Novak Djokovic’s Father: Novak Was Sent From God, He Can Win Another 10 Slams

I thought novak’s dad said these things a couple weeks ago.

And here is a perfect example of what I was saying about the media

The Newsweek reporter who wrote this article is a Novak hater who has literally tweeted “djokovic is terrible for tennis.” He then arranged an interview with novak’s dad and proceeded to write this

In other words, adding fuel to his negative opinion

How underhanded and low.

Novak’s dads comments are silly imo. But what parent doesn’t have a skewed view of their kid?

March 23rd, 2016 at 12:41 pm

@Sean: Djokovic’s dad said this in his Newsweek interview few weeks ago. Regarding his comments, I don’t mind them. If Djokovic was my son, I would be probably worse than him and a complete raven lunatic.

March 23rd, 2016 at 12:42 pm

Makes you long for the day reporters actually reported real news. When was that anyway? 50 years ago now?

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:00 pm

I’ll eat eggplant for a week if Novak wins 10 more majors.

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:01 pm

I may not often agree with a lot of what Papa Djokovic says, but I can’t argue with the point that Novak will be (already is) one of the best sportsmen ever.

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:04 pm

RZ, agree.

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:08 pm

BTW, RZ, the Michael Mmoh v Sascha Zverev match was shown on TC just now — wow, great match. Very impressed with Mmoh — hope to see a lot Mmoh of him! He lost, but it was very tight. 76 76 Zev.

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:14 pm

@Jalep – thanks, I haven’t seen him play but keep an eye out for him.

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:19 pm

Haters can’t leave Novak.Sean even broght Trump in the story.You could do what You want but You are not going to stop Novak.

Hajde Nole za inat svima koji te mrze…

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:31 pm

Sean I was just pointing it out. No need to apologize to me. It illustrated my point quite nicely ;)

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:42 pm

When a player is at his peak winning slams, it seems that streak will never stop. But it just stops, suddenly.

Fed winning his 16th at AO 2010 – NOBODY could have said he will win just one more, even though he will play 6-7 more years AND remain in the top 4, still will not win majors.

McEnroe after 84 USO. Borg after 81 French. Happens to everyone.

Djokovic is right now at his peak, and doesn’t have peak competition. It could, probably will, suddenly dry out for him too. When? who knows. Unlikely its going to happen this year. But he will hit 30 next year – and that’s OLD in tennis terms.

So winning 10 more slams? Almost impossible. 5 more? possible. Will he hit 18 total? Possible, but still not very likely. the last couple of slams are the toughest. Like the 17th for Federer. Or Nadal just drying out at 14. Sampras struggled to get his 14th for 2+ years. Likewise, Djokovic could also get stuck at 13/14/15, and then struggle mightily. Most likely he will.

March 23rd, 2016 at 1:54 pm

Or hopefully he’ll hit that wall this year. Who knows.

March 23rd, 2016 at 2:15 pm

It is almost unlikely he will win 10 more, He won the last 10 GS in 5 years…
6-7 GS would be a dream…but not impossible

March 23rd, 2016 at 2:18 pm

Novak isn’t going to all of a sudden hit a wall at 30. I know some people seem to think that’s going to happen. Berdych, Wawrinka, Tsonga are all 30, I think Wawrinka is actually about to be 31. None of them have hit a wall and have suddenly dropped off from last year. Nothing whatsoever and they are not in the shape that Nole is in, nor do they have the light body type. I don’t see it happening.

March 23rd, 2016 at 2:19 pm

Srjdan the madman strikes again. Is there no end to his hallucinations? What a plonker he is. Nuff already!

March 23rd, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Nole is amazingly fit. He could play very well for the next 2-3 years.
It’s wishful thinking to believe he’ll “hit a wall” any time soon.
But Sean did say “2018” so we’ll see if 30 is some sort of line in the sand, unlikely for him, I’d say..

March 23rd, 2016 at 2:36 pm

Did Djokovic’s father say these things or not? If so, it’s his bed.

And can anyone cite anything that the parents of other great players have said that is so at once messianic and hyperbolic? I know Richard Williams made claims, for which he was duly lambasted some time ago. He turned out to be right, but that doesn’t set aside the audacity, the arrogance and the narcissism.

The media can’t do it on their own, assuming they wanted to. They need help from the loose membrane of over bearing parents. I would never say things like this if my kid were world class at anything, even if I did give myself credit for it.

March 23rd, 2016 at 2:52 pm

Is the Djokovic family very religious?

March 23rd, 2016 at 2:57 pm

Agassi won 5 after turning 29. That’s pretty good.

March 23rd, 2016 at 3:28 pm

“All of this it’s because he was sent from God. As a family, we tried to make God’s wish come true.”

I mean, that’s fairly melodramatic, even for one of the Djokovic parents. To think that God particularly cares about tennis and has chosen you to make his wishes come true through his…I mean, your son.

The nerve of that guy…

March 23rd, 2016 at 4:43 pm

Novak is on the crest of a wave, and seems unstopable, he could time will tell, but man his dad really does talk a load of codswallop at times ….

March 23rd, 2016 at 4:53 pm

James “Almost impossible. 5 more? possible. Will he hit 18 total? Possible, but still not very likely.”

———
A school of thought is forming that (1) There is more to defining how good a player is solely by Slamcount. If you look at players who have had great success, many people not player X who had 4 Slams is by all measures a better player than player Y who had 6. Same could happen if Nole ends up bunched with Pete, Rafa and Roger between 14-17 Slams. With mention of Borg and Laver as deserving in many people’s eyes to be in the conversation. Lavers lost years at Slams, Borg stopping as a force at age 26 on burnout and also skipping a Slam he has likely to have won several times as the best grass court player for 6 years..Level of competition matters, so do wins or making it to the last few rounds in most events. (2) If Djokovic could win a non-calendar Slam or even better – the highly unlikely 5, 6 Slams in a row…a new conversation starts.

March 23rd, 2016 at 4:55 pm

Dave: incredibly Agassi won more after 29 than before it.

Laver also won 5, but 4 of them came in one year (1969), but in total they’re in a class by themselves, however Rosewall won 4 after 29, and his spread is particularly impressive. His first 4 majors came before he turned 23 then he goes 10 years and wins another 4, but not more than one in a year. Actually Rosewall had more competitive longevity at the majors than Laver after 29.

Connors won 3 after 29, and Lendl 2, Sampras, Federer, Ashe, Andres’s Gimeno and Gomez, Newcombe, Ivanisevic, Korda just the 1. The signs aren’t good, but Djokovic has as many or more majors than everyone on that list but Sampras and Federer, so who knows.

Call me crazy, but I’m betting against 10 more majors for the Djokovic.

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:02 pm

Talk to the hand, novak hater.

Fed strugged to win 1 masters & masters cup from 2010-2013.
Excuse me if I think he was luckier than Nole.
Novak is a gift to tennis & humanity, even when he’s 35.
Fed is still bitter that he beat Fed ass like Fed demolished Roddick’s spirit. Fed supported injured & washed up losers from 2003-2005, so obviously Novak angers Fed apologists.
It’s ok, in 2023, Nole will lose to another evil Swiss.

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:07 pm

Agree CF1, this year aline has a lot going for Novak.

RG, multiple Slams again, Olympics Gold, Cincinatti. If he achive all of this he will be THE most complete player ever and he can grow his Slam count, Masters title for isolate leader, number 1 Weeks, YE#1 and every time he plats RG for next 3 years he will potentialy play for the double career Slam. Fed also has this chance (bur he ain’t winning RG anymore, stars will have to be aligned really good for him) and Nadal with AO (but that seems ain’t happening again, his sole tirle there was long 2009). So Djoko really has chances in RG everytine he plays there and will do so for a few more years.

