Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams Headline Water-Logged Tuesday French Open Schedule

Seems like another day of postponements :(. Wednesday should be dry, as well as Saturday. First ray of sunshine to be expected on Monday. Guy Forget hinted that the finals could be held on Monday. We’ll see. But this is disaster so far. A few minutes ago, I asked a friend who lives in Paris about the current state and she said it was raining. Bummer :((

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/FRXX0076:1:FR

May 31st, 2016 at 4:27 am

Guy Forget seems pretty reasonable about this. I hope they decide to have a Monday final. Especially if today is already delayed again.

May 31st, 2016 at 5:36 am

There is a reasonable chance they will catch up to play on Sunday (weather permitting lol) but if they cant then Forget has no option but to hold the Final on Monday (weather permitting lol).

May 31st, 2016 at 5:51 am

Novak breaks…

May 31st, 2016 at 6:15 am

And now, BA breaks…

May 31st, 2016 at 6:19 am

Nothing is written. This FO becomes a poker game. Who will win: the one with the better hand, or somebody with a better sleeve?

May 31st, 2016 at 6:23 am

Novak looks very nervous.

May 31st, 2016 at 6:30 am

And BA broke

May 31st, 2016 at 6:33 am

Here comes the 4th round 5 set match perhaps. Oh Novak. Just have to do things the hard way. He looks so out of sorts right now.

May 31st, 2016 at 6:33 am

It’s not tennis any more. I don’t know what it is: mining? waterpolo?

May 31st, 2016 at 6:36 am

Mat4, DAve,

I cannot see the match, am at work. Is Nole that nervous?
I still think he will make it in 3 sets, 4 sets worst case scenario

May 31st, 2016 at 6:38 am

Three UE in a row, and broken again.

May 31st, 2016 at 6:41 am

VP:

“Miserable half an hour from Djokovic” — commentator.

May 31st, 2016 at 6:41 am

BA wins the first set.

May 31st, 2016 at 6:46 am

Ok, 1 set gone with the wind :)

May 31st, 2016 at 6:46 am

The match is interrupted.

May 31st, 2016 at 6:48 am

Have to correct my statement about the worst case scenario: he could also lose the match. I hope this will not happen

May 31st, 2016 at 6:49 am

Keep it up Agut! Kick his butt!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

May 31st, 2016 at 6:50 am

https://twitter.com/letstalktennis1/status/737580291909263364
Lol

May 31st, 2016 at 7:13 am

I am feeling that the tennis gods are so loyal to rafa that they dont want to see any trnnis at RG since he is not playing. I also started to think that Nole is cursed at RG…is he gonna break it? i am feeling otherwise…

May 31st, 2016 at 7:20 am

Rainand Garros is killing tennis fans this year.

Seema Djoko will not have the easy path I thought he would. But with the break he can regroup and adjust.

May 31st, 2016 at 7:21 am

@matt
Mud wrestling?

May 31st, 2016 at 7:26 am

Well I won’t be surprised when I wake up that Nole didn’t make it, if it is not meant to be it is not meant to be. This tournament has less to do with tennis, but more with adjusting the things that has nothing to do with tennis,it is like mud wrestling more tennis, these circumstances always suits lesser quality player.
Not to worry, there is always next year and another mud wrestling, that’s FO ;)

May 31st, 2016 at 7:37 am

@Margot,

Funny, we think the same and I haven’t seen your post when I was writing mine:)

May 31st, 2016 at 7:38 am

Lol Wog Boy :)
Conditions are shocking and Nole can’t slide, apart from everything else.
Guess who adapts the best will win. And the same applies to Andy’s match too.
Shame he won’t be able to slide, as he’s only just learnt how to do it! Oh the irony!

May 31st, 2016 at 7:43 am

I will start to be pesimistic if he loses the 2 set, WB :)

May 31st, 2016 at 7:54 am

No point getting injured for the sake of win, I don’t believe in being cursed, but I think I will start to believe..;)

May 31st, 2016 at 7:54 am

@Margot:

I was very afraid that Novak could lose to Andy in heavier conditions, but much less afraid now, since I can’t see how Novak can make the final.

Seriously, it’s a question of choice: power vs stamina. Novak cruelly lacks power for clay.

And a great hello to my favourite poster, Giles, who still suffers so much every time Novak destroys his fav. But, he should know it’s not my fault.

May 31st, 2016 at 7:59 am

If Andy had taken the trouble to pick Rafa’s brains about playing on clay Rafa would have told him ” the first thing you have to learn is to slide”
😳😳

May 31st, 2016 at 7:59 am

I’ll use now the Coué method a bit: Novak will win this FO. Novak will win this FO, no doubt about it. There’s no way he won’t win this FO…

I already feel better. But let’s improve:

Novak has won the FO 2016. Novak has won the FO 2016…

May 31st, 2016 at 8:02 am

Joker won’t win FO 2016, joker won’t win FO 2016, joker won’t win FO 2016.

May 31st, 2016 at 8:05 am

VP,

It is not so being pessimistic as we all love good tennis and players being able to perform their best, but their major weapons and possibility to play quolity tennis are taken away from them due to circumstances that are out of their control. I am not disrespecting other players, but is obvious that less er quolity players will benefit the most since they have less of their game to lose due to circumstances, so suddenly the are on same footing, It is just that frustrates you seing player not being able to perform his best and it is not his fault. In this circumstance 50% of Nole’s game is not effective anymore, serve, return, sliding into BH, FH on the run and giving that extra ball to his oponent, you name it. He is risking injury due to his style, just not worth it.
I don’t have a problem with Vesely beating Nole, Andy in Rome..but this is frustrating and if he loses you can’t really blame him to much.

May 31st, 2016 at 8:08 am

WB,

You are right.

Mat4,

I really do not care about FO anymore. FO is not a grand slam ;) Teasing U

May 31st, 2016 at 8:15 am

“Rainand Garros is killing tennis fans this year.” ugh… and apparently forget says players will have to play 3 matches back to back to back to finish the slam if need be, i.e., rather than extending the final to monday. what a mess.

sigh, i fear that the french may be novak’s white whale… :/

May 31st, 2016 at 8:22 am

Yah mat4, Novak has won FO 2016…Novak has won FO 2016…now it feels really 👍

May 31st, 2016 at 8:25 am

Djokovic is out of form currently struggling bad even though he has suck an easy draw
To all the dickheads thinking he would beat Nadal easy
Get a Brain you haters
He isnt playing well at the moment I think the Vesley loss hurt his confidence
But the rain delay should help Becker the master clay court champion will have some good advice for him
Djokovic 2016 French open champion easy

May 31st, 2016 at 8:52 am

a little harsh on the language pauly.
as for me, i NEVER thought he would be nadal easily. rafa’s form looked great. although i do wonder if rafa, too, would’ve struggled with these awful conditions.

May 31st, 2016 at 8:58 am

The French open winner 2016 is the WEATHER
😂😂😂😂
Congratulations weather takes out title
The French can’t afford roof it’s too expensive
What a farce !
Don’t get too confident GILES Djokovic will still win this match in 4 sets

May 31st, 2016 at 8:59 am

Jane

The weather would’ve made Nadal’s life harder too but his form was good hitting those deep forehands was giving him lots of confidence but sadly injury defeated him once again

May 31st, 2016 at 9:02 am

pauly, i have to say, i didn’t seen any full matches till this week – only bits of sets or highlights. but i did read lots of people noting that rafa’s shots were very powerful prior to his injury. will he be back for wimbledon, do you think?

May 31st, 2016 at 9:13 am

Jane

NO
Nadal will most likely go to Rio to carry the Spanish flag but should be back for the US Open
I think he will need time to get over the left wrist injury it’s not easy getting over wrist injuries ask Del potro ?
Not good for Nadal he really needed to be fit for his favourite tournament but as Agassi said in the past
He’s writing chequer his body can’t cash !
People don’t recall he almost retired in 2005 after serious foot injury even uncle Toni said if we can get 2 more years out of him
His playing style is such so hard on his body
But he will hopefully come back

May 31st, 2016 at 9:25 am

Novak needs a bit of luck here.

May 31st, 2016 at 9:50 am

Reminding me of Simon 4th round at Australia all over again. I hope he survives it.

May 31st, 2016 at 9:50 am

Glorious forehand!

May 31st, 2016 at 9:53 am

LUCK FAVOURS THE BRAVE!!!

May 31st, 2016 at 9:54 am

Play resumed, finally.

Djoko with break point to go up 4-2 second set. not able to watch, hope he breaks and get this set.

He has to start focusing of winning this fast because there is more rain scheduled in a few hours.

May 31st, 2016 at 9:55 am

Jane,

O, it is going to be even sweeter for Djoko to win his first Garros batlingy also nature, more epic! ⛈😉

May 31st, 2016 at 9:58 am

And now, luck favours the lucky.

May 31st, 2016 at 9:59 am

‘To all the dickheads thinking he would beat Nadal easy
Get a Brain you haters..’

One of the brainless dickheads here!
Novak IS out of form, that is clear. And I would say feeling it pressure wise. But according to a moron like YOU that means he is still the ‘easy winner’ this year despite dropping sets to mediocre players, the defending champion still being around and, ahem, the world number two.
Just HOW many times in a row had Rafa been beaten by Novak again?
And so f**king what that Nadal looked good against Groth
Enough with the HYPE and open your eyes simpletons.
Nadal is done!

