Djokovic’s Father: Rafa And Novak Are No Longer Friends; Federer Tried To Discredit Novak’s Success; Murray A True Sportsmen

The Arrogant One also my beloved uncle Toni to shut up. Uncle Toni is a scholar and gentleman, as you know.

July 29th, 2013 at 10:31 am

Humble One,
I am SO happy you realize Mr. Federrer is arrogant. Why do so few people seem to grasp this? Do they not have ears?

July 29th, 2013 at 10:33 am

I like Novak.

However, he had 50 retirements or more.

Although Novak’s allergy of it was one of the reasons. He actually repeated the retirement repeatedly, when likely lost.

Even when it is not a serious reason.

Can you do a retirement no less than 50 times, when playing as a tennis player?

I dislike the Djokovic family truly. They have rude noisiness with arrogant.

When Roger Federer is troubled by the sick slump of MONO

The Djokovic team insulted Roger. “The king is died. ”

Noisiness has changed nothing as this father’s Arrogant.

July 29th, 2013 at 10:39 am

Oh, HR is arrogant usual.

Toni Nadal: ” I hope now Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will get injured.”

Toni Nadal : “it’s ATP’s fault if Rafael never won WTF”.

http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=213518

“Djokovic is lucky, give me two years without injury and”: Nadal.

http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=227618

Nadal team is making many arrogant and selfish remarks.

Moreover, Toni Nadal is famous for violation coaching.

Toni Nadal always performs dirty gamesmanship with his ego.

as fact.

July 29th, 2013 at 10:48 am

I think everyone was delighted to see Nole’s mother take the trouble to go and congratulate Judy Murray at Wimbledon. This latest news has taken the shine off her sportsmanship. Whatever the detailed rights and wrongs of the father’s statement, I think it’s a pity the interview took place.

As always, we don’t know which remarks were made of his own volition, and which ones were responses to provocative questions.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:09 am

I think it’s funny that in trying to discredit Fed, he uses an example from 7 years ago.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:11 am

RZ,I see no humor there. An example is an example.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:16 am

pls get the facts right…roger never said Novak’s parents shut up…He only said “Be Quiet, ok”…makes lot of difference as its far more dignified… ;-)

July 29th, 2013 at 11:18 am

If Roger was winning, he would not have been bothered. Since he was involved in a TIGHT match, he got irritated. The Arrogant One is only polite when the occasion suits him.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:21 am

“http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/faking-it-to-the-final-four/story-e6frg7mo-1111117406513”

Fed was only telling the truth at the time, and he was not the only player on tour to call Novak out.
Dad has sour grapes.
Nole is not the same guy that way anymore. Get over it Dad, your boy’s #1 in the world now, wear it with pride.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:27 am

Roger Federer latest is among the most unexpected, especially for a man raised in a country known for its benign neutrality: backroom power broker.

Much of Roger Federer’s behind-the-scenes work this year has focused on persuading the four majors to share a larger piece of the revenue pie with players.
He has also lobbied that a larger percentage of prize money go to earlier rounds to rectify a growing income distribution gap.

That work has increasingly fallen on his shoulders, as Djokovic and Nadal, once Player Council members, left their leadership positions.

“Roger has so many demands on his schedule and the fact that he is investing so much time into the player council and these negotiations shows his character and how much he cares for the future of the sport,”
doubles specialist and council member Eric Butorac. “I believe it is very unprecedented to have a top player so involved.”

It is, like his precise shotmaking and fluid movements, a delicate balancing act. Demands can stretch on and on. The mind can become weary. Focus can waver.

Despite threats of a boycott and other hard-line tactics — for tennis — Roger Federer and his fellow players and ATP executives have shepherded successes.

The French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open each contributed a larger percentage of prize money to earlier rounds this season.

The Australian Open will do the same in January, and in a pre-emptive strike already announced the biggest year-over-year prize money increase in its history.

More important, Roger Federer said, is the “productive” dialogue taking place.

ttp://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=212659

July 29th, 2013 at 11:29 am

translations are not to be trusted, but just in case novak’s father truly made those comments, all i can say is, jealousy does that to some people. what do you expect from a parent whose son beats nadal 7 consecutive times and still doesn’t get the recognition that he so craves. ever wonder why not many sponsors seem interested in novak even after his 2011 winning streak, etc. considering all he has accomplished in the last 2 years you would think that sponsors would be lined up begging to market him, but not the case. apparently, this has helped to trigger his father’s behavior. however, i guess i can see why he would try to convince himself and others that nadal is the phony. after all, his son has been striving for years, doing everything that is humanly possible to be the person and player that rafa is. i know it must be hard to accept that your son, who is the #1 player in the world doesn’t get the attention and respect that nadal and federer get, but that’s life. im sure mr. djokovic feels better after he shared his true feelings.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:48 am

The stuff about Rafa is a bit harsh. The stuff about Federer is true.

– a Nadal fanboy

July 29th, 2013 at 11:49 am

@James. There are a couple of posts for you from me on the Isner thread.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:56 am

@mem. Well said.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:57 am

“The stuff about Rafa is a bit harsh. The stuff about Federer is true.

– a Nadal fanboy”

Nuff said.

July 29th, 2013 at 12:00 pm

Yes, gannu is correct. It was the entire French Open crowd Roger told to shut up during his 2012 SF, not Nole’s parents.

July 29th, 2013 at 12:06 pm

“Nuff said.”