Last year put himself in the conversation for good, this year he can cement his legacy for life and next year will be just the inevitable.

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:08 pm

10 is impossible. Him reaching 17 or 18 willd depends if he wins 3 or 4 this year. If he wins 2, it will kind of be a let down for past year already, unless he backs it up next year. With “only” 2 he finishes the year with 12 at 29 and a half. Tall order to win 5 or 6 more, making him have to win 5 after 30. That’s why he needs to hide the wave and win or make The Slam this year.

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:11 pm

chrisford1 Says:
James “Almost impossible. 5 more? possible. Will he hit 18 total? Possible, but still not very likely.”

Oh boy…run for the hills – it’s the GOAT debate!

http://tennis-column.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-goat-debate.html

http://tennis-column.blogspot.com/2009/06/why-is-everyone-so-afraid-of-goats.html

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:14 pm

Nole’s competition include strong servers & solid returners.
Not washed up, unambitious and injured players from 2000-2003.
Even old journeymen beat Rafa on clay.
Nole is a flexible, strong athlete & fighter, no matter how many times he suffers from poor endurance.
Fed & Rafa struggled in recent years, but nole was still youthful & improving. Nole’s a late bloomer as well as a marathon man.
He used to think he couldn’t take tennis seriously because he had a child & didn’t believe 17 slams were possible.
Now he can win as much as he wants.

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:37 pm

We have to wait and see, Nole proved so many people wrong in the course of the years, he might do it again, he is one of the kind, don’t compare him.

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:38 pm

MMT, love the peace ref Majors. Beat the argument to the core.

March 23rd, 2016 at 5:52 pm

@Wog Boy: Agree with you. If normal rules apply to Djokovic, he wouldn’t exist. He is anomaly, a miracle.

March 23rd, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Thanks Daniel – not a popular post, but I’m very proud of it.

March 23rd, 2016 at 6:24 pm

Agree wholeheartedly with sean @ 2:56 pm..

March 23rd, 2016 at 7:00 pm

“even for one of the Djokovic parents”

“even” hey?

rather judgemental.

indeed it’s the precise reaction the the writer wanted. so he got his piece, and its doing what he wanted it to do.

but how do we know what the context was? the questions? might they’ve been leading? we don’t know.

yes. the djokovic family are religious. maybe it’s culturally specific? perhaps his dad does have overweening pride?

richard williams has said some things, as pointed out.
maybe mr. sharapova has too.

interesting that these comments come from families who have struggled, and perhaps less so from those who’ve been blessed with safer, more culturally acceptable, and wealthier beginnings.

anyhow… while i agree that the comments are OTT, i also think context is important.

chrissie evert said of novak’s comments: ” I think the comments are cultural. The American men didn’t say that and I applaud America for that.”

lol, a little latent racism there?

please chrissie, i like you, but give your head a shake and look at the culture of america right now…. trump? the dude who hides in his mom’s basement and promotes rape? these are americans. no need to ride a high horse…

March 23rd, 2016 at 7:04 pm

A trump for you, Jane!

March 23rd, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Federer’s slam count dwindled drastically after the age of 29 because Nadal and Djokovic started to hit their prime. And those are two of the greatest. Nadal’s was also slowed down by injuries in addition to Djokovic. In Djokovic’s case, I don’t see any younger player who can challenge him as he gets older. Does anybody see a GOAT potential among the younger ones who can hit his prime in the next two years? None. Djokovic can be dominant even longer than Federer.

March 23rd, 2016 at 7:25 pm

@ Jane 7:04
You rock!

March 23rd, 2016 at 7:32 pm

Markus,

You said exactly what I was going to say. And Ruan has already said on his blog. Federer would have won more slams than Agassi after 29 if Nole and Nadal weren’t there to stop him. Simple as that. Nole has a long time left and it would not surprise me at all if he wins more slams in his 30’s than anyone before him. Tennis is different now. Players are peaking later and playing well later in their career. How many players in their 30’s are in the top 20 now? A lot. That’s not a coincidence either. Tennis is a different sport and Nole is a different player.

March 23rd, 2016 at 7:54 pm

“@ Jane 7:04
You rock!”

Vami, didn’t you know that before?
jane, was defending Nole when she was only Nole fan on this forum, when defending Nole was equal to heresy, I wonder how she survived not being burned..

March 23rd, 2016 at 8:09 pm

lol, wog boy. thanks to you, vami, and j-kath. (although i definitely don’t want a trump j-kath! eeek!)

i just get the impression that things are often much more complicated than we assume.

and generalizing is dangerous.

March 23rd, 2016 at 8:27 pm

“How many players in their 30′s are in the top 20 now? A lot.”

Yes, but how many of those actually won are Slam or can win one apart from the 3 GOAT candidates?

Wawrinka, and that is about it.

The other 30 old won’t win a Slam, bot with Big 4 around.

Even if Djoko doesn’t have somebody to stop his game is more athletic than Federer, eventually he will lose that set and his level will drop, not as much as Nadal did, but just enough for him to not win multiple major per year. That can happen next year, 2018 or later. When will it happen is what will hinder his chances of not for many more majors.

I say 2018we’ll know for sure and he will enter the third phase of his career, when he will have more than 12-13 years on tour.

This year he is a shoe in for multiple majors (how many is the million dollar question?) and I still think next year he wins at least 2 as well. But 2018 will be his test of time challenge.

March 23rd, 2016 at 8:38 pm

Daniel,

You didn’t understand my point. I am talking about the level of the players in their 30’s comparing to themselves and not anyone else. David Ferrer is a grinder and is playing just as good at 33 or 34 as he was at 30. Feliciano Lopez is 34 and playing the best tennis of HIS life. So their personal levels have not dropped. So if Djokovic’s personal level for his standards doesn’t drop, who is going to beat him?

March 23rd, 2016 at 8:50 pm

And Djokovic’s style doesn’t even come close to has hard on a body as Nadal. In fact nobodies does. Nadal is in a spot of his own their. Andy Murray is a week older than Nole and is heavier than him. At this point Andy is in phenomenal physical shape. I don’t see Andy slowing down for a long time either. But I do see him slowing down before Nole, mostly because of the extra muscle on his body and that being harder on the knees over time. When do you think Andy Murray will lose a step or slow down?

March 23rd, 2016 at 8:59 pm

Actually Ferrer level dropped. He once contest for Masters finals and WTF as well, was #4 in the world. Last 3 years he is content with an ATP 500 here or there (focusing on clay second tiers) and some small 250. His sole Slam final was RG 2013, 3 years ago.

Only exception is maybe Lopez, who is not that different from what his “best” was or Wawa.

The other guys can still play but is not that they are in the “best form of their lives” after 30. There is still more players in their play 3os who were has been than actually improved ones.

And that is mainly because the young guys aren’t mature enough or not driven enough as their predecessors. Maybe it has to do with hype and they getting too much money at early age without delivering. I mean, somebody like Tomic, who hasn’t actually done nothing in ATP apart from having talent shouldn’t be driving a Ferrari at 20.

They are getting too much money without needing to deliver.

Very few has Djoko’s resolve. And maybe that is what gonna keep him in htis position.

But to me, every player drops his level after 30-31, it’s crystal clear as much as some may think not. Physicality and eye coordination just drop, is medically proven. Unless you had some breaks, but year in year out for 10-15 years, it’s brutal.

March 23rd, 2016 at 9:04 pm

Yeah Dave, but Andy is not winning Slams anymore either.

One thing I agree, Djoko is unique and we can’t compare him to others. I used Fedal as a parameter because they are the ones in front of him and both decline almost at the same pace and after similar conditions.