May 31st, 2016 at 10:00 am

Listening to Wilander is more painful than watching this match.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:06 am

Djoko break and serving for the set, 30-30. If he closes this set he will feel relax more and hope play his best. Agut to have a hance Djoko would have to be way off.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:11 am

And He was broken serving fir the set. now will have to broke to close and start serving third. He needs this set, urgently.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:15 am

Djoko with set points and not able to close

May 31st, 2016 at 10:21 am

11 to go! Idemo, Nole!

May 31st, 2016 at 10:22 am

Finally, set set in the bag and start serving first third set. Now is a best of three.
Still think Djoko wins this in four, hopong no close sets, no drama. He will have to play QF tomorrow, that if Berdych matches starts and end today.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:23 am

Calmdownpleae

If your idol can’t win this with the easiest draw ever
When will he win ?
Your idol zero French opens
Nadal 9
Only injury prevented 10 you blind moron
Your idol won the Second set
He will win the French open easy Coz no competition dummy

May 31st, 2016 at 10:25 am

Radwanska lost so Ferrer x Berdy starts in a few minutes. If they are able to finish their match in 2 and a half hours and no rain, maybe all R16 finishes today. Hope so and all man QF tomorrow so they have a day rest before semis and before finals. That would be the ideal scenario to end play Sunday. If more rain, postpone to Monday would be ideal to avoid 3 consecutive days of best of five

May 31st, 2016 at 10:26 am

Djoko strugling on serve again, deuce.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:27 am

Daniel

Stop panicking Djokovic easy now in 4 sets
Agut needed that second set to have any chance
His Road to the final is so easy
Easiest draw ever if he can’t win this year
When ? Zero is bad number
9 is better number

May 31st, 2016 at 10:32 am

Djoko with a bunch of BP’s today as well, he is 5-14 while Agut is 5-7. He needs to improve his conversion and save more.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:34 am

I am not panicking, he is 1-1.

If he has ti face Wawa (the giy ehi beat him last year) won’t be an easy draw as many says he is the few who could challenge and overpower Novak in RG. Also playing Murray after losing sets to him in his last 3 clay mathes incluidng Rome loss 4 weeks ago is not easy at all.

It would only be the easiest draw if he has Vinolas or Gasauet in finals.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:36 am

Thiem just lost second set tiebreak, another match gong minimim 4.

No rain and they will have to play to lights limit to have a chance of ending R16 today.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:39 am

WTF Happened, did Djokojust retired?’!?!?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱

May 31st, 2016 at 10:43 am

Sorry, checked scores fast and I think I saw an winner point to Agut as if Djoko had retired. My bad…😬

May 31st, 2016 at 10:44 am

No top 10 player until the finals is in my book the easiest of draws, especially given his track record versus AM or SW in the finals.

SW has to be in the zone in order to beat Djoko, but no one knows which SW will show up, including SW himself. As for AM, I am hoping it is his turn.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:46 am

Pauly, you are virtually illiterate!
And clearly a basement dwelling imbecile.
I don’t have a tennis Idol (and I am not a goldstar Novak fan either).
Anyway, who cares what you think.
Despite your endless pollution of the threads with your endlessly fatuous Euro-trash warblings, I’m sure no one ever really does!
Nadal was not going to get anywhere near RG10 if recent history was anything to go on
One Groth beatdown was hardly anything to go by
Sorry ;0)

May 31st, 2016 at 10:48 am

Djoko a break up.

May 31st, 2016 at 10:48 am

Play suspended again…⛈🌧🌩

May 31st, 2016 at 10:55 am

Play suspended.
I still think if he gets to the final Novak is the favourite.
He is number one for a reason and can deliver the goods even when all seems lost
But this is not good
It’s a real opportunity for Andy (who is probably the in form player)
or Wawa, who is also having some issues playing his best and may have left it a bit late to do this a la Murray at the Oz..

May 31st, 2016 at 10:56 am

Calmdownplease

Your idol Djokovic has been given the easiest draw ever
How can you deny that ?
You clearly know jack about tennis
The only hard match will be the final most likely against Wawrinka or choker Murray
As for Nadal he was playing well & since Paris is his favourite tournament
I can’t see anyone stopping him until your idol with zero etched on his forehead stopping him
Injury defeated Nadal not mr zero
You Cretin

May 31st, 2016 at 11:05 am

radwanska summed up how i am sure a lot of players feel

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cjyy3YpWYAE2VN4.jpg

May 31st, 2016 at 11:07 am

Pauly you have used tampons for a brain!
Stop repeating yourself also.
I get it, you are a deluded wretch that thinks Nadal was a shoo in!
Well he wasn’t and isn’t and is gone as should Nadalta*ds like your self be
Begone you pointless little harpy!

May 31st, 2016 at 11:11 am

Calmdownplease

Your idol Djokovic has not won the French open
I’ll buy you some tampons if you want
Your posts look that of a 3 yr old girl

May 31st, 2016 at 11:15 am

Nadal injury beat him
He was gaining momentum at his second home Paris
Look at thiem struggling to beat granny
You clearly hate Nadal but of course he has 9 to 0
When your idol wins one French open then you will hopefully be happy
Maybe they should donate it to him

May 31st, 2016 at 11:18 am

daniel, forget epic, i want easy! :)

halep is complaining now too, and of course she was knocked out. the players are not happy. what a mess.

May 31st, 2016 at 11:31 am

Nadal changed the serve motion. It got him higher %, but also the injury.

May 31st, 2016 at 11:31 am

Pauly;
Simply put,
Just f**k off!
Rafa isn’t here now so STOP trying to make everything about him!
I get it, you’re butthurt and all but the milk has been spilled and your imaginary boyfriend is back home in Spain and he isn’t coming back.
Get over it you little harridan!

May 31st, 2016 at 11:50 am

‘You clearly hate Nadal but of course he has 9 to 0’

HAS and HAD i.e all in the past
so cry me a river toots!

May 31st, 2016 at 11:51 am

Nadal injury beat him
Nadal injury beat him
Nadal injury beat him

I simply get the overwhelming impression that you are cross eyed, for some reason.

May 31st, 2016 at 11:56 am

The most appropriate emoticons for this French Open: ☔☁☔☁☔☁☔☁☔☁

May 31st, 2016 at 12:12 pm

C’est un desastre. FO means really F#ck off

May 31st, 2016 at 12:20 pm

seriously the players should just refuse to play. it’s stupid. good on goffin and gulbis for walking off.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/french/2016/05/31/top-players-lash-out-french-open-officials-over-conditions/85192918/

May 31st, 2016 at 12:28 pm

@CDP
Pauly is not a girly.

May 31st, 2016 at 12:29 pm

@jane
Good for them walking off. Players are really powerful, they ought to act collectively on this. Conditions are 1) too dangerous to play on and 2) making it impossible for them to show case their skills.
No players, no tournament, simps.

May 31st, 2016 at 12:33 pm

Next year, instead of dressing players as zebra, they should dress them as cats, dogs, etc to avoid discrimination among animals.

May 31st, 2016 at 12:37 pm

exactly margot. the players have more power than they think.

the organizers, sponsors and TV channels what the show to “go on” but at what expense?!

here’s an interesting tidbit a friend told me:

“The Roland Garros ticket policy calls for at least two hours of play to warrant a full day’s ticket price. The length of time Djokovic and Bautista Agut spent on court Tuesday? Two hours, one minute.”

this explains why novak was still playing even after the other 2 men’s matches had been halted, and he was almost broken back in that game.

all so roland garros could avoid refunds? one wonders…

May 31st, 2016 at 12:45 pm

Goodness jane, that’s what I’d call “sharp practise.”

May 31st, 2016 at 12:55 pm

So Novak will have to play R16 in Two days (today and tomorrow), Quarters on Thursday and semis Friday, back to back to back, 4 days in a row. Mental exhaustion. The waiting drains part of you as well.

And Murray anc co will play Quarters tomorrow and have a day in between. A small advantage at this point. But only if the top half are long matches will really impact. Bit they alteady got potential for 4 sets or more in two: Djoko’s and Thiem matches. The other also could go the distance.

Positove is that there is still rain forecasted but not as yesterday and today.

May 31st, 2016 at 1:33 pm

seriously… novak’s luck with weather and schedules is the pits! sigh…

May 31st, 2016 at 1:42 pm

Weather is luck. Schedule is human factor.

May 31st, 2016 at 1:43 pm

From the matches thus far, I really think lower ranked players have a fantastic opportunity to upset prima donna seeds frustrated with the weather, forgetting it’s affecting both players. Perhaps they’re looking too far in advance i.e. the weather is ruining their chances of winning the tournament. Again, somehow, someway, it affects everyone just about equally. Didn’t expect Thiem to fall in this camp, but he did. Hopefully Djokovic wises up (expect him to).

May 31st, 2016 at 1:45 pm

Honestly, I thought for sure they would delay the mens final until Monday. That is going to be extremely difficult to play Most of a fourth round match for some, a qf and a sf, three days in a row. If the Gulbis vs Goffin match and the Ferrer vs Berdych match go long tomorrow, they will have no chance against the winner of Thiem vs Granollers or Djokovic vs RBA. They are basically playing a full match tomorrow. Djokovic and Thiem are already half way or more done their matches. Terrible, if it doesn’t get delayed until Monday.

May 31st, 2016 at 1:46 pm

https://twitter.com/russellcfuller/status/737579841877250049
How about this for a schedule? And the joker wimps are complaining??

May 31st, 2016 at 2:07 pm

The 2016 Drench Open
(can’t take credit for that, saw it on Twitter)

May 31st, 2016 at 2:11 pm

Giles,

That is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Looking at it from the top side of the draw, Djokovic is actually in the drivers seat, since he is the closest to being finished his match. The other guys are going to have it tough in the 2 matches that are only 3 games in.

