Andy Murray: I Have Time To Get Better Before Wimbledon, But I Can Also Mess Things Up!

Andys game is better suited to grass than clay, with Nadal out im team Murray, come on Murray, its your turn now ….

June 21st, 2016 at 3:13 pm

Novak’s game is best suited for ANY surface (hence Grand Slam). With Nadal out, Federer fading, etc… wait I do not have to flip flop and switch my allegiances!

So yeah, I’ll stick to the surest bet in sport – Nole, it’s your turn now like it was last major, and the one before that one, and the one before… you get my drift.

June 21st, 2016 at 3:38 pm

^^ :)

June 21st, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Whatever, lets just re-name this forum Novak extra ….

June 21st, 2016 at 3:49 pm

If one doesn’t like Tennis X, there is always Tenngrand. That is the place where Rafael Nadal fanatics congregate – strangely enough many of them keep coming here because they want to agitate Novak fans. There is no agitation nor debate at Tenngrand – everyone thinks the same. However, they are a bit subdued these days – Rafa is nowhere to be seen and looks like it will stay like that for foreseeable future…

June 21st, 2016 at 4:02 pm

This forum is one great big Novak cult now, and fanatics come from all fan bases ! ….

June 21st, 2016 at 4:07 pm

@Willow:

You know, I really think you should join the cult. You are a better Nolefan than many official fans. We’re vegan, a bit pescaterian, true pagans, real hippies, always for victory in peace.

We also accept diversity. You can root for Fed, Andy, RBA and still be a Nolefan.

:-)

June 21st, 2016 at 5:38 pm

“wait I do not have to flip flop and switch my allegiances!”

There is nothing wrong with switching to another player. Whats up with that? And who says its Taboo or otherwise?
In my case, Fed is on his way out, so do I quit being a fan of Tennis? Pffft. Soon my fav will be Stefanos Tsitsipas. After that, I dunno, we’ll see.
Cracks me up how some fans think they owe a allegiance, or “OWED” an allegiance or else! Lol.

June 21st, 2016 at 6:09 pm

“In my case, Fed is on his way out, so do I quit being a fan of Tennis?”

But you basically did it! When the greatest men tennis achievement in our lifetime happened (i.e. Novak winning Grand Slam) you were posting here not as a fan of tennis but … wait … about some basketball game.

You can say what you want, but you are only a Fed worshiper and not a fan of tennis. If you were, you would have been here on that historical Sunday posting about what just happened in tennis and not in … basketball.

BTW, go dubs ;-)

June 21st, 2016 at 6:18 pm

Andy can win. And Wimbledon has always been the place of the great upset, especially on the woman’s side, where it becomes a sea of upsets.
It’s where Fed and Murray have their best chance against Djokovic. A very, very slim chance in Roger’s case, but a chance.
I concur with Mat4, being a Djokovic fan keeps giving, year after year, thrills and chills, great victories and great disappointments. Far less of the latter in recent Glory Days. Add in he is an entertainer, and the fan satisfaction of seeing an unusually intelligent and articulate athlete grow into a great champion over the years.
I admit it has to be tough for some very strong fans of other Big 4 players. It is not just the deluge of Djoker wins that is tough on such fans, it is the growing fear that the guy they rooted against is making a case to be the best of the Big 4.
I believe you can be a fan not 100% locked into one star. but root for a couple others, and like a group of several additional players a great deal.
I like Andy, I root for Delpo and Cilic on top of Nole. I want to see classic matches with Novak locked into war with Federer and Nadal (the two greatest and closest rivalries in Open Era tennis amidst 89 true great rivalries between champions that were competitive and high level). I respect Fedal, but Ferrer and Tsonga and Berdych, too.
Proud to have been a fan of Fish and Blake in their playing days.
Believe one day Raonic will win Wimbledon, just hopefully not this year.

June 21st, 2016 at 6:19 pm

“historical Sunday posting about what just happened in tennis and not in … basketball.”
Just so happens I am a fan of many sports, so?
Despite that, I did post about Novaks accomplishment, but I am not in the Church of Novak timing rules.

June 21st, 2016 at 6:29 pm

“..but you are only a Fed worshiper and not a fan of tennis. ”

Pffft. I leave that to the rest of the blog to decide who have seen my posts ( Church of Novak group excluded ). I actually am a fan a Nole too, just not of the Church of Novak and the belief that in order for him to be great, Fed needs to be put down, minimized and mocked at every turn.

Go Dubs is right! 🏀

June 21st, 2016 at 6:33 pm

I didn’t know that Tignor was reading T-x.

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/06/savoring-their-moments/59154/

June 21st, 2016 at 6:43 pm

Is Skeezer Steve Tignor?

:-)

June 21st, 2016 at 6:48 pm

mat4,
Shhhhhh…
;)

June 21st, 2016 at 6:55 pm

C’mon skeezer,

We all know that the real reason for you posting (on a tennis forum) about basketball on the day of the greatest tennis achievement in 50 years, is not your love of other sports. Nobody is buying your explanation and everyone can see through you.

Be honest like Giles and say you couldn’t digest Novak doing something your idol couldn’t and instead of either being quiet or come and join others in congratulating Novak, you’ve decided to post infantile “go dubs”… We all saw it and there is no ambiguity in it. Your attempts to explain it differently are futile and pretty dumb. You simply did not like Novak achieving what he did and wanted to deflect attention to something else (similar to what our media did post FO)…

Nothing wrong with that, as long as you’re honest like Giles and admit it. But no, you’re trying to show yourself as something else, someone who is not bitter, who is gracious fan. FAIL !!!

CF1 politely explained several posts above this one that it is not easy for fans of other Big 4 players. In addition of Djoker’s relentless winning that is tough on such fans, it is the real dread that the guy they rooted against is making a case to be better than the idols they worship.
You dear skeezer fit this explanation perfectly. The only difference is that you are disingenuous and try to show yourself in better light.
Be who you are – a huge Fed fan/borderline worshiper who is threatened by Djoker and doesn’t like how the situation is unfolding. Little more honesty and little less hypocrisy would be welcome!

June 21st, 2016 at 6:59 pm

TB,
What you think you “know” and what “is” are two different things entirely. But your singularity of an opinion to yourself seemingly warrants to keep on thinking what you want to think. You have not been here that long to know much, but you are free to say whatever you want ( albeit moderation ).
Let me lay it out to you, I said years ago(here) that if and when Fed goes bye bye Nole is my next guy ( and Stefanos Tsitsipas )

June 21st, 2016 at 7:05 pm

@mat4,

I am not sure if Tignor read Tennis X but I know that he reads my twitter account, because several times he responded to me – with fairly weak arguments.