Fed less, as if not for Djoko, at least 1 of the 3 Slam finals he contested he would have won, regardless of other opponent whites level.

It’s very subtle when a player decline, maybe if Djoko just losing his stretching abilities and he will not reach the balls the same and voila, decline starts. It’s too many factors that have to be on place to be a dominant number 1. One thing changes and the drop comes.

March 23rd, 2016 at 9:11 pm

jane: Yes, very judgmental. Nobody could get me to say anything like that. Cultural? I’ve never even heard of the parents of the other Serbian players, let alone proclaiming their mission from God to deliver their son to…what – the world?

Do me a favor…

Richard Williams did say some crazy things, and he was derided for it – and deservedly so. There is no excuse, in my opinion for that kind of arrogance and boastfulness.

But what do I know, I’m just one man with no directives from God – must be nice.

March 23rd, 2016 at 9:48 pm

MMT,

Many Mozart fans called (and still do these days) him a gift from Good. So, I quoted now perhaps millions of “educated” persons…and it came not from Mozarts parents.
Tbh, I also think, Noles father should be quiet sometimes knowing that the media is hunting for everything….and I do not blame media, people do love trashy news, it’s in our blood.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:17 pm

I am pleased to see that Noles father is getting so much attention from so many snobs

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:23 pm

MMT, because mr. djokovic said novak was “sent from god” which many religious people believe of their children (i am not religious b.t.w., but i accept that many people are) he deserves to be looked down on? what has he done that’s so awful?

how about EVEN these tennis parents?

clearly not an exhaustive list, but i think it shows there are many much worse examples of parental behaviour in the tennis community (i didn’t touch on mr. sharapova, mr. williams, mr. kyrgios, etc).

novak’s family have been openly criticized for being out-spoken, and thus they hardly even come to matches anymore, so i guess people can be “pleased” about that.

but never did they cause undue trouble or problems like these (unless you count when they were “too loud” so fed told them to “be quiet”…)

Mary Pierce’s dad:

A felon who spent time in a psych ward. Hit and abused his daughter.

Jennifer Capriati’s dad:

Pushed people in the stands, pulled his wife from reporters, made Jennifer look into the stands to see no support.

Alexandra Stevenson’s mom:

A self-described “power-mum” who claimed she was trying to protect her daughter from the “pushy b**ches” in the locker room. She said she needed to chaperone her daughter to protect her from the lesbian tendencies of other players.

Bernard Tomic’s dad:

Punched his son during practice, shot his son in the leg with a BB gun, head-butted his son’s practice partner, etc.

Michael Chang’s mom:

Grabbed his son’s underwear! In front of people!

Steffi Graf’s dad:

Controlled her life, cheated tax authorities, possibly fathered a child with a 22 year old playboy bunny.

Jelena Dokic’s dad:

Abused her. Called people Nazis, smashed people’s phones, was kicked out of numerous tournaments.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:26 pm

Van Persie: Well, if Mozart’s parents said that, they were as braggadocious as the Djokovic’s. If others declared he was a gift from God, he wasn’t their child, so unlike the Djokovic’s (by implication) they are not claiming that God chose THEM to deliver Mozart – that’s pretty arrogant if you ask me.

Of course, I don’t have my radio tuned to God’s station, so what do I know.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:27 pm

Instead of mumbling the entie day about Noles dad, you do this since yesterday, go and read a good book or satch a documentary. Might be useful

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:30 pm

I didn’t see a WB comment, so I will have to intervene here. Novak’s father used an expression that is quite frequent in Serbian, “bozhiy dar”, and that certainly doesn’t mean the same as in English.

I don’t understand why Bojana didn’t explain it.

And enough with it. Srdjan Djokovic is an unpleasant person, but he’s not a lunatic. And while Serbs are indeed religious, their conception of faith is quite different from the American, much closer to the Russian one.

Novak has gifted already a few hundreds thousands dollars to the Serbian Orthodox Church.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:30 pm

VP,

I do belive that people are born with certain gifts, whether they develop them through the life is another thing that depends on certain circumstances. If you are religious you believe it is a God given gift, I do believe there something above us call it God or whatever. People who don’t belive and something above us explain it as genetics, talent, hard work (which you need either way) you name it.
What I don’t like is when people show such a level of ignorance, like few posters here, making mockery of other people’s (religious) believes, because they don’t believe in God or God’s (supernatural) gift. Who has right to question the feeling of the parents whose son achieved something that nobody believed he will, including above mentioned naysayers? What arogant bunch of posters, that’s all I can say, they are suitable for communst system where God was executed in 1945 due to his collaboration with Hitler, and priest were killed in masses and church burned down.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:36 pm

mat4,

What’s is the point of trying to explain something to someone who already made up his mind without knowing basic things about the people, their tradition and culture, he is trying to mock?

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:41 pm

WB,

Very well said.

P.S. All this bulls*it about Noles parent comes from some folks who have printed on theyr money “In Hod we trust”.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:42 pm

Correction: In GOD

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:42 pm

Let’s take another example: I often see in American films a co-worker saying to his tired colleague: “You look like shit”.

In France, or in Serbia, or in Bulgaria, this would have been a very serious offence.

You would probably be shocked if I wrote that most of my compatriots, thirty years ago, when they didn’t watch so many American films, thought that British were nuts and Americans uneducated, and that it was not a cliché, but a fundamental cultural misapprehension.

So, we have sometimes to be careful not to measure everything by our standards.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:42 pm

Wow, you guys are getting deep tonight….my pea brain can’t handle it……..lol

I think a little baby is a gift from God….his little baby boy just happened to grow up to be the most amazing tennis player on the planet atm!

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:44 pm

wog boy, i thought it was nietzsche who killed god… or wait, maybe that was darwin? ;)

mat4, i very much agree, in sentiment, with your post. and indeed: things do get lost in translation.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:46 pm

i very much trust Hod.

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:46 pm

Jane,

Or in Hood? :)

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:52 pm

Yes jane: those other parents are atrocious – nothing I’ve said about the Djokovic’s implies otherwise. But this statement from Srdjan, is arrogant because it proclaims some sort of special God given role for him and his son – that’s absurd, and I don’t care what culture you’re from.

If he had said Novak was a Gift from god TO THEM – that doesn’t single himself out as the vehicle through which God’s will is done here on earth.

But to say that they tried to carry out God’s wishes? To me that’s arrogant, boastful, narcissistic, self-serving and messianic – how the hell does he know what God’s wishes are?

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:57 pm

It was a printing error. It was menat: “In Gold we trust…”

j., sent you a mail.

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:01 pm

Van Persie: I don’t print money – so don’t try to pin that on me. If it were up to me there’d be no hard currency anywhere, but I digress.

You’re neglecting one rather significant detail: I didn’t say it. However Djokovic’s father did refer to himself, Novak and God. I can’t help if the guy thinks God sent him and his son to carry out his wishes, but I can sure as hell call him on it.

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:07 pm

MMT,

I can only hope, that Noles father will talk more to the media in the tutue, because he actives your few brain cells.

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:10 pm

Okiegal Says: “I think a little baby is a gift from God….his little baby boy just happened to grow up to be the most amazing tennis player on the planet atm!”

Spoken like a truly humble servant of…

…nah.

;-)

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:14 pm

mat4: Oh, boy. Here we go again with the culture wars.

Okay, I’m prepared to concede that it is very common in their culture to consider one’s child a special delivery from God, and by virtue of being that child’s parent, consider oneself the vicar of Christ’s will here on earth.

But for gits and shiggles, can you just link me to such a quote from a few more Serbian parents?

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:27 pm

MMT:

You started it. You allow yourself to comment things you don’t understand. Instead of assuming that the man is sane but the translation is wrong, which was sensible, you assumed that the opposite, which tells more about you than about anything else.