May 31st, 2016 at 2:29 pm

giles i assume that is for wimbledon 2007?
i have already mentioned that event on here, and djokovic was affected by that as was rafa and others. novak retired from his semis match because he had infected blisters on his feet. then rafa was clearly affected in the final too; i believe he tweaked his knee late in the match? meanwhile the other side of the draw had something like 4 days off. it was patently unfair and not a level playing field in my opinion, whether (weather?) for rafa or for nole.
i don’t know why you have to bring it up to put down novak fans – well maybe i do know why – but my point is that it’s unfair for ANY player negatively affected by weather and/or schedule issues. in this case it means the whole top half of the draw is adversely impacted. indeed berd/ferru are perhaps the worst off since they barely got started. sigh…

May 31st, 2016 at 2:31 pm

This rain weather delay issue is going to benefit the following types of players:
– Fast starters
– Zoning players
– Fittest players

Fast starters and zoning players can’t always keep it up, so I think the fittest players have the advantage here. So while Djokovic has the misfortune of being one match behind in the draw, I think he’ll be fine as he is extremely fit. Murray and Ferrer should also benefit for the same reason.

May 31st, 2016 at 2:33 pm

I realized that Djokovic hates it when conditions are tooo slow. Example: Australian open vs Simon because of playing style. Davis Cup this year where he almost lost to Kukushkin on a painfully slow court. And today, where the clay was painfully slow. He just gets so flustered in these conditions. It’s supposed to be 20 degrees tomorrow and the match won’t start until peak temperature in the early afternoon. Is this going to make the courts play somewhat faster tomorrow?

May 31st, 2016 at 2:42 pm

Just pointing out that there is nothing unique in the present FO scenario. When something is weather related we mortals are powerless. All the players will just have to muddle through as best they can. At least joker started first today . Dont complain!

May 31st, 2016 at 2:42 pm

This is the best best case scenario. Djokovic finishes his match tomorrow in 4 sets in an hour or less. Djokovic rips through his quarter in 3 straight sets in 2 hours or less. And than wins in straight sets but realistically more like 4 sets in the semi-finals.

May 31st, 2016 at 2:47 pm

Stoke City would have much better chances playing Barcelona in rain and mud than in perfect sunny conditions. Bad conditions favour a weaker player as factors independent from tennis skills are thrown into the equation. Djokovic and Agut were awesome today.

May 31st, 2016 at 3:25 pm

@jane Nadal’s side of the draw was backed up in Wimbledon 2007 but he was physically fine for the final. He slipped at one point late in the match put his hand on his knee. But he seems fine after that.

May 31st, 2016 at 3:26 pm

maybe that’s what i was remembering tfs76

May 31st, 2016 at 3:49 pm

Don’t worry folks. We all know that the Egg Lover has magical fitness and an oxygen cube. What else do you need?

Don’t waste your tears on this. You will regret it.

#savingtears

May 31st, 2016 at 3:52 pm

HR:

Did you borrow him yours?

May 31st, 2016 at 4:03 pm

Egg is not that efficient at all; I believe that Djokovic gave it up years ago. Stem cells that Rafa uses is much better thing; it rebuilds you de novo. Pity that he didn’t continue to play RG.

May 31st, 2016 at 4:40 pm

Players nor organizers can dictate the impact of the weather. That said they should have built a roof back in 2004–2008, when they were starting to have plans for it.
Regardless, the best player winds up winning a tournament, regardless of weather or schedule, they all are used to dealing with it all.

May 31st, 2016 at 4:45 pm

@skeezer:

The problem with the weather is that it impacts the schedule. I am ok with the conditions of play — it is what it is — but having a player who has played 4 days of 5 against a rested player who had his free days, when the margins are so tiny, difficult to call it fair.

May 31st, 2016 at 4:54 pm

With proper rest. I would have taken Djokovic in the final, 9 times out of ten in Rome against Murray. So the best player doesn’t always win. Draws and rest absolutely affect finals of tournaments at times.

May 31st, 2016 at 4:56 pm

Oxygen cubes are a thing in tennis. Trust me.

May 31st, 2016 at 4:58 pm

The recent Rome tournament showed that draw, schedule, weather, could impact a player mightily.

Then, as a Fedfan, you are well aware how much he was disadvantage by the new Babolat balls last year. It’s like hitting a brick (I bought a box lately, and compared them to the Wilson we usually use, who are much lively). By doing tiny changes, organizers can advantage certain players, and with the help of an “honest and fair” draw, influence the outcome.

And I am not only referring to Novak’s faith at Roland Garros. The organizers of the USO did the best they could to allow certain players to win, slowing down the court effectively for the span of a few years (check on tennisabstract, the speed of all the courts).

Federer lost at least one slam because of those external factors.

May 31st, 2016 at 5:06 pm

mat4,
He has a bigger team than most. He can afford it. They will get him prepared. Who says with all the players left that is not an advantage as well?

May 31st, 2016 at 5:07 pm

“Federer lost at least one slam because of those external factors.’
I understand. I have looked back as well, coulda woulda shoulda. But in the end no one remembers that, they remember who wins and how many times, regardless Fed still has won 17 Slams(pardon the pun….again). Could he have won more? Sure. But no one in the end is going to reward Fed for “could have”. He had to deal throughout his career with weather, changes from 5 sets to 3, conditions, schedule, etc. It is what it is. But the #*#U)@!! French better build a ROOF!

May 31st, 2016 at 5:11 pm

BTW I still think Nole is the favorite here, regardless of schedule. If he was playing Fed next rd, then Rafa the next, then Murray or vice a versa whatever that may make me feel a little different. If he is a Champion, he’ll find a way, and I believe he will.

May 31st, 2016 at 5:13 pm

When the media, tournament organizers, hateful players, and even nasty wives of players make it unfair to play peacefully, we should say it’s acceptable?
Lmao

1) French open vs Novak – this slam’s media coverage makes it look like nadal had to work so much harder towin. He already grew up for clay and french open along with advantages over novak
2) Fed vs Novak – the True GOAT Novak fought through war time, indifference from his own country & hate from western media bias. Pity for Fed.
3) Roddick vs Novak – 2008 us open was infamous but since the ratings for fed were declining in usa, nobody cared

4) Fed vs Wawrinka
Fed vs threats to Fed’s cakewalk draws

May 31st, 2016 at 5:22 pm

@Skeez:

I believe it too.

But in all honesty I am shocked by the behaviour of my Frenchies. The worst slam for years already. The worst hotels (still no wifi in many of them), the most expensive junk food (at least, it’s French), the worst public (in average), the worst site (with radio RG in English!!!), etc., etc., etc.

Even the Swiss laugh at us (we make joke about them…).

Today’s behaviour was… unbelievable: to force two players to risk an injury and play in the mud two hours and 1 mn not to refund the public…

May 31st, 2016 at 5:33 pm

Seems like they are heading for a Sunday final, outrageous really. Weather is fine for Wednesday, but then Thursday, don’t think any matches can be played looking at the forecast. The bottom half are really lucky. There goes all my hopes of finally Novak winning that title.

May 31st, 2016 at 5:45 pm

Apparently, mud is stuff for legendary fame!
I guess novak has to just bring out his inner one handed backhand and volleying game.
Rush through matches, even if he loses, as well as stop playing quality tennis which he demanded in addition to high standards and comaraderie.

May 31st, 2016 at 5:49 pm

@Skeez:

I hope Novak will win this FO. Because winners don’t care.

I’ll promise if Novak wins this slam, I’ll do the same thing you do, but instead of 17, I’ll use 4.

The young fans don’t know, the general public doesn’t care. But what about us, who were following our sport and remember what made great champions?

I am certain, in a few years, new kids will teach us about weak eras (there’s a weak era once in a decade, I guess), but I never thought that Safin was a weak player, nor Roddick, and I liked Hewitt very much, who looked to me like an improved Agassi, moving faster, better at the net, more able on grass.

Not one of the players at RG this year has the level of Correa, a player all but forgotten today.

So, in a sense, despite all the Giles, the lakie of this world, we have to keep the memories alive. And, from time to time, to write about it.

May 31st, 2016 at 5:54 pm

novak is definitely a champion whether he wins the french or not i’d love to see him get it, but whatever will be will be. it’s true mat4 – conditions were abysmal today, and even dangerous. hoping for drier days…

May 31st, 2016 at 5:56 pm

Assuming Thursday rain-out, Sunday final would see a player that played on Wednesday and Friday facing one who played Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. That is tricky, especially on clay.

May 31st, 2016 at 6:09 pm

What a beautiful state we’re in…

May 31st, 2016 at 6:11 pm

goodnight …but hopefully a good morning too!

May 31st, 2016 at 6:29 pm

Rafa already knew something like this will happen,that’s why he backed off as soon as he can!

May 31st, 2016 at 7:16 pm

“Rafa already knew something like this will happen,that’s why he backed off as soon as he can!”

Actually you might be very well right even if you are joking. Uncle Toni is far too smart what kind of fight and in what condition are expecting his nephew knowing with high degree of certainty weather forecast for two weeks, and pull the plug. It was not worth risking worsening injury. Can you imagine Rafa playing yestrday in those conditions, he would have been filthy, I mean it was less rain when his match against Nole was suspended after Rafa literally threw the ball at chair umpire without any consequences and uncle Toni was jumping up and down in his box and yelling at umpire to stop the match.
I wonder why Nole and the others haven’t done the same yesterday? The problem is that players are not unified and everybody see some little (possible) gain in this conditions. As Margot and George (and me before) rightly pointed out, less skillful players are getting advantage in these conditions. Geroge used football I’ll use rugby since I hardly watch football. Less skillful team always has advantage on rainy day amd muddie pitch, skillful team is losing advantig of fast wingers, side steping, quick passing the ball, line breaking and running away, all what you need in that kind of match is a pack of big forwards whi are going to bulldoze they way through, not much skills needed for that.

