


mat4 Says:

@Skeezer:

But, you’re right: it’s arrogant, just like Fed’s finger at the FO, just like that little tap of the cheek both give to a defeated opponent, just like the way they shake hands… They are extremely arrogant — every single top ten, Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Tsonga, Berdych, Del Potro… with perhaps Ferrer as an exception. They just concealed it sometimes more, sometimes less.


Alok Says:

The big deal is that we come here to talk about tennis, not dating, drinking or otherwise. And, if we can’t discuss a match that’s been played for 5 hours then why is there a blog? Or is it a friendship club that we have to mwah mwah mwah?


Alok Says:

ESPN crew says the djoker has a cocky arrogance. I guess they should shut up also.


mat4 Says:

I really don’t understand the fuzz about it.

Yesterday it was Rafa’s butt picking, the day before Fed’s post match conference, today a japanese polo…

Why don’t we write about tennis? There are so many interesting questions: did Fed the right thing not to play before the AO (he looks great so far), has Novak changed his racquet, what are Berdych’s prospects to make the semi, can Murray win the title beating Roger and Novak back to back, has Raonic improved his ROS…


Ben Pronin Says:

Mat4, yes, yes, bleak, no, no.


skeezer Says:

@mat4,

No, your items are different. Concealed, between players, or subtle like a finger for a quick moment is way different.

C’mon, a slow ripping of the shirt and a long gaping mouth for all to see to the crowd? In my imo its a showing of outright public audacity and a very public “look at me look at me.” Its showing off extreme. Novak imo doesn’t need that, his play is respectful enough ( if that. Is what he is looking for ).

No player before him that has accomplished so much has needed to show such post game “in your face” but apparently Nole needs it, or he can’t win.


mat4 Says:

@Alok:

If you promise to be a good Nole fan, like Skeezer and Brando, perhaps I will comment your posts…

Joking aside — don’t worry, I appreciate them and often answer indirectly.


Ben Pronin Says:

I just don’t see what the big deal is. I’m not saying people shouldn’t discuss it, but I’m discussing it, too. I gave my point of view, others disagreed. Alok, I don’t know what you’re getting at either.

At the end of the day (well beginning, actually) Djokovic ripped his shirt off and roared. A lot of people didn’t like it, some people did or didn’t care. What else is there to discuss? It’s not like people flipping out about it on this blog is going to make Djokovic stop. Just like wishing he was hitting his return as good as normal doesn’t mean he will magically start.


mat4 Says:

@Ben:

Thanks. But I don’t agree with “bleak”. First, at the USO, he showed that he is “close”. Then, could there be a “DC effect”? He could easily overpower both Djokovic and Ferrer.

The first “no”, for me, is a big question. I think he could.


skeezer Says:

Ok, well if you all accept it, when Nole loses and a guy like Monfils does a “in your face dance” after him spankin Nole, I don’t want to see any complaints!! Fair enough, no?

This same sh! T went on in the NFL ( and Ben knows better ), and they had to develop rules for excessive celebration…….all is fair in love and war. Me? Just win baby, thats all the statement you need. The ultimate “in your face”.
With all this talk I don’t want to hear one iaota of Fed being “arrogant”.


mat4 Says:

Honestly, I feel that the list of surprise will get longer and longer…


Daniel Says:

Ben,

The end of the match doesn’t “end” when the last point finish. Is the same as nobosy will eve r see players entering court anymore. Just fast forward to the judge saying: time!!

We want to see celebrations, handshakes, judge handshakes and so on…

This don’t watch argument just don’t fits. It’s pretty simple we are discussing why he does it and there were several diferent opinions on the matter, even psycological ones. That’s the beauty of a good argument and the fun of this site. Different people from all over the world, differente ages and tastes.

So, Djoko fans, don’t take it too personal, some will like some won’t. C’est la vie!!


mat4 Says:

@Skeez:

Fair enough. Anyway, I never wrote anything about Tsonga’s or Gael’s way of celebrating. And I don’t need to write that Fed is arrogant. First, it is a pleonasm. Then, Humble Rafa will do it for me.


Alok Says:

Ben, you are not getting my point. I’m sorry, but when I’m pissed off, as I am now, my English fails me, because you wouldn’t like to read my Sanskrit or Hindi meanings, I can tell you that they won’t be nice at all.

That aside, I’m saying that people who blog here regularly have the right to express an opinion about stuff that happens when a match is played. They come here for the expression of their thoughts, and should not be ridiculed by another who disagrees with what they’ve said. Neither should they be told to shut up, and turn off the TV,etc.

Also, remember that this is what the blog/forum represents, dysfunctional opinions, etc., albeit many stray from the fact that it’s tennis related and nothing else.

