Former Champs Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Venus Williams Open Play Monday At Wimbledon

Getting excited. Novak is a pretty heavy favourite, but at least Andy seems a legit challenger on the surface. I’m very interested in seeing Milos’ 2016 net-heavy game, with JMac, and how Thiem and Zverev do, and of course Federer. I think he will be a very tough QF opponent for Novak,

If Novak wins it all, we’re at not ‘one of the greatest’ runs in tennis history, but THE greatest.

Lastly, I hope JMDP will make a real run. That would be something very special.

June 26th, 2016 at 9:26 pm

Sorry, I meant, I think MILOS will be a tough QF opponent.

June 26th, 2016 at 9:27 pm

Nole idemooo!

June 27th, 2016 at 2:19 am

It is good that Roger will be Novak in the Semis than the finals. Having been beaten squarely the last two years, I do not think Roger can withstand the Novak’s juggernaut, if both manage to reach the last stage to set up a penultimate clash yet again.

I think in the Semis, if Roger manages to reach there, he can swing his racquet freely having nothing to lose and also play with less pressure. Novak on the other hand, will feel the pressure on various counts including coming too much closer to the Calendar Slam and also the fact that he will be winning French and Wimbledon back-to-back, a feat which he has not managed to do all these years and which has been accomplished only by a illustrious few.

June 27th, 2016 at 2:28 am

surprised that kohls lost to herbert; i definitely assumed he’d go beyond round 1.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:05 am

Djokovic does less well when he’s the favorite, IMO.

In the meantime, in the US, tennis is back on ESPN and I must therefore suffer through McEnroe Jr. and his plethora of inane comments.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:14 am

p-mac BBB? yeah he can be annoying. canadian TSN is showing madison keys so i am watching a stream with courier commentating. i like him. he’s very straightforward and analytical.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:32 am

“When I’m at my best I am more like [Novak] Djokovic game wise, when I’m not, I’m more like [Andy] Murray,”

Well, the guy who said that looked like neither today, or for a long time since that chest thumping comment.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:39 am

Hi Jane,

How is Novak playing? Am at work, cannot follow it. See only the scores.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:43 am

jane – yes. I had a post deleted once for referring to him directly so I’m using subterfuge :)

ITA re Courier. I hear him on Tennis Channel.

While we’re at it, I can’t deal with Mary Joe Fernandez either. But I really like Cliff Drysdale. He breaks down people’s shots with slo-mo.

Where in Canada are you, jane? I’m thinking of doing Rogers Cup this year.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:43 am

VP – he played well in the first set but got a bit loose in the second, and Ward started hitting lights out. But all in all I think he’s playing well for not having done much on grass in the run-up.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:46 am

Thanks, BBB

June 27th, 2016 at 9:48 am

van persie, not at his best: his movement in particular is very cautious. he’s just a break up in the third set though.

BBB, i like drysdale too. i am on the opposite side of canada hence have never been to roger’s cup but i hear it’s a good and well run event.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:48 am

Jane,

As BB told, it is expected for him to play that way. He did not play much on grass.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:50 am

jane – I was born in SK.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:55 am

I was born in B.C.

June 27th, 2016 at 10:04 am

ASL? Just kidding :)

June 27th, 2016 at 10:05 am

Yaay! and he won…the 2 and 3 set were not so easy, but a win is a win :)

June 27th, 2016 at 10:14 am

dave and BBB, are you both still in canada?

van persie, yep he’s through, and in straights. can’t complain. :)

June 27th, 2016 at 10:17 am

no. I live in Mexico now.

June 27th, 2016 at 10:21 am

I’m in the U.S.

If you’re in Vancouver, could you please go to Vij’s and have some lamb popsicles for me?

June 27th, 2016 at 10:29 am

jeez BBB that sounds utterly horrible! lol. :)

June 27th, 2016 at 10:35 am

I’m from the Island.

June 27th, 2016 at 10:40 am

What Island, do you mean, Dave? Sounds like an idyllic life!

June 27th, 2016 at 10:57 am

Vancouver Island. It’s a big island. It never felt like I was living on an island. You could go years without actually going off the island. I have been to Vancouver many times. But I have never lived there before.