May 31st, 2016 at 7:40 pm

Guy Forget said that if needed the players will play two matches in a row. What the heck is that?

May 31st, 2016 at 8:07 pm

mat4,

Does the word “common sense” exist in French vocabulary, they are going from bad to worse, are the out of their minds, they (FO) are behaving like dictators.

May 31st, 2016 at 8:21 pm

^^ should say “are they..”

May 31st, 2016 at 8:22 pm

@WB..yeah..i didn’t know for sure but maybe it’s a possibility..i mean uncle toni and his team were very smart people..they must be analysed everything..not only his opponent’s game and such but other things as well like court condition and weather..and i’m pretty sure that uncle toni already looked at the weather forecast for this week..even though we all know that rafa’s game will suffer in this condition but i think he’s still not scared to play in this condition if he’s healthy but to play with the ball twice or thrice heavier than usual..even as healthy as horse like novak will risk an injury to his wrist..let alone an already injured rafa!

May 31st, 2016 at 8:23 pm

Oh!one more to add..not only this miserable weather has the chance to injured human being but two of novak’s racquet had already injured themselves in a span of 5 minutes!Go figure…

May 31st, 2016 at 8:30 pm

AM,

Don’t get me wrong, I completly support them, they had a good look at it and decided it is not worth it, good on them.
I watched Nole last night and was thinking “what if he decides to the one of his trademarks shots and slides in to his BH and twist the ankle in the process”, which was very likely in those conditions, his season would be gone. Is FO worth a risk, absolutely no. Luckily he stay away from those sliding, the ball is so have that you can’t win the point without bashing the ball (yes bashing the ball) time and time again.

May 31st, 2016 at 8:32 pm

WB,i know..and i agree with all you said..i think nole and his team should voiced their concern but maybe nole don’t want to stir up something anymore since he’s incidentally already made a few headlines since IW and Rome..and right now he just want to focus on FO and don’t want anything to distract him..not even this miserable weather..

May 31st, 2016 at 8:47 pm

https://vimeo.com/166230016?ref=tw-share

This is brilliant. You Nole fans will love the Degas….but not the ending…;)

June 1st, 2016 at 2:04 am

Guy Forget thinks 2 matches a day is fair?
This is about the players & viewers,
not the French open organizers.
Why should the unlucky player who reached finals several times,
that had the same scheduling nonsense
every year PLUS needs to finish 4th round,
suffer while lesser players can play qf and sf on the same day?
Novak shouldn’t be afraid to speak his mind.
Without saying much, his actions/matches ALREADY
aren’t “strong enough” unless he meets the
demand of the French Open-favoring public.
It’s not like he gets special treatment.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:13 am

Rain didn’t stop Nadal from Playing but good humour anyway
The rain has made big problems for all the remaining players
No one knows when the sun will come out ?
Hopefully expect some tennis today but rain might come back

June 1st, 2016 at 2:59 am

Kaaman Agut! Boooo joker!
mut4. You ok?

June 1st, 2016 at 6:33 am

Hehe, Djoker won he 3 set ;)

June 1st, 2016 at 6:48 am

VP. Don’t worry Agut is not expected to beat him

June 1st, 2016 at 6:54 am

hahahah. an all time great who cant hit a smash to save his life

break agut

June 1st, 2016 at 7:21 am

Impressed with Agut this few games I watched. He saved BP’s and bow broke Djoko after a few BH errors and a classic Djoko smash in the net. Sometimes I think Djoko should let the ball kick and hit the smash a bit lower instead of trying to hit in the air.

4-2 serve Agut, now is the time to break right back.

June 1st, 2016 at 7:22 am

peak luck from nole on 15-15

June 1st, 2016 at 7:24 am

And he breaks back

June 1st, 2016 at 7:27 am

hahahaha gulbis

June 1st, 2016 at 7:27 am

Hello, anybody home? Why are you all so quiet? Let me have a guess, Nole won?

June 1st, 2016 at 8:02 am

No1e won easily Wog Boy. I missed it. Kind of hard to comment all the time at work if you know what I mean?

June 1st, 2016 at 8:06 am

Congrats Nole ;)

June 1st, 2016 at 8:08 am

Wog Boy,

Nole did win. And the best part of it all, is that I woke up and it was match point Nole. I got to skip all the drama. It was wonderful. haha.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:08 am

This was the greatest match of all time, joker v Agut. Should go down in the history books.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:12 am

Thanks Tom, Thanks Dave,
I missed it to, went to watch rugby and my team just lost (NSW), but who cares when Nole won:)

June 1st, 2016 at 8:16 am

I have to give the advantage to Nole now in this half. He is finished and can rest and everyone else is still slugging it out on court. If Ferrer wins this set, the winner won’t have a lot left to play Nole tomorrow. Berdych looks good though. Ferrer can’t convert a break point. Many chances.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:17 am

BTW, is the court as bad as yesterday?

June 1st, 2016 at 8:19 am

I heard from a friend that it was as bad as yesterday. Super muddy again in the Nole match. If the conditions stay the same, the 2 guys with the biggest advantage are Thiem and Stan. They have the power to still hit through players. Nole doesn’t.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:21 am

Dave, that is the understatement of the fortnight. I would concur that the dominant world #1 will be the bettors choice against a group with #7 Berdych at the top. He could stay out all night doing a Gulbis, make bail early tomorrow, and still be favoured to come out of his half.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:22 am

Wogboy,

Mats was sure yesterday, that the courts should be dry today and he mentioned that Nole should play much better. And so it was, I guess. Have not seen the match.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:24 am

Thanks VP

June 1st, 2016 at 8:28 am

Berdych is different animal on the clay, has more time for his shots and more power than Nole on muddy courts, Nole should stay focused 100%.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:32 am

I agree Wog Boy. Berdych has played Nole a lot closer in their more recent matches. He looks very good today so far.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:39 am

Gasquet breaks Andy, who was serving for the set. Back on serve. Murray is good at breaking back in these situations though.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:00 am

Andy is having a meltdown. 4 games in a row for Gasquet. Serving for the first set now.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:11 am

Andy loses 5 games in a row after being 5 2 up to complete the meltdown in the first set.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:24 am

‘I would have taken Djokovic in the final, 9 times out of ten in Rome against Murray. So the best player doesn’t always win’

Aww Dave, still a bit butt-hurt about that one?
Well, I wouldn’t have taken Novak so quickly.
Muzz played him very close on that court in a final before
That’s why I thought that, not only he would win, but that it wouldn’t even be close.
And it certainly wasn’t!
What’s done is done however.
Oh dear, Muzz and his ineffectual drop shots
Crap first set really with very heavy conditions but Gasquet probably deserved that one
Muzz in 4 however.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:24 am

@CDP
Andy was never before in the Rome final, that close match was semis in 2011. They are btw so close on clay that the Rome final was Andy’s first win. To remind you, the H2H is also very close at 23-10. So you knew that the superior Andy will destroy Novak? Can you tell me please who’s going to win this FO, I’d like to bet some money.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:32 am

12 out of 13 before that. So 9 out of 10 isn’t a big stretch. In fact it’s easier to do.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:33 am

Your comment has nothing to do with why I was commenting in the first place. You didn’t understand the context of my comment, or you are trying to get under my skin. One of the two.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:35 am

Should Djokovic go on and win the title, it will be the most consequential tournament of his career so far in a bushel full of tennis events that define his career.
So far, in making this QF, the French Open has been where Novak passed several milestones.

1. First tennis pro to go past the 100 million mark in prize money. Making the QF put him over the top, according to Reuters.
2. This week at the FO Djokovic reached 200 weeks as #1, will conclude this tournament an be at 100 straight weeks as #1 this following Monday.
3. Has now moved past Jimmy Connors as the player with the 2nd most straight Slam QFs 28 to Rogers 36 streak that ended a few years back.

If Djokovic and Becker are smart, and they are both smart guys, they will not celebrate more than a brief “yep, happy to see the accomplishments” – because there is work remaining to be done. Focus on that. But win or lose, I hope when the French Open is done, win or lose, each significant milestone is savored.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:37 am

Before that Murray had been in recovery for those kind of numbers
The numbers prior to this were much closer.
Andy had only recently (due in no small part to said surgery i may add) been able to play well on clay
I actually don’t know who you are really to bother getting under your skin
I just noticed your fedovic like comment about 9 times out of ten and disagreed

June 1st, 2016 at 9:38 am

I could have used any match as an example to prove my point. That match was the most recent that I could think of. Skeezer was saying that conditions and draw don’t dictate who wins a tournament. And I disagreed with his comment. I could have used other players if I had wanted to. I do care that Novak lost. It might have actually been a good thing. As far as Andy goes, if he doesn’t get it together mentally, he could go down on par with Safin for being the 2 most talented players to underachieve greatly in their careers.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:39 am

butt hurt? what does that mean? maybe you were joking around. Sorry if I misunderstood. I haven’t really chatted with you CDP. So I apologize if I misunderstood.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:42 am

Sorry, I meant to put, I don’t care that Novak lost.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:43 am

Whatever!
Just a passing comment and you used Andy so I disagreed
And well i am correct.
But I do agree that conditions and draw certainly play a part.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:45 am

3 more matches for Djoko’s march to history.

Berdych seems to be playing well, he got easy wins and to beat Ferrer in straights is a good sign, although Ferrer best days are over.

