Even Roger Federer Can’t Believe How Badly Novak Djokovic Beat Rafael Nadal In Doha

Federer would never lose 6-1 6-2
He is too crafty has too much variety in his game & boasts much better serve than Nadal
In fact Federer could’ve even beaten Djokovic in Doha

People are clearly missing the point … Sure Djokovic is playing great tennis but haven’t we forgotten how well Nadal could play at his best ?
Nadal is no where as good as he was in 2013… He’s just a former shadow of himself !
Until he gets another coach nothing will change … Will continue to thrash him even on clay !

January 11th, 2016 at 10:27 am

I think the match would have been closer against Federer, but djokovic playing at that same level against Federer in Doha, there is no way he would have won. I just don’t see that.

January 11th, 2016 at 10:38 am

Federer will be the third seed at the Australian Open, not the second seed.

Murray is ahead of him in the rankings. It’s possible one half of the draw could have Djokovic, Federer, Nadal and Nishikori while the other half has Murray, Wawrina, Berdych and Ferrer.

January 11th, 2016 at 10:44 am

@Pauly
RG 2008
6–1, 6–3, 6–0
And we have seen RF this week…

January 11th, 2016 at 11:36 am

Pauly – Considering Fed was dumped out of Brisbane what makes you think he had even a shred of a chance against the display the Djuggernaut put on in Doha?

And Rafa has visited some massacres on Roger in the past. As Aku says, RG in 2008. And I remember watching the two in Roma in 2013 when Rafa mopped the court with Roger.

Even before Rafa’s dip starting in late 2013 and Djokovic’s noteworthy improvements showing in 2015, Novak at his 2011-2014 best was better overall than Rafa at his best.

There is something funny going on with the NAdal coaching situation. You would think Moya would have been offered a spot, or all sorts of retired players besides him. But either Rafa is not asking because he wants to stay with Uncle Toni as his only coach – or there is something afoot inside the Nadal camp that makes them reluctant to bring an outsider into that inner circle to learn about what that thing is.

January 11th, 2016 at 12:27 pm

“…. Fed was dumped out of Brisbane…”
What dumping LMAO? The dumping was in Doha.

January 11th, 2016 at 12:41 pm

The inner circle is within joker’s camp, not Nadal’s camp. Moyà and the Nadal’s have been friends since forever and hardly likely Moyà would coach him for a fee. Coaching Raonic earns him some $$$$$. Ok??

January 11th, 2016 at 1:38 pm

What dumping LMAO? The dumping was in Doha.
—
Says a man who is familiar with all things dumping, especially cats.

January 11th, 2016 at 1:43 pm

Chrisford1, I think Rafa is a very loyal guy and cannot accept to be trained by someone else then Once Toni. Perhaps I am naiv but that’s my opinion…

January 11th, 2016 at 2:11 pm

..and Rafa is such a shy person, perhaps he has privacy problems and does not want an outsider

January 11th, 2016 at 2:16 pm

Rafa needs to find his ruthless streak,and to stop being so damn friendly with Novak,and being so loyal to Toni,he is too stubborn for his own good,nice,nice,nice will not win him trophies,GS,or get him to beat Novak,he needs to bin Toni,get a new coach,and new ideas….

January 11th, 2016 at 2:21 pm

HI GG, did miss U today:)..I do not understand, what Novak has to do whit this. Tennis players interract with eachother, or should Novak be isolated?
And as I said, Rafa is not stubborn în this Mattel, he does not wants an outsider

January 11th, 2016 at 2:26 pm

HI Sarah,ive been working today,anyway i just dont think when two players are as friendly as both Rafa and Andy are with Novak it does them any favours,they both need to be a bit less friendly and a bit more hatefull,i dont believe friendships and success go together….

January 11th, 2016 at 2:35 pm

but they are not friends. ..Who told you they are friends, they just talk to each other politely once in a while…

Going now off line. Byees, nice evening ;)

January 11th, 2016 at 2:38 pm

Does anybody has link to his interview after the match, did he give any credit to Milos for playing smarter and better tennis than him in Brisbane or he just talks about his cold (flu) and coughing as a reason for losing the final since that is all I can read in the last two days. Funny thing is that after demolishing Thiem in the SF, he was very happy saying that he is over the cold (flu) and it is much nicer when he plays his 100% tennis, suddenly after being beaten convincingly by Milos, I mean only one break chance in the match, the coughing, flu, mono everything is back and that is the reason he lost to Milos, can’t he give a credit for once to the person whom beats him like Rafa and Nole are doing after their defeats. I bet if it happens that he goes out of the AO it will because he couldn’t get back to his 100% due to illness, not the other player was better that day…

January 11th, 2016 at 3:03 pm

Sarah friendly not friends and no Novak shouldnt be isolated not saying that,but Rafa was practicing with Novak before Doha,someone here posted pictures laughing and joking,and Novak is the man to beat and one of Rafas biggest rivals,laughing and joking together with a big rival before an exho is fine,but not before an important tournament,JMO you disagree your perogative ;))….

January 11th, 2016 at 3:05 pm

WB, you haven’t read enough. Federer gave Raonic a ton of credit and said he’s really impressed with how he’s improved his game and his shot selection. Also said he’s very happy for him.

January 11th, 2016 at 3:25 pm

Well it was typical Roger giving praise qualified about still not 100% getting over his cold.

ROGER FEDERER: “Yeah, I don’t know. Just not there. You know, like one step too slow. Definitely felt tired in my legs throughout the week, so then you feel that in defense. When you feel it in the most important moments, every time I had a chance to create some better plays, you know, it just wouldn’t be happening.

So it wasn’t going naturally. I had to force myself. When you force yourself things become more complicated. Often was also under pressure. How come I was so often under pressure was because of the serve. One leads to another.

Yeah, he did well. It was a tough match. The legs were a little bit wobbly throughout the week.”

Here’s the full transcript…

http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=115825

January 11th, 2016 at 3:31 pm

Thanks Ben, thanks elina.

It is tru I haven’t been reading newspapers but all what I was doing last week I was watching tennis (Perth and Brisbane) and listening pre match and after match interviews (plus TX) and I haven’t heard much praise for Milos to be honest and this link that elina posted proves my point, “yes, Milos played well bit I wasn’t 100%” is what Roger is basicaly saying, so to me it not quite like giving credit to Milos.
I’ll go back to the match which I watched twice since I recorded it. Milos came out with really smart game plan, first not to go for too much with his first serve, not for the lines, just to make sure they land in the box but still with the full power (220km/h) and preferably on Rogers BH side or jaming into the body, it worked. Second, to go after every Roger serve full on and not to just chip them back since Roger is going to eat them away if they come back to him that way, it worked great deal. Third, when ever he can to go IO FH on Roger’s BH, with a good spin and clearance above the net instead just to flatten them out, it worked. He was very disciplined and never strayed.
On the other side Roger couldn’t handle that, his body language became very negative even throwing racquet on the ground, very unFederer like, and it was getting worst since he couldn’t get hold of the match, even commentators could remember seeing such negative Roger. I guess it was result of not being able to execute his game plan, not many short balls were coming over the net, not many chances for S&V nor for SABR. People with good memory will remember that Milos was better player last year in Brisbane too but chocked, mentally collapsed and Roger didn’t have cold and cough last year.
I am glad for Milos because it appears he is very coachable player, listener and with a good, long term guidance (that he has now) I really can see him getting few GS titles.

January 11th, 2016 at 4:00 pm

GG, back again…You mean that event on the beach, where Rafa played a bit of tennis with Djokovic. Well, all the tennis players make such things. And if you believe, that this sort of organized events would make Rafa or Andy to fail in matches against Nole, then you are wrong, sorry….Whi dont you point out, that such events might distract also Nole?
Sorry, GG, but only Genie Bouchard would think like this.
Good night!

January 11th, 2016 at 4:02 pm

“^^ shoud say “couldn’t remember seeing such Federer” instead of “could remember”

January 11th, 2016 at 4:04 pm

Just to say that Milos had much more problems with Tomic in SF than Federer in the F, but again he was very disciplined in his match with Tomic and again wasn’t going for the lines while serving but rather jaming them into Tomic’s body, that is called good coaching.

January 11th, 2016 at 4:07 pm

Sarah they might indeed distract Nole too,but having said that Rafa is the player who has the problem with Nole on a tennis court not the other way around ;)….

January 11th, 2016 at 4:08 pm

If that bloody event would have not taken place, then Djoko would have beaten Rafa with 6-2, 6-2 instead of 6-1, 6-2…what is the idea, that Rafa lost because he played a “sort of tennis” with Nole?…I am really going to bed now. Byees GG ;)

January 11th, 2016 at 4:14 pm

||Q. Does Milos remind you at all of a sort of throwback of players when you first started on tour? Big server, coming forward. He came forward 25 times today.
ROGER FEDERER: Not really. I just think his consistent power is something that’s so impressive. The focus he brings to every single serve. I’ve always said it’s amazing that he can do that.

Yeah, for a big guy he moves well, you know. He’s improved his fitness the last few years. Also tactically I think he’s better now than he’s ever been. He’s made a conscious effort of playing close to the baseline,which before when he was working with the Spanish coaches he was way back.

Yeah, it also may be an option, but if you really want to make it to the very, very top, maybe that’s not quite the play. You don’t want to hand over the play every time to the best guys.

I think like this it’s more on his racquet and it’s probably not a bad thing. I thought he was playing really good tennis here last year and in also Indian Wells when I played him. I was quite impressed how good he was. Unfortunately he got injured and he had some issue which then didn’t allow him to play anymore since.

So it’s a great start for him. I’m very happy for him.||

I don’t know why everyone wants everyone to sing praises about everyone else. Federer’s always been pretty honest with his assessments, even if you disagree with them.