Now when it’s becoming very plausible that Djoker will beat Fedal in every statistical number, Tignor and his clique are changing their tune and trying to spin the GOAT debate as not just about numbers but also about the “aesthetic appeal” – something like marks in figure skating… LOL

June 21st, 2016 at 7:06 pm

hi any location for the Wimbledon bracket challenge.

I am a fan of tennis, tennis of all levels, professional, amateur, junior. So even if my fav is not as his peak I savour each event and while Rafa is my favorite player, I will find a player to support in Wimbledon. I don’t know who it is yet but part way through the tournament I will form at least a temporary allegiance.

June 21st, 2016 at 7:17 pm

kimberly, i love how those allegiances can form so organically.

skeezer who is “Stefanos Tsitsipas”?!

TB, tignor responds to you on twitter? wow, you should feel honored. ;)

June 21st, 2016 at 7:22 pm

@jane, they do! sometimes during a match something a player does wins my allegiance!

June 21st, 2016 at 7:31 pm

Skeezer,

Whatever man.

Keep “justifying” yourself. However, as I said, on June 5th, we all saw through you.

June 21st, 2016 at 7:33 pm

TB:

Skeezer didn’t lie about Novak. The other day jane remind me of an outrageous article here on T-x and Skeezer was defending Novak then — in 2011, when Novak was already making inroads toward his actual status.

He was also the fan that watched Novak’s training sessions in IW and describe them to us. I stil remember the part about volleying.

At least, Skeezer is honest. He’s a Fed fan, and he never hid it. You have here many real haters, and most of them are presenting themselves as Novak fans. Just read their posts carefully. I am sure you’ll enjoy it. One of them, btw, managed to turn Wog against Skeezer, although they lived well for years, bragging when it was time to bragg.

And yes, Skeezer IS a basket-ball fan. KImberly, who just wrote a post, is one two (she’s for Miami, if I remember well). So, I guess it’s ok.

You have an exceptional sense of humour, and I enjoy your posts — I wouldn’t like to be your prey for irony and sarcasm, to be frank, I’ll run immediately on Tenngrand, among Rafans, to be mocked by Willow, it would be safer — and you’ll soon discover who deserves your sarcasm. Not Skeez, IMHO. The person who create the spark between Skeez and Wog, yes. The one posting under the fake moniker “lakie”, and it’s the same, yes.

You’ll see, T-x is “une mare à canards”, where it’s easy to live, to joke, and to be member of the cult… church? On a good day, only three trolls.

@Skeezer:

Calm down too, Travis will soon see that you’re a fair fan. But, a quote for you (and for me), from jalep: “when I want to be obnoxious, I go on tennis-x”. I admit I was a sucker.

June 21st, 2016 at 7:39 pm

“we all saw through you.”
Correction:
You do not represent “we”. Maybe this: “you thought you saw through me.”
Keep trying to justify your opinion. Not a problem. Enjoy Novaks time, I am sure you are enjoying it. Celebrate that. Btw I do think he is the fav for Wimpy, and if he wins, THAT would be historical. I mean who really is playing anywhere near his level atm? NOBODY.
—
jane,

#1 ITF Junior in the world, from Greece.

June 21st, 2016 at 7:43 pm

Forgive me if I haven’t been reading TX that much and my post is repetitive of what others have said but I am not picking Novak to win Wimbledon. I just think he has to slip sometime, nobody is superhuman and unbeatable. I feel its natural after his HUGE accomplishment to relax a little, take his foot off the gas, even if he is aware and tries to prevent it, I don’t think he can. I think he will win the US Open but I’m thinking he will slip at Wimbledon.

So the question becomes to me…..who gets it?

Obviously Murray is the number one thought, Roger is in with a shot for sure though, Why not? Outside of those two I’m thinking Tsonga, berdych. I’m not buying Thiem, I thinking overall grass court best of five rewards veterans.

June 21st, 2016 at 7:51 pm

@mat4

I don’t doubt a single thing you said about skeezer. And I do believe he is not Novak-hater like many others here.

However, you’ve got to admit that recently, coinciding with Novak becoming very real and credible threat to ruin Federer’s records and legacy, he is becoming more bitter, culminating in his bizarre posting following FO final. Question: how do you explain his posting about basketball on this tennis forum when Novak won Grand Slam?

No true Fed fanatic cannot stay calm in the current tennis situation – just go to bluemoonball – they are almost on life support – going so far as hating Thiem and Murray for not being able to deny Novak Grand Slam in Paris…

skeezer is not even close to that level, but I am seeing through his attempt to deny his sore looseness and bitterness and will keep calling him on it.

June 21st, 2016 at 7:54 pm

@Travis:

“Now when it’s becoming very plausible that Djoker will beat Fedal in every statistical number, Tignor and his clique are changing their tune and trying to spin the GOAT debate as not just about numbers but also about the “aesthetic appeal” – something like marks in figure skating… LOL”

He’s cleaning his own mess. I really think Tennis Magazine is in problems, and they wrote articles on command. Now, it’s time to hide it. He has to find a way not to look it so obvious. And so obnoxious…

June 21st, 2016 at 7:58 pm

I am with TB on this one.

June 21st, 2016 at 7:59 pm

What makes me feel there was some sponsoring is that Tignor emphasizes the semi against Thiem (not the final), and insists on “four in a row”, where “Noleslam” would be expected…

June 21st, 2016 at 8:01 pm

kimberly, you’re not the first person who’s said they think novak will likely win the USO but not wimbledon. i am really unsure. on the one hand, i agree: it seems natural he might have a let-down after finally winning the french. after all, the 3 times he won wimbledon, he was coming off tough FO losses and so was extra motivated to go for the win on grass. but on the other hand, some people have pointed out that novak can relax now and will swing freely. also, boris has already claimed that now that they have the french they want to “fight” for the calendar grand slam. so there is still plenty of motivation from his team, i think.

i am one of those “cultish” novak fans who actually does think there is bias in the media, which adds to the bias in some tennis crowds, but i think it’s had the adverse effect of making novak fight harder to prove himself, ironically making him one of the mentally toughest players i’ve seen. so maybe he will still be out to make a mark?

having said ALL of that, i am a tennis fan, too, and i followed scores and outcomes all last week catching a couple of matches. and when novak’s gone and retired i’ll still be watching. because someone will come along organically. although he’ll never be “nole.” ; P

June 21st, 2016 at 8:18 pm

“..will keep calling him on it.”

LOL. I love you too.