June 27th, 2016 at 11:07 am

A Mexican Island, eh? Cozumel?

June 27th, 2016 at 11:08 am

Sorry. I was saying where I was originally from.

June 27th, 2016 at 11:09 am

Oh lol…I was thinking tropical isle.
I’ve been to Vancouver Island a few times. Very nice.

June 27th, 2016 at 11:10 am

I’m watching this Giorgi v Muguruza match

Camila plays high risk, go for broke tennis. The problem is sustaining that level and making the shots. And she gets too emotional. Muguruza is cool calm and serene.

June 27th, 2016 at 11:14 am

I just finished watching the Querrey vs Rosol match. Querrey wins 12-10 in the 5th set. So much for having Kyle Edmonds and Rosol to deal with for Djokovic. The draw never plays out exactly as we might expect.

June 27th, 2016 at 11:28 am

It’s hard for me to get behind Giorgi given all the accusations that her family has serially ripped people off….

June 27th, 2016 at 11:36 am

Dave /Jalep i went to Vancouver when i was a teenager, my late mother had a penpal there, it was the exact same day that Prince Charles and Lady Dianna got married, its a beautiful place, and id love to go back there one day ;-) ….

June 27th, 2016 at 11:38 am

Jalep thanks for the e.mail hee hee, too cute, sent you a reply too, as its Wimby im going to have Strawberries and cream ;-)) ….

June 27th, 2016 at 11:40 am

Hope Safarova finds a way through, i cannot stand M.Sands, thank god i dont see her play that often, something about her that irritates the hell out of me ….

June 27th, 2016 at 11:59 am

That’s great Willow. It is a beautiful place for sure. I won’t be going back this year. Maybe next year. I was back last summer for 2 months. It was fun. My wife was able to come with me and visit for the first time. She was blown away by the beauty all over the island. I took her to so many different places.

June 27th, 2016 at 12:08 pm

That was a great win for Sam Querrey! I switched from Garbine to Kei Nishikori’s match. And I’m running out of time for tennis. So many matches to watch and no more time…

Giorgi got a set. Aack! Curtains for my bracket again if she wins. Vamos Garbine

Cheers Dave and Willow.

June 27th, 2016 at 12:26 pm

Mugaruza and Safarova through after scares, Ivanovic out though, Rosol is dangerous (AHEM), and it would be a lot less irritating if commies didnt keep reminding us ad-nauseum about him beating Rafa at Wimby in round two, two years ago, each and every bloody time we see him play *ROLLS EYES * ….

June 27th, 2016 at 12:37 pm

Kohlsh, Anderson and Rosol killibg my draw, but overall I was rigth more than wrong. But I picked this three to go to R3. 😡

Djoko easy win, a tiebreak here or there is expected first rounds, new green grass.

June 27th, 2016 at 12:56 pm

Hello A Brit I’ve never heard of, is through to the 2nd round beating Berankis. Ranked 772 and something.
Crikey Giles, it’s time for a double eekety eek!
Go Marcus Willis. Go!

June 27th, 2016 at 1:38 pm

Federer taking control of Tiebreak, hope he is able to break the other sets for a clean straight set first match. Real danger for him starts third round with most likely Dolgo. Than Monfils or Dimitrov R16 and Cilic / Kei Quarters.

June 27th, 2016 at 2:09 pm

this match alone shows that fed wont make it deep in this years Wimbledon

fed and BPs. Still a better love story than twilight

June 27th, 2016 at 2:20 pm

First macthes ate tricky FedEx.

Inrather Fed play so so this first 3 roubds but win and start peaking R16 onwards. Latest he is having some excelent matches early on. Better gauge himself and slowly get into form.

Hos draw doesn’t llok thta dificult and there is nobody consitent enough, Monfils may reach R16 but just lost a set 0-6. Kei may go deeps but on grass he doesn’t have a serve and had na injury a few days back. Only real danger is Cilic bit he is not in that great form, neither is Dologo. This section seema the battle of the “out of form” guys.