– skeezer

#IfOnly

July 29th, 2013 at 12:08 pm

Andy and Nole are not as close as they once were hmm,i wonder if the reason for that is due to Andy now having the measure of Nole beating him in 2 out of the last 3 GS,and not been the whipping boy he once was,as this is now new teritory for Nole,like Rafa faced when Nole had the measure of him,easy to be nice when things are going well for you i suppose,ok im not saying Andy will beat Nole 7 straight times,but it will be interesting to see their reactions towards each other the next time they face off,especially if Andy beats Nole again,i dont know if it was my imagination but after the Wimbledon final,i dont think they were as warm and friendly with each other as they usually are,it all seemed a bit false IMO,maybe some players are sore losers,but so what they are human and some players handle things differently,we have a saying here in Britain show me a good loser and ill show you a loser.

July 29th, 2013 at 12:11 pm

^Sorry forced not false duh^.

July 29th, 2013 at 12:15 pm

Who says Djokovic bad winner? He only bad winner to losers. He nice guy. We trade shirts.

July 29th, 2013 at 12:23 pm

@Great Davy, whats happened to you??? Wanna see more of you in tournaments. As you’re the guy with a superior h2h against Nadal, respect, man, respect.

July 29th, 2013 at 12:28 pm

Do you ever think that parents of famous people should just keep their mouths shut? How does any of this blather from Novak’s father benefit his son? I get it…Novak’s parents sacrificed everything so their kid would be a great player.

Lots of parents make the same sacrifice but don’t get the pay off at the end. Nobody seems to be interested in their opinions.

My suggestion to Novak’s dad…watch your son play tennis but say very little and definitely don’t say disparaging things about his opponents and peers. Just plain dumb!

July 29th, 2013 at 12:44 pm

Agree with Colin it was a lovely gesture when Noles mother congratulated Judy after the final at Wimbledon,but thats a somewhat different situation to the Nole/Roger rivalry which is at times frosty,likewise the Rafa/Nole rivalry which has gotten that way too,the Rafa/Roger rivalry has for the most part been only a rivalry on the court,two players with mutual respect for one another,after Roger beat Rafa in the WTF in 2010,Rafas mother kissed Roger on the cheek,and his father shook hands with Roger,Rafas mum always sends Roger a card on his birthday too.

July 29th, 2013 at 12:47 pm

As far as the comments towards Rafa: what does Srdjan expect? I agree with Tennis hippy chic in that “show me a happy loser and I’ll show you a loser”. This same situation occurred during the greatest rivalry of all time, Navratilova and Evert. They had to distance themselves to compete at the highest level but have since reconciled to a closer relationship. It happens. I’m sure Rafa would take some more slam titles over being “best friends” with Nole.

While I agree that Federer can come off arrogant at times, I think that it is important to put into perspective the reputation that Nole had at that time. He was perceived as a quitter. MANY players and commentators felt this way (see Roddick’s comments at the 2008 US Open). I personally didn’t like Nole until he got over his retirement phase. I do not think that Roger would make those comments anymore. Nole has proved to be a true battler and champion in the last several years. Also remember that Federer has been voted Sportsman of the Year 8 times, obviously he isn’t that terrible to fellow players.

I also agree with tennis hippy chic that the Murray/Djokovic dynamic may change if Murray continues to beat Nole. We shall see.

All in all these comments (if correct) appear to me as sour grapes and a play for attention by Srdjan.

July 29th, 2013 at 1:13 pm

From what I see as a Rafa fan who appreciates Nole,they never really were the greatest of friends before. Sure there were pictures and the one exhibition in Colombia, but how can you call that an actual friendship compared to I don’t know- Murray and Nadal for example who text each other?

What some people fail to remember(Srdjan included?)is that it was Nole himself who also stated something along the lines about how rivals can’t be friends if they’re all trying to reach the same goals. Maybe one day they could all be friends, have a beer, reminisce but not right now. He said the 2nd part in 2012, but in 2011 he had the same feeling as he rose to #1. And quite honestly, there is nothing wrong with that.

I’m sure that no one actually knows what happened in Madrid 2011 because it’s not like we can trust what marca, for example, reports. The handshake video is interesting and I’m not going to deny that Rafa wasn’t as “warm” as he used to be but let’s be real. When had he been beaten that much in one year by one guy in the past? Never. This isn’t an excuse, but a reason for is attitude. However, I don’t believe he ever stopped giving respect to Novak and his achievements. He had already conceded the #1 ranking mentally by April/May.

After the AO Final in 2012, he hugged Novak even if that was a tough pill to swallow. It’s not as if Rafa began to “hate” Novak and his success or anything like that.

Roger had a bit of a tough time realizing Rafa’s potential in the beginning, but now look what has happened as they’ve grown older. You see the mutual respect between them AND their parents. Maybe if Novak’s mom had not said “The King is Dead” in 2008 when Roger still happened to make 2 more GS Finals and win a GS that year and do what he did in 2009, Roger would not have so much as a grudge. In the end, he has made multiple statements saying that there is not as much tension as we think between him and Novak.

I think the point is- when the parents or coach like Toni for example say things, this shouldn’t affect our pov of the player. Novak has grown up for the most part and Rafa wouldn’t say what Toni says most of the time anyways.

My opinion on the whole Nadal friends thing is that quite honestly, Rafa isn’t the one to become friends with everyone. Maybe he drew back when Novak had his success because Novak also contributed by saying it’s hard to be friends in 2011. We don’t know.

And please. Let’s all be honest. Tennis is a sport where we expect discipline and manners, but since when should rivals actually be the best of friends?

July 29th, 2013 at 1:13 pm

Batlord, sure it’s an example, but it’s an old example that sounds more like a long-held grudge than an actual complaint. If he wants to make a point, why not use something more recent and with more substance?

July 29th, 2013 at 1:23 pm

Lisha, well said.

July 29th, 2013 at 1:40 pm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-1389547/Novak-Djokovic-I-mates-Andy-Murray-Rafael-Nadal-fighting-place-history.html

Here’s the 2011 statements. Dailymail, I know, I know, but these are actual quotes anyways.