June 21st, 2016 at 8:21 pm

I really don’t agree about Novak not being motivated. Other than the French Open(because he hadn’t won it in the past) Novak has showed so much emotion at Wimbledon. Possibly the most after his 3 Wins at Wimbledon. I just watched the 2015 final today and saw how much emotion Nole showed. He showed a lot when he won his first one against Rafa. As well as his 5 set win against Federer in 2014. Wimbledon is the most highly regarded tennis tournament of all-time. It is equivelant to the Masters in Golf. This tournament motivates Djokovic like no other tournament. The same can be said for almost every player ever to play Wimbledon. So, I really feel it’s wishful thinking if you think Nole is going to have a letdown as far as being motivated goes. That’s not going to happen. I’m not saying he can’t lose. I am saying he will give everything he has and be highly motivated for Wimbledon this year, just like other years.

June 21st, 2016 at 8:24 pm

@Travis:

Skeezer was always posting about NBA finals. And lately, Wog Bog and him were turn against each other by the real “lakie”. I asked them to chill out, Skeezer accepted, but Wog was hurt, and he’s a proud man.

This fake Nolefan suddenly invented the “cult”, “church”, started provoking us, helped Wog and you be moderated… I even trusted her, until I went on another site where she was posting, and there, it all became clear. Skeez knew her from old times, he defended her, so it all got out of control. It’s just like me posting about Murray: I try to be balanced — because of J-Kath, but when a certain Murray fan is here, I get immediately very nasty.

There are now at least two fake Nolefans waiting for similar occasions to start wars, than watch and have a laugh. I’ll know for sure soon.

A favour: could you follow me on Tw. So we could avoid such explanations in public?

June 21st, 2016 at 8:28 pm

As far as Federer goes, Wimbledon is easily his favorite tournament of all-time and it is so special to him that he is going to will himself into form this year. He will make sure he does everything he possibly can to play himself into form. Every year Wimbledon comes along it’s one more big opportunity to win it for players like Federer. He knows if he can get himself into the second week and get himself in good form, he has a chance.

June 21st, 2016 at 8:29 pm

“jane Says:

kimberly, you’re not the first person who’s said they think novak will likely win the USO but not wimbledon.”

That was me. But Lendl is doing a great job motivating Novak right now…

June 21st, 2016 at 8:52 pm

lol mat4… you’re so cheeky.

June 21st, 2016 at 9:03 pm

Kimberly,

I feel the same, being saying that I am very curious to see how Djoko will fare at Wimbledon. Also depends on his draw, he will be vulnerable in R16 and QF, if he gets a Kyrgios, Isner, Thiem on a good day, something can happen. Can’t see him losing to the usual suspects also, maybe Murray in finals.

Also think he wins USO again. But also the thing with Wimbledon is that either Djoko, Murray or Fed will win it, as is the case since 2003 (together with Nadal). Big 4 totally owns the most important tourney of the year and they just won’t let anybody else to win it still. Even if one of them has a upset one of the others will restored order.

A “non big 4” player woild have to beat 2 of them, and I can;t see it happening, not on Wimby 2016.

June 21st, 2016 at 10:08 pm

@daniel, Jane, mat

Its just a gut feeling I have. I really feel he won’t win Wimbledon. But I think he will win the us open. He’s also so much better on hard court than everyone else that even his b game should win the tournament.

Grass although he certainly has titles does not seem to be his natural game and although overall as a player he is clear and above the best I think Murray and Federer are much closer on grass than anywhere else. And make no mistake about roger if he has an easy road to the match he is a legitimate threat

June 21st, 2016 at 10:34 pm

@Kimberly:

I agree that for Novak Wimbledon is the most difficult tournament. I think he will give his best shot, but, one never knows. It’s sport.

Novak could lose early, in the first week, to a player he doesn’t know and who serves well. Like Anderson last year, or perhaps Kyrgios. Not Isner — Novak reads his serve easily now, nor Raonic. Dolgopolov could be a nasty opponent. Tsonga could make a surprise — when he’s on, he can’t lose on grass.

But I can’t see Federer beating him. The pause has affected Fed’s movement and especially his return. And he would have to win in three. Murray is another story. I think he could have a good chance, but I feel he puts too much pressure on himself.

June 21st, 2016 at 10:48 pm

I also somehow feel that since 2014, the difference between Novak and Andy has grown on low bouncing and fast surfaces. Andy was losing without winning a set. He plays flatter, and it’s not an advantage. And he can’t really hit hart. Usually, he doesn’t have to, but against Novak, it’s more difficult.

If they meet, the key will be the usual ones: the pressure on the second serve, that translate in the % of first serves; and the result of the first two sets: if Novak wins one of them, he will probably win the match.

The draw could be important too, of course.

So, let’s wait and see. Novak is the favourite, but favourites don’t always win.

June 21st, 2016 at 11:00 pm

Notice how two separate threads about Andy have been completely hijacked to be about No1e? Very cult-ish behaviour if you ask me ;)

June 21st, 2016 at 11:03 pm

Really sorry, theDA. I guess we posted here in the best intention. It would be kind of depressing if there was three posts in Andy’s thread, and 200 in Novak’s.

June 21st, 2016 at 11:32 pm

Hehe, I love the “Nole cult”. Reminds me on that song:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8I8mWG6HlmU

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:01 am

Popping my head above the parapet…..is this an….ahem…Andy thread……..? Sorry to interrupt the church service but in case there might be a couple of other Andy fans out there….I’m posting this again. Andy must play from 0-3 down in 2nd set to have any chance. Let’s hope he does.
https://www.lta.org.uk/major-events/aegon-championships/videos/
PS Mat, as far as numbers of comments go, it’s not quantity it’s quality that counts

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:19 am

Mat4 what i follow isnt a cult, no devil worshipping, drinking chickens blood, or dancing naked, its a way of life, respecting the elements, celebrating the new seasons etc, its to do with leading a simple lifestyle ….

Anyhow im just pissed off, as these days whatever the topic, and whomever the player is, the conversation seems to always turn to Novak, and almost every thread turns to Novak talk, and i repeat i dont hate the guy (yada, flipping yada) and i get the euphoria, but this forum is called tennis-x, although now we might as well re-name it Novak-x, ive been here along time and as you know ive always tried to be fair, and got along with most posters, but there is one or two of your fellow fans that are turning this into some Novak fan club, its like lets talk about him and him only, as nobody else matters anymore ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 2:08 am

As regards changing alliences and becoming a Novak fan, it would probably be a lot easier, as hardly anybody here supports hardly anybody else, fans of other players are a dying breed, but as some of your fellow fans have put me right of the guy now, hell is likely to freeze over, im now off to work, have a good day xx ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 2:23 am

Margot:

Any chance we could have a chat by email There are several questions I want to ask you, like what happened to Poisonous Ivy and her mate………..
If so, how does one go about it.

June 22nd, 2016 at 2:40 am

Willow
Not intending to raise anybody’s dandruff, but it has occurred to me that Noel is into “Nature” in some ways similar to yourself, e.g. respecting the elements, leading a simple life.????