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:33 pm

But, then, you are a member of the chosen nation… by whom?

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:35 pm

I don’t believe I wrote anything about culture – you did. And you have also anointed a nation the chosen nation – by whom, I know not, but that was not me either.

No I’m just an individual, who thinks that claiming your son has been sent by God (as opposed to the rest of us who were sent by something else, I suppose) and that by raising my son, I’m not merely raising my son, like hundreds of millions of fathers around the world are doing, I am doing God’s work, whatever that is.

I don’t profess to know the will of God, nor what gift he (or she) bestows on us. But I’m not joking when I say it must be nice, it must be to be so certain. I do play tennis, and from time to time I wonder why God toys with my serve, but I will admit that this too is arrogant.

Of all the things on earth for God to worry about, he’s got time for my serve? So arrogant.

March 23rd, 2016 at 11:58 pm

These are everyday saying when something nice or bad happens and people can’t explain why, even my father used who was die hard Marksist:

Božje Cudo, Bog ga pogledao, Bog ga kaznio, Uz Božju pomoć, Sa verom u Boga, da ne beše Boga nastradali bi, Uh hvala Bogu sto se spasismo, Pomozi Bože i majko Božija…

and tens and tens more in normal use by religious, agnostics, ateistst, marksists, peasants, educated and all other people from Serbia, the “Bog” which means “God” is in different shape or form present in every sentence. Am I going to translate this to these judgmental posters, couldn’t care less to be honest, they enjoy to live in their ignorance.

March 24th, 2016 at 12:10 am

jane,

It looks like in every century they execute God and he comes back, people can’t live without him, they need to believe in something they can’t touch and spoil, help me with this (and you mat4), who was the one that somthing like this:

“If there is no God then he should be invented.”

Was it some French philosopher or who?

March 24th, 2016 at 12:17 am

Wog Boy: you don’t have to translate all of the for us judgmental posters – just point out the one that means, “All of this it’s because he was sent from God. As a family, we tried to make God’s wish come true,” and I’ll do my own research.

March 24th, 2016 at 12:22 am

@MMT says…….a truly humble servant of……nah….
What’s that supposed to mean??????

I do not think God cared whether the baby grew up to play tennis or not. God would only hope that he would be a servant in his kingdom…….

^^^^^^Is this what you were getting at MMT?? That just now hit me like a bolt out of the blue!!

March 24th, 2016 at 12:35 am

Basic thing is freedom of belief, Srdjan and Dijana believe that their son is golden child and God’s gift, who are you or anybody else to tell them that they don’t have right to believe and to express their beliefs that way. For your information, thousands of other Serbian believe that he was send by God in those dark times when they needed to see light at the end of the tunnel, but how would you know that.
There something more important happening today, it is 17th anniversary of bombing of Serbia in 1999, 78 days of relentless bombing of one sovereign country that didn’t attack any other country but terrorist in their own country who your contry armed and supported. 78 days of maniacal bombardment using cassette bombs, bombs with depleted uranium (which is forbidden by UN convention but doesn’t apply to USA), thousands of inocent people were killed in schools, hospitals, markets, churches by your brave pilots from 10.000m above and cynically put under “collateral damage ” classification by your government, but how would you know that either.

March 24th, 2016 at 12:40 am

Agree with the ‘German clown’. I think he can win 20 more!! 4 each year for the next five years!

March 24th, 2016 at 1:18 am

Agree with the German clown. I think he can win 20 more!! 4 each year for the next five years!

March 24th, 2016 at 1:19 am

What I do know is if Fed’s father had said that the same ones who are defending Djoko’s father, which I stopped taking serious long time ago, will have a feast against Fed. Ultimate irony!! :-)

Agree with both parts, parents tend to make bizarre statement towards their kids, special when they are gifted. But that doesn’t make the saying less arrogant, narcissistic, self-centered and whatever. The need to feel “special” in this world or with a mission kind of to make sense of one own life. People need to believe they make part of something greater than themselves and that they are unique and deep down, better than others. That is the main problem I have with this line of thought.

Regardless of religion or culture. Deep down is like he is saying they were chosen and hence better and in a religious quest.

Of course Djoko is a better tennis players than everybody here but he is no better human being than me, you or anybody else here. Just as flawed as we all, but with a global impact and with money, power and glory (to quote Lana del Rey).

March 24th, 2016 at 1:31 am

Just have to thank Djoko’s father though, to conceive him and put all efforts to him on tennis track so we can now rejoice with his tennis skills.

March 24th, 2016 at 1:37 am

daniel now you’re onto something! ;)

wog boy, i’m sorry; i don’t recall that quote. maybe mat4 will know? or perhaps try google?

cheers all…

March 24th, 2016 at 2:22 am

jane,

Voltaire

March 24th, 2016 at 2:45 am

Daniel,

Very nice post :)

March 24th, 2016 at 2:48 am

Mat4 – “And enough with it. Srdjan Djokovic is an unpleasant person, but he’s not a lunatic.”

I’m not sure about that. With all the wars and other tough times, natural selection probably favored in Serbs a certain element in the population that are by nature driven, speak their minds, are tenacious, born battler, tough. Like Srdan.
A more affluent society may not appreciate those attributes as much. But when they talk about Djokovic getting the best from his parents and grandparents..mother nice and curious and lanky in build…high IQ grandparents…he got his Dad’s drive, refusal to stop striving , fighting spirit and toughness. Part of that was masked by his illnesses early in his career- but Djokovic comes with a strong, strong core.
Without his Dad’s positive attributes, Novak is a more ordinary man and for sure would have been less successful tennis player.

————-
Daniel – ” Of course Djoko is a better tennis players than everybody here but he is no better human being than me, you or anybody else here. Just as flawed as we all, but with a global impact and with money, power and glory.”

I rather expect that objective people would consider Djokovic a better human being than most people. Just as equal pay for the same hours each of us works being justified on total equality,is untenable, same with the concept every human being is given the same amount of positive attributes and faults and are absolutely all equal in that. Untenable.
Part of maturing is realizing that people are born with different levels of good and bad in them, born with different natural abilities, born with different levels of ability to learn. Not just learning school stuff or work skills or more about hobbies, lovemaking, home improvement but learning how to be a better than average human being. Or if a very flawed specimen of humanity…striving to rise to at least being average compared to others.

March 24th, 2016 at 2:58 am

@Dave
Taking Sean’s point that it’s matches not years that count, Andy has fewer matches under his belt than the other “big 4.” First he turned pro later, second he missed through injured.
@Daniel
Liked your posts. I’m an atheist and I don’t care what people say or believe, as long as they don’t lay it on me. Tho I must say I find it very amusing when players cross themselves after a win….but don’t after a loss. Sutely they should be equally grateful for a win or a loss, because either must be bestowed by god?

March 24th, 2016 at 3:21 am

Halep crosses herself win or lose.

March 24th, 2016 at 3:42 am

Djokovic will win 40 slams
His last one will be won 2032
He will play till 50 yrs old
Yes GOD sent Djokovic to earth to play tennis
Very smart man Djokovic’s father
Budarla is his nickname

March 24th, 2016 at 4:02 am

According to Djokovic’s dad the most important was Gencic’s advise that if this boy is properly coached, he is future ATP No 1 (not top 100, not top 10, but No1). Based on this, they gambled everything. The biggest thing in life of every parent is to discover their children’s talent and inclination. However, the problem with converting most people’s talent/inclination into profession is that one is rarely paid to watch television and play x-box/play-station.