Looks loke Djoko x Thiem semis. Can’t imagine Berdych having the drive to beat Djoko here and Thiem X Goffin will be minimim 4 sets. Thirm still is too inconsistent and he loses sets regularly.

Meantime Murray having to work. Was watching some highlights of Gasquet x Kei and Gasq BH was on fire.

Wawa, as expected, having no trouble with Ramos Vinolas.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:45 am

Margot – Thanks for linking another wonderful Nial Smith contribution. Love the guy. The sport should have a half dozen like him, and see some money the tennis suits have or sponsors throwing out 25 million dollar endorsement contracts to tennis players – goes Smith’s way for also promoting the sport. Good artistry is it’s own attraction and buzz maker for fans and media.
Wish one day I can spot him at an event and say thanks. His only flaw is favoring Andy over Nole – but favoring Nole would make the Edinburgh Scot a traitor if sorts. And he still does art that any player selected should feel happy being selected. Nial never seems to be mean spirited.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:50 am

I still think Stan is getting to the final. I actually think he will make it look easy. I don’t even see an epic match in the semi-finals. Maybe 4 sets at the most. I hope I am wrong and it is an epic match. But Stan has the edge with power in these conditions.

June 1st, 2016 at 9:52 am

@Vami

Oh yeah the semi
Right but still.
I didnt say the other stuff you alluded to
Let’s not fight
but if you really wanna…..

June 1st, 2016 at 9:53 am

‘I hope I am wrong and it is an epic match. But Stan has the edge with power in these conditions’

He does and he has won all of the previous matches on clay
But it is unlikely it will be easy for him.
Andy played a rather flat first set but it is hardly a reason to write him off, just yet.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:02 am

Just for those who don’t remember, Berdych beat Nole in Rome coming back from 2:5, last year he was awfully cole beating Nole in MC, on the HC Nole doesn’t give him a time for his shots and moves him around eaisily, on clay (particularly this one) he has all the time of the world for his shots, it is not going to be easy match by any means. Focus Nole, focus.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:03 am

Re the conditions and WB statement
Didn’t see that match but I def think that the speed of the ball in theses conditions could have made all of the difference.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:04 am

I’m not buying it with Andy. He hasn’t impressed me in this tournament at all. And his mental form could get exposed in this match today. Against a player that won’t let him off the hook like the first 2 matches. Stan is on a 7 set winning streak against Murray and isn’t at all rattled by Murray. That’s my prediction. I could be wrong. It’s just how I feel at this point. I would way rather Andy beat Stan. But I just don’t see it happening.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:05 am

Gasquet does it again. Wow. I still expect Andy to win this set. But he isn’t making it easy on himself.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:09 am

And what has been SO impressive about Wawa and Novak bar one or half of a match exactly?

No one has really been at their best and prior to Today Andy WAS playing better (bar the start of course again due to the weather)

Still this isn’t too impressive Today.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:09 am

It’s the weather however

June 1st, 2016 at 10:14 am

Andy has lost 5 sets already and Isner had 3 set points. Stan has arguably looked better than Novak so far in my opinion. Again it’s just a difference of opinion.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:14 am

Murray serving for second set and getting broken, he does want to play long matches. 😡

June 1st, 2016 at 10:16 am

Stan has only looked good for moments
Maybe this LAST match but that’s it
Nothing ‘juggernautish’ about him whatsoever (agree about Novak)
Still thinking it’s a Wawa and Novak final now
Perhaps it should be

June 1st, 2016 at 10:17 am

I’m also taking the weather into consideration as to why Stan is the favorite to reach the finals. The conditions favor his game over anyone, even Novak. I would pick him to beat Novak at this point. I wouldn’t want that to happen. But that’s how I feel at this point.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:23 am

@dave

I think i could go with that actually….

June 1st, 2016 at 10:25 am

See what happens. A rematch of last years final could be pretty epic.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:27 am

One thing I was wrong about is that there was an article that I read yesterday that said that Gastan Gaudio won the French Open after winning the first 2 rounds in 5 sets. So it has been done before.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:30 am

DF after being so far ahead in this set
not looking too hot at all….

June 1st, 2016 at 10:32 am

Jeez, Andy’s playing s***e.
Expect Kim is packing to go home even as I write.
@matt
Glad you liked it :) Niall Smith is super talented :)

June 1st, 2016 at 10:34 am

Andy pulls it together with 6 points in a row to win the set. great match.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:36 am

Level up only a 2 set beat down will do now…

Andy only had the 2 5 setters due to an inspired Stepanek and the….weather!

I mean Borgue c’mon he was tired playing 3 days in a row!
Not worried about that, much more worried about wawrinka now lol

If he gets through this that is!
Novak has to play again tomorrow too I beleive so it is an issue for him, it cannot be overlooked

June 1st, 2016 at 10:37 am

Lol Andy obviously reading my last comment, got cross and upped his game….;) Or was he just cross with himself for playing so s***e?
@CF1
Cheers. Glad you like Niall too.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:37 am

Murray closes the second. He needs the third set, otherwise another five setter or losing in 4.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:39 am

Stan is the favorite at this point. He is well well rested. On his way to wrapping up this match very quickly. Novak needing to play tomorrow and Friday. No excuses. Nole will give everything he has until the last point.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:42 am

shoulder blades opening :0)

June 1st, 2016 at 10:52 am

If Andy gets through Wawrinka, however!

(Don’t!)

June 1st, 2016 at 10:53 am

@Margot – have faith. I have plans for early Sunday morning (during the final match) which are going to be in a dead zone. No TV, spotty phone signal on my end bodes well for Mr. Murray.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:55 am

Also I doubt Wawrinka’s opponent was playing anything like as good as Gasquet.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:55 am

Wawa was leading third set but was broken and Ramos leading 5-4 Wawa serve.

Murray up double break.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:56 am

Lol RZ. Attagirl!

June 1st, 2016 at 10:58 am

Bagel time

June 1st, 2016 at 11:03 am

Gasquet has nothing left in the tank? No more left to offer to the match?

June 1st, 2016 at 11:06 am

Bagel for tea.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:08 am

@Dave – maybe Andy started muttering the right stuff to himself? On Twitter someone said that Andy’s self-talk started turning more positive during the tiebreak.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:09 am

Yes it did. Stan wins. Andy looking good now to finish this in 4.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:22 am

Wawa bavking up last years run. Indeed thos slow cool conditions suits him.

He is now in for the title. Either him, Djoko or Murray will take it.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:25 am

I think almost anyone wanting Nole to win, will be cheering for Andy to pull off the upset and beat the defending champion. I’m curios to know who they would actually put as the favorite if it was a Stan vs Nole rematch in these cold conditions.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:27 am

Murray has completely worn Gasquet out. He looks like he has nothing left emotionally, physically or mentally.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:29 am

What happened to Gasquet, run out of fumes?!
That’s why I would never pick him to go deep, he just doesn’t have it in him.

Murray x Stan should be a cracker.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:35 am

Dave. Joker is the favourite for the FO and every single tourney he enters irrespective of who his opponent may be.
I’m going to hope the bookies win a packet!! 😀

June 1st, 2016 at 11:40 am

Exactly. Gasquet looked exhausted after Murray won the tie break. The match had already gone on for around 2 hours and 20 minutes. And it was quite physical.

June 1st, 2016 at 11:44 am

A lot of those Drop Shots were dire but it appears there was a method to their madness after all :)
I’m starting to think whoever comes out of wawa Muzz will win it
sadly I agree that Muzz does not have the edge on this one
Still another day and all…

June 1st, 2016 at 11:49 am

Gasket ran out of gas, thanks to Andy upping his level and suddenly remembering to play with fire and purpose.
So nice to silence that French crowd. too..;)
Sorry matt and courbon……no , on second thoughts, I’m not…;)

June 1st, 2016 at 11:54 am

Great to see we’ll get one great semi at least.

Its really incredible that Stan has made it to another Slam semi. After such a long career at a lower tier, he’s really changed his story. Its also uncanny how he brings it at the Slams now, while he’s still really mid-level in results at the smaller tournaments.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:00 pm

Is there any chance for some sun?

June 1st, 2016 at 12:05 pm

https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/737990935926038528
Geez!! This guy is so FOS!
Poor joker, nobody loves him!

June 1st, 2016 at 12:06 pm

I just checked the forecast. The only day that calls for sun is Sunday and around 22 degrees.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:10 pm

Tomorrow is supposed to be really cold. Wet as well. 13 I think is the high for tomorrow.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:11 pm

Should help Novak then if Wawrinka prevails
Remember it would not technically be an ‘upset’ if Andy was there instead

June 1st, 2016 at 12:12 pm

Fed fanatics in ruins due to the fact that oldStan and Gasquet reached
Slam highs and pimple face Thiem dominates the journeymen.
They actually brag about bully Lapdog (#1) Roddick, (#3) ljubicic,
(#4) Blake, gaudio, Baghdatis and
Robredo who destroyed fed at the U.S. Open!
Like, Baghdatis only went past Slam 4th round 3 times.
Ljubicic got past Slam 3rd rounds twice.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:23 pm

@Margot:

Never say sorry, never be sorry. Not even on first thought. It’s just sport, the better player won, that’s the way it should be. On the other side, don’t congratulate me because I won’t congratulate you. I find it meaningless and it’s not in my culture. There are more important things I will congratulate you when they arise.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:36 pm

I don’t know what should help Novak in the final, but if he plays his best, I don’t see what could help his opponent in the final.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:37 pm

Ooer Mat4!
We’ll take your unbiased word on that one!
Seems a bit of an anxious post however if you ask me…

June 1st, 2016 at 12:40 pm

TV stan had a fairly comfy path this time though… “Rosol, Daniel, Chardy, Troicki & Ramos-Vinolas”

June 1st, 2016 at 12:45 pm

If Novak wins the FO, he would equalize Andy Murray’s record: Novak would have 12 slams, and Andy 12 Masters.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:48 pm

According to form and results at the French Open, the player who is the defending champion and looking better is the favorite. I’m not going by ranking on this one. I hope Andy wins, but that would be an upset to me. Andy has never been to a final here. Experience helps in these situations. I hope I’m off, and Andy pulls it off.