Kimberely: Re one of your earlier comments. Have you considered Raonic as a possible winner or finalist at Wimb.?

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:14 am

And a piece of peripheral re. Andy. His grandparents state that they are being targeted with hate mail. Judy has told them “ignore it-bin it.”

And Del Potro is now with Andy’s and Berdych’s ex Coach “Valdvi” – forgotten how to spell his name.

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:20 am

@ Margot

The Aegon video is interesting, unusual in the way it mixes championship winners. I shan’t forget Andy’s one set and 03 down for a long time.

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:38 am

Andy is a bigger favourite than Novak to win wimbledon IMO, even though I want Novak to win ;) Andy has made the finals of AO, Madrid, Rome, RG and Queens. Won two titles, is on a great run, plus Lendl being back would give him that edge mentally. Novak is due for a slip up in Majors and I think this might be it.

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:50 am

Hi Anki,

Jinxing again? :)

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:01 am

@Margot:

Sorry, you used the previous thread to argue about BREXIT, playing la vierge effarouchée when somebody was for it, and jumping on persons because they wrote “should”, “and”, “please”, so we went somewhere else. And nobody would have said anything if you wrote a very long spiel about Murray in the only Novak thread.

PS: Margot, from quantity stems quality, as usual. on another side, find me a bo5 match where Novak had 1-1 and lost against Andy… Then, my comments were quite fair. It’s not really my fault if Lendl’s method of motivating Murray makes him look ridicule.

@Willow:

Sorry, we don’t drink chicken blood either, we just eat them roasted or in soup. And if you think that Novak is the devil, you should have said so to theDA, who would have become his ardent defender.

And sorry if the six, seven Nolefans present here write about him, next time we will ask for your permission.

One more word about the “cult”… Tenngrand is a Rafa temple, whose posters go to T-x to be “obnoxious” [quoted]. I didn’t notice that you posted there from a high moral ground, defending Jelena Djokovic when she was the subject of “obnoxious” speculations, e.g.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:34 am

All the whining about this site turning into novak-x is really pointless..when roger was dominating,this site was roger-x and when rafa was dominating,it was rafa-x..so now everyone should embrace novak-x:-)

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:35 am

@VP:

Anki is of that new, special kind of Nolefans.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:42 am

Honfleuraise, I’d love that. Miss you loads and loads :)
Is there a PM facility on tenngrand these days? Or is it possible for one of us to bravely open a hot mail account….and then swiftly close it?
I like the Rickster’s analysis BTW and also miss Cheryl Murray. I’ve tried searching for her but can’t find her, unless she’s changed her name.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:56 am

@J-Kath

Vallverdu doesn’t work with Berdych any more. They split recently.

DelPo let his coach, Franco Davin, go when he injured his wrist. His career was endangered, and he felt it was only fair to let his coach find somebody else to work with. I’ve forgotten who Davin coaches now.

I guess that Danny Vallverdu is a good coach — you don’t get engaged time and time again by top ten players without being one. He didn’t achieve much with Berdych in terms of results, but I can’t tell you really more.

June 22nd, 2016 at 5:16 am

@J-Kath

About Raonic. He has the game to win WB, without doubt, and IMHO, he’s one of the serious candidate for the title. His results are good this year, clay excepted. Anyway, margins are razor thin among the top players, and how they cope with pressure is most often the key element. Let’s see if JMac can help him improve in this aera.

Game wise, Novak, Andy, Roger, Milos, Dominic, Tomas, Jo, Marin, all could win Wimbledon. Perhaps Kyrgios too.

June 22nd, 2016 at 5:25 am

Hi Mat4,

Regarding 4:42 a.m. Anki only amused me with her/his prognostics during the FO, and I teased her/him.

Well, it is a forum, where everybody is posting anonymous, I do not expect the highest integrity here and I simply ignore the weird posts, or at least I try. :)

June 22nd, 2016 at 5:54 am

@VP:

I remember his/her comment in the first set of the final too (I just reread it). It was like: “yeah, my fav is losing, his opponent is playing so great, I enjoy it so much!”

What troubles me is why does (s)he says to be a Novakfan, when it’s so obvious (s)he’s not.

From now on, I switch allegiance, and I am a Rafan. Go Novak! err… Rafa!

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:11 am

Mat4

My posting was trying to say that Vallverdu was previously with Andy and then with Thomas and now with Del Potro. Not only can I not write good French, I evidently can’t write good English.
(I’m sitting here with a 6-page letter in French – and the expression “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” applies).

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:17 am

“What troubles me is why does (s)he says to be a Novakfan, when it’s so obvious (s)he’s not.” I also did not consider Anki a Nole supporter….I always had the feeling he/she is a Rafa fan, perhaps I am wrong

Mat4, the mankind is full of surprises …and the reality beats the fiction, as they say :)

“From now on, I switch allegiance, and I am a Rafan. Go Novak! err… Rafa!” Yeah, wright! :D

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:22 am

@J-Kath:

Sorry, that’s indeed what you wrote, and I misread it. Even when you use it…

I answered about Raonic, and more generally about some others good players.

I beg you once again not to take my answers to theDA too seriously.

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:31 am

Mat 4

OK – but can’t speak for DA…..

Bye I’m off to struggle with my 6 page translation.

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:39 am

P.S. for Mat4,

Considering that, Novak was and still is perhaps the most difficult rival for Rafa, I did not expect from any Rafan to cheer for Nole at the FO. Perhaps there was some exceptions, but I am not very sure of that.

I have a friend in the real world, a huge Rafan. He phoned last year after the FO final, to tell me, how sorry he felt for me, lol…but no phone call after the FO final from this year ;)…

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:44 am

P.S. 2 for Mat4,

And I was surprised, that my friends, which are Federer supporter, did send them regards with the first occasion. Was a surprise for me

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:47 am

What made you think, I don’t like Novak? Been his fan from late 2010. I am very pessimistic when it comes down to my favourites,that is it. It can be annoying for other Novak fans, but that is the way I am. Anyway, hoping for a good draw for Novak in Wimbledon. Would be awesome if Kyrgios, Raonic, Stan would be all in Murray’s half.

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:50 am

Anki,

If I was wrong and misjudged you, I apologize.
Perhaps you expressed here more your pessimistic thoughts, then the optimistic ones :)
Even if you were a Rafan, I would have no problem. Your posts are not offensive for me, so I was never bothered by you.

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:58 am

Lol Anki….love you too ;)
BTW you left Fed out of that last. A Freudian slip?….:)

June 22nd, 2016 at 7:36 am

hehe, after Mat4 and me, you have to deal now with Margot :)
Good luck, Anki ;)

June 22nd, 2016 at 7:46 am

And Thiem as well. Why not?