Novak obviously did not disrespect Rafa or Roger in any of his words there, but why now Srdjan? This will reflect even more on people disliking him and his family even though it’s not Novak’s words. And I feel bad because regarding crowd support he is is already respected the least. Even the French Open crowd this year during the SF was 50/50. I just don’t understand what was the point of bringing this up to a newspaper when the rest of the article is actually interesting to read.

July 29th, 2013 at 1:51 pm

@Lisha
Ditto on your post ;)

—–

“show me a happy loser and I’ll show you a loser”

Nice one alison ;)

July 29th, 2013 at 1:58 pm

Thanks Skeezer ;)..

Thanks Peter ;)..

July 29th, 2013 at 2:04 pm

when Andy and Del potro start beating again and again to see if Djokovic continues to be a good loser

July 29th, 2013 at 2:06 pm

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/07/novak-djokovic-father-federer-nadal-srdjan/?
Djokovic’s father rips Federer and Nadal. A bit of humour added to it. Even so, am not laughing.

July 29th, 2013 at 2:12 pm

Its unfortunate as this is about Noles dad sounding off,i really dont understand what he hopes to gain,by bringing this up,as some posters are taking this out on Nole for something his father has said,Nole is a worthy world no 1,and a great ambassador of the sport,yes i know hes done some silly things in the past,but i think hes grown up and put those things behind him,these comments are putting more negative press on the guy,these things shouldve been left in the past.

July 29th, 2013 at 2:21 pm

@ Steve 27. A mouth watering prospect indeed! Lol

July 29th, 2013 at 2:36 pm

Steve, Andy is gonna beat Novak a few more times but I honestly doubt Delpo will ever dominate his rivalry with Djokovic. Delpo is a fantastic powerful player but Novak imo is more versatile and will most likely win most of their matches in the future too.

July 29th, 2013 at 2:47 pm

Delpo imo needs a few more tricks up his sleeve to have more success against the likes of Novak, Rafa.

July 29th, 2013 at 2:50 pm

The idea that Novak and Rafa were ever “besties” is a figment of Nole’s father’s imagination. They were friendly, yes, but Rafa has always said the Spaniards and the Argentines are his friends on tour, both pre and post 2011. Over the years you’ve seen pictures of Rafa out with his friends Juan Monaco, Marc Lopez, Feli, etc. having dinner, playing golf, fishing, boating, whatever, and Nole was never there. I don’t think it’s feasible to have a “best friends” relationship with a competitor who is constantly threatening, no matter what the sport. Roger and Rafa have done it better than any #1 and #2 I’ve ever seen.

July 29th, 2013 at 2:53 pm

But Andy is going to dominate the Djokurray rivalry?

July 29th, 2013 at 2:56 pm

Yes, I have no doubt. Even on clay Andy is tough customer (watch rome 2011)

July 29th, 2013 at 3:04 pm

Exactly. I don’t know what Srdjan was thinking-what will this do for Novak besides cause more trouble among fans. I won’t go as far to say that this creates a bad image of the Djokovic family, but it doesn’t reflect well either that his father keeps on going to tabloids and talking like this-home country or not.

Rafa they recently started to hold a grudge against. Does anyone remember the French Open Final last year when during the break both Novak’s mom and dad talked to the Italian press? I thought that wasn’t a great idea.

Anna’s right. I think his only actual real best friends on tour are the Spaniardslike Marc and Feli and most notably in general Pico.

It’s hard in any sport to be friends with a rival, so what does Srdjan want?

July 29th, 2013 at 3:07 pm

^And Ferrer and Verdasco^.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:14 pm

@Lisha and Alison: great posts and well said. Agree on your points entirely.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:19 pm

As long as you have no doubt.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:21 pm

I don’t know if Murray is going to dominate his rivalry with Djokovic but he sure knows how to play Novak better than most.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:24 pm

My 2 cents: Senior Djokovic needs to take notes from his son Novak. Novak said it best: right now all 4 of the big names are competing strongly for the big titles. He doesn’t expect nor should others do so for them to be all pally and best friends at this point as it is a unrealistic expecation. Post career? Sure it’s a likely thing- but not right now. Rafa and Fed are both cordial with Novak, respectful and friendly even. So I do not understand why his old man is mouthing off here for no reason. I wonder what he has to say about Andy if he keeps on winning on the big stages v Novak. Will he be all praise for Andy then? Will Andy and Nole be best buds then? Or will the dynamic have changed all of a sudden because Andy no longer is his whipping boy on the big stage. It’ll be interesting to hear his ‘relationship analysis’ then on how his perfect son is faced with imperfect Fed, Rafa and possibly soon, Andy also. A load of hot air over nothing me thinks!

July 29th, 2013 at 3:27 pm

I also believe that Murray has it in him to win the FO! Despite his past clay record.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:28 pm

Rafa responded:

Tomeu Terrasa‏@tomeuterrasa1h
@RafaelNadal responde al padre de Djokovic: “Si quiere saber como nos llevamos Nole y yo, que pregunte a su hijo”

So he should ask his son if he wants to know how they get along.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:29 pm

James i agree especially on HC or GC,their matches are 50/50 IMO,when they meet on CC i would say advantage Nole though.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:29 pm

Lisha please translate thankyou.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:31 pm

It’s like I said but-

“If he wants to know how Nole and I get along, he should ask his son.”