And also Fed had a flawless semis record at wimbledon where he played some of his best matches. Maybe on a rainby day eith the roof on he may have one of those days and Djoko having a flu die bad weather.😜

June 27th, 2016 at 2:33 pm

At least Fed didn’t conceive any BP so far, as long as he keeps winning his service games the more confident he’ll get, until he faces Djoko of course.

June 27th, 2016 at 2:36 pm

OMG Are some of those Fed fans in the crowd borerline stalkers, hats, scarves, t.shirts, even earings with the RF logo on, i mean come theres fans, but thats taking thing to the extreme urgh ….

June 27th, 2016 at 2:49 pm

90 min in, Fed still hasn’t broken serve, though is unthreatened on his own serve. Lefties have always been difficult for him, but this one is on grass – and true grass, since its first round (by the finals it almost becomes clay). A bit disappointing so far from Fed. Hope he doesn’t lose the second set, because he may not have much left in the tank for a 4th set.

June 27th, 2016 at 2:57 pm

some forehand winners from fed to break finally.
stunning sight but rare these days

June 27th, 2016 at 3:32 pm

Vinatage last set by fed. Pella played some amazing tennis. It was a great test for fed. He served amzingly well.
1 down, onto the next. Go fed .. :)

June 27th, 2016 at 3:45 pm

Margot. Yes well done Marcus Willis. Unfortunately he meets fed in the next round. Never mind, at least he earned $ 60,000. He has a little story to tell, it’s on the Wimby site.

June 27th, 2016 at 3:57 pm

Margot

Indeed…Marcus Willis. Over his entire tennis career earned £251 at close to 800 ranking!!! Will earn £50,000 just by getting into round 2. Meets Roger next….will Marcus’s fairy-tale continue?

June 27th, 2016 at 4:18 pm

Kath, Dan Evans is through too, which I found quite surprising!

June 27th, 2016 at 5:07 pm

Roger needing two tie-breaks to finish very poor poor man’s Nadal is evident of where he stands now. If he makes it to the second week it will be a miracle, regardless of the opponent, even this 800 ranked minion could take him to a tie-break.

June 27th, 2016 at 5:43 pm

Yes Margot….He was disappointed at one of the Davis Cup events not to be chosen. But yes, he was surprising. I have my fingers crossed, really crossed that Willis does well in next match…in the hope we have found an Andy replacement for the future and who may be a contender at Davis Cup …as we know that is so important to Andy> (yes, even though the Fed. is his next opponent….need not win, but show great potential)???

As you can gather I live in great anticipation.

PS: Why don’t I make a bet on the football. I had a deep deep gut feeling about Iceland yesterday.

Have a rotten tomorrow….trying to get back to see Andy.

June 27th, 2016 at 6:41 pm

PS: Meant to say that I found certain aspects of Willis similar to Nadal…the way he looks, raises the ball to serve, tidies himself (less Nadal but slightly). I dream on.

June 27th, 2016 at 6:44 pm

England did Eexit from Euro 2016, in the true fashion of Brexit..
What is the population of Island btw ;)

June 27th, 2016 at 6:51 pm

i watched his press conference. very sweet, but also very interesting: entirely different perspective on life of a pro-tennis player.

June 27th, 2016 at 6:54 pm

^ that’s about marcus willis. he was so thrilled “goran shook his hand” :)

June 27th, 2016 at 6:55 pm

^^^ Iceland

June 27th, 2016 at 6:55 pm

Tennis Vagabond – “If Novak wins it all, we’re at not ‘one of the greatest’ runs in tennis history, but THE greatest.”

=================
I believe Djokovic is already there if you look at the timespan from now to the starting point just after the 2014 USO. The reason is Rod Laver’s 1962 and 1969 runs had him losing quite a few matches outside the Slams, making the final or winning it about half the time. Djokovic vastly exceeds that winning percentage over a two year span. If you look at Federers run in the early 2000s no two year span is as good as what Djokovic has laid down, but Fed went 4 years and those are the core of his career accomplishments, a dominance ended with the arrival of the other Big 3.

I agree Wimbledon is important. It would be hard to argue that 4 Slam trophies in a row in one year is more difficult and thus more “Prestigious” a feat to anyone that progresed past 2nd grade math than 5, 6 in a row across a couple years at Slams.