June 22nd, 2016 at 8:03 am

J-KAth–I guess I don’t consider Raonic a legitimate contender because I feel when someone can return his serve to neutral its lights out. He beat Kyrgios the last time but he is vulnerable to anyone who can return serve and his serve appears to be readable by some players. I think hes super professional, does everything right but I feel in 7 best of five matches there will be 1 player that can return serve well enough to win. Doesn’t even have to be a big 4.

June 22nd, 2016 at 9:10 am

Wait, Andy’s grandparents are getting hate mail? Is that for real?

June 22nd, 2016 at 9:59 am

BBB

There’s several articles on it. I’ll go back and see if I can find one.

June 22nd, 2016 at 10:02 am

http://www.itv.com/…/andy-murrays-grandparents-sent-nasty-hate-mail-criticis

also BBC article and others.

June 22nd, 2016 at 10:09 am

J-Kath, I found one. That’s unreal. People are unbalanced.

Though it’s hilarious that people think Andy sounds American.

June 22nd, 2016 at 10:11 am

Mat4,

In Anki’s defence, WogBoy can be pretty pessimistic going into Nole matches as well. I get along very well with WogBoy and he has great insights into the game of tennis. But I don’t see anyone questioning him as to whether Nole is his favorite player or not. Even, I have shown myself to be the same. Maybe to not underestimate any opponent is the view at times as well.

June 22nd, 2016 at 10:41 am

@Dave 10:41 am..once again you shown a great attitude that made you a very fair and balanced posters on TX..i admire you a lot for this..

June 22nd, 2016 at 11:51 am

Mat4 @ 4.34 am ive never said Novak was the devil, i was pointing out that what i follow is not a cult, and i do actually post on Tenngrand only occasionally, as i like to chat to Jalep who isnt here anymore, and although theres a fair few Rafa fans there ,but people talk about the WTA, Roger, Delpo, and many players in general ….

Anyhow i never claimed people shouldnt discuss Novak, and i dont attack wives or girlfriends personally either, but it seems that no other player exists now, i made a comment at the top of the thread about Murrays game been better suited to grass than clay, which was followed by a vitriolic comment saying but Novaks game was better everywhere, when all i was doing was trying to discuss Murrays game, and its a fan majority site depending on a players success rate always has been ….

But come on i thought you knew me better than that, its dissapointing ? ….

Come on you know me better than

June 22nd, 2016 at 11:53 am

J-Kath no feathers ruffled, ive said before Novak and i have alot in common, and like him i lead a holistic life, walking barefoot on the ground and hugging trees, but im out of my depth here, all i wanted to do was talk tennis and discuss Murray and his SW19 chances, i think from now on ill post my point of view, say what ive got to say without interacting, as it seems its me doing the feather ruffling ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:08 pm

And on the contary i think Jelena seems a very grounded and down to earth young lady, so im not sure where that came from ? ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:18 pm

el_matador pretty much nailed it. :)

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:39 pm

It’s never easy to watch a great player at the end of the line. As tennis fans, I suppose each of lives a little bit vicariously through our heroes.

I don’t see any reason why Skeezer (or anyone else) has to gratuitously laud Novak for his achievements. There are plenty of Novak fans out there doing this already. There’s no doubt that Skeezer is a Federer fan and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. When Fed was the alpha-male on tour, there were plenty of people pulling for Rafa, Novak and others. Many of them (including me) have taken their swipes at Federer.

It’s the proverbial nature of life and sport. Athletes eventually get old and fans are often blind to shortcomings of their heroes while quickly discounting good qualities of the competition.

I thought this was place to talk about tennis. Not to give someone crap about what basketball team they happen to like. BTW, Skeezer, for what it’s worth, I think the Warriors got jobbed by the refs and the league in the finals.

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:46 pm

Jane true, i just thought we couldve made this thread about Murray, but hell what do i know ? ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:50 pm

Yep Jane, El Matador nailed it ;)
Have seen his comment onky now…

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:55 pm

SG1,

It was not about Skeezers congrats. The same day Novak accomplished the Grand Slam, the first words from Skeezer was about the Warriors. It was strange for me, considering the fact, that he claimed he was a big Tennis fan. He could not post anything ..instead, he wanted to prove, that he does not give a damn ;) Was a jealosy sign, my opinion.

June 22nd, 2016 at 12:59 pm

the first words were, correction

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:00 pm

Tbh, I like Skeezer and I like to tease him about Fed. It would be boring here without fans from other players.

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:05 pm

I think some fans like to clique together too ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:13 pm

Yep, are they not allowed?

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:28 pm

Hope Andy has a good draw at SW19, IMO his game is better suited to grass as opposed to clay, W, USO, AO are his best chances of another GS ….

Nice to see Kimberly here, and Jalep on the other thread, i expect one will do a bracket challenge, or RZ if shes here ? ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:38 pm

The last 3,4 days,tennis X should be Andy X but alas..it’s not meant to be..poor andy!

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:46 pm

Willow,
RZ said she’d be back later this week to do the bracket challenge.
I’ll do the WTA one again.

Konta is beating Kvitova right now at Eastbourne!

June 22nd, 2016 at 1:50 pm

BBB: You may not believe me but Andy does not have a very strong Scottish accent. This is because he has been exposed to so many other accents making it vaguely anything. He’s also a bit droll. I don’t want to bore you, but on my return to the UK I was asked on the phone “are you Canadian?”.

See Yah.
Cheers
K.

June 22nd, 2016 at 2:12 pm

Margot: I know several people over there do communicate with each other by email. I will check out the methodology and get back to you. Till we meet again…………

June 22nd, 2016 at 2:34 pm

Ha, J-Kath! I have no trouble believing you, but it’s funny coming from the other side of the Atlantic.

Canadians do have a more clipped accent than Americans, though it’s changing with the universality of American television.

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:05 pm

Thankyou Jalep ill keep my eyes pealed ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:26 pm

BBB: We once had a hotel in Argyll. It was said that my husband’s USA accent would soon be altered. The locals ended up with an American twang. No kidding.

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:40 pm

Mat4, did read only now the article from your link. The one by Tignor. My future father in law was also more fascinated by Nole in that semifinal against Thiem, then in the final…and he is a huge Novak fan.

June 22nd, 2016 at 3:41 pm

@VP:

The semi was exceptional, I agree. But after the first set, against a better opponent, Novak was relentless, and played exceptional tennis for two sets and a half. I didn’t have this impression until I rewatched the final. Andy played well too, and had his chance in the second and third set, but Novak served big when it mattered the most.