As in he had better ask Novak about their relationship before commenting on it.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:37 pm

Guys, guys, guys.. please.. be honest with yourselves. Novak’s father, regardless if he made those comments or not, was CORRECT in saying what he had to say. I’m sure it wasn’t meant to be an insult, but more so pointing out some facts that border taboo subjects. The bottom line is YES, Federer can be an as@hole and has VERY MUCH so taken Novak’s success as a hard pill to swallow – discrediting Nole’s success time and time again. Federer doesn’t shy away from acting like an arrogant, spoiled brat that will only ‘play nice’ with Nadal and Murray. The bull from Spain is no better. Rafa was ‘good friends’ with Nole when he was winning, but after being beaten several times in a row by Novak, that ‘friendship’ turned sour. What is clear here people is that Novak was no. 3 in the world for 4-5 years before ascending to the top spot. Both Roger & Rafa have viewed Novak as the nuisance loud mouth that just won’t f*ck off – as 3 is a crowd. What IS undeniably true though, is that WIN or LOSE, Novak is always GENUINELY gracious and really makes a concerted effort to BE GENUINE with his rivals, and is always the pro-active one trying to build rapport and exhibit glimpses of outstanding sportsmanship.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:37 pm

Re Djurray: the numbers say it all. Andy is only 3 matches off from levelling the h2h. He’s 2-2 in slam final, being 2-1 in the recent 3 finals. He also won the olympics and had MP at Shanghai. He also had MP v Novak when he was unbeaten at Rome 2011. So long story short: he knows how to play him on all surfaces, better than most and recently: he’s been his better in the big ones!

July 29th, 2013 at 3:38 pm

@golden child: in other words: novak is special and the other brats need to take cues from this wonder of all wonders. No?

July 29th, 2013 at 3:41 pm

Golden Child, I agree re Rafa and Roger. Novak isn’t better though, or is he? Unlike Rafa and Fed, Novak doesn’t shy away from a little “suck my….” type of talk, you know. Just saying.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:41 pm

I read a quote from Sharapova during Wimbledon,she said im not here to make friends,im only here to win matches,also on the Chelsea lately show she said you have a bit of a reputation for been a B*tch,im not exactly giving the other girls high fives in the shower,i try to get out of there as soon as i can as its not my thing,im sure some of the posters on this forum work with people but have no association with them away from their day jobs.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:43 pm

Lisha, thanks for your posts.
So Rafa’s heard of it now. Must be very motivated to take on the Djoker soon. I guess it will be the same with Roger too.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:45 pm

@Lisha: thanks for that. LOL love Rafa’s response! IF Novak’s not complaining about his relationship with them then why is the old man mouthing off for no reason? Either way: this is creating needless tension for Novak. I think Nole needs to tell his father what Federer said to him Many years ago: shut up!

July 29th, 2013 at 3:46 pm

and I thought My father is the Master of embrasment…

July 29th, 2013 at 3:47 pm

@Brando, I believe Murray currently has the upper hand in the Djokurray rivalry. Novak will be the more nervous player of the two when they play next.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:48 pm

lol @courbon Nole must be feeling exactly that way atm….perhaps

July 29th, 2013 at 3:49 pm

@hippy chic, you’re right it’s 50/50 on HC and slight advantage Novak on CC. Advantage Muzza on grass imo

July 29th, 2013 at 3:52 pm

Courbon lol.

July 29th, 2013 at 3:52 pm

I don’t see how you come to that conclusion (any of you). Before the Wimbledon final, Djokovic won 3 straight. It’s a close rivalry, for sure. The matches themselves tend to be close, and they have been going back and forth somewhat lately. But to say that Murray has the upper hand is pretty weird. They’re 1-1 this year, both matches in slam finals. If you look through the Murray lens you say Murray was fatigued in AO but clearly the better player at Wimbledon. The Djokovic lens says Murray had a way easier path at Wimbledon and Djokovic was extremely fatigued. He was also up in sets 2 and 3 and should have at least won one of them whereas at the AO, after the first 2 sets, it was one way traffic for Novak. Having match points and failing to close is a double edged sword. Sure it’s good you got to match point but it’s gotta weigh on your head that you didn’t close out.

Djokovic might be more nervous, but if he’s on his game he’s the better player and he knows it. You’re really going to go by ONE match to say he has the upper hand?

July 29th, 2013 at 3:54 pm

Good response from Rafa. Wonder what fed has to say to this boitchy interview!!

July 29th, 2013 at 4:03 pm

Ben im not saying that the rivalry has swung in Murrays favour,but i believe they are evenly matched,i think these days Murray has that self belief now against Novak that he didnt have before,and this is all new teritory for Novak,thats why i said that their matches are 50/50,its not as if i said their matches are 70/30 in favour of Murray,IMO their matches are even stevens now,rather than been lopsided JMO.

July 29th, 2013 at 4:03 pm

Djokovic imo wasn’t as fatigued in the final as is made out to be. He had more than 24 hrs of rest before the final match.
Watch the Wimby final again if you can. Novak tried hard but even he was amazed at some of the shots Muzza played. The manner in which Novak lost, straight sets in a Slam final, suggests Muzza has the upper hand now in their rivalry. Murray not only outserved him but also dictated the rallies. Also defended so well like the Rafa of 2008-2010.
Now if Novak wants to have the mental edge over Murray, he needs to do it in their very next match. If not, Muzza’s gonna get more and more confident against him while he wouldn’t be at his mental best against the Scot.

July 29th, 2013 at 4:09 pm

I’m afraid I have to agree with James and Hippy Chic.I’m hoping Novak reverse trend in US Open.

July 29th, 2013 at 4:20 pm

Some Rafa fans here were very happy that Rafa beat Nole in 5 sets at RG and not in 4. I preferred he had in 4. IMO when matches are very closely fought even the loser of the match believes he could have won it. That they feel confident they can beat their opponent next time they meet. But when you defeat your opponent like in FO 2008 final, or hand Nadal two straight sets wins on clay, it does swing the rivarly in your favor most often than not. JMO

July 29th, 2013 at 4:30 pm

Murray is the more talented player, but his poor behavior in the matches before Lendl cause him losses (Australia 2011). The next two years are for Andy.