March 24th, 2016 at 4:06 am

George,

That’s exactly right and late Jelena Gencic was the one that told them “You have a golden child”, exact words, she was the one that recognized future champion in Nole and great human being, Srdjan trusted her and did everything he could and more to give Nole chance..the rest is history.

March 24th, 2016 at 4:50 am

For the record, i have nothing against Novaks dad,i think his parents worked hard and sacrificed alot for their son, and as a certain poster said, the skys the limit, he has no injury worries, and could go on to win 40 GS and retire when hes 50 in 2032, but i think sometimes he speaks before putting his brain in gear, sorry Novak fans as i do get on with most of you ….

March 24th, 2016 at 5:34 am

@Wog Boy
Another reason to love that woman :) Hope she finds some form very soon!

March 24th, 2016 at 5:38 am

GL,

No need to be sorry, I am just defending fathers right to express his feelings, beliefs and be proud of his son without being mocked for being honest. Nobody expects that you all agree, but I do expect respect for the person that was talking only about his son without involving anybody else, besides if you read again he didn’t say “Nole WILL win ten more slams” he said “Nole CAN win ten more slams” which is only possibility but not certainty, very optimistic one though.

March 24th, 2016 at 6:03 am

Margo,

If there is one female player that I would like to see with GS title, that would be Simona, she is a gem, both, as a human being and as a player.

March 24th, 2016 at 6:05 am

^^ Margot

March 24th, 2016 at 6:07 am

Wogboy true, anything is possible, i think on these blogs sometimes, people are too quick to believe the worst, or rather want to believe the worst, without actually reading between the lines….

To be honest, ill admit at times to doing that too, and ill also admit to being a little bitter, your favorite is doing so well, and mine seems to be on a downward spiral, am i jealous ? ,of course i am ! and being only human i let it come out in my posts sometimes, although i try not to ….

Anyway Novaks an amazing player, one of the best ever, maybe he will go on to be the best ever, time will tell ;))….

March 24th, 2016 at 6:20 am

GL,

Nole is yet to catch up with Rafa, Rafa is still second best player in tennis history, even if he retires tomorrow…with positive h2h against best one;)

March 24th, 2016 at 6:26 am

He can win another 20 slams with no competition. Is that good for his CV? Surely not. But ….. he will carry on milking the situation.

March 24th, 2016 at 6:31 am

Wogboy true again, but Novak is close to some of Rafas achievements too, and has better numbers at all the GS are except the FO, TBH im cool with Novak surpassing Rafa anyway, and i was never all that fussed about GOAThood , i prefer having a number of greats instead, but then again thats just me and my opinion, the thing im resentful about isnt all about what Novaks doing, but more about what Rafa aint doing ….

March 24th, 2016 at 6:35 am

@ Wog Boy
Me too, me too :) Let’s hear it for Simona! Such a gem of a player.

March 24th, 2016 at 7:34 am

Another 10 is a pretty tall order. But, I feel that Novak can eclipse Roger’s count of slams if he stays free of injury !!

March 24th, 2016 at 8:21 am

Hi Michael i used to be Alison, just to say i wonder how Federer fans would feel if your wish came true, the ones who actually like Novak too as their second favorite?, i wonder if they would like him as much then, the ones that cheered for him to stop Rafa, hmmm as the saying goes, be carefull what you wish for ?? ….

March 24th, 2016 at 8:41 am

Okiegal: It was a joke, I was going to say, “Spoken like a truly humble servant of God,” which of course would be somewhat hypocritical of me after criticizing Djokovic’s father for his comments, so I stopped at “God”. I really did mean that yours was a humble statement, no joke about that.

March 24th, 2016 at 9:09 am

CF1,

agree, deep down we know that not everybody is equal. Some are just better than others in very different aspects or layers, but to say it out loud to the press is another thing, and justify it with religion is even more arrogant. Yo have to know that this things have consequences and criticism. But he doesn’t seem to be bother by it much, is not like he will lose his job like Moore;-)

Margot,

Find that amusing as well, DelPo is another who is always thanking the skies. And that is weird because we tend to look for Gd in time of need (for tennis players), when they are losing;-)

March 24th, 2016 at 9:42 am

Let’s make some things clear: “a gift from God”, “a golden child” are quite usual locutions in Serbian. The best best translations in French are: “un enfant très doué”, “un si bon enfant”. I gave the French translations because I am sure of them.

Srdjan’s meant, literally, that it was their duty to help this exceptional talent grow, develop. Nothing more. No God, no religion, nothing.

CF1:

I know the Serbs quite well. I speak fluently Serbian among other languages, and I am married with a Serb. Yes, they have changed since 1999, when their country was destroyed and systematically robbed. But they have always been a courageous people, an ally of France and of the US, and in the two world wars, they lost the most after the Russians, 46% of their male population in WWI, 15% of their overall population in WWII. For centuries, they have been the “guardians of the gates” against the Turks, keeping Europe safe. Their whole history is a tale of bravery, generosity and suffering.

I could write more, but I’ll stop here before it becomes too serious for a blog about tennis.

March 24th, 2016 at 9:53 am

Tennis is actually a sport not a life or death situation, and these people are playing a sport not saving lives, sometimes people take it way too seriously ….

March 24th, 2016 at 9:56 am

@Margot:

I wrote an answer for you on the thread about Moore stepping down.

It’s all a misunderstanding. I just took the time last night to read the posts you referred to.

March 24th, 2016 at 9:57 am

@MMT…OK…….I was on the right track about what you were going to say, but stopped short. You are right about my comment, I was sincere.

Novak’s father is very proud of him and rightfully so. I really don’t imagine God cares what we do for a living as long as we include him in our walk through life……

March 24th, 2016 at 10:32 am

Novak is on the verge of being the new goat, if there is such a thing. I see him winning the other 3 this year…..can’t see anyone stopping him, he is a runaway train!! Look out WIKI…..there are gonna be some big changes to make……jmo, of course.

March 24th, 2016 at 10:39 am

Mat4 @ 9:53, thanks for clarifying. That’s how I interpreted it, too. Not so much that Novak is the second coming of Jesus or something, but that he’s just a special talent that the family tried to cultivate as best as possible.

Haters gonna hate.

March 24th, 2016 at 11:09 am

No worries mat. Respect :)

March 24th, 2016 at 11:18 am

Ben Pronin,
That is right and I said that in my comment.Haters know and they do not care what Srdjan said,they just find reason to bring their hatred and blaim Novak for anything and everythin.Is there point to explain enything when persons like MMT or Giles “know”evrything about Srdjan or Srbian people.For me there is no point.Haters hate more maybe god is going to help You.
Novace, molim te samo zbog takvih bori se svim srcem.

March 24th, 2016 at 2:01 pm

I agree with the crowd here that this is just a sweet comment from pops.

There is a right way and wrong way (i.e. insulting) to invoke God. I remember when Michael Chang and David Wheaton (am I wrong? was it another handsome American?) would thank God after their wins, it always came across as a slap in the face to their opponents, as if God chose THEM to win that match, and obviously God didn’t care for their opponents. I don’t think they meant it that way, but just the way they said it felt that way.

Green Lady- as a Fed fan, I don’t care if Rafa or Novak break the GS records. Records are meant to be broken.

Mat4, thanks for that comment about Serbia as the gatekeeper. I never thought of it that way, that;s quite interesting. I’m sure Serbia has a fascinating history as a crossroads

March 24th, 2016 at 2:31 pm

mat4,

Thanks for the post, your explanation is just right.

I use to tell people here (in Australia) when they asked me about Serbia that “when you built the house on the crossroad, you are bound to have uninvited guests”, and we had quite a few of them, and still having them.