January 11th, 2016 at 4:17 pm

Sarah fair enough,ill say no more on the subject then,nighty night ;)….

January 11th, 2016 at 4:24 pm

On friendliness….I get the idea, Gypsy…football teams that hate one another, boxers that want to not only beat, but hurt their opponent. Sport as war. Ice skaters that can’t abide most others as people..

But life on a Tour is seeing the same people again and again. And besides competing, it is young people wanting to have fun, get to know one another, have good pracices in common use gyms and courts. All while getting mentally ready to go at those people with all you have at some point.

Djokovic is an extrovert, very personable, approachable, funny, and holds a good conversation with other players and staff. He’ll work on languages – hang out with guys and gals on the senior tour he likes, and juniors, and very low ranked players, and doubles specialists like his good friend Leander Paes. Away from the tennis tour, he (and Rafa) have friends outside tennis they have been friends with for life.

That is the social structure for Novak and many, many others. Of course, some players are more aloof, some only hang out with cliques, especially on the WTA side.
But even though they hold back a bit and have to be guarded on strategy, problems with play they are having with their rivals…they want to have enjoyable times off court and in practices. And have been playing long enough that they know business 1st, friendship second.

When I think about Djokovic’s MO, he is like young Arnold in “Pumping Iron” – the star, the brightest guy as well, and consummate schmoozer. Loves dogs and actually wants to hold and kiss babies. Flirts perfectly with the gals.

Practices and jokes with Stan, likes and respects Rafa a great deal, it seems almost like he is the only one Sharapova wants to be social with, has taken Judy Murray out to dinner when Andy and Kim had other plans. I don’t think other players mind him because he doesn’t “trick them” by playing them one way in practice and another in a match and I believe, strange as it is, he hopes for excellent play from his foe.

And it is worth noting the two top players he practices with the most in recent times, Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka, give him very tough matches. For Rafa and Andy, it is not being on good terms with Nole that disadvantages them. It is that Djokovic and his team have studied both and “solved” them. 10-1 against Andy since 2013 Wimbledon, 9-1 against Rafa.

January 11th, 2016 at 4:27 pm

Ben,

Reading that I can see why Roger did SABR on Milos coach and snatched him, but I think he snatched the wrong one, I would credit Riccardo Piatti for Milos improvement much more than Ljubicic, Ljubicic had zero experience in coaching, on the other hand Riccardo coached quite a few big players including Djokovic (for about a year) and Ljubicic his entire career.That was the reason why Ljubic talked Piatti into dumping Gasquet (in the middle of the WTF 2013) and joining him in coaching Milos. I felt sorry for Gasquet, he didn see it coming.

I loughed when I read this part:

“,which before when he was working with the Spanish coaches he was way back.”

Carlos Moya is Spanish, no?

January 11th, 2016 at 4:31 pm

“yes, Milos played well bit I wasn’t 100%”

WB/Ben, I’ve never seen ROger give unqualified praise for his opponent. Always something Roger didn’t do right to go along with any praise at best.

Not like Nadal who practically gushed over Novak’s performance. He said that in all of his career, he’s never seen anyone play so perfect and at such a high level as Nole. Didn’t say he played bad at all.

January 11th, 2016 at 4:38 pm

Steve Flink wrote an interesting article about the Nolafa rivalry (it’s not “rafole” any more, since Novak leads now):

http://tennischannel.com/steve-flink-djokovic-produces-masterpiece-over-nadal/

January 11th, 2016 at 4:40 pm

CF1,

Has Nole ever practiced with Roger, what do you think? I wouldn’t say so.

January 11th, 2016 at 4:40 pm

mat4,

It is better NoRafa, then Nolafa..

January 11th, 2016 at 4:43 pm

I still remember Rafa’s presso after he was blown away by Tsonga in 2008 AO, the reporters were asking “what happened Rafa” and Rafa with his boyish face just basically said ” I’ve got no idea, he just blew me of the court ” :)

January 11th, 2016 at 4:47 pm

Gypsy – The appearance by Nole and Rafa was at the Museum of Islamic Art and was a promotion of the event, and Qatar as fine country, and part of their appearance fees. Though both would likely have done promotion anyways because they both like Doha and their Qatari and “guest worker expat” hosts.

No way are they going to play gritty win at all costs tennis barefoot, in high wind, with two big ill-tempered and spitting camels bedded down 2 meters beyond one baseline and the ruling family members of the Emirate on the other end, in a tent with raptors perched a meter behind that baseline.

That is when you laugh, have fun and enjoy things with your hosts.

January 11th, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Chris Ford1 you have your opinion and i have mine,personally although im not a fan, i like Sharapovas attitude when she says im not doing this to make friends im doing this to win matches and titles….

January 11th, 2016 at 5:09 pm

Wogboy ive only ever seen Roger practice with Stan,between Nole and Roger there is alot of respect,but i dont think theres any love lost?….

January 11th, 2016 at 5:11 pm

GG,

I am sorry for butting in, but didn’t you mention few times in the past how good friends are Rafa and Andy and how nice is that to see? If you apply same standards ……?

January 11th, 2016 at 5:13 pm

“Always something Roger didn’t do right to go along with any praise at best.”
Cracks me up seeing these backhanded comments coming here because of Rafa’s beatdown. Accept it, don’t start trying to say Fed is now not giving enough praise to an opponent vs Rafa. The guy has more Sportsmenships awards ( by the peers who vote for it ) than anyone else ever in Tennis.

January 11th, 2016 at 5:16 pm

Wog Boy Says:
CF1,

Has Nole ever practiced with Roger, what do you think? I wouldn’t say so.

=======================
I’m sure they have practiced together by schedules that placed them in a certain timeslot on a certain day, and when practice court times were available. Avoiding, because of lack of true love,the “norm” of players expected to do practice time and warmups together at times, would be unprofessional. Especially at the opening of Slams when you have 256 men and women vying to use 16 or so courts.

But I would agree with your basic point that given their druthers, they would much rather practice with other people if possible. Curiously, and maybe we will get a sense of why it was so in a tell all book – Fed and Nole have common friends and practice partners. Stan, Ivan Ljubicic come to mind 1st.

And yep, Wog Boy, one thing I love about Rafa and Nole is they can be totally different people in how they approach things. If Nole gets blown away in a match, expect a 2 minute long two big paragraph dissertation on why he was blown away. Rafa – “Hey, I got blown away today. Dunno why. Hope I will before I play him again, no?”

Or playing matches…Nole will wax eloquent on why he feels playing Rafa has been wonderful and describing how Rafa and Fed made him a better player and the attributes about Rafa he finds awesome..While Rafa will do the short and sweet when asked if he looks forward to playing Nole. “Of course I don’t look forward to playing him, I am not stupid, no? Novak is a nightmare to try and deal with.”

January 11th, 2016 at 5:17 pm

Wogboy yeah i did your right,but as i said to Sarah Nole is the man to beat,hes the one that has the number of everyone,and yeah i do think now Andy needs some distance from both….

Heck i must some procrastinating,didnt realise it would cause such a stir….

January 11th, 2016 at 5:17 pm

Sorry must stop procrastinating…

January 11th, 2016 at 5:20 pm

GG,

If they ever practiced it was prior 2006, DC match between Switzerland and Serbia, but definitely not after that match. In that match Roger publicly called Nole “a joke” when asked what he thinks about Nole, and Nole, as much as people love to think opposite, neve forgot that insult, even if Nole tried to forget Srdjan(his father) would never let him forget (forgive) that. He was a young boy and that’s when it hurts the most. My personal opinion is that Roger realise then that will be formidable player and tried to get into his head on time, it didn’t quite work, though he was close.
As for respect, no question about that, Roger (and Rafa) made Nole a better player, made Nole what he is today.

January 11th, 2016 at 5:23 pm

^So what you’re saying is they don’t hang out together and party?

January 11th, 2016 at 5:34 pm

I said they don’t practice together and definitely don’t party together and socialize privately unless the parties are organized by third party, that’s called social duties.

January 11th, 2016 at 5:39 pm

Mat4 fedal is a bigger misnomer lol.

You guys RAFerer is more like it.

ShaaaaaMon

January 11th, 2016 at 5:43 pm

Skeezer defending fed like the awesome Voltron used to defend the universe. Federer: an inspiration to all tennis players; skeezer: an inspiration to all tennis-x players.

January 11th, 2016 at 5:46 pm

Why would they party together?

I’ve seen Roger dance. It’s not pretty. Monfils was trying to give him lessons at IPTL. It’s on YouTube. Like a car crash. Hard to look away.

Novak has much better moves on the dance floor.

January 11th, 2016 at 5:47 pm

CF1, what you wrote makes a lot of sense. Tennis isn’t like sports teams that have rivalries dating back decades and hordes of players and coaches and fans already hating their rivals when new players come along. It all gets passed down (Bengals-Steelers, anyone?)

With tennis, I’d say it’s hard not to be at least friendly with all of your opponents. You can dislike each other and whatnot but you’re always doing promotions and whatnot together. The top 8, when they go to London, have all those photo shoots and whatnot. They’re basically a team, a the ATP team that’s promoting the sport to everyone.

I used to think Djokovic was too friendly with his opponents. He just seemed too happy for Murray or Nadal when they’d win a big title over him. But he’s gotten a lot better with the killer instinct. Perhaps it’s just something each guy needs to work on. It doesn’t seem like Djokovic has become more closed off towards those guys but he has been anything but friendly in their matches over the past few months/years.