July 29th, 2013 at 4:38 pm

James agree to some that might sugest that rather than sailing through his matches on clay,hes actually now becoming less dominant,which by the law of averages is only to be expected sooner or later,losing sets to even the lesser players now,when a few years ago the best they could hope to do is keep a set close,he actually won the FO twice without losing a set i believe.

July 29th, 2013 at 4:39 pm

yes @hippy chic, he won RG twice without losing a set, in 2008 and 2010. Almost did it again last year but lost a set to Novak in the final.
Rafa imo isn’t done dominating on clay yet. If he’s fit, he can still play better at RG next year than he did this year imo. This year I thought he was a bit nervous in the early rounds as it was his first slam in almost a year, post long injury lay off.

Talking of Rafa on clay, I sometimes wonder how did this happen? I mean why are they letting him dominate the clay season every single year?! As a fan not complainin lol but I kind of feel like at one point the rest of the men on tour decided they can’t do much to Rafa on clay. Almost everyone of ’em but Novak seems to lose the match even before stepping on clay court with Rafa.

July 29th, 2013 at 4:53 pm

@James,
I am happy for 5 sets win in RG, becuase it was exact replica of AO 2012. Rafa serving for the match in 4th set, Nole made it to TB and eventually winning.. Nole leading in 5th, only to Rafa to come back and win the match…I believe in tasting own medicine karma..

When rafa won back to back 5 setters in AO, i was somehow afraid that someone is gonna do it against him the same..

Still I feel that someone is gonna beat Nole in 5 consecutive finals minimum…Hope its Murray:-)

July 29th, 2013 at 5:01 pm

Steve, there are many talented players in the mens tour. The Djoker is very talented too. Being more talented doesn’t mean you’re the better player. eg when Rafa and R Gasquet started their careers, many had predicted Gasquet to have a more successful career than Rafa because the Frenchman was thought to be the more talented of the two. Now fast foward in 2013, Rafa is a 12 time GS champ, one of the GOATs. Gasquet? What was the last tournament he won?

July 29th, 2013 at 5:05 pm

Momentary interruption. Rafa confirms that he’ll play in Montreal, Cincinnati AND New York this summer. Kind of surprised. Looking forward to the possible match-ups.

July 29th, 2013 at 5:17 pm

The one thing I do like about Novak is that he is gracious for the most part, win or lose. I’m not sure what really happens behind the scenes with these players after matches, but his parents seem to be a little intense, and should be more gracious when talking about others.

We all know tennis is a very competitive sport and emotions can run high. Like boxing, each player needs to be confident in their abilities to beat the others, often times to bravado can come across as arrogance, but these players just want to win.

July 29th, 2013 at 5:21 pm

Steve27, what about Nadal? Is Murray gonna maul him, too?

James, I’m not following your logic. The Wimbledon final was a bad loss for Djokovic, but it doesn’t mean it’s all over for him against Murray. Djokovic crushed Murray at the AO in 2011 and the next time they met Murray nearly won on his worst surface. Even if Djokovic loses his next one, so what? Like I said, Djokovic just won 3 straight culminating at the AO. Nadal had beaten Djokovic 5 times in a row before. Djokovic beat Nadal 7 times in a row. They still bounced back. If Djokovic beats Murray at the US Open then he’ll be 2-1 against him in slams this year. Then the entire landscape looks completely different. But you’re basing everything off one match which just blows my mind.

July 29th, 2013 at 5:27 pm

Is Murray gonna maul him, too?
No, because they are real friends, lol.

July 29th, 2013 at 5:39 pm

Marca is a bad journalism, DA.

July 29th, 2013 at 5:40 pm

———
courbon Says:
and I thought My father is the Master of embrasment…

July 29th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
———–

You are wrong, very wrong, they can never embarass us as much as we can embaras them. I wish my father is still around so I could make up for a few things I did to him. He never got over that that his only left home, not on really good terms (my fault) never to return, he lasted only few years after I left.

July 29th, 2013 at 6:13 pm

@ Wog Boy: Belive me, my father is the Zen Master of Embarasment but he is a good men,and always (after initial:,What the f**k??!!) I forgive him…He just spend 3 months with me (left 3 days ago ) and for 84 year old guy he is still sharp.
Sorry about your fall out with dad-regrets and more regrets…

July 29th, 2013 at 6:31 pm

“his only left home” should say “his only son left home”

Courbon, no probs mate, I firmly believe that we all have our, made to measure, crosses and that we have to carry them through the life, though sometimes I think that the carpenter who made mine cross used heavy hardwood, whether on purpose or by mistake I will never know.

July 29th, 2013 at 7:27 pm

Wog Boy.. still waiting on that invite to Guča.. :)

July 29th, 2013 at 7:33 pm

When Nole’s mom trumpeted about the new arrival of the new king he went into a mess and it took him 3 more years to win his next GS.

This time Nole is already under pressure from his main rivals. Lets see whats in store for him. This big mouthed Djokovic family is definitely not helping each other.

July 29th, 2013 at 9:29 pm

Nole is by far the weakest world number 1 in the post Samprass era.
2011 was an exception. Apart from that he cannot even dominate the 30+ Federer, oft injured Rafa and the mental midget Murray. This is supposed to be his prime since 2011, but he has lost 6 grandslam matches to the other top 4.

His father has to realize that Nole is more of a wozniacki kind of world no.1.

July 29th, 2013 at 9:34 pm

GC,

You obviously don’t check threads on regural basis:)
If you go back on the thread that you asked me, you will find out my answer, as the matter of fact I answered you both times, check the threads. I might go later on and copy my answer, no time now.