March 24th, 2016 at 4:45 pm

Just to finish mat4 thought, if you don’t mind, 1999 bombing campaign wasn’t big deal as a bombing, we are used to it, it was about who was bombing us, longstanding allies from all the wars we fought together against evil, that’s the thing Serbian people couldn’t comprehend and never will.

If you (Americans) only listened to these 500 airmen saved by Serbians you would never bomb us.
Have a look at this short video clip, it is made in and from America, you will not regeret, and keep in your mind that they were saved by monarchist movment (it was two resistant movements who fought Germans but fought each other too), enjoy it:

http://youtu.be/dIiPJgoFJZ0

http://youtu.be/dIiPJgoFJZ0

March 24th, 2016 at 5:07 pm

^^^ 500 US airmen

March 24th, 2016 at 5:08 pm

Mat4,

First of all thank You.Long time ego I told You that You are not hard core Nole’s fan.Now I must say You are real and one of the best fans.

March 24th, 2016 at 5:17 pm

Tennis Vagabond many thanks for the feedback, refreshing to read a post from someone whos actually a fan of a player, rather than their records, and as a Rafa fan i feel the same about Novak surpassing him ….

March 24th, 2016 at 5:19 pm

bojana: I’ve always found the term “hater” to be a cop out. The implication is that there is no rational basis for any critique. But who among us infallible, and thus immune to critique?

From that basis, what then is less rational – insisting there can be no basis for critique, or the critique?

March 24th, 2016 at 5:44 pm

Mat4 – You likely know more about Serbs than I ever will. But do you agree with my point you can see a lot of Srdjan’s positives in Nole? I know his type in my life, not Serbs, but high performers who have some unlikable personality aspects – but tenacious, tough, outspoken, highly driven, born competitors and battlers.
I believe one of Djokovic’s edges is at his core he has those traits as well. It gives him an edge that few others at his talent level have. And he has been smart enough to try (unlike Srdjan sometimes) to put those traits in a more holistic context of being happy with his life and calm with other attributes balancing “the fighter who lays it out as he sees it.”
It isn’t discussed enough – how much Srdjan is there, in Novak Djokovic.
Just like a couple other inadequately discussed attributes I think help him tremendously, while we are on the subject. His ability to learn and adapt is second to none, and part of that is a readiness to admit error and be open to other’s input. And the 3rd thing is what Tomas Berdych called Djokovic’s uncanny ability to anticipate where a shot is going and what kind of shot will be selected. “Sometimes he seems to know where and how I’m gonna hit it, before I do myself”.

March 24th, 2016 at 5:52 pm

CF1, when Roger was young, I thought, HERE is a master tactician. You could watch him testing, poking, changing all through the first sets. Sadly, he seemed to lose this trait as became a dominant player. Then Rafa came, and at first HE seemed so smart in finding weaknesses and exploiting them. But now Novak seems like another level. I don’t know if I’ve seen such smart tennis before.

As far as Novak Sr’s personality and its importance in Jr’s development, I am sure you are right; it’s almost a truism: Novak grew up under that influence and is now the #1 player. So, that influence was a part of him becoming #1. However, there are many types of champion. Jimmy Connors played with a hard edge: he was battling the world. Roger seems nothing like that at all. Novak obviously was made conscious by his father that he was always the underdog with odds against him and he had to fight. It made him a champion, but I believe there are many ways to build a champion.

March 24th, 2016 at 6:04 pm

Green Lady, thank you. I just enjoy sharing tennis with people who don’t have to get vitriolic, and I enjoy your very honest posts.

March 24th, 2016 at 6:05 pm

MMT,
If You are not hater leave Novak’s father alone.He could say what ever he wants about his son.He did not do enything to You to call him the names You used.My english is not good as Yours but I am not stupid and Novak’s father is not ether.

March 24th, 2016 at 6:05 pm

Bojanice,

Batali rabotu, don’t get upset and send me some of that good stuff that your father is making, you know which one, I’ll send you some Manuka honey instead, since you dont drink:)

March 24th, 2016 at 6:28 pm

My feeling is that you are right, TV. You could watch Fed back in 2004. 2005 and watch the brain gears whirring in his head as he plotted his return of serve and ensuing point construction. A Fed match involved him constantly testing his foe to explore vulnerabilities. Trying shots, determining the perfect time to change things up, reading the opponent to sniff out opportunities to break. He could win matches just sensing there was doubt and hesitation at 15-30 with a single short ball or he guy’s body language, and strike. But at some point he got so confident in his abilities that he stopped doing all that as needless effort. And he confidence, IMO, became arrogance and a reluctance to change tactics, get a coach – when Nadal started killing him.
Rafa, I think all know, is no dummy, and I think he senses the perfect opportunity to go for the kill and destroy an opponent in a weak moment or knowing just when he broke down, say a backhand…better than even Fed or Nole. His vulnerability is he is a compulsive locked into patterns of play that he cannot change easily even if he wants to. So much of his game is instinct.

With Djokovic, he still does stupid things, but he listens and thinks and fights his ego as others advise him he could do something better…and often changes after his own assessment he got a strategy wrong. He is better than Roger or Rafa in that sense. He doesn’t let success and ego stop him, and he is not wedded to patterns. 2 examples are when Giles Simon was killing his drop shots and he kept doing them when they made no sense, a fan heckled him post match “No more drop shots”. Djokovic looked irritated and said softly “thanks, buddy”. But the irritation vanished and he asked the crowd to be quiet. Asked the heckler to say it again. Paused, and you could see him thinking the irritation going away – and then said, “I hate to admit it, but you are absolutely right.”
The other was recounted by Becker. Concerned with Djokovics history of wilting in high heat, Becker asked, then ordered Nole to get out and train in high heat. Djokovic believed it would sap his energy so he refused to do hitting practice, just stood there on court. Becker then dragged him to a golf course in boiling hot Cali desert and drove while Novak walked. After a few days of this, Djokovic relented, said Becker was right and he should try to see if it worked. Now he regularly trains or hot conditions and found it didn’t sap his energy if he kept it at a reasonable lebvel, and Beckers other advice to improve serve to shorten points toget out of the heat faster and not do 5-set grindouts also helped.

PS – Late in Rogers career, he did seem to finally be willing to suppress his ego, listen, and try new things. It gave him a post 2013 renaissance. He could have been #1 in 2014 if a few matches had gone his way and not Noles. He destroyed Andy Murray with a great serving performance and new tactics. I only wish for his sake he had done more of that in the 2006-2012 time to better fight off Rafa.

March 24th, 2016 at 6:51 pm

Sorry, my link from this hotel is atrocious, and I didn’t manage to post the whole evening. Even this is pure chance. Thank you all for the nice words.

March 24th, 2016 at 8:30 pm

Suddenly, this link works…

“The guardians of the gate” is the title of a excellent book:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Serbs-Guardians-Gate/dp/0880294132?tag=duckduckgo-d-20

@Ben:

We’re both here for too long to argue like we did last time. Let’s start afresh, shall we?

@Margot:

Although my heart bleeds after the last 21–31, at least we are better at basket ball…

@WB:

Hope you’re well.

@Bojana:

Thanks. I usually avoid certain kind of debates, and my political views are not important on a tennis blog.

March 24th, 2016 at 8:55 pm

bojana: If I may say so, your english is fine, and your perspective was made clear. But let me correct one thing: I am not a hater, I just find Srdjan Djokovic’s comments about God to be ridiculous.

Many have suggested that these are common expressions in their culture, not at all religious, etc.; but nobody’s produced another Serbian parent saying the same kind of thing, with the same kind of language, so I’m sticking with my assessment.