Nadal praising Djokovic to high heavens while Federer praises Djokovic and discusses his flu-like symptoms. I don’t even get what the comparison is here. Federer never giving his opponents 100% credit and saying he faltered here and there is a huge part of what’s gotten him to where he is. Why would a former number 1 and 17 time slam champ think there’s nothing he can do to beat an opponent? Besides, Nadal used to be an excuse factory with his knees and stomach and wrist and whatever else. Now he’s healthy and getting walloped and no excuses? Well it’s been a long time coming. What was it, 2010 or 2011 Australian Open when he basically said “I don’t wanna be seen as the injury excuse guy but I lost because I was injured.”

January 11th, 2016 at 5:54 pm

It’s not about what Roger believes (probably doesn’t half the time).

Always the backhanded compliments with the mandatory excuse qualifier (except vs Novak at the US Open where Roger said he played great and Novak was simply lucky).

I guess that’s why it seems like “Get Lucky” is Nole’s theme song everywhere he goes!

January 11th, 2016 at 6:24 pm

LOL lohdi.

Mild mannered by day, he is…… The ROGERATOR!!!!

January 11th, 2016 at 6:26 pm

What was the backhanded compliment to Raonic?

January 11th, 2016 at 6:31 pm

BP, where to start? I posted the full transcript link but one can become desensitized to listening to Roger.

Let’s break it down:

Example 1: (short and sweet)

“Yeah, he did well. It was a tough match. The legs were a little bit wobbly throughout the week”

Milos did… “well” but my legs didn’t (cough, sniff, bird flu, anthrax)

Example 2:

“Yeah, for a big guy he moves well, you know. He’s improved his fitness the last few years. Also tactically I think he’s better now than he’s ever been. He’s made a conscious effort of playing close to the baseline,which before when he was working with the Spanish coaches he was way back.

Yeah, it also may be an option, but if you really want to make it to the very, very top, maybe that’s not quite the play. You don’t want to hand over the play every time to the best guys.”

So it’s the classic compliment on his game. Good movement (for a big guy). Good for a lower ranked player perhaps (but maybe not if you want to be a TOP player like him).

Similar to how after Murray beat him, he said he was disappointed that Murray hadn’t evolved his game and he would’t be a top player playing like that. Or how when Murray won a few tournaments in Asia, Roger basically said he never beat anyone that good.

Epic Roger. You have to love him.

January 11th, 2016 at 6:40 pm

lodhi, yes but do you play tennis?

Here’s that famous dance off at the IPTL…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0pMnk1pgmY

Warning: some adult’s dance sensibilities may be offended. Viewer discretion is advised.

January 11th, 2016 at 6:42 pm

thanks for that link mat4

January 11th, 2016 at 8:21 pm

One question, does anybody else have problems with TX screen format or it is my mobile phone?

January 11th, 2016 at 8:43 pm

Same here WB but just the mobile site.

Looks like TX is attempting a mobile friendly adaptive site but has a few start up problems.

January 11th, 2016 at 9:04 pm

Thanks elina

January 11th, 2016 at 9:08 pm

Come on Wog Boy – isn’t it always your probleM? In fun, seriously in fun.

PS: to spoil the humour my husband’s funeral is Thursday…please excuse, I’ve lost my brain, I’m lost. PS: Please no need to reply folks just letting out…am afraid. Where to say it?

Good luck to all.

January 11th, 2016 at 9:22 pm

karlovic wouldn’t have lost 6162 to djokovic which means he’s better than nadal. also lopez wouldn’t have lost 6162 which means he’s better. federer, too, wouldn’t have lost 6162, meaning he’s better.

in the real world, nadal’s service, which relies not on free points but on setting up forehands, has become a liability in a match-up against perhaps the best and most aggressive hard court returner ever seen. with everyone else it works well. but djoker’s game creates a glitch.

nalbandian, who was capable of highly offensive returning, both sides, also did this type of thing to nadal a couple of times indoors. davydenko managed a similar feat a few times for the same reason.

January 11th, 2016 at 11:00 pm

this looks like a great site for tennis stats; here’s a post for novak’s fans, but it looks like a general stat collection site

https://www.thetennisbase.com/?enlace=blog&bg=6&post=The-Weekly-Data-60-t%C3%ADtulos-para-Djokovic

j-kath, sorry to hear that.

January 11th, 2016 at 11:07 pm

@J-Kath…….I am glad you popped in for a minute….good to hear from you. Thinking of you miles and miles away. Hang in there! Okie

January 11th, 2016 at 11:28 pm

@jane:

I knew that site before. In the blogs section, the last two articles are about Novak’s season.

January 12th, 2016 at 12:20 am

mat4, jane,

Thanks for the links, good ones:)

January 12th, 2016 at 1:06 am

BTW, Borna lost to Gilles Muller in stright sets. I wouldn’t look to much at it, he was jet legged, weather in Sydney is awful, I was about to go to watch some tennis today, even passed by Homebush (where they play), but gave up this morning, it was hot (38 degrees) and humid (90%), and now temperature dropped but wind picked up, we have gale wind atm. I might go tomorrow but definitely not Thursday, predicted temperature is 42 degrees!

January 12th, 2016 at 1:17 am

Nadal needs to improve his game
Hit the ball harder serve better but even more important he needs to stop kissing Novak’s ass with all this perfect Crap !
No one is perfect …

January 12th, 2016 at 2:50 am

Pauly yeah exactly,stop talking like hes Novaks pigeon,and start talking like a 14 time GS champion instead,find that killer instict that seems lacking….

January 12th, 2016 at 3:54 am

Mat4 sorry if i offended you the other day :((….

January 12th, 2016 at 3:56 am

Maybe i shouldnt post till i feel better?….

January 12th, 2016 at 3:58 am

And i didnt mean to offend Sarah either,i was just posting an opinion on the way i see some things regarding the Rafa/Novak rivalry,and the Andy/Novak one….

January 12th, 2016 at 4:03 am

Thank you Jane and Okie…kind of you…sorri about
posting….I must control myself.

January 12th, 2016 at 4:05 am

J-Kath hi,no need to be sorry,just wanted to say all the best,we are all thinking of you wherever we are ;))….XXXX

January 12th, 2016 at 4:26 am

“I like a lot Federer’s game and Safin. Safin actually played, not same, but similar game to mine – very aggressive and using all the opportunities. I had the chance to play against Safin in Australian Open and it was a great moment and a great experience, my first appearance on the big center court.”

ND in 2005

January 12th, 2016 at 10:11 am

I think the reason I liked Djokovic so much early on is because he reminded me of Safin. Hell they were both head cases, too, until Djokovic steadied himself in 2011 and onward.

Both have 2 of the best 2 handed backhands the game has ever seen. Both played close to the baseline and liked to dictate. Both guys had ferocious forehands when on but could be vulnerable when off. Safin had a natural big serve but Djokovic, imo, has better placement and direction nowadays. Both are eastern European and awesome personalities. Both guys have black hair. Hmm, the list goes on.

January 12th, 2016 at 10:31 am

Why doesn’t Novak’s Mom and Dad show up anymore at his matches?? I haven’t seen them in forever. Any of his loyal fans know? I think that is strange. They were so vocal in the stands early on in his career. Just curious??? Their son is number one in the world. I guess they could be there……far from the paparazzi…..

January 12th, 2016 at 11:35 am

^^^ They’ve probably been banned, dad for wearing shirts with pictures of his son. What a joke!

January 12th, 2016 at 12:05 pm

Seems as though forgotten the tagline story;
“Even Roger Federer Can’t Believe How Badly Novak Djokovic Beat Rafael Nadal In Doha”
Yes, it was bad. Cough, hack, sniffle and achoo.

January 12th, 2016 at 12:36 pm

I don’t know what people expect Roger to do in this case. Kiss Milos’ boots? These are pro athletes all vying for the same accolades in a tremendously competitive environment. You really expect Roger to say, “If Milos plays like that, I can’t beat him.” No pro athlete worth their weight in salt would give a mental edge like that to their opponent.

Generally speaking, the Big Four have proudly represented themselves and the sport for the past 10 years. With this said, I generally don’t like the mentioning of illness once a player has decided to step on the court. If you can’t play because you’re too sick then don’t. Win or lose after that, keep your mouth shut .

January 12th, 2016 at 12:50 pm

Ben Pronin Says:

Both are eastern European and awesome personalities. Both guys have black hair. Hmm, the list goes on.

—–

A tennis purist would likely see the merits of Novak over Marat. As for me, I wouldn’t have minded being Marat Safin. The man has lived well!

January 12th, 2016 at 12:54 pm

Okiegal, I think Nole feels less pressure, when his parents are not ther.
We all know that his parents act a bit to enthusiastic during Noles matches…but they diserve respect, they were not so rich as Rafas, Rogers or Andy parents. They made a lot of sacrifices for Nole.
Okay, they made some awards statements in the past.Sometimes, but I would not judge Nole for that.
I also find Rogers wife a bit to enthusiastic…or I would never judge Steffi Graf for the mistakes of her father

January 12th, 2016 at 1:00 pm

edit: awkward, not awards

January 12th, 2016 at 1:08 pm

P.S….or I would not judge Andy for the fact that his Mother flirts with Feliciano Lopez or with the other young guys from the tour. ..

January 12th, 2016 at 1:13 pm

in this case(if you watch the complete interview on ATP site) he was asked about his health, it was not volunteered as an excuse.
Fed has for the most part never been an injury excuse kinda guy, although he’s had many issues he has played through that were never brought to light.
And as a reminder he has never retired during a match in his entire career from an injury/nic whatever. Has only withdrew once prior to a match ( WTF ).

January 12th, 2016 at 1:51 pm

That is true, Nadal’s needs to cut down on the humility and stop being a Novak fanboy. Actually I believe the flattery is just a defensive coping mechanism for all the wallopings he has endured at Novak’s hands.

January 12th, 2016 at 2:35 pm

@Okiegal – I don’t know but I’m happy for them to stay away. I often found their behavior during matches to be obnoxious.