(And it’s long overdue to give Martina Navratilova her props for 6 in a row without getting “The Greatest Single Award in Tennis”. All because of the happenstance of the 1984 Australian Open decided on by orgaizers to be played in Dec 1983, instead.)

June 27th, 2016 at 7:08 pm

John McEnroe today said that Sampras’ 7/8 majors was a huge accomplishment but noted that Djokovic both has 4 in a row and unparalleled results outside of the majors.

June 27th, 2016 at 8:00 pm

CF1, you may be right. If he wins Wimbledon it will move beyond debate.

June 27th, 2016 at 8:27 pm

@james actually other than nadal I don’t think federal has any trouble playing lefties. Verdasco, melter no problem. The problems fed has with nadal have to do with other factors along with his left handed playing.

June 27th, 2016 at 8:39 pm

Federer is not even close to 100%. His movement looks terrible. When he was complaining about his back at Monte Carlo, he looked like he was moving better than right now by a long shot. He isn’t complaining about his back, but looks stiffer than ever. Something isn’t adding up. Johnny Mac said it today during the match. He said something like that even if Federer says he is fine, he is definitely not 100%. I watched most of the match today. He is not even close to it. He could only break a guy that has never won a grass court match in his career one time the whole match. A guy that doesn’t serve big at all. Federer looks fine for holding serve, but his return game and baseline game are at maybe 60% at the moment, and that might be a bit generous.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:17 pm

So my main point is that it has nothing to do with Pella being a lefty.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:18 pm

Nothing to do with tennis, but I just love English sense of humor, nobody can beat them in that, this is aftermath of their loss to Iceland:)

_____
“The worst defeat in our history,” tweeted former striker Gary Lineker. “England beaten by a country with more volcanoes than professional footballers. Well played, Iceland.”
______

…or this

_____
Just days after Britons voted to leave the European Union in a referendum that sent shockwaves around the world, England’s footballers delivered their own European exit in France almost as stunning.

Jokes immediately spread online about petitions being set up to have the match replayed, referring to the petition more than 2.4 million Britons have signed on parliament’s website calling for a second EU referendum; while many jokers were suggesting Roy Hodgson should take over from the outgoing David Cameron as Britain’s Prime Minister, “as he would be the perfect man to lead the country out of Europe”.
_____

June 27th, 2016 at 9:38 pm

One thing more I’ve noticed with Djokovic recently is how much he seeks to master his craft until it is flawless or near flawless. And comment on when he reaches that level in his opinion. “Near flawless against Rafa in Doha” “the 9 games in a row I was playing as well as I think it possible for me to play”. But at the same time, not satisfied because he believes he can improve even more. it makes his motivation stay very high, all the time.
It’s “Sensei Thinking” – if you reach the very best in your skill or craft – that is the true goal. And when you reach it, the next thing to strive for is how long can you stay there, and go past what you believed amounted to mastery – if you can.. It is not the awards that is the goal, but mastery of oneself and being calm and confident in your highest expression. You reach it, the reputation and rewards for your art, your violin performance, your recognition for the flawless ride on a perfect wave – flow as a matter of course in consequence.

It really isn’t BS. To fully realize one’s potential is the ultimate goal of each of us. It is not to be the most decorated, the most highly paid – it is the be the best. We all strive to get there in something we do.

In this mindset, Djokovic is not as mindful of trophies as others, the pressure of winning each trophy is less, while the chances of winning the trophies increases. Even with monster achievements possible in the next 2 years moving him closer to Federers many marks, tying, even passing most of them – and moving past other Legends besides Federer – don’t need to be dwelled on. Just focus on playing the best tennis possible each and every time out. More Slams, more Masters, more Championships, maybe gold, maybe two more solid years at #1 – but all Djokovic has to do is keep improving, playing his best, and only focus on records when someone tells him he just passed Lendl in this, Rafa in that, Fed in some record Nole didn’t even know Fed had..

So close to so many big marks – Golden Career Slam, Masters Sweep, passing Connors, Lendl and Pete in weeks at #1, tie Roger in YEC won, and he, by the way he thinks, mitigates the pressure.