March 24th, 2016 at 8:59 pm

CF, another aspect of Novak’s tennis smarts is that he knows exactly what balance of patience and aggression to show depending on the opponent and the condition. He plays Roger very differently than Rafa. I think part of why Roger is trying new things the last couple years is just that he’s having fun now. I think he is still extremely motivated to win, but there’s just a different person there, a family man very relaxed in what he’s accomplished and trying to enjoy the time he has left.

March 24th, 2016 at 9:04 pm

Hi WOG BOY,

I just cannot stand any more these doubly standards.For the most of Federer,s fans Federer him self is the God,but it is so bad if one proud father said that his child is gift from god.
First of all I think that Srdjan was speaking in Serbian and probably he said that God gave them one gifted child and they as parents had to do every thing for that child to succeed.
But haters know better,they have all rights to say to Srdjan what ever they want but Srdjan dasnot have any right.

I would not say this but when You ask about sljivovica that my father was making,I must say that my father suddenly passed away last year.I was far away and I did not say last good bay.I am still fighting pain for my lost.That is way I think that I should say something to Nole,s father haters.

There is some shljivovica left so hopefully we could use it after French open.

March 24th, 2016 at 9:32 pm

Bojana,

I am horribly sorry to hear about your father, “moje iskreno saučešće. If this makes you feel any better, I know exactly how you feel, same thing happened to me 22 years ago, I had a call from my sister in Belgrade at 3:00am to tell me that our father had massive hard atack and passed away, since then I have huge rock sitting on my chest and doesn’t go away, for the different reason, we have our arguments far too often, politically motivated, mother was acting as peacekeeping force, I left the country and never had a chance to tell him how much I really loved him and needed him in my life, and that is killing me rven today.

Tomorrow I am visiting graves of my in laws and I will light the candle for your father.
Budi jaka Bojana.

March 24th, 2016 at 9:50 pm

^^ I should sa “terribly ” instead of “horribly” , but that’s our English, you understand that Bojana?

March 24th, 2016 at 9:59 pm

mat4,

Thanks for that link, it looks like a great read, I’ll definitely order one, good for my kids too.

I am ok, thanks for asking, but since my last visit to Serbia last year I feel little bit out of place, in no mans land, heart is there mind is here ir the other way around, “jebem li ga ako znam”:(

March 24th, 2016 at 10:19 pm

Wog Boy,

Thank You,
Hvala Ti mnogo,teska srca pokusavam da zivim bez najboljeg oca,bez najvece podrske i zastite.
Home is where heart is Wog Boy and now I feel I do not have my home.

March 24th, 2016 at 11:23 pm

I have said this before and I repeat: The world was created for Fed, by Fed against Fed. The rest of us … we are all but shadows and dust…shadows and dust boys and girls…..shadows …. and …. dust.

March 24th, 2016 at 11:43 pm

MMT:

I didn’t “suggest” — I affirmed. And I am more than qualified to do so. Then, find me just one interview with the father of a Serbian sportsman given in English. There are none: Serbs are good at waterpolo, volleyball, basketball (they were Olympic of World champion in those sports), and not in individual sports. I would also like you to give us the name of one Serbian sportsman.

I wrote a few times about cultural differences, and I don’t understand why you refuse to admit that people behave and speak differently in different part of the world.

March 25th, 2016 at 2:22 am

Somebody should tell MMT to take the blinkers off his head.

March 25th, 2016 at 3:05 am

@Wog and Bojana…..So sorry you all have angst regarding the loss of your fathers…..The loss of parents is always hard. Children can have their differences with their parents, but death puts it all in perspective. There seems to always be a few regrets. I am having a few regarding my recent loss of my husband, Byron. My deepest thoughts for you all at this time. Sincerely, Okie

March 25th, 2016 at 4:14 am

Tennis Vagabond @ March 24th 6.05pm, that was really kind, i appreciate that thankyou, your posts are always very fair and honest, but what i like about them is that, although you have your favorite, theres no unnessasry pulling to bits of another all time great to make you feel better about your favorite, which is rare on this forum i must say, CHEERS AGAIN ….

March 25th, 2016 at 5:33 am

Wogboy and Bojana, so sad and sorry to here about your recent sad losses, i lost both my parents many years ago, so i know how it feels, not much comfort at the moment, but i do promise in time it does get easier, HUGS TO YOU BOTH XX ….

March 25th, 2016 at 5:36 am

Okiegal and Green Lady,

Thank You very much,You are so kind I hope I find the way to go through life with my father in my heart.
Thank You again.

March 25th, 2016 at 8:45 am

mat4: I’m sure your imminently qualified to affirm your own interpretations of Serbian language and culture – I’m just a bit skeptical of your objectivity, given that you’re a Djokovic fan.

As for the interviews and references you requested: you are the one who is proclaiming cultural misinterpretations and misunderstandings. It is your case to make. I offered a way – another interview where similar terms are used by similar people. But if don’t like my suggestion, no problem – I’ll take any objective way affirm that there is nothing out of the ordinary about what Djokovic’s father said.

I’m open to suggestions other than the insults, bitterness, and false claims of double standards offered by the Djokovic fans who have come to his father’s defense here.

But just remember, I’m not making claims about Serbian culture and language – I’m giving my opinion about the words of ONE Serbian. ALL I’m doing is reading them, and commenting – the rest is your bag to carry.

March 25th, 2016 at 4:30 pm

Wog Boy: I think you just told me whatever you wanted to say, but I didn’t get it. Probably cultural – where I come from a blinker is what is called in other cultures an “intermittent” or a “turn signal”, that flashing light a driver turns on when turning left or right. I may be the bearer of few brains, but I don’t think you’re telling me how to drive. So, what were you saying?

March 25th, 2016 at 4:37 pm

“Blinkers, sometimes known as blinders, are a piece of horse tack that prevent the horse seeing to the rear and, in some cases, to the side.”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blinkers_(horse_tack)

It could be difference between American and Aussie English, no?

March 25th, 2016 at 4:59 pm

Okie and GL,

Thanks very much, I guess that’s part of life, life wasn’t meant to be easy.

March 25th, 2016 at 5:01 pm

I am not Serbian…..but maybe he meant you have blinders on……like horses wear in horse racing?? Not sure about it but that is the way I interpreted his comment. Tell us Wog….enlighten us….

March 25th, 2016 at 5:01 pm

Since MMT has a problem with understanding his mother language I’ll go even further with explanation of word “blinkers”:

Metaphorical use:
Both “blinker” and “blinder” are also used metaphorically to refer to people with an overly narrow focus or inability to see the larger picture.

March 25th, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Oki,

I just explained before and after your question, and you were right, but has nothing to do with Serbian, it is English, Aussie English..

March 25th, 2016 at 5:08 pm

@Bojana…..U R welcome. I hope you can find a peace that passes all understanding…a great scripture from the Holy Word that I love and is a favorite of mine also Phil. 4:13…”I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. Peace to you, fellow poster.

@Wog Boy……ditto to what I said above on your behalf also. We all have our crosses to bear.

March 25th, 2016 at 5:08 pm

Wog, I just now discovered that my answer regarding that was on another thread. When I first read the comment I felt sure you meant blinders and I read it as such….pretty astute of me, no?? uhhh I mean right?? LOL

March 25th, 2016 at 5:13 pm

@Wog…..after reading the upper comments and catching up, did not know blinkers could mean the same……learned something again on TX from my friends across the vast pond!

March 25th, 2016 at 5:16 pm

@Wog….oopsy I goofed again…right thread after all…..I’m so crezzzzy!! What is crazier, I WILL ADMIT IT!! LOL

March 25th, 2016 at 5:19 pm

MMT,
Did You spoke with Srdjan or are You sure that his words are translated right?
What other interview are You toking about.There is no similar family with similar son, and why You think that Srdjan has to be as others?
I do not have problem if You do not like Srdjan or the way he spoke about his son. But yes You are right I am bitter because I think there are to many stones thrown to Novak without any reason just using his father.
You are feeling insulted but could You please count how many insults You have thrown to Srjan.Is there double standard or not.
Did You ever found any thing about Federer wrong,
and if You did,were You first to comment that using similar words that You use commenting Srdjan?