Mat4,

Other than the Bedene match, I still haven’t seen a good match from Djokovic. He is far off from winning, until I see something different. I know the conditions are brutal to deal with, but Berdych seemed to be just fine against Ferrer today, hitting the ball hard and flat. It wouldn’t surprise me if the match tomorrow went at least 4 sets tomorrow. Again, I hope I am wrong, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:53 pm

@CDP:

Who is biased? The stats? The past that helps us predict the future? Let’s see:

1. Novak leads convincingly against all the remaining players in the draw (Thiem excepted).

2. He is the dominant no 1.

3. He’s not the one that needs special circumstances to win a slam.

4. He’s not the player that never beat two top 4 to win a slam.

5. He’s one of the two players that has made the finals at RG.

6. He’s one of the only two players who has beat Rafa at RG.

When he plays his best, he usually decimates the field. The only thing he needs here to win the tournament is a fair and decent schedule.

June 1st, 2016 at 12:58 pm

Novak had a tough test against BA, due to conditions. He will surprise us tomorrow, in a positive fashion

June 1st, 2016 at 12:59 pm

Oh YES Mat4
It’s almost the same!!!!!!!
bet Andy would rather have that FO though
I know I would

@Jane
Wawrinka has NOT been amazing this year DESPITE the conditions.
And sometimes due to them actually.
Novak will have to play a lot now, and again, has not exactly had the most amazing tests throughout (like Wawa)
Agut taking a set?!
Berdych will give it a good shot as I have not seen Novak play particularly convincingly (like Wawa and to a lesser extent Andy too)
mmm I’m daring to dream just a little on this one and will take whatever way he could steal this one.
But mostly Muzz is the purveyor of nightmares, it has to be said lol

June 1st, 2016 at 1:00 pm

Mat4,

That’s the problem, the decent schedule might not happen. Novak gets mentally tired going through these types of matches. They all add up for him. Playing 4 days in a row, will be tiring for him. If he can beat Berdych in straight sets and Goffin and Thiem take each other to 5 and are out of energy for Friday, things might be much easier for him with Saturday off. No excuses here, but it’s going to be really hard still for him.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:02 pm

Fair enough Novak fans (although I’m sensing nerves from you all)
he should still be the favourite
But these streaks of dominance never last forever
he’s been VERY lucky these last couple of years and has actually had special conditions in a manner of speaking.
It’s frankly better for tennis if he is toppled and maybe even his legacy as well, ultimately..

June 1st, 2016 at 1:03 pm

of cours Novak fans are nervous, at least I am, when it comes to FO, but we should talk on Monday or Tuesday about nerves

June 1st, 2016 at 1:06 pm

Last year Nole had no serious test until semifinals, I am happy that it happened now in the 4 round

June 1st, 2016 at 1:08 pm

you think this will go on till Mon/Tues?!

June 1st, 2016 at 1:09 pm

But it wasn’t better for tennis when Federer was dominating. Only when the painted villain Djokovic is dominating. Everyone is on an equal playing field and can be just as worthy of dominating tennis as any other person. No one is better than anyone else. So many people complain about Novak dominating tennis, but when Federer was doing it, it all seemed to be great for most. I’m not saying your complaining CDP, just making a point.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:09 pm

I would not be surprised

June 1st, 2016 at 1:09 pm

above post for CDP

June 1st, 2016 at 1:10 pm

He is the world Number One so is best equipped to deliver when it really matters
Winning a lot does that to you!
Still no true favourites for me at this stage
Maybe Wawa for reasons discussed but it’s a reasonably big maybe

June 1st, 2016 at 1:10 pm

‘ Only when the painted villain Djokovic is dominating’

Villain?!
Not good when any one player dominates these arguments aren’t necessary to keep on repeating we all know this
It’s not Novaks fault that he had his act together when the others were falling apart
He did what he should have done
Didn’t watch Fed when he was in weak era dominance (YAWN!) but who EVER talks about this period other than ….Fed slam wins
tells you something

June 1st, 2016 at 1:13 pm

@CDP:

I sense much more nerves on your side. And streaks of dominance usually end when new players arise, which is not the case right now.

I would like to know how Novak has been very LUCKY these years. He’s 9-2 against Andy starting from 2015 (more than a year after his back surgery, to be fair), and both times Andy prevailed, Novak was tired from playing doubles (SF) in Canada, and from a very difficult draw in Rome.

So, stop the hype, will you? Andy is an excellent player, but Novak has been better whenever it counted. And the more important the match, the biggest the gap.

And finally, yes, we, Nolefans, are nervous and excited. If Novak wins the FO, he would have a career slam, a grand slam over two years, and would certainly finish no 1 this year too, making him the undisputed no 2 of the Open Era, and arguably the GOAT.

Stan and Andy, on the other side, could win a third slam, which is important, I agree, but nothing exceptional.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:18 pm

i just hope that if the top half’s matches are rained out tmrw they french open organizers move the final to monday. already the bottom half has an advantage, but it would be outrageous to expect the winner of the top half to play QFs friday, SFs saturday, and Fs on sunday, which is what would have to happen if tomorrow is a washout and guy forget still wants to keep the schedule of a sunday final. that would be crazy.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:23 pm

I think Wawa and Andy are the favorites. Wawa won it once, he has experience and Andy never won it, but he could do it. Novak lost 3 finals there, so…he has not the best memories at the FO.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:24 pm

@matt
That’s the trouble with the internet, so much misunderstanding, in this case trivial. I was teasing you with my comment about the French crowd, not to do with Crashquet losing…;)

June 1st, 2016 at 1:26 pm

Andy is in no way in Novak’s head. It’s the other way around. The only thing that was in Novak’s head was the conditions of the court and not Andy. Andy has broken apart mentally so many times against Novak and people still pick Andy as the favorite in their match ups. Almost every time, the announcers pick Andy over Novak when asked, Why? Because they are from Great Britain. Greg Rusedski always picks Rafa and Andy over Nole. It’s hilarious. Today the announcer picked Andy over Stan. I am not biased towards any player even if I have favorites. I call a match the way I see it and what I honestly think is going to happen. I don’t even take the predictions from the commentators serious when Andy is involved in a match, because they will almost always pick Andy. One of the only announcers that I think can be unbiased is Barry Cowen. Lot’s of the others are not.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:29 pm

“It’s not Novaks fault that he had his act together when the others were falling apart”

Who was falling apart? Andy is healthy since 2014; Fed too, and he beat Andy wherever they played; Rafa was healthy the whole 2015.

It’s more probable that Novak improved his serve in 2015, and started winning more free points. That was the key difference.

Anyway, the winners don’t care about weak eras… the losers do.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:30 pm

If it ended up being a final between Novak and Andy, I would unbiasedly pick Novak in 4 sets. That would be my honest prediction. If it was Djokovic vs Stan, I would pick Stan in 4 or 5 sets. It also wouldn’t surprise me if Novak won in 4 or 5. But I would still give the slight edge to Stan, from what I have seen so far. Those are my honest unbiased predictions. Novak has had the mental edge over Andy in big matches for a while now. Wasn’t the last time Andy beat Novak in a grand slam in Wimbledon 2013? Murray has unbelievable talent and is a great player. But he is honestly overhyped so much by the press.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:34 pm

And talking of interrupted/unfair scheduling…I remember well when Andy and Rafa played the USOpen semi over two days, while Fed has his feet up in the locker room. Come on!
PS Matt, I’d NEVER apologise for Andy winning! Lol that would simply be silly.
@Dave
No, not always the case with commies, Courier gives Stan the edge. Says conditions suit him better. And Sam Smith said Crashquet would beat Andy.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:37 pm

@Margot:

Sorry. But then, never sorry.

I wrote what I had about the Paris crowd. I don’t recognize myself in these people. I am very deceived by their behaviour. We are more like Helvetians.

I am not deceived by the match. Richard is not a warrior. He was happy when he won the first set. It was expected. He played some beautiful points, but otherwise, it’s the same old Gasquet: he’s not ready to suffer to win.

The better player won, nothing to add nothing to subtract.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:37 pm

The only time I have seen Novak get matched mentally in the past few years has been Rafa and Stan at times. Other than that, Federer and Andy to fall apart mentally against Djokovic. But that is part of the game of tennis. Djokovic ups his mental strength against both Murray and Federer. 4 years and 3 years is a long time for either of them to beat Djokovic at a major. I would never pick Federer or Murray as the favorite in any major against Novak, until they show they can beat him again head to head at a major. Rafa and Stan, have shown that they can beat Novak in the past few years at majors. Stan has done it twice on his way to winning both of his majors.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:39 pm

@calmdownplease: It is quite normal that Djokovic’s fans are nervous. If he wins next 3 matches, he would have strong GOAT claim. Holding 4 majors at the same time has been done only by Laver when tennis (as we know it) was in it’s embryonic stage. For me, Djokovic has already achieved the highest level of tennis ever, but win here would make it more obvious to those who don’t understand the game that well.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:41 pm

Well Mat4, I see we have our bs all in place
Your posts are increasing shrill.
You’re contradicting yourself also from what you admitted before too
As for nerves?
Well, I’m afraid your senses are way off on that one.
I’m a Muzz fan(ish). It would be quite crazy to get in a tizz about a slam now.
I’m immunized for failure.
Conversely I could see your nerves from space!
Novak’s dominance WILL end, it’s not a question of if but when
And he will not have it all his own way going on as he did when it was only Fed as his oppostion.
Oh and this is not me being a hater FFS
It’s common sense.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:42 pm

@Margot:

Yes, the final of the USO 2008 was decided in the semi. We all know that.