But it is interesting that we don’t see them, or maybe they travel but don’t go to the matches anymore? I read an article where Judy Murray says the reason she goes to a lot of the big tennis tournaments is that she doesn’t get much chance to see her sons throughout the year so the big tournaments offer her a chance to see them.

January 12th, 2016 at 2:50 pm

skeezer. Why are you achooing? Too much contact with your cats?

January 12th, 2016 at 2:54 pm

@Sarah
@RZ

Thanks for the feedback on Novak’s parents staying away from the matches. I was just hoping that they are not estranged. You hear absolutely nothing from them anymore. They were vocal from the stands. I remember Roger telling them to “Be quiet” one time. I wonder if Roger can believe he actually spouted off to them during the match. I was shocked that the greatest sportsman of all time would stoop so low as to do that. I guess it was getting on Fed’s nerves, which I can see where it would. I will research that match and see if Novak was walloping him….. seems like it was in Miami???

Regarding Judy and Deliciano…..hubba hubba! I don’t blames ole Judy for that. She may be older but she ain’t dead! I have to agree with her Feli is a very nice looking young adult. Best looking guy on the circuit imho.

Sarah, seems like one time I remember reading something once about Novak’s parents and his wife attending the matches together was problematic in some way or other. If they make him nervous, well that’s a horse of a different color. I just know if it was my son, I would be there if I had to go incognito……well on second thought maybe not…this is the fraidy cat who won’t get on a plane….. :) LOL

January 12th, 2016 at 3:27 pm

^^^^^Yikes, that was long……sorry, it looked so small when I was typing it!! LOL

January 12th, 2016 at 3:29 pm

I don’t get many responses so when I do you better watch out…..I tend to get carried away……

January 12th, 2016 at 3:32 pm

OK:
You play Deliciano,
I play Tommy Haas and Pedro Andujar
;)

January 12th, 2016 at 3:59 pm

@Margot – Hands off Tommy Haas! :-)

January 12th, 2016 at 4:33 pm

I’m relieved that we don’t see Novak’s parents too much at matches. They were a liability with their comments off court and their behaviour during matches but I just thought it was best to give them a pass as they were rejoicing and happy for their son’s growing success as any parents would be. However, it’s a pity they didn’t take a leaf out of Roger and Rafa’s parents book as they have always supported their sons in an exemplary manner. The wives are enthusiastic and sometimes voluable supporters. Kim and Mirka have had stick for purported inappropriate behaviour. Kim’s got a potty mouth according to her father and I’ve yet to see any film or hear any recording of Mirka ‘abusing’ poor old Stan. Any offers?
Regarding the ‘be quiet’, I was watching the match and their barracking of Roger finally reached a peak when they accused him of making out that a shot from Novak was out when he had already acknowledged it was in. I’ve written about this before so I’ll not carry on.
This business of rich and poor parents is as follows…………
None of us really knows the financial status of said families and why should we? Stereotypical opinions abound, thus, Roger is Swiss and therefore rich, Novak is from a war torn area and is therefore poor, Raphael is from a family which has some business concerns and is therefore…..who knows?

January 12th, 2016 at 4:49 pm

Purcell, those are some strange generalizations. From what I’ve learned, Federer’s family was relatively middle class. They could afford to train Federer but they weren’t rich by any means. Djokovic’s family definitely came from some hard times but don’t they own a bunch of small business in Serbia? I honestly don’t know if they have these businesses due to Djokovic’s wealth or if it came before. But they were able to send Djokovic to another country to train so they must have had some money.

Nadal’s family is stupid rich it’s not even funny. They might not be Gulbis rich but Rafa himself comes from wealth.

January 12th, 2016 at 5:05 pm

“’I am relieved that we don’t see Novak’s parents too much at matches.”

Di you feel better now? Who are you and who cares whether you are relieved or not? I am relieved when ever I go to bathroom and think about Purcell.

January 12th, 2016 at 5:12 pm

Ben Pronin,
They own bunch small businesses now but it well know and documented that that have to sell everything even Nole’s mother’s jewelry and apartment in order to send Nole to Niki Pilich academy. Niki Pilich was on very good terms with Jelana Gencic and that was the only reason he accepted Nole, since he was too young for his academy, though he never regreted that. When he realized what Nole’s parents are doing for their son he told them not to worry about paying, they will pay him when they have money. It is well known that Nole’s father was borrowing from one loan shark to return to another. It is well know that during tha time he had knife under his throat few times for being late in returning the money, that was the lawless time in Serbia when killing somebody was like saying “good morning”. Srdjan bluffed his way through the life like best poker player and raised beautiful three san and family in extremly hard and dangerous circumstances, he is proud of his sons and Nole and has every reason to be..and to wear his picture not just on the T-shirt but on every street corner in Belgrade and guess what, Belgrade pepole would applaud him for that!

January 12th, 2016 at 5:25 pm

I wouldn’t say it’s “well known”…

January 12th, 2016 at 5:28 pm

For us it is, for you maybe not.
It is not so hard to google and find few articles about that even in english and I am sure we talked about that on TX, I remember having that conversation with Grendel here and others at length and posting the same facts and more than I said in previous post.

January 12th, 2016 at 5:33 pm

OK…

January 12th, 2016 at 5:50 pm

@Margot……Not familiar with Pedro and how he looks. I’ve heard of him, of course. I will search out his “mug” shot later. Tom-Tom is a hunk, I will admit…..very nice looking……but my heart belongs to Feli!! LOL

January 12th, 2016 at 5:55 pm

@Wog Boy……You are full of information. I must not have been posting on TX when this was discussed. Of course, I know about the war torn country. I have heard he practiced in swimming pools?? Thanks for your input, I wasn’t aware of his father having problems. Looks like I got another discussion started….which I am glad I did. Learned a few things. I am still sad for them that they choose not to go to their son’s matches for whatever reason. They were avid fans at one time and I’m sure they still are at home.

January 12th, 2016 at 6:14 pm

@Purcell….the “Wog” knows!

January 12th, 2016 at 6:16 pm

@Ben:

WB is not exaggerating. Had the LTA come with its offer two months earlier, Novak would be a British citizen now. The Djokovic were on the edge, then.

Most people think that they were earning enough money with their pizzeria, but I guess that at the beginning of this century it couldn’t be much more than 2000 euros a month.

The emergence of Ivanovic, Jankovic, Djokovic and Tipsarevic gave a false impression about tennis in Serbia. It’s a sport for rich, and it’s expensive. Jankovic’s parents are very wealthy, Ivanovic’s parents had wealthy friends, who accepted to sponsor Ana, Tipsarevic had excellent results as a junior and, being from Belgrade, he was able to get support from the STF and sponsors.

We believe that Novak’s father is a hot-headed man. But, in fact, I understand his exasperation.

January 12th, 2016 at 7:28 pm

Wog Boy: I’m sad we don’t see Novak’s parents too much at matches. Happy now?
Oh and who are you?

January 12th, 2016 at 7:33 pm

@WB:

Did Grendel post recently? He was, without the shade of a doubt, the best poster on T-x. I miss his witty, well-written posts.

January 12th, 2016 at 7:43 pm

BTW, I don’t remember you posting when Grendel was here. Did you have another alias?

January 12th, 2016 at 7:44 pm

Purcell,
I am the one who is happy when in bathroom thinking of Purcell and relieving myself, happy now? You should be.

January 12th, 2016 at 7:44 pm

mat4,

I’ve been here since 2010, had a great conversation with Grendel, though he was above my level, but he did allow myself to talk with him on same footing, and everybody else. Didn’t agree always with but I don’t agree always with myself either. I really miss his witty posts.

January 12th, 2016 at 7:47 pm

^^same monike just in beginning as Woy boy, which wasn’t grammatically correct (see jane) and then as a Wog Boy.

January 12th, 2016 at 7:49 pm

^^ “Wog boy” not “Woy boy”

January 12th, 2016 at 7:49 pm

“Ben Pronin Says:

I think the reason I liked Djokovic so much early on is because he reminded me of Safin.”

Me too. Although… Does Safin really have black hair?

January 12th, 2016 at 7:50 pm

Yes indeed Okiegal, he does know and I guess that’s a result of having time on his hands. Lucky person.

January 12th, 2016 at 7:50 pm

Grendel, TF76 and Tennislover (I guess it was Tennislover, although it could have been Tennisfan) were the best.

I despair sometimes when I post in English.

January 12th, 2016 at 7:53 pm

I earned “having a time on my hands” by working 60 hours a week for 25 years (started as cleaner in Sydney, though I was much better educated than that, but when you have to eat and to sleep somewhere and don’t have anobody here you don’t have a choice, do you) and not seeing my family for more than a half of the year. Now enjoying the results and running my own business, jealous?

January 12th, 2016 at 7:57 pm

i’m laughing while reading this thread about the players’ parents and wives. :)

different people act differently and that’s okay, from my vantage point anyhow. there is no “right” way to cheer for your son or partner is there? i mean as long as you’re not, say, yelling out during points or attacking the opponent. some people are more vociferous in their support; others are muted. we might have a preference one way or the other, but who’s to say what is right, wrong or exemplary ?

and you know what’s weird? at one point, i kind of thought purcell might be grendel in disguise, an alias. now wouldn’t that throw a wrench into the proceedings? haha.

i hope no one is too miffed over all this.

super excited for the AO!!!!

January 12th, 2016 at 8:11 pm

@ Okiegal, my reply was more for Giles stupid statement then for yours.
Regarding Judy and Feliciano Lopez, agree with you. Think I was jealous :)

January 12th, 2016 at 8:30 pm

@jane:

What was the moniker of that second poster I mentioned: Tennislover, Tennisfan? I guess it was Tennisfan, and he wrote beautifuly. He was the only one able to destroy Dave in just a few words.