BTW, I hope you gujys realize that this was only a R16 match, so what will we see if he wins the tile? Will his coach hump a car again as he did last year?


mat4 Says:

@Alok:

Who cares? As long as he wins the title…


Ben Pronin Says:

Mat4, I’ll believe it when I see it. For both, that is.

Skeezer, now that’s an interesting point. But here’s the thing. In the NFL, when a team wins the game, any game, and especially big games, there’s lots of jumping around and hugging and celebrating on the sidelines, in the locker room, etc (before getting back to practice). And even though there are occasional fines for excessive celebration, the players are still extremely obnoxious to each other without being penalized. And there’s tons of touch down dances and I honestly hate them all. Yeah it’s damn excessive when all you’ve done is scored and there’s still a whole game to be played. It’s a little different when Djokovic just WON the match. It’s not like he’s ripping his short off during points, games, or sets. Or dropping to his knees after winning a set (like some people).

And I don’t see how saying Federer is arrogant is any different from this.

But you wanna talk about “look at me” gestures? What about Tsonga when he wins? Just about any match? After shaking hands, he jumps around the court POINTING AT HIMSELF with a big goofy smile. He might as well walk around with a giant sign that says “look at me.” And I know some people like this celebration. I don’t like it at all. It especially pissed me off when he beat Federer at Wimbledon and did it. But whatever. It’s not like he’s going to stop, and I try to look away before I see him do it nowadays. So, whatever. It’s not a big deal.


Ben Pronin Says:

Mat4, I’ll believe it when I see it. For both, that is.

Skeezer, now that’s an interesting point. But here’s the thing. In the NFL, when a team wins the game, any game, and especially big games, there’s lots of jumping around and hugging and celebrating on the sidelines, in the locker room, etc (before getting back to practice). And even though there are occasional fines for excessive celebration, the players are still extremely obnoxious to each other without being penalized. And there’s tons of touch down dances and I honestly hate them all. Yeah it’s damn excessive when all you’ve done is scored and there’s still a whole game to be played. It’s a little different when Djokovic just WON the match. It’s not like he’s ripping his short off during points, games, or sets. Or dropping to his knees after winning a set (like some people).

And I don’t see how saying Federer is arrogant is any different from this.

But you wanna talk about “look at me” gestures? What about Tsonga when he wins? Just about any match? After shaking hands, he jumps around the court POINTING AT HIMSELF with a big goofy smile. He might as well walk around with a giant sign that says “look at me.” And I know some people like this celebration. I don’t like it at all. It especially pissed me off when he beat Federer at Wimbledon and did it. But whatever. It’s not like he’s going to stop, and I try to look away before I see him do it nowadays. So, whatever. It’s not a big deal.


Alok Says:

@Ben, consider this. djokovich has an inferiority complex, and he ccannot handle it when the crowd is against him. Do you think he’s created more fan appeal or has lost more? What’s your opinion? Remember it was at the AO in ’08 that he was booed for shaking his raclket at the crowd.

@Mat4, thanks, but it’s OK if I don’t get any feedback from you. I’m Ok with it, but thanks all the same.

@Brando, thanks.


Daniel Says:

Btw, to me it was a “oh Djoko, not again” moment.

I was similing of joy after the match ended in such a thrilling point, net hug, compliments and then….ripped shirt! it just changed my expression from big smile to let down. Unnecessary is the word… Nect time he wins another 5 set epic you bet I will be excited waiting on the momentt: will he rip it off again?!:)


Ben Pronin Says:

I think his fan base is larger now than it was in 2008, not even close. I know a lot of people here say that it has to do with the Serbian culture. So maybe he does have an inferiority complex. His tennis against top players definitely used to show it. Nowadays it’s better, obviously. I’m just not bothered by his celebrating. I hate when he takes injury time outs during crucial times in matches, or other dumb crap. But this celebrating just doesn’t bother me. I still think he’s sending a message to the locker room. Maybe he isn’t, I’ll ask him if I ever get the chance.


Wog boy Says:

Alok,

But you are not discussing the, match you are discussing after match. Can you see the difference?
About Vajda, maybe he likes to hump a car, so let him hump the car (different people different habbits) or Nole can jump into polluted Yara River like Jim Courer did when he won AO, sorry I forgot, his name is Jim not Novak :(


Michael Says:

I do not find anything wrong in Novak ripping the shirt after his win. He is after all celebrating his big win and he has every right to do it. There is nothing indecent or peculiar about it. He did it after consoling his shattered opponent. Every guy have different ways of celebrating their win. Rafa would fall on the ground, Murray would lift his hands up and Roger who is the most conservative of the lot would just pump his right hand. Novak has this way. So just leave him to do what he does best.