July 29th, 2013 at 9:41 pm

^^^

For Golden Child

July 29th, 2013 at 9:43 pm

novak is one of the best losers on tour but he can be a disrespectful winner.

the idea that nadal ”cut off” the friendship because djoker started beating him [more] is not really consistent considering nadal has taken plenty of losses to murray in big tournaments and there seems to be no issue. he also took plenty of losses to federer and seemed to have no problems there. the idea that because of djoker’s 2011 nadal spat the dummy on their friendship seems absurd.
it’s more believable that djoker, who always had a very cocky side to him coming up, became more intolerable as he began to dominate on tour.

as for federer:
nadal, djoker and murray all idolised federer and never had a bad thing to say about him as they were coming up. federer, on the other hand, had a disparaging thing to say about at least one of them every month.

July 29th, 2013 at 9:52 pm

^^^
I don’t think Srdjan stand a chance against John Tomic.

In the other note I have to agree with volley from the other thread. Srdjan didn’t tell us anything that we didn’t know already. Love it or not he is entitled to his opinion and that is called freedom of speach. He doesn’t have to be PC and his son cannot stop him from giving interviews like the others did to their parents, whether Novak agrees with his father or not.
There is more in that interview than just his opinion about other players though the timing is pretty bad for Nole. He has to focus on tennis not on what his father and his interview.

July 29th, 2013 at 10:20 pm

Damir Dokic must be pretty fit after spending one year in jail for threatening to blow up Aussie ambassador in Belgrade, that must be unfair advantage?

Glyun Hewitt is former Aussi Rules player but I am pretty sure Yuri has something up his sleave.

Srdjan and Mr Gulbis will end up after the fight in one of Srdjan’s restaurants getting smashed and becaming best friends, that is how we do it in eastern Europe.

Of course, John Tomic has best Liverpool Kiss on tour.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:17 pm

I remember when Rafa won the USO against Novak……after Rafa worked the crowd he went over and said something to Joker when he was sitting in his chair. Always wondered what Rafa said to him….I am sure it was a nice gesture of some kind. I had never seen a player do that before.

I don’t expect players to be friends with the enemy, so to speak……but I really do think they all respect one another’s game, which is very admirable.

July 29th, 2013 at 11:17 pm

“sleeve”

July 29th, 2013 at 11:28 pm

This is training that John Tomic had to complete in order to use Liverpool kiss . He passed it … obviously as one of best the students;)

http://youtu.be/dhxkehIA1lk

July 29th, 2013 at 11:42 pm

Sean,

LOL! Yes!

The parents and relatives should play there own tournament and let the players speak for themselves. They all are on the player’s money making tree so maybe the feel compelled to make opinion. Really? Pffft and FAIL. Guess what, they don’t play professional tennis, and are not carrying there Kin’s racket on the court. I say STFU, Let the players speak for themselves. Put them all in a cage, and don’t make public the results. Who cares anyway?

PS; didn’t want to say this cause I am a Fed fan and it would look bias, but since no one mentioned it it has to be said. Are Feds parents absolute models to the sport compared to others or what??????

July 30th, 2013 at 12:17 am

Sean @ 10.35 :)
I’d seed Tomic senior No 1 too. He has a Masters in embarrassing behaviour…
@Wog boy
Not sure a year inside will aid Dokic senior in his quest to be No1 embarrassment either, surely other skills have been developed….
As an afterthought, we can probably blame parents for the behaviour of their children but surely we can’t blame children for the behaviour of their parents?

July 30th, 2013 at 2:32 am

@skeezer “Are Feds parents absolute models to the sport compared to others or what??????”

Agree 100%!!! They are the epitome of a humble and modest parents. I salute them.

July 30th, 2013 at 5:27 am

Perhaps Rafa and Novak would be more friendly if Novak had not celebrated so inappropriately and insultingly after his win in Madrid 2011 – with it being the capital of Rafa’s country. The Madrid crowd have still not forgiven him.
Likewise at AO2012 was it really necessary , after such an long match to scream and roar and rip his shirt following victory.
Murray’s parents made big sacrifices for him as have many parents before their children were able to secure sponsors

July 30th, 2013 at 5:45 am

@skeezer “Are Feds parents absolute models to the sport compared to others or what??????”

So @skeezer, give us your comparative analysis then. How do Fed’s parents compare to Rafa’s in behaviour? Same analysis re Murray’s, Ferrer’s, del Potro’s, Berdych’s etc. Tell us what these other stars’ parents’ have done to diminish their estimation in your and fans’ estimation. I have deliberately left out Djokivic’s parent’s because, in terms of the current thread, his Dad’s tosser behaviour/utterances rule them out.

You opened the door. And please, Uncle Toni is not Rafa’s parent….just saying for your benefit because we know how “attached” you are to Uncle Toni.

Thank you in advance for your usual intrepid and un-biased (*tremble*)analysis…

July 30th, 2013 at 7:02 am

So nadalista, how was your trip?(I read the posts on TT before it closed down.)

July 30th, 2013 at 7:09 am

Calling @Margot, @rafaeli……please tell me what the f&@k’s going on? I go up a blooming African mountain and come down to find:

a) Muzza’s Wimby Champ (to my absolute delight, Vamos!!)
b) No talking on Tennistalk, wtf?

Phew, glad some things never change, Rafa’s still looking delicious (even more, if I may say so) judging by those holiday photos! Oh Rafa, you tease……

Seriously though, where’s the Rickster, Chazza (aka Cheryl Murray)? the whole blooming TT crew? Right now I have a burning urge to “insult” chr20 (or is it chr18, can’t remember…..), where’s the gang???