When his time is over, Djokovic said he will be very excited and eager to strive for excellence in matters other than playing tennis and looks forward to it when it happens. Mentioning of course, he is already working on being good in business, as a husband and dad, learning more on several subjects, maybe doing sports science…Learning broadcast skills from Boris and others, maybe coaching or as an organizer. Serving his nation or having an international role in child development besides his Foundation. Having more time to assist in his wife’s goals.

I believe it will be an interesting 30 years he may have, post pro tennis playing days. I plan on being around to track his post tennis life for decades, myself.

June 27th, 2016 at 9:54 pm

@Dave

Though Fed did look a little rusty, he still has a week and half until he has to be above 80%. He has been to 10 of the last 13 finals at Wimbledon. If his back doesn’t blow out he is a shoe in for the semis.

June 28th, 2016 at 1:21 am

*blow out his back

June 28th, 2016 at 1:23 am

Iceland’s population 331,778.

It also has a darned good arrangement within the EU separately/and originally linked with Denmark.

The crash of their Banks back in 2008ish is only a faint memory.

June 28th, 2016 at 3:53 am

kjb Says:
@Dave

Though Fed did look a little rusty, he still has a week and half until he has to be above 80%. He has been to 10 of the last 13 finals at Wimbledon. If his back doesn’t blow out he is a shoe in for the semis.

June 28th, 2016 at 1:21 am

Reasonable to believe that Federer is still rusty. Nothing can beat a match, with a lefty, in terms of preparation.

Go Fed!

Dave, don’t worry. If you are worried now, then you are in for a ride I think this first week. Always tricky watching Federer these days. But…would not have it any other way!

June 28th, 2016 at 5:13 am

sure he might be rusty. But his back also doesn’t look 100% healthy. His movement just isn’t there the way it was last year. When he had to stretch to get a ball, many went into the net. He just couldn’t find that little extra he needed to get the ball over the net.

June 28th, 2016 at 9:07 am

I did notice yesterday that Willis actually moves well around the court, i doubt he will beat Federer, but if he makes Roger do alot of running, then this could be a closer match, than people might think ….

June 28th, 2016 at 9:20 am

Quite possibly.

With all this doom and gloom about Federer’s game, well, nothing would surprise me. He is though, someone who should know about these fateful comments and if he does read them, then hopefully it will spur him on even more to flatten the opposition.

Don’t want to sit on the fence with Roger. He may well be injured, but there is no point in ruminating about this. It is just fodder for the haters.

I would like to think that if there is a problem, the requisite amount of sleep, rest, massage, heat packs will allow his movement to be freer tomorrow.

Go Roger!

June 28th, 2016 at 9:41 am

Nice to see DelPo having an easy win.

Murray also dominating and as always with Slam first 2 rounds, a bunch of 5 setters. The lower ranked players when faced with the oportuntiy to not play a big name and chance to go tho 2nd and 3rd rounds gice their all. Love it!!

June 28th, 2016 at 10:33 am

good for delpo!

muller and giraldo in a marathon.

meanwhile zverev is almost 2 sets to the good…

June 28th, 2016 at 11:11 am

madmax comment at 5:13am above: “Go Fed!”
madmax comment at 9:41am above: “Go Roger!”

Federer is not even playing today but someone is sitting for more than 4 hours and fist pumping to him, LOL… I didn’t know teenagers are posting here…

Note to madmax – he doesn’t hear you!

June 28th, 2016 at 11:21 am

rain delay – ugh, sucks for the people not finished their matches. i hope they get the roof closes and “carry on!”

June 28th, 2016 at 11:40 am

closed*

June 28th, 2016 at 11:40 am

Willow
On another thread I mentioned that Willis reminded me of Rafa. The way he stands and some of his movements…ah well, we’ll get another look tomorrow.

June 28th, 2016 at 12:00 pm

BBB – I’m in the states as well. JMac is the most annoying… somehow he always makes it about him. The male and female Chris’ are a close second….Michael, excellent point about Roger meeting Novak in the semis…

June 28th, 2016 at 12:05 pm

J-Kath lol, the Federer is crucified he he (kidding of course) ;-)) ….

June 28th, 2016 at 5:27 pm