Then, Travis Bickle wrote a funny post about Jokowitch in the poll thread.

January 12th, 2016 at 8:55 pm

I just noticed that, after “even Andy”, now we also have an “even Roger”…

January 12th, 2016 at 9:15 pm

Novak’s parents are attacked mostly by Federer’s fans and the reason because they said after 2008 AO that new tennis king is born.Now we all could see they were right.

As Jane said different people are acting differently.Even if Federer’s and Nadal’s parents are acting the best why Novak’s parents had to follow them?They are what they are and They could act as they want not as other people want them to do.

January 12th, 2016 at 9:16 pm

@Sarah….that’s OK….just all in fun…..no harm, no foul….it’s all good!!

January 12th, 2016 at 9:23 pm

As for Novak’s parents not following Novak, his father said that he has heart problems and it is better for him if he is not watching Novak at all tournaments.Some times they are following Novak but they are not in his box or his mother is there only.

January 12th, 2016 at 9:42 pm

oh yeah that’s right bojana; i remember he had heart issues, and has had to leave the stands before as he gets so stressed. thus, it’s probably better to watch from home when he’s not being watched. to each their own! i bet novak just wants what’s best for his family.

January 12th, 2016 at 9:44 pm

Bojana @9:16pm,

Great points, why on the earth some people expect that everybody has to behave the way they think is right, is that part of globalization process that we all should think and act the same. Not long one American actor was here on radio talk show (can’t remember who) and he was asked by radio host what does he think about Australin TV program, and he shoked the host with answer that was like this “Nothing really, when ever I turn TV in in my hotel room, I see American movies, Amerikat series, American talk shows, do you have anything Australian?” And that was said by an American.

As for Nole’s parents I wonder how low Nole haters can go, they can’t fault Nole for anything now so let’s go snd bash his parents though they haven’t done or been seen with Nole since Rome last year, that was when Srdjan gave one finger salute to Roger after last point, standing from his chair so everybody could see him, he doesn’t forget and neither forgive, he follows The Old Testament like me, not the new one.

January 12th, 2016 at 10:23 pm

mat4,

Agree, great post from Travis Bickle on the other thread. Suddenly it is boring if one players is winning most of tournaments, but when Rafa was cleaning everything “oh how great player and great era of tennis ” or Roger was beating the hell out of everybody (but Nadal) for years, “oh how lucky we are living in this era and being able to enjoy this genius, magician or whatever” and now “oh we don’t hate Nole, no way, but it is just boring when ones wins so much”.
Come on people, don’t be shy, say what is so obvious “I hate Nole and him beating the hell out of my (our) guy(s).. You will feel relieved..

January 12th, 2016 at 10:38 pm

mat4 i just saw your question but i am not sure of the name: both of those sound familiar!

January 12th, 2016 at 10:55 pm

In this video made in 2003, Nole is only 16 years old and he already started to play professionally since they were out of the money, you can also see Srdjan Djokovic who is literally begging somebody to come and as Srdjan said, “I am not asking for the money, I am not looking for sponsors, I am looking for somebody to sign contract with and ones Nole starts to win and make money, I have no doubt he will about, that person or company will have his cut.” Then he added, we already had talks with Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland and if we don’t find solution we will all move where ever we have to move in order to give Nole chance since he deserves it, and he will be champion”.
Even it is in Serbian you can see very mature 16 years old Nole completely aware that he has to do what he has to do, btw he looks thinner today than as 16 year old boy, have a look:

http://youtu.be/8c9Ehr7WtSE

January 13th, 2016 at 12:16 am

I was being very serious when I asked why Novak’s parents weren’t attending his matches. Did not mean to start a discussion that would bring Novak haters to the discussion. The comment about Novak’s Dad having health issues……now I know….that is a very good reason. I have A-Fib and when I get nervous at a sports function my heart races and I have to leave and get away from it. This happened often when my son was playing baseball…….up to bat ….two outs…..bases loaded……a base hit will win it……I am surprised I didn’t have a heart attack. Very tense at times but lots of fun when your team won the trophy.

January 13th, 2016 at 12:28 am

@RZ
Fight!
Fight!

January 13th, 2016 at 1:33 am

Margot,

Did you watch Halep, just beat Pliskova after beating Garcia last night, two extremly tough oponents, she wasn’t at her best but battled her way through and Darren Cahill already makes impact, positive one.

January 13th, 2016 at 1:49 am

Yes and I was really pleased for her Wog Boy. She was plagued by injuries last year, I do hope 2016 is kinder to her. She is such a graceful, thoughtful player. She has said very warm things about Cahill too.
Always fancied Cahill for Andy but he was contracted to Adidas(?) at the time. Always thought if anyone could sort out that bloody second serve, Cahill could.

January 13th, 2016 at 2:28 am

A little late to the parental discussion, but it’s fairly straightforward to me.
How Djokovic’s parents reacted, and the ease with which a tennis prospect is developed.

The income disparities exist with parents and the money available in national programs to make up the difference in developing talent, traveling to events as a junior, on the ITF circuits.
So Jerzy Janowicz was sleeping in his car between matches. And despite the “coming from adversity, the mean streets of Compton” story..by the stage Venus was this 15 year old phenom, corporate America and the USTA, flush with money in the 1990s, set the whole “Williams Entourage” up with everything paid for. They sometimes flew by private jet. In America, though this has been seen as a detriment lately, you also have the all expenses paid tennis scholarships. Which results in these American male talents like Isner finally rising in the pros enough to be noticed, but in their late 20s..

While the 90s were good to the Williams clan via the sponsors – the collapse of national programs and war hurt the E Europeans and Russia. The affable Dr Ivo, on why his backhand sucked – said no money, people were busy rebuilding stuff the Serbs blew up, and thus his backhand was developed playing against a local wall, not by any coach or academy.

So that all translates out to, with respect to the Big 4 –
Federer’s parents were both mid-level pharmaceutical execs, the money was there to get him developed. The Swiss national organization was stingier than the USTA or the architects of the Spanish Armada of players – but money was there for gear, travel and expenses.

Rafa’s family is pretty well-off. In the Spanish 1%. He had all the resources he needed between family and the Spanish tennis confederation.

Andy’s parents are not wealthy. Their backgrounds were Scottish working class. But Murray had a robust national org looking for players that could be salvation…both domestically and seeing what they could poach out of Canada, Australia, and E Europe. They weren’t paying for a whole Murray entourage all expenses paid by tax-deduction bigshots like the Williams had set for them, but the money was there.

And bringing up the rear in assets available, the Djokovics. They were middle class with some saved wealth – but middle class by Balkan standards. And without a national program or rich CEOS looking for “underprivileged” so they could get tax writeoffs while showing their keen social conscience. So the only thing that saved Novak from a fate like Dr Ivo, was his parents went all in as they say in poker. They bet everything on a high risk investment. Works several jobs, Srdan spent sleepless nights trudging through snow dodging rent collectors and loan shark collectors. Novak was driving a tractor at 9 plowing snow, shovelling it with his Dad by car headlights for extra family money. And working as a waiter at the same age.

It explains much. Michael Jordan loses half a million on a bet, he shrugs his shoulders and does a 5 second spot in yet another commercial of a groveling white fan telling Mike that he wears “Your underwear” while Jordan sneers at the half tard. Or Jordan wins half a million, well, its only about winning to him, not about the money, and is also just a *shrug* level happenstance.

But a gambler, down to his last coins of a stake – will react far, far stronger, win or lose.

Djokovics parents had their whole family’s future riding on Novak. If he didn’t pan out, they would have a fairly rough time in what was left in their lives..working several jobs, hoping Novak if he failed at tennis and the other two sons – would somehow support them in old age.
So they went nuts at his big wins. Like the broke gambler that only has a pair of deuces and draws the other two…instead of panhandling and selling his own blood…getting a 700,000 pot and getting totally overcome with emotion.

If you know the Djokovic parents backstory, you, unless you are a Fedtard convinced from the start they are low class Balkan bumpkins lacking taste and genteel breeding…understand. They got jackpot after jackpot as Novak played and won or placed. Wins meant the family was on a good financial footing again. Even -as the full potential of Djokovic was shown in his 1st Slam win, that the family was affluent. And on top of money, they had the pleasure of knowing they were right and naysayers wrong about their son. He was a star, they did a crazy gamble and it was redeemed by a loved son.

January 13th, 2016 at 2:29 am

Yes, Margot,
Cahill was contracted to adidas, and funny you mentioned Andy’s serve, that is exactly what he is trying to do with Halep, her serve is liability. I was listening his on court coaching these two days and he sounds so calm and relaxed, but yet addresses the problem and the way she should play next game and match. It doesn’t feel like a pressure “do this or do that” but it is that just in a way to keep the player calm but alert. I don’t know if this makes any sense to you.

January 13th, 2016 at 5:04 am

I know exactly what you mean Wog Boy :)
As for Andy ….he is mostly alert and almost never calm…..;)
jane: As we’re into “guessing who.” Do you remember “Superman” cos, apart from the film reference TB’s style is very reminiscent of his….you know you’re licking your wounds and laughing at the same time…;)
mat4: Grendel was far too long winded for me, but always amiable, except when said “Superman” wound him up….
#SuccinctIsGood

January 13th, 2016 at 9:00 am

CF1 @2:29am,

Haven’t seen it before, pretty much spot on.