But the final of USO 2010 was also decided in the semi.

The final of the USO 2012 was decided in the semi.

Today, JMac finally admitted that last year’s draw and schedule impacted heavily on the final.

In general, it happened from time to time, the USO excepted, where the Super Saturday too often decided who would be the winner.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:42 pm

Margot,

Maybe you didn’t get my comment. Where is Jim Courior From? U.S.A. and not Great Britain. The announcer today I was talking about was from Great Britain. It would be nice if they said: The slight favorite would have to be Stan, but I hope Andy can pull it off. You don’t hear that from announcers often.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:42 pm

‘It is quite normal that Djokovic’s fans are nervous’

But apparently I’m the one that is being “nervous”
bwahahaha!
Oh and I do think Novak is feeling it also and has done since the clay season began.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:43 pm

‘If it ended up being a final between Novak and Andy, I would unbiasedly pick Novak in 4 sets.’

That we KNOW
You’ve said about 10 times already today!

June 1st, 2016 at 1:45 pm

@CDP

“Novak’s dominance WILL end, it’s not a question of if but when”

I completely agree. It’s common sense. But Andy won’ t be the player that will end his dominance. Perhaps Kyrgios, or Thiem, Raonic who is improving all the time, Nishikori who is better and better, or somebody else.

But not a player who is a wee older, much heavier, much more prone to injuries, and quite nervous when it counts the most.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:46 pm

wait, even if the top half finish their QFs tmrw, how can they play SF friday? that means the winners from the top half will have played 4 days in a row, isn’t that right or am i mixing something up?

June 1st, 2016 at 1:46 pm

I am not saying all announcers from Great Britain are biased towards Andy, but lots can be at times and not give an unbiased opinion of a match. Mark Petchy can be very insightful along with Barry Cowen. I enjoy their analysis at times.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:47 pm

‘I don’t recognize myself in these people. I am very deceived by their behaviour..’

Are you really SURE about that Mat4?
It’s kind of like most Frenchies I’ve met and I used to live there
(well summered there).

June 1st, 2016 at 1:49 pm

Really? go check my posts a little better and please tell me where the other 9 times were? I thought that was the first time I mentioned that actually. If it was more than once, I do apologize. But if it isn’t, please don’t make false accusations. Thanks. I respect your opinion CDP. But don’t say things that aren’t true please.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:50 pm

@CDP:

Being nervous is quite normal in such conditions. But we’re nervous because of the schedule, and we don’t hide it. We don’t use the Coué method like you seem to do.

And yes, it’s more difficult for us because we have forget a bit how it is when Novak loses in slams. You don’t have this problem.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:50 pm

Jane,

That’s right. You better hope for another huge day of rain if you want the final to played on Monday. Sorry for the bad news.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:51 pm

@Dave
Yes, I was really making the point that not all commies always back Andy. But I do agree most, but not all, of the Brit commies are idiotic with their predictions. They can’t be true Murray fans, we’d never go out on a limb like that, too much tempting fate. They embarrass me TBH. Robbie K and Jim much better, but Nick Lester is very good and he’s a Brit.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:51 pm

‘Perhaps Kyrgios, or Thiem, Raonic who is improving all the time, Nishikori who is better and better, or somebody else.’

Nishikori?
Raonic?
what an absurd thing to say
Anyway, it might not be down to just one player
And he could still be number one, for a time at least, just not ‘dominating’

June 1st, 2016 at 1:53 pm

@CDP:

I am from the East of France, near Swiss. We are very different from the Parisians.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:53 pm

‘But we’re nervous because of the schedule, and we don’t hide it.’

hahahaha
It’s all you’ve been trying to do
You even lamely threw it back on me at one point

@Dave
10 is a (slight) exaggeration, but it is clear that what your thoughts on this one are FFS!

June 1st, 2016 at 1:55 pm

@Margot

‘Robbie K’

Can’t stand that South African!

June 1st, 2016 at 1:57 pm

dave, then the schedule is egregiously unfair.
it’s like wimbledon 2007 i guess. one side has to play 4 days in a row.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:58 pm

You seems all to forget what domination is, growing in the time of Federer and Djokovic. A season where Novak wins two slams is great, with 2 or 3 masters.

If he manages to win 2 slams this year, and three for the rest of his career, it would be OK with me.

This FO is the main bonus on his already great career. His stats are already unbelievable — only Federer is in front of him generally. A FO would mean very much, consecrating his achievements so far. For the rest, let’s wait and see.

June 1st, 2016 at 1:59 pm

With the way Novak is playing, I think Thiem can beat him from his half. Can’t even hold his serve, groundgame is mediocre, being bullied in baseline rallies, poor shot selection. Can go on and on.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:02 pm

I’m pretty sure that is the first time I have ever predicted Novak over Andy in 4 sets for the Final in the French Open. That is what you were referring to it seems.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:03 pm

Domination would be winning most of the tournies one enters
(which Novak is doing)
But yes, I don’t think Novak will be dominating going on now at all if one takes your criteria for domination to be the barometer.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:03 pm

You have said Novak will beat Andy a lot in a manner of speaking
That’s my summary at least
(9 out 10 remember?)
Oh for goodness sakes fine, nothing you have said intimated as much

June 1st, 2016 at 2:05 pm

Anki,

I agree. Thiem has the firepower and can hit through Nole in these colder and heavier conditions, much like Stan did last year. It wouldn’t surprise me if Thiem did beat him. The only doubt I have about that outcome is that Thiem could have a much harder, grueling and longer match than Djokovic tomorrow, should they both get through. If Berdych shows up, that might not be the case. But not having any rest time for Thiem if he gets through after 3 and half or 4 hours, could be tough. Don’t forget that Thiem also played and won a title right before the French. It all adds up. He is in great shape, but it can still give another player a slight edge in the overall sceme of the next match.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:07 pm

‘dave, then the schedule is egregiously unfair.
it’s like wimbledon 2007 i guess. one side has to play 4 days in a row.’

Monday will still not probably make it ‘fair’ and frankly Novak is looking very ropey
Tomorrow will tells us more (as long as they can get to play!).

June 1st, 2016 at 2:08 pm

CDP. I was talking about the Rome final. Not the French Open final. Your right, we might as well drop it. I’m good with that.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:09 pm

When people were referring to 2007 wimbledon Final, at first I thought Giles was talking about the French Open final, which Nadal won. We are talking about someone that played 4 days in a row and never won the final in the end. I want to know when someone pulled it off and were the champions in the end. Not, got to the final and lost in 5 sets.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:11 pm

@CDP:

Let’s wait and see.

So far, he has won 1 slam and 3 masters, which is more than the field. He’s 37-3 for 2016, 14-1 against the top ten, 6-1 against the top 5, which is way better than anybody else.

He’s leading at the race with +2000 points, and if he makes the semi, he will qualify for the WTF. I believe that it is quite respectable.

But, since you’re predicting his near demise, would you be so kind to tell how it will happen, who will overthrow him and how?

June 1st, 2016 at 2:13 pm

CDP,

You are right about tomorrow telling us more. If Djokovic wins in straight sets, everything should be fine with him. Getting to have 72 hours between the Semi-Finals and Finals for Djokovic would make a difference after playing 4 days though. The more rest the better. Again it all depends on the Wawrinka vs Murray match. If they ended up having an epic 5 hour match and Djokovic got through in straights on Friday, than maybe the extra day off wouldn’t be so good for Djokovic anymore. It would level things out more and maybe help him in the final if it’s on Sunday. So, lots of scenarios still to play out.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:16 pm

Not predicting his demise.
I’m predicting the “demise” of the tour if decent opposition doesn’t show up!

June 1st, 2016 at 2:17 pm

Mat4,

Looking at the race to number 1 this year, the only player who realistically has a chance to pass Nole for number 1 if everyone stays healthy is Murray. Nadal is injured now and doesn’t have a chance this year. Federer has missed to much time as well. Murray would have to beat Novak head to head more times than Novak beats him to have a realistic shot. So unless Murray changes that around, Novak is staying number 1. Theim plays to many smaller events and will burn himself out at this pace and doesn’t do as well at the masters 1000’s so far. Stan doesnt’ do so well at events other than majors and smaller 250’s and 500’s. Raonic would need to win Wimbledon for starters just to be in the conversation this year.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:21 pm

Mat4 – “Anyway, the winners don’t care about weak eras… the losers do”
It sounds smart, but in fact is totally off mark.
Losers of any era do not care about comparisons of winning individual players or teams of any era. It is fans, writers, and athletes who won or contributed to winning teams who compare eras to see where things stand, how competition level impacted things and a few other time/resources avail/tech/training impacts.
With enough time passing, it’s impossible to match up two champions say 50 years apart and say Sampras was not as good as Tilden, or the World Cup Spanish team of 2010 was better than Brazils 60s team.
But when eras overlap and you are looking at teams and players contemporary to within 5 years or so, and going by statistics, you have to factor in many things in any debate on which was better – competition level, longevity, injuries, ….And factoring in ALL events played not just a select handful. And not going with just trophies but crediting efforts that placed high. And so on.
But there cycles of waxing and waning ability in contested matters. This is well understood – since it is something businesses and the military grapple with.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:26 pm

“I’m predicting the “demise” of the tour if decent opposition doesn’t show up!”