And they played clever, intelligent tennis. I think that at their best, their rivarlry is very exciting too. But it’s more like a chess game, and it deserves to be watched a few times to understand the precise strategy they put in play.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:01 pm

Margo @ 4.56 to Honorfleuraise

I have a hotmail a/c which has remained open for quite a while. What I did was arrange for emails into hotmail to be automatically transferred to my main a/c and if junk mail etc came thru hotmail just hit it as junk mail. You don’t have to go back and forth or rush to cancel it.

My Computer guru tells me you will not clog up anything …just forget you even have hotmail for you will see what you want to reply to and what you want to designate as junk. i.e. it will never restrict your computer capacity. (Said by a not-very-clever-computer-person-but one-who- occasionally-has a lean on real knowledge).

Wow, I could said this without so many words. Hope it helps.
K.
PS: Now you will get all sorts of advice from others, me thinks.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:03 pm

Mat4 i left you a reply, i hope we are still cool ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:04 pm

Mat4, I really have to rewatch it. Due to the tension of the final, I missed important details.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:23 pm

Van Persie please can we call a truce, and agree to disagree, i just want to talk tennis, and agree to disagree, im really getting sick of arguing with all and sundry OK ? ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:26 pm

“And they played clever, intelligent tennis. I think that at their best, their rivarlry is very exciting too. But it’s more like a chess game, and it deserves to be watched a few times to understand the precise strategy they put in play.”

agree mat4. it’s yet another narrative that gets repeated ad infinitum until casual observers believe it to be true, i.e., that novak-andy matches are “boring” or whatever.

sure, some tennis fans may think that (though i’d ask them to re-watch some matches and still claim it’s always the case), and while i would even agree that in SOME of their matches they have indeed brought out the worst in each other – and i have not enjoyed watching those matches myself – it is crucial to note that this is no different than some fedal matches — i can name a number of their matches that could be considered “boring” or “painful” to watch, with some error strewn tennis, full of lost chances, one-sided flops, etc… meanwhile, at other times, nolandy matches have featured brilliant tennis and tactics from either one player or both of them. it’s just a fact. and like i said, i don’t disagree that sometimes novak and andy bring out the worst in each other and it’s not fun to behold. but it’s not always the case. there are beautiful games and points from both in the FO final, imo. i really saw it when i rewatched the final last weekend. on the day of the final i was too nervous watching to appreciate it. just like van persie says. anyhow, to each their own.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:27 pm

I think this years FO was more exciting because of the history it made, it looked like it was going to be a great contest for about a set and a half, after that it became one sided, likewise SW19 in 2013, the FO semi last year was great, as was the USO IN 2012, the AOs have pretty much been one sided, they do produce great moments and great tennis, but some real dull ones too, and the rivalry has become rather one sided now ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:41 pm

@Willow:

Yes, we are. And even when we argue a bit, it’s nothing important.

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:41 pm

Mat4 thank goodness its been on my mind all day, i promise to chill out a bit now, im sick of arguing with everyone, said to VP i just want to agree to disagree, and talk tennis ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:44 pm

“they do produce great moments and great tennis, but some real dull ones too, and the rivalry has become rather one sided now ….”

same as fedal, imo

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:54 pm

Fedal is a dying breed now, looks like Rafole is now too, looks like Andole is the one thats likely to keep running for a while, and Andy hasnt beaten Novak in a GS since SW19 2013 ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 4:57 pm

Surely it stands to reason if a favorite has the upper hand in a rivalry, of course they will love that rivalry, why wouldnt they ? ….

June 22nd, 2016 at 5:04 pm

fed hasn’t beat rafa in a slam since 2007! andy and rafa rivalry might be more lopsided than nolandy. andy hasn’t beaten rafa at a slam since when? AO 2010 when rafa retired? mind you andy was winning, but my point stands. rafandy is more lopsided than nolandy. andy hasn’t beaten fed at a slam since 2013 AO. so really, the nolandy rivalry is the closest for any of andy’s rivalries with the big 3 – at least at slams. as for rafole, yes it’s been lopsided recently too, but most of novak’s rivalries have been lopsided since 2014 when becker joined just because of his run of dominance. we’ll see if that changes sooner or later. but i do agree that nolandy is the one to keep running for a while. unless rafa or fed have another comeback/renaissance.

June 22nd, 2016 at 5:26 pm

It seems as though the tennis world in general liked the Fedal rivalry more. I don’t mean to be get another argument started……. but I believe that is just the way it is………one-sided or not…..and that ain’t no 🐂

June 22nd, 2016 at 5:58 pm

Especially Rafans like you, Okie…

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:05 pm

Federer-Nadal had this fascinating contrast of styles and personality and perhaps even a cultural clash.

You have Federer with his silky smooth white collar game against the grunting, hell bent, blue collar bull from Mallorca.

Federer is from Switzerland…land of banks and chocolate. Spain in many ways, is looked down upon by many Europeans as almost 3rd world.

It’s a perfect recipe for partisan tennis fans. This dichotomy doesn’t exist between Novak and Murray. Both are somewhat blue collar.

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:30 pm

In my mind, the Federer-Nadal rivalry was far more intriguing than Novak-Murray or even Novak-Rafa. Nadal and Federer have almost completely different ways of getting to the same goal. It’s why Sampras-Agassi and Mac-Borg (and Mac-Connors for that matter) were so entertaining.

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:33 pm

I think Andy’s gonna’ have a nice run at Wimbledon. TBPH, given Andy’s result in Rome, I thought the FO final would go 5 sets with Novak pulling it out. On clay, against Novak, I would have given him a 30% chance of winning.

On grass, I think that it probably goes up to 40 to 45%.

June 22nd, 2016 at 6:38 pm

i think fedal has been very hyped though. it was an exciting rivalry from 2006-08 or 09, but after that it hasn’t been imo – unless you’re a rafa-fan maybe. ;).

as i understand it, rafa is from a higher class, priviledged, sporting spanish family who built him his own grass court, for example, so he could take down fed. i don’t really see how he fits any sort of third world narrative.

one thing about their rivalry is they each had a surface they dominated – clay and grass- and rafa overcame that separation and beat fed everywhere whereas fed couldn’t do the same vs rafa.

on the other hand, novak and rafa’s h2h’s on clay and hard are almost parallel in their lopsidedness but each has had big wins vs the other on his best surface.

see? i can spin stories, contrasts and interesting tidbits about all the rivalries. :)

to wit! novak and andy are east vs west, but also two kids who grew up playing together, with birthdays just one week apart. both now have their very own super-coaches, and both are very emotional and fire-y on court. andy is a classic counter-puncher and novak is an aggressive baseliner – but now with novak adding net touch and a better service with becker and andy adding a stronger forehand and aggression with lendl. they have mums who sip champagne together after big slam matches. they are just a couple of kids, neither from priviledge (unlike fed and nadal) who have grown up and are now fighting on the biggest stages of the world in tennis. pretty cool … if you ask me.