January 13th, 2016 at 8:46 pm

Novak’s family was not well off. Period. Serbia in the early 90ies saw the second highest inflation ever. If you can imagine living off of a $10 a month budget, you cannot imagine sending your kid abroad to fancy tennis academies and tournaments. Whole generations of athletes (not to speak of others) were stopped from any progress. Zimonjic never fulfilled his potential as a player because there was no money to travel to tournaments and afford a coach. Novak lived in a small, cramped apartment of his grandfather who also lived with family (as is usual in the Balkans). When the parents were told by Jelena Gencic that he had great potential, something she only saw in Monika Seles (remember, she was the one who also coached Ivanisevic and told the Sanchez brothers that Aranxa has potential to become a great player), they discussed at length what to do and whether to try to put it all on one card. The extended family pitched in when possible, but it was Srdjan who had to ask for loans that came with crazy interests. Not from the banks of course, because they were as good as nonexistent, but from shady characters. All of his mother’s jewelry was sold, which was probably not much anyway. Even though Novak was winning and showing great promise, the Serbian Tennis Association didn’t believe in him. They wouldn’t help him on the way because the head of STA, Boba Zivojinovic, believed Novak had weak heart and would not be able to sustain the physical pressures of the tour.

As far as Novak’s parents are concerned, mother was maybe a bit ahead of herself when she said what she said about “The King”, but that is the only thing that may be a little blemish. Heck, if I was Nole’s mother, I would wear anything with his picture on. And the classy Anne Wintours of the world could just smirk and delusionally think how they are better than me. Novak’s father had serious health problems. He was on a verge of death when Novak was playing in Paris, Bercy, in 2012. He is advised by the doctors not to attend Novak’s matches.

We are quite temperamental people. But then again, tell me which mother doesn’t cheer on her kid’s soccer or baseball game. To know where Novak comes from, you need to know a bit more about the circumstances and the historical period of his formative years.

January 13th, 2016 at 11:56 pm

https://www.facebook.com/djokovic.official/videos/1061400023912848/
Arrogant?

January 14th, 2016 at 1:02 am

just to point out, it’s interesting how anna wintour has really embraced novak and jelena since around 2011. for example, she went to all of the foundation’s charity balls, and she’s featured novak in american vogue at least 2-3 times, including in the huge “september issue” this year, highlighting his partnership with uniqlo. so while it’s clear federer remains her favourite, she definitely likes novak too. indeed she’s featured tons of tennis players in her magazines over the years because she adores the sport, and for those of us who do as well, we can maybe thank her for at least trying to bring more exposure to tennis, especially in the u.s. where it’s not as popular as other sports.

January 14th, 2016 at 1:05 am

margot hmm, he really disliked novak didn’t he? i vaguely remember him but not too well.

January 14th, 2016 at 1:09 am

Skeez,
Would you say it was arrogant if Rog did this video?

Jane,
When mentioning Anna Wintour, I meant all those snobbish people who are stuck up and mingle only with rich and famous. I don’t mind AW being a Federer fan of course. But as you pointed out, she took interest in Nole from 2011 and somehow, I cannot believe it was because of his tennis skills. Those were obvious from at least 4.5 years before.

My point was that somehow people think it was a bad taste to sport the image of one’s son on the T-shirt. I just don’t see anything wrong with it.

January 14th, 2016 at 1:40 am

jane, I don’t remember that, it would be wrong in which case. I just remember a rather cutting, sarcastic but funny style of writing and the film reference.
But I expect “superman” is a fairly common nom de plume on the net anyway.

January 14th, 2016 at 1:43 am

Dear Danica, Chrisford 1, WB, and others. Thank you very much for sharing all these information for us…it makes me admire Nole even more.
I am terrible sorry, that I was also an ignorant and told that Feds, Andys or Rafas parents were rich, without having enough information.
Truth is that, a lot of people should not post here (me including)…but I am doing it, because a lot of stupid persons love to trash Nole. I was so, so angry during the final from US Open 2015….well stupidity really has no limits, unfortunately.

January 14th, 2016 at 1:47 am

oh i got where you were coming from danica; i was just adding a secondary point, that’s all. :)

margot, i remember the style, too, better than the alliance. ha ha, yeah there are probably a lot of supermen around. ;)

January 14th, 2016 at 1:48 am

Oh if only jane, if only……….;)

January 14th, 2016 at 1:53 am

What on earth is arrogant in this:

“‪#‎NoleFam‬, today I’m gonna show you how the walk to the Rod Laver arena looks like. Among these great Tennis names I’ve found my idols from young age, can you spot yours?”

You are really surprising me skeezer, he was showing us how the walk from locker rooms to Rod Laver Arena looks like with all previous great champions including him as the last one BECAUSE he WAS the last one. How many of us had chance and to see that and feel what the players feel when they walk through that hall of fame, thank you Nole for that and sorry skeezer, but you must be desperate to post something like that with subtitle like that, that’s not you!

January 14th, 2016 at 2:09 am

@Margot:

What does “long winded” mean? You forget all sometimes that my knowledge of English is only passable. I get lost sometimes when I read comments. I found a translation, but it remains a bit unclear. Is it in a good or bad way?

@GG:

There was nothing to excuse for. That’s why I didn’t answer. It was all OK with me.

@Danica:

Great post.

January 14th, 2016 at 2:21 am

Btw, I was promoted yesterday.

For that occasion, a song for my good ethereal friends from t-x:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoDh_gHDvkk

January 14th, 2016 at 2:31 am

@Mat4
You’re English is so good and so very interesting. You write in a precise and academic way, while also being very poetic at times. Altho we often disagree I’m always interested.
Long winded is just using 93 words when 3 would do. It makes me feel tired. But my real hate is not using paragraphs. Makes text impossible to read, so I don’t.
I love Rankin BTW such a sense of place in the Rebus novels. Have also just discovered Adran McKinty. He grew up during “the troubles” in NI and his crime stories are set against that background. So his tec checks under his car for bombs before he goes to work, and so on.
Oh my gosh, this is becoming grendel like….so will stop right now! :)

January 14th, 2016 at 2:32 am

Mat4,
Congrats on your promotion!

January 14th, 2016 at 2:34 am

“What does “long winded” mean?”

I thought I was the only one who didn’t understand it, so I I kept quiet and my english is maybe passable, but I am not… maybe I should try different make up..

January 14th, 2016 at 2:39 am

Not silly to ask Wog Boy. Rather silly NOT to ask.
BTW mat4 and WB we have the term “wind bag” in English and it’s not a compliment ;)

January 14th, 2016 at 2:53 am

@Skeezer 1:02

Arrogant? I don’t think it was.

January 14th, 2016 at 3:07 am

Thanks Margot,

BTW, I know about “wind bag”, it is commonly used in Australia:)
English that is thought in schools is english english, and slang is more of old UK slang with Aussie varieties, like two mates talking:

Bugger me dead! Get a load of the knockers on that sheila-what a knockout!”
“Well I’ll be buggered! That’s Lucy Looslegs. Wonder who she’s knockin’ around with now?”

I know you think it’s rude, but it is actually old Aussie slang without meaning to disrespect either sex, and I really like it.

January 14th, 2016 at 3:08 am

Margot, I knew you could come up with a good term for long winded….wind bag covers it unless they don’t know what a wind bag is either. Here in the states it’s always the preacher who is long winded….preached over the usual 30 minute sermon. I have said it many times. LOL

January 14th, 2016 at 3:13 am

Okie,
Tell me about preachers, our service last for about 1.5 hours and my priest wonders why I have to walk every now and then during the service, to the church hall next door…that has a bar, have a quick drink (brandy) and go back to church…I love my church..

January 14th, 2016 at 3:19 am

OOPS…..Late getting my post in before Wog Boy. Glad you know what a wind bag is. I forget that sayings I am used to might would be foreign to someone else in another part of the world.

January 14th, 2016 at 3:19 am

@Wog Boy….That’s hilarious!! Our service usually last about an hour. We sing a few songs, have prayer, then we have communion (every Sunday) and the time that is left after all that is done belongs to the preacher. There is no going to the bar, we partake of wine at communion service…..well grape juice, unleavened bread and then the contribution is taken up. Last about an hour. The preacher takes into consideration of the little babies that are in the audience….doesn’t want to be long winded because the children tend to get restless.

January 14th, 2016 at 3:32 am

My post is spasmodic…I am watching 2009 AO final with Rafa and Roger…..again! One of my favs!! They have televised that twice in a week.

January 14th, 2016 at 3:36 am

@Margot:

I read a lot in English, but mostly in my branch, and I still use a dictionary.

From time to time, I read novels in English, but it’s much more difficult. I like detective stories, so I read a few Rankin’s books and almost all Dexter’s book, but in French. I read almost all Cornwell books in English (Sharpe’s rifle).

I stopped reading “serious” literature, poetry excepted, for two reasons. First, I find most of the so-called “good” writers very superficial and I got nothing from their works. E.g., Amelie Nothomb is popular in France, but that poor lady knows absolutely nothing about life. And it’s the case with many contemporary writers: they haven’t faced misery, suffering, war, so it’s just like drinking a cup of tea: sweet and meaningless.

And the real good one are a painful to read: Flaubert, Sabato, Dostoievski, Kis, Grass, Kundera. BTW, I read Kundera in French, Czech (it was difficult), and, recently, in Serbian. It’s incredible that it sounds best in Serbian (it was the western vernacular, though, published in Sarajevo, some would call it Bosnian).

I like poetry in almost any language, with the exception of Allan Ginsberg, who I can’t read in any language.

January 14th, 2016 at 3:42 am

Okie,
No Serbian would attend the church if there is no church hall (with a bar) next to the church;) We do communion at the end of the service with a real bread and wine. We don’t have benches (chairs) in the church, we are standing during the service, only chairs are alongside the walls for the old and sick people. When you enter the church, women go on the left and men on the right side of the church. As the service goes on male side of the church is getting empty As time goes on, but the church hall bar is getting bigger by the numbers;)
I’ve been asked so many times by my wife (she is very religious) can’t I wait until the end of the service and my answer is “I have bad back, I can’t stand for so long” and she kills me with “but you can stand at the bar with no problems?!