Michael Says:

It was unbelievable. But the whole crowd was against Novak in his match against Wawrinka and they were baying for his blood. I do not know the reason what they dislike about him or are they rooting for the under dog ? Nevertheless, some respect should be shown for a World No.1 and the crowd is not behaving properly.


skeezer Says:

@Michael,

Disagree. Novak is plainly displaying “look at me look at me.”
Imo others are showing a junilant win. Maybe others think different.

This is a worthy discussion, and nothing personal about the players. (Disclaimer; love Noles game!)

Tsonga’s antics are folly imo cause he does not back it up with a top ranking, Nole does.

With Nole, am harder on him as he is #1 ITW, this is the top guy who currently represents Tennis worldwide, is this appropriate? I ask the question.


mat4 Says:

Ben, Alok, Skeez…

Perhaps I don’t like the way JWT points at himself, or his interviews after a victory, but I was earnest: I never wrote anything about it. I don’t have to like everything, and it’s my problem. People are different.

What bothered me, last year, was when the French organizers let the match Tsonga-Wawrinka (Stan played to five setters in a row, if I remember well) continue in the falling darkness because Stan was exhausted, and they waited for Jo to break.

But it was fine for most of the posters. Just like the fact that Babolat changed the balls, when they realized that Rafa could be defeated with harder, faster balls. Just like the fact that the final was interrupted when there was a slight danger for Rafa to lose.

Nobody writes about the so predictive draws, about all those things that are not fair play, that are challenging the concept of sport itself. Ben is perhaps the only one that wrote about doping in tennis, although it is obvious that something is just plainly wrong.

But we are waisting tons of words about a shirt and a primal scream, about a finger and AM’s cursing.


Michael Says:

Skeezer,

For nothing, he earned the adulation of “Djoker”. So he is good at such antics. I do not think we should make a big issue out of this. Everybody can’t be a Roger or Laver or Borg or Sampras curbing their emotions. They all have their natural tendencies. If that is being taken as showing some kind of disrespect, well it is their perception. But in my opinion, Novak has the right to do what he does. He ofcourse was comforting the loser and hugging him giving him all the respect he deserves. If he had done that shirt ripping before he handshaked with his opponent, then may be you have a point.


skeezer Says:

“He ofcourse was comforting the loser and hugging him giving him all the respect he deserves..”

But then he rips his shirt off and mouths gapping to everyone……yeah right….condensing at best.

——–

Daniel @11:18 post. Same here ;)

——–

Michael,
You may have a point, if his peers accept it (ytbd) why can’t we? That is really the ultimate question…


skeezer Says:

Mat4
Thanks, Tignor wrote a positive peice on Fed? Life must be hard without Rafa;
;)
“An audience with the Maestro”


jane Says:

Ben “Just like wishing he was hitting his return as good as normal doesn’t mean he will magically start.” – alas, true. :/

Daniel ” Different people from all over the world, differente ages and tastes.So, Djoko fans, don’t take it too personal, some will like some won’t. C’est la vie!!” – fair enough and well put, Daniel. I remember a long time ago when you and I discussed a Rafa in-match celebratory “move,” and we agreed to disagree. ;)


skeezer Says:

jane,

Ok, i know u are a big Nole fan. So, do you think Noles celebration was something you would endorse and think is a betterment for the game?


jane Says:

Jimmy Connors could sometimes get into some rather, umm, lively (?) celebratory moves too. :)


Michael Says:

Skeezer,

Many have reservations about Novak’s way of rustic celebration although I do not see anything wrong in that. Hope he reforms himself as a Champion. He can do it as afterall he is a big sportsman who smiles and congratulates heartily even when he loses.


jane Says:

skeezer, I am kind of indifferent. I think, from what I can tell, Nole has a good heart and overall seems to be a lovely, funny, generous man who is also very emotional on and off the court – always has been -and who is gracious in defeat, and, yes, wild in victory. I think he’s got class too – really! :) I forgive him his foibles and I am sure I do so in part because he’s my fave. I am not ashamed of that bias. Do I wish Nole could curb it somewhat? Yeah. Do I wish Rafa wouldn’t pick his butt? Do I wish Fed wouldn’t yell shut up? Do I wish Murray didn’t grab and swear. Sure. Sometimes I do think Nole goes over the top, but it’s not a regular occurrence, and it seems to follow only extremely hard fought wins: Paris 09, Rome 11, last AO final, WTF final and last night for e.g.. I think he was frustrated on the way all those wins for various reasons (personal and professional) and he kind of blows his top at the end, lets it all out. Maybe he will learn to curb this? I wouldn’t mind. And yet maybe there’s a little part of me that likes the Lion’s roar too. ;) So yeah. Kind of not a big deal. I did feel sad for Stan last night, and since it wasn’t a final, maybe Nole’s reaction was premature at the least. And maybe he should’ve kept the shirt on until he got to his bench. But I assume this isn’t calculate; I assume he just does it. That’s how I think of it, as more impromptu not planned. Anyhow, I get that they all make mistakes and that they’re all different people from different backgrounds and culture too. I don’t really feel the need to discuss it much, but if others wanna make a big deal about it, let em!


skeezer Says:

@jane

Well said and thanks. I get your points but Noles antics have been consistent when he wins. We are talikin a celebration of beating an opponet, not continual picking of butt nor a anamoly shut up by Fed during a match.