July 30th, 2013 at 7:15 am

Hi @Thomas! Thanks for the shout-out.I will tell you how Kilimanjaro went down later (hint: I have recovered) but first, tell me where I can find the rest of the TT crew? Are they here on tennis-x blog? If they are, is @skeezer being rude to them? If so, he has me to answer to……

I will not stand for any of my TT pals being abused, even the TT Fedbots, I love ’em!

July 30th, 2013 at 7:20 am

Nadalista i am sooo jealous,going up an African mountain,and yes your right about those pictures of Rafa on holiday,apparantly the ones of him in black shorts were the epitome of female paradise lol,indeed what a tease ;)..

July 30th, 2013 at 7:23 am

Hey @nadalista. Good to see you back, thought for several nasty moments that you might have deserted us. Did you really go mountain climbing and how was the experience?
Back to reality now. How does it feel?
WelcomeBack

July 30th, 2013 at 7:31 am

Hi @Tennis x hippy chic! Thanks for the shout-out! Yes, m’dear, on a dare from my son, joined him on a trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro……

Let us just say me posting is proof I lived to tell the tale…..just. And I am a changed woman (honest). I have seen the light. Hell, how could I miss it after being 5,895 meters above sea level?

After my tribulations, I have resolved to be even nicer than I was before (is that the sound of a collective “aaahhh” from Fedbots?)

Hehehe!

July 30th, 2013 at 7:34 am

Hi @Giles, thanks for the shout-out! Me, desert you guys, nah!To be honest, I am still gathering my thoughts/self. I kept a daily diary, packed it away after the descent, haven’t looked it up yet, had to recover first. For now, let’s just say I will never take ordinary household bathrooms for granted again, they are special!

July 30th, 2013 at 7:41 am

nadalista, I believe they have all moved to a site called tenngrand.com It’s Ricky’s person site.

July 30th, 2013 at 7:59 am

I meant personal.

July 30th, 2013 at 7:59 am

Fedster, you are hilarious.

July 30th, 2013 at 8:13 am

I havent seen Danny Morris blogging on this forum since Nole lost the Wimbledon final,apparantly according to a poster called Long Live The King,he was going to set up his own Tennis Web Site?

July 30th, 2013 at 8:16 am

Thanks @Thomas, I will look that site up……..

July 30th, 2013 at 8:20 am

Nadalista :) Welcome back! Glad u came down from your mountain OK. Congratulations.
Bet365 withdrew its sponsorship and the site had to close :( But honestly after what had been going on on there, ’twas a blessing really.
Yes, Thomas is correct, u’ll find the Rickster and some exTTs on there. Dunno where Cheryl is.
And YAY, YAY, YAY! Andy :)

July 30th, 2013 at 8:40 am

Margot just to let you know if you are interested the final is now out on DVD,if you buy it then you have the match for life.

July 30th, 2013 at 8:47 am

Mr. Djokovic doesn’t seem to get that he hurts his son more, than the people he attacks here. I know it was his father that said it, but Novak will surely get some of the heat. And people really wonder why Novak isn’t more popular? Never buy the Rafa and Novak were best friends theme. There were never friends and most likely no enemys either. They are colleagues and rivals, not more or less. I’m sure the consecutive losses played some part, but the main reason they don’t get along that great is most likely Djokovic’s personality. I can think of many of Novak’s personal attributes I don’t like, no need to put them all down here. I’m sure Rafa made an effort, but couldn’t take it any longer, so he let this relationship cool off. I think they are just too different. No harm really, there are enough players you can be friends with. Plus rivals can’t be friends.
And the DC thing, get over it man. It was so long ago. He can’t seem to understand why other players are more popular who are in his eyes bad guys. Think twice before you utter such nonsense.
I may not like Fed that much, but I always admired his and Rafa’s parents, never looking for the limelight, and sure not only disrespect your son’s rival. They are classy people. The Djokovic’s not so much.

July 30th, 2013 at 9:22 am

@ Alex
I agree.

July 30th, 2013 at 9:55 am

Finally, rafa has spoken out on Novak’s father’s comments – pleased to say – and spoken like a true gentleman.

When asked by reporters about his reaction to Srdjan Djokovic’s comments on his relationship with Novak, Rafa had this to say:

“If he wants to know how I get along with Nole, he should better ask his son.”

“My relationship with him [Novak] has always been very good and it still is.”

Rafa resisted further comments on the subject, choosing not to speak at that level, as always.

http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2013/07/29/srdjan-djokovic-blasts-rafael-nadal-and-roger-federer/

As for Roger’s parents being respectful. Can’t think they would be anything other than so. I have always seen them shaking the hands of the opponent at Wimbledon (in particular, whether winner or loser – I have seen them do that to Judy Murray, even to Novak’s parents – shows class, something which Novak’s father does not have.

It’s important that the sons don’t pay for the sins of the fathers I feel, so am so curious to find out what Novak thinks of this outburst by his dad.

I was trying to find out when Fed had actually “attacked” Novak and if the source is correct, being Davis cup in Geneva, back in 2006 -We are talking about Fed being “jealous” of Novak as his predecessor back then? I think not.

Considering Novak was hardly on the radar then. Just shows how jealous father Djokovic is, and that is a shame, particularly as he is living in the shadow of his son’s fame and not his own.

Rafa goes on to say:

“My relationship with him [Novak] has always been very good and it still is.”

Rafa resisted further comments on the subject, choosing not to speak at that level, as always.

July 30th, 2013 at 10:00 am

Look, they might not be the best of friends anymore but that doesn’t mean Rafa doesn’t respect Novak, same goes for Novak and Andy’s relationship. This is what constant high-level competition does to them, and I think its only natural. I mean its heartbreaking to see either of them lose an epic 5-set match, right? It must be heartbreaking for them as well, so back in the locker rooms they can’t be all besties when you just lost those kind of matches.