It’s not the way it works. Every sport needs great champions and domination. When there are rivalries, it’s a bit better. The worst thing that can happen is to have a “first among equals”.

The tour was very popular in the years of Federer’s domination, and Novak’s popularity is rising with every year.

Finally, a serious discussion is when you give arguments. You don’t. It’s all about your wishes and your fears.

To sum it up: Andy has a good chance to win the FO this year, but he will have to beat Stan and perhaps Novak to do it. He hasn’t won against Stan in the last three years, and he’s 13-3 against Novak since 2013, and 9-2 since 2015. He’s never beat two top 4 players to win a slam, he’s never made the final in Paris. He will need some big help from the rain to make it. It’s quite possible, but he’s not the favourite so far.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:34 pm

The past counts as a useful and necessary predictor of the future….
until it doesn’t
That’s the issue with inductive reasoning.
Not as certain as we think.
I’m going to be hopeful for Andy to improve on his attitude finally and make some kind of breakthrough before he goes out.
I still feel he has unlocked potential, somewhere…..
(Maybe not a the FO, however)
And from what I have seen this tournament, I think it is pretty much up for grabs at this stage at least who is going to win.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:42 pm

Actually there is a lot at stake for Murray too. He is 2′ matches away from a third Slam, 1 Slam (AO) froma career Slam. And he will be one of the top 2-3 favorites for both Wimby amd USO, specially if he beats Novak in finals here.

Suddenly he could vert well have two Slam this year and dependong on how he fare in Masters a go at #1. He could end the year with 4 Slams solid #2 or #1 for the first time and he could propel hos career to a 6-8 Slams which will place him in the Wilander, Becker maybe Connors, Mac, Lendl, Afgassi tear.

For Wawa it will mean the most bit for Djoko and Murray could be decisive moments in their career and status.

If Andy wins he will be 1500 pts behind Djoko in rankings for the year, which can be revert with a solid second half if he wins another Slam out of Wimby-USO.

Also, he reached semis MC, Final Madrid, Title Rome and 1 win from another final. He will sure ve favorite for final or title in Queens and most likelly Wimbledon as well. He could enter a run of finala that can chnage the year completly.

This RG will be a “second” turning point in either Djoko or Murray’s career. Huge for both

June 1st, 2016 at 2:43 pm

Also agree that the tourney seems “up for grabs”. But by past experience I can bet 80% that Djoko will raise hos level and win it without not much fuss.
I just think he is just a better and more mature player now. You could see in this Agut match that his concentration amd focus was not the same when he plays Nadal, Federer, Murray or Wawa. Assuming there is no rain and he gets the rest day on Saturday he should be ready for Sunday and I bet that Murray x Wawa will be minimim 4 sets, 3+ hours matchs, while Djoko’s next two matches could be three sets in under 2 hours. That would be the key for him.

If he beats Berdy tomorrow in straight under two hours he will have one hand on the title. Berdy plays the way Djoko wants, no plan B and doesn’t shift the game.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:51 pm

@Jane – Jon Wertheim in today’s mailbag said he thinks the rain issues and compressed schedule are going to help Djokovic by forcing him to focus on his matches and pay less attention to history.

June 1st, 2016 at 2:51 pm

Dave,

Agree ref #1. If Murray wins this RG and one more Slam this year, Queens and 1 or 2 of the next 4 Masters or 1 Masters and WTF than it will be a battle between Novak and him.

June 1st, 2016 at 3:06 pm

Mat4,

“I am from the East of France, near Swiss. We are very different from the Parisians.”
I am neither Swiss, French or Serb. Is this why we get along? :)

It is not where the player is from, but his abilities on court that makes you watch………well… not here. Wherever “here” is.

June 1st, 2016 at 3:06 pm

CF1,
This is why I don’t usually comment on your comments:
You start off with your usual “weak era” defense, and then end it with
“…since it is something businesses and the military grapple with.”
Here is something that makes more sense, and left out the military:
http://www.oregonlive.com/the-spin-of-the-ball/index.ssf/2015/07/has_novak_djokovic_benefited_f.html

June 1st, 2016 at 3:12 pm

@skeezer: I also like to read tennis analysts. My favourite piece is “15 reasons why Roger beats Novak this afternoon” by Craig O’Shannessy.

June 1st, 2016 at 3:43 pm

I do respect Mats Wilander’s opinion and he is clearly a supporter of Nole. He said because of the conditions and the way Berdych played today he could see it going the distance. I hope it doesn’t. But it is a possibility.

June 1st, 2016 at 3:50 pm

Some changes in the bracket standings: Colin has taken the lead! Jalep is in 2nd place, and Mat4 and Aileen are tied for 3rd.

June 1st, 2016 at 4:11 pm

@RZ:

Everything now depends of the winner: if it’s Novak, jalep is first and I could finish second.

If anybody else wins, I am next to last.

June 1st, 2016 at 4:35 pm

@Dave:

Mats Wilander doesn’t root for Novak; that’s why he’s always paired with Chris Brednam, who is a Novak fan.

June 1st, 2016 at 4:36 pm

@skeezer:

I asked myself the same question, you know.

I guess it has something to do with respect.

June 1st, 2016 at 4:39 pm

@skeezer:

I usually don’t like Douglas Perry, but this time, I have the impression he copied one of my posts.

June 1st, 2016 at 4:41 pm

A good article about Novak’s serve:

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/06/novak-djokovic-roberto-bautista-agut-french-open-2016-serve/58807/

June 1st, 2016 at 5:10 pm

mat4,

I always got the impression that Wilander went for Novak. He speaks more highly of Novak than any of the greats from the past that comment on him. I just assumed he went for him. His view seems unbiased as well. I have always liked Mats views on tennis.

June 1st, 2016 at 5:29 pm

Wilander is one of my favourite players — I was a big fan of his in the time, and still am, but I tend to believe that he’s, or at least was, a Fedfan.

JMac is a Nadal fan (he just said another nonsense about Novak), but Laver recently praised Djokovic, I remember Newcombe predicting he will win the FO, lately he has been Sampras’ favourite, etc.

Things are slowly changing, but nonetheless, they are changing. Novak is respected more and more.

June 1st, 2016 at 5:49 pm

Fans forget, BB was one of the best natural servers in the history of the game. Who is he Coaching now?

June 1st, 2016 at 5:51 pm

@skeezer:

BB had also a great return. That’s what made the difference against Lendl, in his second final, in 1986.

June 1st, 2016 at 6:06 pm

@skeez:

I believe that there are just a few of us who have watched tennis in the eighties.

One other thing: I read a few years ago a long interview with Leconte, who spoke about his time spent with Vilas and Tiriac. Tiriac knew his job with Becker, and Bosch was an excellent coach.

June 1st, 2016 at 6:10 pm

rz, wertheim is not a novak “fan” (by his own admission. b.t.w. i am not making that up). if the situation were reversed, and it was a different player, i suspect he’d have a different opinion. ;)

June 1st, 2016 at 6:39 pm

ha ha dave. you mean the mats wilander who said winning the french open wihtout rafa is “inauthentic” and “novak knows it” just like federer did in 2009? that kind of support. ;)

June 1st, 2016 at 6:40 pm

i agree: BB has been an awesome coach, but especially w.r.t. novak’s second serve, imo.

June 1st, 2016 at 6:41 pm

@jane:

Novak hugely improved his first serve too. It has become more precise, and it’s very difficult to read. I have never seen Murray or Federer so late reading the serve. They seem always a step too late.

June 1st, 2016 at 6:51 pm

According to Nole, his match with Kiefer in 2007 Wimbledon lasted five days, was he joking in an on court interview or he was serious, I can’t recall that one lasted so long?

June 1st, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Cat Scratch Skeezer –
“CF1,
This is why I don’t usually comment on your comments:
You start off with your usual “weak era” defense.”

CS, my post was in response to Mat4 defining weak era arguments as allocated between only winners and those that were losers. I responded to him saying the definitions were not right. The discussions of it are by fans, writers, and the winning stars of present and past opining on GOAT and each era being different and hard to compare if too much time between eras comes up.

Wasn’t talking at you. Just be prepared for a lot of discussion if Djoker does well at the big events, or simply wins the french.

June 1st, 2016 at 7:16 pm

CF1:

I missed your post, sorry, I didn’t answer.

It’s very difficult to assess “weak eras”, and I don’t have the same vision of many players that played then. I would also like to point that 2010, e.g., was a very weak year — Djokovic couldn’t find his serve and Federer played his worst tennis of the decade. While the period 2007-2012 was a tough one overall, years followed but were quite different.

I wrote lately that the only objective tool we had was rating — it allowed to compare domination, the quality of the field, and linked tennis eras together. You can find data on Jeff Sackmann site, and these data suggest that neither 2003-2007, neither 2013-15 were weak eras. Strangely, it’s rather Pete’s era that is labeled as a bit weaker.

Anyway, that was also Santoro’s conclusion, in a long interview he gave in French (the whole emission was available on welovetennis.fr, but it can’t be found now), when he compared players from his beginnings with players when he retired.

June 1st, 2016 at 8:02 pm

@Dave
Was very happy initially when I saw Berdych / Ferrer in the QF for Novak. But Berdych has been playing well so far in this tournament. He always seems to trouble Novak on clay IIRC. The conditions suits Birdman too. He is a big hitter. If Novak starts passive, then it can go the distance.

June 1st, 2016 at 10:31 pm