That said i appreciate your honesty and you accept Novaks total persona, so its all good. Hold your ground and speak your peace. Just know that my view is an overall one for the game and not just because Fed doesn’t celebrate( i wished he would have give more of the #1 finger throughout his career, but he has more class than me ).

Also, i always think of the juniors coming up and the models they look up too.


Bada Bing Says:

Stanislas Wawrinka✔ @stanwawrinka

@DjokerNole congrats for the fight tonight! Good luck for the rest of the tournament ….

Novak Djokovic✔ @DjokerNole

@stanwawrinka Stan,thank you very much!! I am sorry for your loss.. Wish you all the best for the rest of the season.. It was great pleasure


jane Says:

^ Nice! :)


Giles Says:

skeezer. You are more obsessed with Rafa’s butt picking than Rafa himself. Here’s some good solid advice for you and all the other critics – don’t watch him play, just watch live scores! But, the big question is, can you resist watching him in action, especially when he is at his best which hopefully isnt too far away! #MostExcitingPlayerOnThePlanet!!


Thomas Says:

This was the 2nd best matchpoint ever-after the one that put an end to simon-monfils.


skeezer Says:

Giles,

You do know that are 2 players that are required to play in a match, no? Did it ever come to your mind that I may be watching the other player? I guess I could turn away from the Tele the 145 times he does that a match, but my neck would hurt. Obssesed? No way. u are glued to his FB page, not me.
For me, I am enjoying his break from having to watch that tic. You? Apparently not. “#MostExcitingPlayerOnThePlanet”


alison Says:

Off topic well slighly anyway,but i keep coming back to this thread,just to look at the picture of Noles gorgeous amazing tanned body,what a hot piece of male eye candy,Jelena is one lucky gal,Nole is one very sexy guy.


Nina Says:

LOL mat4 you know I’m usually more mellow but I don’t tolerate people insulting Novak. It’s one thing to say you don’t like his way of celebrating or that is over the top -hey i think it’s over the top!- but it’s another thing to say he’s a jackass, a gorilla, a classless guy, etc. That’s when I have the need to intervene.

As Novak’s fan I don’t particularly like his shirt-ripping, i actually find it hilarious and maybe a bit embarrassing, but I acknowledge that Novak doesn’t care what everyone thinks, he’s true to himself, he does what he feels like at the moment. Why can’t we respect that and appreciate the fact that he has a personality and way of doing things out of the box? usually these kind of players are remembered for ages because of their colorful personality as well as their talented skills.

Many people disliked McEnroe’s behavior back then but he’s one of the most popular and charismatic players to ever play the game and people remember him fondly because he was true to himself and he put on a show. I think in time people will do the same with Nole.

PD. Alison… i agree with your comment, lol.


alison Says:

Thanks Nina i still love Rafa,and IMO hes still the hottest,but its not like i have him to ogle or lust after ATM LOL,so Noles the next best thing.


MMT Says:

Tennis is tennis, and other sports are other sports. They have their standards and even in those sports where the standards fall far short of those in tennis, there are limits to what is acceptable behavior. As a matter of fact, when players exceed those standards they are properly chastised, and even in some cases penalized.

One of the reasons I love tennis is that we have unwritten codes of conduct that are based in the principles of honor and respect for one’s opponent and for the sport itself, and therefore, thankfully I might add, we are not yet at the point where these types of histrionics have become so pervasive that we have to rely on written rules to address them – I hope we never do.

But every time someone decides they’re going to act a fool on the court, and they just don’t care what those unwritten rules are, and if you don’t like it you can turn off the tv, etc., that person is taking a little something away from the sport that I love precisely because of the sum total of all the things that make it different from other sports. And doubt I’m the only one. It’s about what you do between the serve and the last shot, and all the rest is histrionics, unnecessary, adds nothing to the entertainment value, and is exceedingly unsporting and unprofessional.

Nobody’s saying they all have to be robots out there – it’s normal to express one’s emotions. And to do it spontaneously and with limits doesn’t take anything away from the game. But they are not lions in the Serengheti roaring to delineate heir territory. They are not gorillas in the midst thumping their chests to ward of aspirants to their position of dominance.

This is TENNIS, and all I ask is that the best players in the world comport themselves in a way that does honor to the game, and doesn’t turn it into circus of barbarism that reduces the game to the unbearable stupidity of some of these other sports where to behave as they do is actually part of the appeal.

The game belongs to me too.

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