March 25th, 2016 at 7:37 pm

MMT,
I just read the story in Serbian newspaper about the girl from England who asked her mother during NATO bombing of Serbia way they are bombing Serbia.Mother answered that they do that because the Serbs are bad people.Then the girl said: If they are so bad why they do not bomb us?
Many comments from Serbian people started like this:
“Bogom dano dete” which if translated directly into english means:”child given by God or sent by God”
So child was sent by God to do something good,or say something nice.
Srdjan used the saying for his son because he brought so much joy and happiness to Serbian people.

March 25th, 2016 at 10:51 pm

bojana: If the translation is wrong, that’s one thing. But your example has affirmed, not contradicted, the notion that Djokovic’s father believes God channels through his son.

Novak has, in the past, distanced himself from some the craziest of the crazy things his father has come up with. I’m not piling on Novak I am criticizing the absurdity of his father’s statement.

And yes, I have criticized Federer many times in many places when I feel criticism is warranted.

When he shouted and cursed at Murray in the AO semifinal in 2013:

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2013-01-25/11439.php

and here:

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2013-01-25/11443.php

When he cited mono in 2008:

http://tennis-column.blogspot.com/2012/08/fed-dead-wrong.html

And throughout the history of his relationship with Djokovic here:

http://tennis-column.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-relationship-between-federer-and.html

You’re not conversing with some blind fan of another player just looking to throw stones at “the other” guy. When I see something worth criticizing, I criticize, regardless of who it is.

April 5th, 2016 at 8:28 am

MMT to the best of my knowledge, you have critiqued all the players, from time to time, thats why i have no clue who you are a fan of, and thats meant in a good way, your own personal site is very informative, and you give alot of credit to all the players, but its also unapologetic, and you dont shy away from being honest and telling it like it is, without the need to trash any players, unlike some posters here that also have their own sites mentioning no names ….

April 5th, 2016 at 9:12 am

Green Lady: From your fingertips, to God’s computer ;-)

April 5th, 2016 at 9:20 am

MMT LOL ;-) ….

April 5th, 2016 at 9:29 am

Keep on trucking MMT. Don’t always agree,but always respect.

April 5th, 2016 at 9:31 am

Wog Boy Says:
Since MMT has a problem with understanding his mother language I’ll go even further with explanation of word “blinkers”:

1) You don’t know what my “mother” language is
2) I don’t have a problem with English – I speak and write it proficiently.
3) There are different meanings of the same words used in countries where English is spoken – blinkers is one of them. It was a genuine question, and your response was smarmy, smug and superior.

Tisk, tisk Wog Boy…not very cosmopolitan of you to criticize what you perceive to be limitations, based on…dare I say…cultural differences.

April 7th, 2016 at 8:45 am

” It was a genuine question, and your response was smarmy, smug and superior.”

On the oposite, your question was “smarmy, smug and superior” trying to make fun of me and my english wrongly believing I made mistake with using the word “blinkers”, but it backfired, just admit it.

April 7th, 2016 at 8:59 am

MMT Are you Randy Burgess ? ….

April 7th, 2016 at 9:00 am

I wasn’t making fun of your English, that seems a little hyper sensitive. I honestly didn’t know what you meant by blinkers….neither did Okiegal (my apologies in advance to Oki, if I’m mistaken)…so I asked what it meant.

I just found it ironic that after siding with the other Djokovic fans in the culture war over Srđan’s comments, you would castigate me for a perceived linguistic deficiency, which is based on a cultural difference in the use of English.

April 7th, 2016 at 9:56 am

Green Lady: That name sounded familiar to me because, as it turns out, he follows my blog

…but (in the spirit of Rush Hour 3), I am me. ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU4lYcN6zEY

April 7th, 2016 at 10:01 am

Came on MMT, you can do better than that, not that it was “smarmy, smug and superior” but very arrogant too! It was notquestion whatsoever, but statment, statment of superiority and making fun and of me and my English, read it again and the others can read it too.
—–
MMT Says:
Wog Boy: I think you just told me whatever you wanted to say, but I didn’t get it. Probably cultural – where I come from a blinker is what is called in other cultures an “intermittent” or a “turn signal”, that flashing light a driver turns on when turning left or right. I may be the bearer of few brains, but I don’t think you’re telling me how to drive. So, what were you saying?

March 25th, 2016 at 4:37 pm
——

April 7th, 2016 at 10:11 am

Okay, Wog Boy, here’s how I would have written it if I wanted to be smarmy:

“Wog Boy – I think you meant blinders, not blinkers – blinkers blink, blinders blind. Maybe they didn’t teach you that the day they taught English in English class, but if you want to take a dig at me, take the time to use the right word, lest you look like the foolish one.”

Something like that…

April 7th, 2016 at 10:23 am

Listen smartass, I gave you link, WIKI link, go and educate yourself that both words are equally correct to use, your bad you didn’t know that. Tough luck, maybe next time you’ll do better, this time around you failed, you tried to be smart but it backfired, just admit it, you’ll feel better.

April 7th, 2016 at 10:53 am

Now I’ve heard it all. Ignoramus from down under trying to teach MMT English?

April 7th, 2016 at 11:05 am

Blinker vs Blinders: here is what Mr. Webster says:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blinker

I also thought Wog Boy was wrong because blinders is more commonly used in the USA but as it turns out, he was correct. The two words are synonymous.

April 7th, 2016 at 11:18 am

Wog Boy: exactly – if I wanted to be smarmy that’s how I WOULD have written it. Of course, I didn’t write it that way. I just wanted to bring the difference into relief.

As you said, both words are correct in the context, one of which I wasn’t aware. Thanks for your generous elucidation, albeit delivered with an idle tongue.

And Giles, I must distance myself from your comment, lest it be misinterpreted that I chastised Wog Boy for using, or explaining, the word “blinkers”, or that I think he’s an ignoramus…I didn’t, and I do not.

April 7th, 2016 at 11:24 am

Markus – I didn’t dispute Wog Boy’s use of blinkers – I didn’t know what he meant, so I asked for an explanation.

But you know me, why ask a simple question when I can dress it up with (apparently) paltry attempts at wit.

April 7th, 2016 at 11:30 am

MMT. That’s fine but I still think he’s an ignoramus.

April 7th, 2016 at 11:31 am

MMT, I did not mean to take sides or put down anyone. I simply thought I found an answer that can end the argument. I always think that arguments should lead to enlightenment, not enmity.

April 7th, 2016 at 11:39 am

Markus, please apply to the UN Peace Keeping Mission, right away. :)

April 7th, 2016 at 12:00 pm

MMT Thanks for that clip, bloody hilarious …

April 7th, 2016 at 12:16 pm

BTW Wogboy im not taking sides either as your also a poster i respect and get along with very well ….

April 7th, 2016 at 12:18 pm

Green Lady:

I love that clip – you might like this one too…

http://www.phoenix5.org/humor/WhosOnFirstAudio.mp3

April 7th, 2016 at 12:36 pm

MMT Loved it thanks, listened to Abbott and Costello alot as a small child, as my late father was a huge fan, i remember hearing it before, and its just as funny now, classic comedy never gets old, THANKS AGAIN, LOL HILARIOUS ;-)) ….

April 7th, 2016 at 1:06 pm

And calling a poster an ignoramus is rather uncalled for, no need for name calling !

April 7th, 2016 at 4:19 pm