Of course, I am exaggerating, but..

January 14th, 2016 at 3:48 am

Mat4, You should also try “Infinite Jest” from David Foster Wallace. Great writer and a great book. :). You will love it for sure

January 14th, 2016 at 3:50 am

@WOG……Good story….You had better behave yourself in church or your wife will clean your plow…..another goofy saying in Oklahoma. You stand up all through church service? I couldn’t do that at all….I would fall over, seriously.

January 14th, 2016 at 3:56 am

@Sarah:

If it’s the David Foster Wallace who wrote about Federer as a “religious experience”, I guess I won’t… Only the author that will write “Djokovic as an extra-terrestrial experience” deserves consideration…

January 14th, 2016 at 3:59 am

Well Mat, If David Foster Wallace would still be “with us”, I am sure he would write “Djokovic as an extra-terrestrial experience”…unfortunately, he is not more alive…
..and I disagreed with his Federer as a “religious experience”, because I felt not the same in watching the Fed playing

January 14th, 2016 at 4:04 am

mat4,
You are on a roll:)

January 14th, 2016 at 4:05 am

BTW,

Happy Orthodox New Year, we adopted you and declared honorary Serbian and today is big day for me, apart of being New Years day, it is my much loved grandfather’s name day Sv Vasilije (St Basil).

January 14th, 2016 at 4:10 am

Wog, why do the men go to one side and the women to the side? The Quaker Church does that too. The women are to remain silent where I attend….we can sing in unison but don’t lead public prayer or lead singing. We do not usurp the authority of the men. We have elders and deacons…all men. Different religions are interesting to me. We are all trying to get to the same place with the same bible to go by yet the churches are seeing things differently…..

January 14th, 2016 at 4:11 am

3:10 am and I am still up!!! I refuse to take a sleeping pill!! Too bad the Aussie Open hasn’t started yet…….

January 14th, 2016 at 4:15 am

WB, Happy Neaw Year :)

Greek and Romanian Orthodox do not celebrate New Year now. They use the New Calender ;)

January 14th, 2016 at 4:19 am

Okie,
It is not different religion, just different denomination. Women are definitely not silent in our church, they lead the church choir, they run the church hall, they collect the money from the church hall, control the money and they control us since they are our wifes, including priests, since our priests are married, the only thing they can’t do is to be priest.

January 14th, 2016 at 4:42 am

Sarah,
and Bulgarian too. I explained that before, all orthodox churches are completely independent and free to chose the dates but not the teachings, we don’t have one head of the church, since you can not find in the bible that there is suppose to be one head of the church apart of God himself, but only one teaching as it is in the other religions. You sound like smart and educated woman, so I believe if you go back in 11th century you will find the reason for the schism. We never changed anything in our practice since more than two thousand years ago, including priests being married, but Roman church did, or Church of Rome if you prefer that way.
PS, The most importan date, Easter Day, is always celebrated on the same day in all orthodox churches, because that Pascha (Easter) mus always follow the Jewish Passover, I’ll to you to find out why.
Have a Happy And Prosperous Orthodox New Year.

January 14th, 2016 at 5:00 am

WB, thank you very much for the information, being an Orthodox myself, I already know a lot :)
I only wanted to mention, that Greek, Romanian, and sorry to forget about Bulgarian, do not celebrate Nwe Year. I just did not wanted to go into further details regarding the 11th century, because my English is not the best :)

Have a Happy And Prosperous Orthodox New Year.

January 14th, 2016 at 5:28 am

Happy New Year to those that celebrated it recently,yesterday,or whenever ;)….

January 14th, 2016 at 5:37 am

Wog Boy,
In fact, there is the main Patriarch of Orthodox Church and that’s the one that presides in Constantinople or rather, Istanbul. If I am not mistaken, he always has to be of Greek origin. The individual churches have their independence (thus Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox and so on) but the Patriarch of Constantinople is the “first among equals”.

January 14th, 2016 at 5:51 am

Danica,

It is correct, he is the first between equals but with no authority over any of the churches or real power (try to go to Mount Athos and talk about him, they will kick you out, you are safe you can’t go to Mount Athos, you are a women:), same as any patriarch in their own churches, you might be surprised to hear, real power is in the hands of bishops and holly sinod, patriarch has no power whatsoever in any bishops area, he cannot replace them or sack them unless holly sinod decides that by voting and simple majority, just politics and lobbing, like in real democracies, sad to say that. Patriarch is just most respected between the bishops without real power but respect. If you are involved in church life, I am, check how certain bishops have been quietly replaced in our church, including canadian one and others.
BTW, I was in “Carigradska Patrijarsija” in August , that was experience next to nothing, and “Sveta Sofija”, blown away with history of our church.

January 14th, 2016 at 6:12 am

PS: somthing funny regarding orthodoxe roules: women should not go to church when they are celebrating “the Ketchup Festival” :)

January 14th, 2016 at 6:16 am

Sarah,

You said you are orthodox, have you ever had anybody checking up on you when you entered the church, whether you have that, whatever fedtival, I doubt so. That is robably stupid custom that has been pagan leftover and has nothing to do with church. Never ever heard my priest saying so or my wife or any of daughters asked not to attend the church if they have that “festival”, which is pretty ugly to call it that way anyway. I really don’t know what is the point of asking something like that if you are orthodox yourself you should know..did they ever ask you do you have it? Besides, last time we spoke you told me you are of latin background

January 14th, 2016 at 6:29 am

Hi WB, well nobody did check on me. The old women from the villages in my original contry told me, I am not allowed to go in the church under these circumtances, because I should spoil it. Nobody from the young generation respects this “roule”..

Come on, WB, you are clever…which is the only orthodox countru with a languages with routs? :)

January 14th, 2016 at 6:43 am

edit: country with a langiuage with latin routs…sorry, was quick

January 14th, 2016 at 6:44 am

“Come on, WB, you are clever…”

Not really, I droped my guard and you sucked me in, good on you, you won first set, but there is two more to go…BTW, what was you original moniker, in your previous life on TX?

January 14th, 2016 at 6:54 am

I trust U, that you are clever…I never do mystake in appreciating people :)

Firsttimer on TX….I started to post only 1-2 weeks ago for fun, after reading one article from TX and reading some stupid coments :)

January 14th, 2016 at 7:01 am

but I was honest and sincere in everything, what I said

January 14th, 2016 at 7:24 am

The only orthodox countries where the language is with Latin roots are Romania and Moldova, as far as I can guess.

January 14th, 2016 at 7:40 am

Bingo Mat4, I am from Romania: We did offer the world: Mihai Eminescu, Mircea Eliade, Eugen Ionescu…and so many others :)

January 14th, 2016 at 8:00 am

Okie really enjoyed that AO final in 2009,same with the semi of the same year,still feel sorry for Nando who shouldve won if im honest,also Roger with all those BPs missed in the final,although i doubt Nando wouldve had enough to test a much more rested Roger in the final,Rafas a different animal….

January 14th, 2016 at 8:06 am

Following from David Bowies death from cancer only days ago actor Alan Rickman from Robin Hood and Harry Potter fame has just passed away,same age as Bowie too,an amazing actor,so sad :((….

January 14th, 2016 at 8:17 am

@GG…..Yes it was a great match, both of them. Some excellent shot making from each one. Nando played hard, a shame someone had to lose.

@Wog….thanks for the explanation regarding the Orthodox CHURCH. I googled it and read some articles. Very interesting. The church I attend is non-denominational too, the Church of Christ.

January 14th, 2016 at 8:27 am

@Sarah:

I prefer Dinu Lipatti and Clara Haskil. They were both sublime.

Eugene Ionesco was French, just like Guillaume Apollinaire, Frédéric François Chopin, Milan Kundera, Romain Gary, Nathalie Sarraute, Henry Troyat, Charles Aznavour, Joe Dassin… Ernest Hemingway… Mario Lemieux…

January 14th, 2016 at 8:47 am

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Ionesco

January 14th, 2016 at 8:51 am

@Okiegal:

So, WB is a heretic, and you’re a member of a sect… By Crom!

January 14th, 2016 at 8:52 am

^^^ and Romy Schneider, most beautiful and tragic “French” actress.

January 14th, 2016 at 8:53 am

@Sarah:

Was just kidding. Guillaume Apollinaire is a mixt-blood, part Polish, part Italian, etc., Henry Troyat, Romain Gary and Nathalie Sarraute are of Russian origin, Milan Kundera was Czech, Charles Aznavour Armenian…

Seems you’re also a heretic… Donar mit uns!

January 14th, 2016 at 8:55 am

^^ you are to quick for me mat4, that was continuation of your previous post.

January 14th, 2016 at 8:56 am

Mat4, I prefer to consider Ionesco a Romanian:)
I am a German speaker, but that does not make me a German…:)..even if I like to read Ionesco in French, he wrote mostly in French ;)

January 14th, 2016 at 8:57 am

Aaah Mat4, du hast mich fast “verascht”…war schon sauer, du meinst Ionescu is French :))))))))

January 14th, 2016 at 8:59 am

Romy Schneider was indeed a beautiful French actress!

Don’t you think that we’re getting a bit too old? Who else on this site knows about her?

The other day we wrote about Irene Pappas, now Romy Schneider, I only have to reveal that I was in love with Monica Vitti and Susan Hayward to confuse all the honest people writing on this pages.

January 14th, 2016 at 9:01 am

mat4,
I know I am getting old, but it took me while to get there and lot of hard work..

January 14th, 2016 at 9:04 am

@Sarah:

Tu parles français ? Je comprends seulement un peu l’allemand, pendant qu’on y est.

January 14th, 2016 at 9:05 am

I loved “Les pommes d’or”,” The Unbearable Lightness of Being” …I have to admit, I do not read very often poetry….