July 30th, 2013 at 10:53 am

nadalista Says:
@skeezer “Are Feds parents absolute models to the sport compared to others or what??????”

So @skeezer, give us your comparative analysis then. How do Fed’s parents compare to Rafa’s in behaviour? Same analysis re Murray’s, Ferrer’s, del Potro’s, Berdych’s etc. Tell us what these other stars’ parents’ have done to diminish their estimation in your and fans’ estimation. I have deliberately left out Djokivic’s parent’s because, in terms of the current thread, his Dad’s tosser behaviour/utterances rule them out.

You opened the door. And please, Uncle Toni is not Rafa’s parent….just saying for your benefit because we know how “attached” you are to Uncle Toni.

Thank you in advance for your usual intrepid and un-biased (*tremble*)analysis…

July 30th, 2013 at 7:02 am

Nadalista?

Have you read the biography about Federer? There is a whole lot of information in that book about the sacrifices they have made in order to make Fed the player that he is today (yes, yes, it’s what parents do, we know that).

Have you read the autobiography, Rafa? A little bit in their about Rafa’s parents, but mostly about Rafa’s relationship with Toni, so it is understandable that Toni has become Rafa’s surrogate father, (by Rafa’s own admission), and the sacrifices the family have made for their son too.

So turning to the parents being on court and watching their behaviour in front of the media? Well, enough said about Novak’s parents, with bold T-shirts, utterances bordering on coaching to their son, talking loosely to the press. Never have I seen or heard the parents of both Rafa and Roger act in any way other than classy.

I read one interview which Fed’s mother gave, but that was to do with her charity in Ethiopia.

I would say (watching reruns of the 2010 WTF when Fed won, in the corridor at the end of the tournament, Rafa’s parents there, greeting and congratulating (along with Toni), Fed for winning – classy.

Same with Fed’s parents, 2008, wimbledon, really lovely to see Roger’s father shaking the hand of rafa and his parents when Rafa won – pure class again.

So yes, both parents are “absolute role models” for their respective son’s accomplishments in tennis, and the thing in particular with Roger’s parents, they don’t need to live in the shadow of their son’s success, they have their own businesses/charitable organisations, whereas Novak’s father comes out with crass comments, at inappropriate times (both on the court and off the court).

Question is, why was he interviewed and asked questions about his son’s successes? Why not speak directly to the man himself?

July 30th, 2013 at 11:21 am

Re parents: I think Rafa, Feds and Muzza parents have been class. I was also impressed with Novaks mother when she congratulated Judy Murray post match. That was nice to see. Nole’s father though? Er no comment!

July 30th, 2013 at 11:45 am

@ Brando. Completely agree.I hope this stupidness of his father does not distract him too much…can wait for Friday to see Montreal draw and get back tennis action.

July 30th, 2013 at 1:22 pm

I still wait Montreal 2013.

July 30th, 2013 at 8:12 pm

I would say this remark by Novak’s father is disparaging as well as ugly. This is thought to be the Golden Age of Tennis not because it is dominated by four of the best Players who have taken it to the next level, but also because of the way they have conducted themselves on and off the court. It is the fine sporting spirit in which they play the game which has caught our imagination. This was not so before when competitors used to treat each other as enemies rather than rivals. Novak’s father has certainly gone over board with his comments. He should have refrained himself from passing outrageous comments which is not in the best interests of the sport. When all the four have respect and mutual admiration for one another, it is futile to imagine that they have animosity towards one another.

July 31st, 2013 at 12:46 am

Mr. Djokovic, please understand that Rafa is still very upset about his parents’ divorce. It has affected his behavior towards everyone. Nole is a fine boy. You and Mrs. Djokovic have done a great job in rearing him.

July 31st, 2013 at 7:55 am

Brando Says:
Re parents: I think Rafa, Feds and Muzza parents have been class. I was also impressed with Novaks mother when she congratulated Judy Murray post match. That was nice to see. Nole’s father though? Er no comment!

July 30th, 2013 at 11:45 am

Yes Brando, I saw that too. It was classy. I think Noles’ father has lost the plot!

Have to also say though, that in the past, Judy Murray has been disparaging about Fed, that was a surprise to me, but since then, things have improved.

July 31st, 2013 at 9:24 am

“Judy Murray has been disparaging about Fed”

What did she say and when? I want proof and links.

July 31st, 2013 at 9:54 am

Must be hard for Djokovic’s father to accept that his son, even though World No 1, simply doesn’t have the popularity with fans that either Nadal or Federer still have, even though they are Nos 4 + 5 now. No excuse for bad-mouthing both of them – reflects more on the lack of class of Djokovic snr than anything else.

I watched that DC tie between Djokovic (jnr) and Stan Wawrinka. Djokovic limped off that court aided by team-mates. Then did exactly what Fed said … ran around like a rabbit. It was laughable and I didn’t blame Federer at all for coming to the defence of his Swiss team-mate by saying exactly what he thought of Djokovic’s antics. Pleased to see that Novak Djokovic has grown up now … lol.

July 31st, 2013 at 6:25 pm

“Although Novak’s allergy of it was one of the reasons. He actually repeated the retirement repeatedly, when likely lost. ”

Speaking of the allergies, asthma and breathing problems, how did he overcome them? He seems to have had them under control since 2011.

August 1st, 2013 at 1:51 pm

WTF
You have to buy the book to find out.

August 1st, 2013 at 2:01 pm

[…] father, Srdjan, remarked two weeks ago that his son and Nadal are no longer friends. This incident won’t help matters. Uncle Toni, who did not make the trip to Canada, must have […]

August 10th, 2013 at 11:22 pm