June 22nd, 2016 at 7:19 pm

jane,

Spot on. What would we (Nole fans) do without you?!

June 22nd, 2016 at 7:43 pm

@jane
Thank you for bringing sanity back. At that post above yours Nadal is casted as a blue collar guy! It’s unbelievable what Nike’s PR BS does to people.

June 22nd, 2016 at 9:02 pm

The only problem with Noleandy and Raffle match sis because majority of the points is a repeat of the previous points. They play a lot exactly the same. From a technical standpoint, Nolany is pure tennis class 101, their technique is just superb and a joy to watch, even with some points on deja vu mode.

Raffle used to be exciting now, you can see there is nothing Nadal can do, just a bad match up for him from now on and I honestly believe if he manages to get 1 more win he will be lucky already.

Agree with everything SG1 ref Fedal, the contrast in style plus their difference in on court demeonur is what made them so popular.The hype was huge and they brought a whole new interest to tennis for the casual viewer. People don’t even now how to score tennis matches (there are a bunch of those(, but they sire know who they are.

June 22nd, 2016 at 10:49 pm

Willow,

Ok, let’s call it truce ;)

June 22nd, 2016 at 11:17 pm

i think it’s untrue that andy and novak play the same.

“Paul Annacone stated that Murray “may be the best counterpuncher on tour today” … with an emphasis on defense

“Djokovic is an all-court player with emphasis on aggressive baseline play”

these are quotes from their wiki pages on playing style.

generally if you compare stats in nolandy matches, novak will often have more winners. not always but lots of times.

as for nadal and nole, i’d say that nadal’s inclination used to be to stay back and construct points, often drawing an error, whereas novak seems to look to end points himself, ideally with a winner, ha ha.

according to wiki rafa’s style is “aggressive counter-puncher”.

nadal changed, though; his game evolved over time into a more aggressive one i’d say, as he got stronger on hard courts in particular. similarly andy has made changes and sometimes plays more aggressively, while novak has added net play and more point construction.

so yeah, in short, i don’t really agree that they play the same style of points, on repeat, although i do understand that fed and rafa’s style does contrast. still, i think this is hyped to some degree. all of their contrasts – external or gamewise – were played up by the media, nike, etc. as part of the marketing that went with them. of course they did so much for the sport too and i don’t deny that. their early rivalry was very exciting to watch. for me, personally, i liked the wimbledon matches best – you could literally see rafa’s progression in those.

June 22nd, 2016 at 11:39 pm

@mat4 6:05……..Definitely…….spot on!!

Gonna say something nice about Novak…..of course that is nothing new, I have always been able too….. but I am LOVING HIS BEARD!! Watching replay of him and Goffin atm……

June 23rd, 2016 at 12:27 am

I am gonna say something not so nice….this boodles match is a farce……

June 23rd, 2016 at 12:54 am

okie, i agree. it’s an exho!

June 23rd, 2016 at 1:05 am

jane @7’19
Excellent post, as always :) The voice of sanity.
kath: Ta for the advice. As I think the net is full of insane people I am reluctant to have a public email of any kind.
Hon: hope you crack this one darling :)

June 23rd, 2016 at 1:11 am

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/22/novak-djokovic-flattered-andy-murray-ivan-lendl-wimbledon

And a nice article on Nole. A wee bit of irony, certainly diplomacy, in his response perhaps?

June 23rd, 2016 at 1:48 am

Andy hasnt beaten Rafa in a GS since 2010 !, right but sometimes niether were good enough to get that far and face the other, and to parrot another cliche argued between Federer and Nadal matches, Nadals H2H with Federer was probably padded out due to the clay court wins ….

Anyhow Andy hasnt beaten Novak since 2013, and those two do have a nack of facing of in final after final especially in GS finals, and so far only two have gone in Murrays favour, and Rafa and Andy have never faced off in a GS final and it looks unlikely they ever will, and i repeat as long as Novak has Murrays number Novak fans will undoubtedly love that rivalry, why wouldnt they when everything is in their favorites favour, funny that things do have a nack of changing when shoes are on the other foot, if Murray became more of a threat i very much doubt they would love it so much then ….

I dont love im afraid, its my opinion, and im entitled to it ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 5:36 am

As i said the FO final was great for about the first set and a half it was very competitive, after that Novak raised his level and Andy rather capitulated, in fact i havent seen a decent final at RG for years to be honest, the match itself didnt live up to the euphoria that the result created, likewise the SW19 final in 2013, its not going to happen because of their rankings but id actually like them on the same side of the draw to eliminate the possibility of meeting in another final, seems to have had a lot of them lately ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 5:59 am

And i actually also said on the other thread, that i doubt Novak would lose any sleep over losing an exho ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 7:37 am

I don’t agree. Andy couldn’t match Nole’s level in the second, third and fourth sets. Nole was just to good. He played great. Andy at his highest level wasn’t matching Nole in this match. Not a chance. For me Andy vs Nole matches are intense and exciting. The only thing that happens now that never used to happen is that Andy seems to get tired after playing 2 intense sets and doesn’t have the same energy in the third. He started to get a second wind in the 4th set, but it was to late by then.

June 23rd, 2016 at 7:59 am

Dave but thats exactly what i said, Andy capitulates, and cant stay with Novak for five sets, both play great tennis no question, and i didnt say otherwise, but i wouldnt call it an intense and exciting rivalry, especially when one player cant live with the other over five sets, and serves out breadsticks and bagels ad nauseum, it just doesnt make sense to me, its not a great rivalry IMO, id probably feel differently if more of their matches were closer like USO, or 2015 FO semi etc, and the win losses were more even, but they arent, so i dont sorry, i can fully understand the reason why Novak fans are absolutely thrilled big time with this rivalry, as its all in Novaks favour, so why wouldnt they be, that makes perfect sense ? ,Andy did beat Novak some months ago, and it was all meh no problem, dont read anything into it, as Novaks saving himself for RG ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 8:23 am

Sorry Willow. I made a mistake on capitulated. I thought it meant self-destructed. 2012 U.S. Open was one of the last times I saw Andy match Nole physically in a long match. It would be more exciting if Andy could have energy the whole match, like Rafa vs Nole.

June 23rd, 2016 at 8:40 am

@Willow…8:23…….I agree……..

June 23rd, 2016 at 10:59 am

Thanks Okie at least somebody does ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 11:01 am

AndiMira…..where are you??? I saw your FB message way after the fact and replied. Get back to me.