January 14th, 2016 at 9:06 am

Mat 4, J’ai etudie Francais, mais je n’ai parle en Francais depuis long temps…
Je n’ai pas la tastature francaise et je n’utiliserai les accents comme il faut…Merde! :)

January 14th, 2016 at 9:09 am

WB :)…We are neighbours….Beograd is not so far from Timisoara :)

January 14th, 2016 at 9:11 am

Edit: je n’utiliserai pas..

January 14th, 2016 at 9:12 am

@Sarah:

L’Insoutenable Légèreté de l’être is one of my favourite novels. I like the part about kitsch, but the reflections about destiny and fortuity the most.

The philosophical aspect of the novel was shallow (Kundera isn’t educated enough, and he didn’t understand Nietzsche nor the idea of the eternal return).

Have you read any of his other books? I liked a lot the “The Book of Laughter and Forgetting” (Cartea râsului și a uitării).

January 14th, 2016 at 9:16 am

Mais nous sommes collègues!! I’m glad to read that. Another person to discuss books with! And perhaps pianoforte! Pas la peine d’écrire les accents…

January 14th, 2016 at 9:20 am

I do alot of reading on my Kindle,reading one at the moment by Ron Nash called Serena….

January 14th, 2016 at 9:34 am

Well Mat 4, unfortunately I am not reading so much anymore, as I did it in the past…Légèreté de l’être c’est le seul roman de Kundera, que j’ai lu…I would read it again, because I was 21-22 years old, when I did read it and I would read it wit “another eyes” now…will dissapoint you, I was more attentif to the love story from the book :(

So, you are at amuch higher level then I am :)

I am really proud of myself, that I finaly did read The Master and Margarita from Bulgakow during Winter Holiday,..and it was wow!!wow!

Well, speaking now with you, I am more motivated to read again..

Unfortunately my actual job, does have anything to do with the literature, and I am an ignorant lately..

January 14th, 2016 at 9:38 am

“and it was wow!!wow!” LOL!

January 14th, 2016 at 9:40 am

ok, it was an ignorant statement…

I am still reading critics on the book….I started once to read Goethes Faust, and was to heavy for me, I did not read it entirely…but I have to do it now, after reading Bulgakovs book…

January 14th, 2016 at 9:47 am

My own interpretation on that book was, that Bulgakow would have made a pact with anybody in order to be free to write…and the devil visiting Moscow during the ’30…I was amused, when the devil itself was angry, that quite nobody believed in his existence…

January 14th, 2016 at 10:02 am

“ok, it was an ignorant statement”

That’s certainly not what I meant. The expression seemed funny. Only this.

January 14th, 2016 at 10:05 am

I am not a very philosophical :).. try to make my own impression about things :)

January 14th, 2016 at 10:09 am

@danica
“Would you say it was arrogant if Rog did this video?”
You had the answer and question I was looking for ;)
No, it wasn’t arrogant and neither would be Fed.

January 14th, 2016 at 10:11 am

Wow, poeple are in good shape today… Pianists, Pop, Anna Wintour, religion, ethnicity, languages, slang, litterature… only tennis is missing to complete the circle…
;-D

January 14th, 2016 at 10:18 am

Cher Lapin, who gives a damn about tennis here? It’s a beautiful afternoon, I’m listening to Beethoven’s “The Tempest” (first Gilels, then Haskill, now Richter, and after that Pollini), writing a report, and chatting with nice persons. I’ll just miss a cup of coffee right now.

January 14th, 2016 at 10:29 am

@Mat4
You should go for “latte d’oro”… This carzyness about tumeric-tea is good!
PS: I didn’t see you listing Glen Gould as favorite… I’m listening to Otello-Domingo-Scotto-Levine.

January 14th, 2016 at 10:37 am

You won’t see me listing Glen Gould… anywhere…

My favourite is Gilels, btw, and I listen only to piano — there’s already too many exceptional music to listen, too many great artists. But the line-up you mentioned, Placido, Renata, Sherill — seems great. I hope you enjoy your Verdi!

Lapin, sorry, no latte d’oro for me neither. It’s too complicated to prepare. Coffee… simple, dégueulasse et amer… That’s the real thing! Just like life…

January 14th, 2016 at 11:01 am

@mat4
I know that Melbourne (nor Montreal) will approve your qualification of coffee… But for coffeeporn: adbeus.com (very decent coffee in Montreal).
You’re too nostalgic! ;-) I’m gonna listen to Louis Lortie, a quiete decent pianist, tonight…

January 14th, 2016 at 11:20 am

Poor Placido, still singing, but got to go back to his original “registre” of baritone… He always have trouble with his high notes.

January 14th, 2016 at 11:21 am

If i may bu into this discussion,Its a horrible afternoon here in GB Norfolk,gale force winds and terential rain storms….

January 14th, 2016 at 11:41 am

Skeezer sorry but i dont really see whats arrogant about it?….

January 14th, 2016 at 11:43 am

@GG:

We already know that the weather is terrible in England… It’s England, after all.

January 14th, 2016 at 11:52 am

Slight winter storm here in Montreal GypsyGal… Beautiful when you don’t have to work outside!

January 14th, 2016 at 11:53 am

Mat4 true,i should move,summer last year wasnt all that great either….

January 14th, 2016 at 11:54 am

Lapinroyal its been so mild here,its why theres so many bugs going around,we need a cold snap to clear the air,i visited Canada when i was a teenager my late mother had a pen friend there,its a lovely place….

January 14th, 2016 at 11:59 am

Mat4 but i have a beautiful view from my flat in summer….

January 14th, 2016 at 12:01 pm

@ Mat4, WB thank you for todays chat…Will enjoy now my Feierabend and wish all from this forum a beautyful evening, morning, day or good night!

And to all Orthodox, who might celebrate New Years day: Einen guten Rutsch in 2016!:)

January 14th, 2016 at 12:03 pm

Im sorry the only church i ever visit these days is a spirtualist church….

January 14th, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Lapinroyal i wouldnt want it to snow here in GB,as i worry for the safety of my husband, traveling to work from service user to service user on such a tight time scale,as he does home care for the elderly….

January 14th, 2016 at 12:53 pm

I remember Irene and Romy….Does that make me older than dirt? lol

Beautiful day in Oklahoma…..sunny and I’m loving it!

January 14th, 2016 at 1:13 pm

Okie Never heard of either,im 48 is that young?lol

Horrible day here in Norfolk….

January 14th, 2016 at 1:15 pm

Yes GG you are too young to know those two…..oh to be young again….I think??? lol

January 14th, 2016 at 1:48 pm

Kimiko Date still playing at 45… so forties is still young! and I do know Romy as well horrible thing happen to her son…

@GG
We have green Christmas here and I was running in short and T-shirt the 24th of December… We are just back to our normal temperature of the year -10 celsus for few weeks. Those climatoskeptics take note.

January 14th, 2016 at 2:00 pm

We start to get old when we wake up a 4AM and eat dinner at 4PM… LOL

January 14th, 2016 at 2:02 pm

Lapinroyal shes not much of a factor in tennis anymore,not that she ever was much anyway,but i suppose she still enjoys the sport so fair play to her….

Just after christmas i watched a programme with David Beckham, playing a football match in 7 different continents, then Old Trafford for unicef in 7 days i think?, which was one match per day per continent,he said at the end i loved the buzz,although he also said im knackered and too old for this now at the age of 40….

Anyway running in shorts and t.shirt on 24th December cricky lol….

January 14th, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Lapinroyal thanks for the nice chat,as weve never actually interacted with each other before,and i always enjoy doing that with people for the first time ;)….

January 14th, 2016 at 2:31 pm

Hi Lapinroyal,

yes, TX is interesting place ti visit, we are going to start cooking lessons here soon, with Sean’s permission..

January 14th, 2016 at 2:52 pm

Lapinroyal,

I am getting close to that 4am thing..scary thought..

January 14th, 2016 at 2:54 pm

Wogboy is it cheeky to ask how old you are?…. ;P

January 14th, 2016 at 2:57 pm

Not cheeky at all, but I don’t want to risk to lose some followers on TX…not that I have too many..
Let just say, I am mature man (more of the man before than now) who is in autumn of his life…I always loved that season and falling yellow leaves.. I don’t have a choice, do I?

January 14th, 2016 at 3:11 pm

Id say by the picture i saw of you last year that your in your early 50s?….

January 14th, 2016 at 3:22 pm

GG,
I was never good lier, you are correct, I can add missing word in your sentence …”late”

January 14th, 2016 at 3:36 pm

Wogboy oh well close enough,and i paid you a compliment ;)….

January 14th, 2016 at 3:46 pm

@WB
Not that late…
4AM really??? At least you not eating your supper at 4PM the last time I saw you. We are almost the last one to leave the place so. There is still some hope for WB! ;-D

@GG
Thks!
I’m not new, but on and off TX. I’m looking for entertaining players and matchs… You probably recall the match at SW19 2011 Kimiko against VW? Best match of the tournament IMHO…

January 14th, 2016 at 3:50 pm

Lapinroyal your welcome,and you know what,i was actually thinking about that match lol,it was an amazing match the shot making was fantastic,agree best match that year,damn shame it wasnt the final….

January 14th, 2016 at 4:02 pm

lapinroyal,

Thanks, I needed something to cheer me up on this lousy, cold, raining morning, I feel better already:)

January 14th, 2016 at 4:04 pm

ciao all… Got to go through this snowy outside to my pianist thing… WB, don’t eat to early!

January 14th, 2016 at 5:22 pm

lapinroyal,
I won’t, but can I have my Irish coffee early?

January 14th, 2016 at 5:28 pm

I wonder if he can believe how many times he’s been beaten by Rafa……LOL

January 18th, 2016 at 9:18 pm