June 23rd, 2016 at 11:01 am

“as long as Novak has Murrays number Novak fans will undoubtedly love that rivalry,”

actually i liked many of their early matches when their rivalry is closer too (have a look at their first masters final together – cincy 08 – which murray won. very close battle).

i think you could sustitute “rafa” for “novak” in the above statement and it would hold equally true.

after all, lots of rafa fans used to like novak until 2011, when it changed. things do indeed have a way of changing. with that, i agree.

June 23rd, 2016 at 11:55 am

Well thats true, and i actually did like some of the earlier Fedal matches, when Rafa lost to Federer at W in 2007, but those rivalries arent relevant anymore, as Fedal look to be finished, and its unlikely Andy and Rafa will ever meet in a GS make that final, not qrtr, semi, etc, so its looking like the this ones sure to continue for a long while yet, as i say i like competitive matches especially finals ala USO 2012, or FO semi 2015, but not ones like the FO or AO final this year, and close sets dont mean anything to me as Andy still lost both matches, and won only one set sorry but thats just me ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 12:12 pm

thanks vami, wog boy and margot. i get tired of andy and novak being portrayed as the “boring” poor cousins. in fact, the media or commentators often don’t even know how to “describe” any of the rivalries between the other big 4 members because they’ve been so hung up on their one story, which – for those of us who didn’t pick a horse in the fedal race – got a bit repetitive to listen to a lot. there’s an aspect to the nolandy rivalry that the media hasn’t really considered (at least not deeply or in comparison), but which i think is super interesting from a psychological perspective: both of them experienced serious and unique tragedies as children. murray’s were very personal, with the split up of his parents and the school shooting, while novak’s were broader, with the bombing and marginalizing of his entire country. these are yet other aspects of their personalities that could be explored and discussed but usually aren’t. how have these events shaped their competitiveness, i wonder? how have they risen above them or incorporated them into who they are? i find these questions fascinating. it’s like the williams sisters coming out of compton, literally. those sorts of “against the odds” stories appeal to me – esp in a sport like tennis, which can be portrayed as stuffy.

June 23rd, 2016 at 12:13 pm

I Do think what Andy and Novak have achieved in sport is amazing and inspirational due to what tragedies they went through as young children, but thats a different story ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 12:23 pm

I like Andy-Novak matches very much…but I have only one problem. When Nole wins against Andy, I am not able to enjoy Novaks victories, the same way I do when Nole wins against Roger or Rafa. When Andy plays against Roger or Rafa, I root for Andy.

June 23rd, 2016 at 12:40 pm

And I loved the way Andy won his Golden Medal in 2012. Was a beautiful final :)

June 23rd, 2016 at 12:54 pm

I Do actually apologize for going off like a raving lunatic yesterday, and calling this forum Novak-x, and refering to his fans as a cult, especially to Mat4 whom was on the recieving end and its not nice insulting people personally….

However i stand by what ive said regarding the Novak /Andy rivalry, Andys my second favorite, and ive nothing against Novak, but this rivalry just doesnt fill me with great enthusiasm, and im not saying they are secondary, and should be treated as the poor relation to Fedal rivalry either, as thats disrespectful to both end of ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 1:22 pm

Van Persie that was some of the best GC tennis ive ever seen from Andy, there was just nothing Federer could do, also maybe when Novak beats Andy you feel a bit guilty because you probably dont dislike Andy as much as the other two ? but im only second guessing ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 1:27 pm

Willow,

I do not dislike Rafa but I am also not much of a fan. So I never feel bad, when Novak wins against him. And you know, it was never easy for Nole at RG ;)
With Federer is another story.I respect the Jackson Pollock of tennis for his game, but do not like him very much as a person, so yes I get the biggest satisfaction, when Nole beats him.
And I never disliked Andy. He’s nice for me. If Nole would not be there, I would be his fan.

June 23rd, 2016 at 1:43 pm

VP You feel how you feel thats fine, i dont hate Novak but i will admit to feeling a little annymosity towards him because of all those defeats, as for him surpassing Rafa, i have no problem with that what-so-ever, as i dont regard records as a players personal property, its cool for me, Novak deserves it if he does, and all power to him ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 1:56 pm

Have been there, Willow, felt the same way for Rafa on clay ;)

June 23rd, 2016 at 2:09 pm

Its tough beem a fan VP at times ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 2:13 pm

Meant being a fan ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 2:13 pm

Agree :)..You know, last year when Nole lost to Stan at RG, I turned the TV off after Stans match point. Have watched the ceremony only these days, after Nole finally won the FO. I knew that Nole cried, and could not see it. My boyfriend told me I am screwd :) hehe. Ok, off now ;). Have to go out. Have a wonderful evening.;)

June 23rd, 2016 at 2:41 pm

VP and you cheers ;) ….

June 23rd, 2016 at 2:49 pm

VP – “When Andy plays against Roger or Rafa, I root for Andy.”

I believe that is not an uncommon thing in Nole fans. And it has a lot to do with the man Andy is off-court – vs. his whinefests on court. That, and the guy is an absolute marvel of a player. And it has nothing to do with the Slamcount bit, how Andy by beating Fed or Rafa, helps Nole’s Slamcount so that is why he is liked by Nole fans. No, many Nole fans want Andy to have his own success, just not at a big expense to Djokovic. I’d like to see the Andy-Nole rivalry heat up as competitive again and produce some more classics and the price that has to be paid for that rivalry to be credible is more Andy victories over Nole. Starting in 2017, I hope, not before.

And I, like many Nole fans, also have fondness for Rafa. A true nice guy, with OCD demons, and one of the best 5-6 ever to lay the game. And like Nole 2.0, a gladiator who will give it his all. So I will root for Rafa if he faces someone other than Nole at Barclays, and him getting the last big trophy he lacks. Perhaps even Nole if Nole passes Fed in championships there.

I want to see Andy become like Nole, Rafa, and Fed…maybe his Davis Cup leadership display and Lendl will assist – and enter the space where he is also surrounded by the aura of being a champion and all that means.

June 23rd, 2016 at 4:11 pm

@Chris
Re last paragraph. Unlikely I’d say, given his age.
@VP
Welcome aboard :)

June 23rd, 2016 at 4:35 pm

CF1, thanks for elaborating my thoughts. You are a much better writer then I am :)

June 23rd, 2016 at 4:35 pm

VP – You express yourself very well, and a plus to many readers – more succinctly than I do.

June 23rd, 2016 at 8:28 pm

Agree 100% with CF1 about Van Persie girl!

She has a gift of expressing rather efficiently, so everyone knows her exact thoughts. And note that she does that in English which is … what … her third or fourth language.

And her honesty and ability to see through phoney folks is refreshing – when she feels like puking because of a comment, she let us all know ;-)

My advice for VP: never change!

June 23rd, 2016 at 9:11 pm

“Sorry to interrupt the church service but …”
U go girl!

June 26th, 2016 at 10:38 pm