Andy Murray Is Now Just 815 Ranking Points Behind Novak Djokovic In The 2016 ATP Race

“Or even Rio”???? Novak LIVES for the OG! He will most likely skip Canada in favor of Rio. Plans to play Cincy and then, everything pretty much like last year.
I believe he cares more about achieving things he missed on rather than chasing points.

July 12th, 2016 at 11:09 am

Lets see. Djokovic has not played much since the French open, so he has had a break. I think he shows up in toronto – for the points, and also for preparation for the Olympics – otherwise he will not really be that match ready for the olympics. I think Djokovic cares more about records than almost anyone else, and will everything possible to keep the No. 1 ranking for as long as possible. He must be pretty pissed at losing a chance at a calendar slam, and losing so early means all his streaks are now gone forever (slam finals, SF, QF). All that’s left for him to break is the No. 1 rankings record of 237 consecutive by Fed (in terms of streaks).

Hard court season might get interesting. With Fed not being a factor, Nadal also not being a factor, Djoke perhaps lacking some motivation (hard to say), Murray rejuvenated with Lendl – and Raonic, Thiem, Goffin (maybe even Cilic) pushing forward – I hope we see a new champion at the USO. About time.

July 12th, 2016 at 11:16 am

@Danica

Would you know why Nole is NOT playing Davis Cup in Belgrade? This was decided after RG.

July 12th, 2016 at 12:05 pm

Djokovic has won the davis cup once already – no reason to play for your country if it doesn’t help further your resume, right? Why not focus on personal goals – like olympic gold, slams? So much for patriotism.

July 12th, 2016 at 12:32 pm

James – Let’s be clear. The world number 1 ranking is not at issue. Barring an injury which prevents him playing at all during the last half of the season, Novak’s ranking lead is pretty much enough to ensure he will keep it at least until the Australian Open next year. Even then , Andy will have to perform significantly better than Novak for the rest of this season and through the Oz Open 2017 to eclipse Novak for world #1.

All this article is talking about is the “race” for the year-end championships, which counts this year’s points only. Once the hard courts start back up, Novak will likely regain a significant lead again there too.

July 12th, 2016 at 12:40 pm

Hard to say where Novak’s head is at right now. If he lays an egg at the USO like he did against Querrey in the first week and Andy goes deep (..or wins), there will be a race.

I don’t think that Novak’s loss was some freak thing. It was the culmination of a lot pressure and expectation in terms of the Novak slam and getting that elusive FO title. I don’t think he’ll go into quite the funk Murray did after winning at Wimbledon the first time but I do think that the rest of his year may be somewhat less Novak-like than we’ve been used to seeing.

July 12th, 2016 at 12:44 pm

Andy went into a “funk… after winning Wimbledon.”
What are you talking about SG1? Andy won Wimbledon on pain killers and after his win his mind was actually occupied with the decision whether to have a back operation, that could quite easily have ended his career, or not. Pardon him for his game going off during that time. Plus the immense pressure, now released, that had been on him to win the title after blah, blah, blah 77 years etc.
Jeepers man! Funk!

July 12th, 2016 at 1:12 pm

novak played in davis cup ties in 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 16, which means he’s been involved in 11 of the past 13 years of davis cup play. and, of course, he may very well have an injury a.t.m. – we don’t know the details. but really, it seems rather untenable to criticize this man’s patriotism.

July 12th, 2016 at 1:55 pm

Margot is getting feisty. Properly so. Andy’s Wimbledon win means it is time to look forward, not back. However, the past 3 years since is last trophy were not all tied up in surgery and recovery. There’s a bit of funk to add. Andy said he was fully recovered from his surgery at the 2014 French Open, prior to his semifinal match. Roger then trashed him at 2014 Wimbledon, and Mauresmo was unable to help him narrow the gap between himself and Novak. At times, Andy got dispirited on a really long losing streak to Djoker.

July 12th, 2016 at 1:57 pm

CF1 and SG1: Please read this and please stop using the word “funk.” If Andy had ever been in a “funk” he would have given up years ago.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3685340/Andy-Murray-s-tears-joy-winning-Wimbledon-came-year-toil-got-track-says-fitness-coach-Matt-Little.html?ITO=1490 Perhaps it means something different in Americanese?

July 12th, 2016 at 2:26 pm

James, your 12:32 post was stupid trolling at best.

I do not believe Djokovic is records obsessed. He knows of them, enjoys the achievement of getting ones that help anchor his place in the very best – but his main attitude is he needs to improve a lot more as an athlete, a person, learn and master new things. And if he takes care of that, more records and more good feelings from his efforts will organically follow. He doesn’t typically bring his many records up, or the ones he is in the hunt for, just responds when reporters and fans ask. He worries about success threatening to inflate his ego and that he has to fight that and any arising conceit and complacency from then interfering with his drive to improve as a player and a person.
David Ferrer calls Novak an original. Like Rafa, another one David has great regard for. Nothing like them before in his experience, nothing like them will follow. 2 one of a kinds.

#1 is a non-record if it is looked on as a weekly status check by Djokovic. He likes being Champion. He wants to be champion a long time. But he would not be heartbroken if Andy grabs #1 for a short time next year. Said for years Andy will have his turn as #1, and deserves it.( As long as Novak gets it back for another long stint.)

But as this is about Andy….yes…..from a Nole fan. He can be #1. It is achievable. I would bet on it happening in Andy’s career.

The wildcard may be Rafa. I believe Nadal has more great matches ahead of him, he will return to being a force very shortly. And Andy has had a tougher time with Rafa than Nole has had the last 6 years.

July 12th, 2016 at 2:33 pm

there’s irony in the comparison of davis cup to the olympics.

going to rio means so much to athletes because it is all about competing for one’s country, which novak and most players love to do. but unlike davis cup, which runs every year, the olympics are only every four. that means athletes are bound to prioritize them in their schedules on each relatively rare occasion.

July 12th, 2016 at 3:24 pm

How in hell can Roger be dropped to 9th after a semi final at Wimbledon ?? That is a disgrace !!

July 12th, 2016 at 3:49 pm

Dennis,

The number one rabking is not defined at all. By the end of the year race points math 52 week rankings so basically if Murray wins 820 more poonts than Djokovi the last part of the season he will be #1 by the end of the year.

Actuallt since clay, point wise and number of titles Murray is #1, he made finals in all events heplayed with three titles inlcuding a Slam, a Masters and a 500. Plus final in the other Master and Slam: 2000+1000+500+1200+600 = 5300 pts.

Djoko made MC second round, Title in Madrid, Final in Rome, title in RG and R3 Wimbledon: 10+1000+600+2000+90= 3700 pts.

HxH between Djoko and Murray is 2-1 woth they exchanging masters and Djoko winning the main one in this period, RG final. First Part of the season Djojo dominated: Doha, AO, IW and Miami bit sepcnd part Murray has the edge.

Murray is on a 5 tourney streak and he has the difference of 2 Slam finals.

The battle for #1 rabking is on between the two and probably will only be defined in October or in London whereas there is 1500 pts who can make the difference.

With Djoko history past season and domination of Asian Swing and WTF, he has the clear edge, but the certainty we once had in March os not the same after this Wimby.

July 12th, 2016 at 4:13 pm

Emilia,
To answer your question re: Novak not playing DC. I read that it would hamper his preparations for the OG primarily. After playing on clay and then on grass, with big tournaments coming up on HC, going back to clay for DC and then rushing to Toronto, would be exhausting. He is the one player who gets to the finals of pretty much every tournament and it is no wonder he feels all kinds of wear.

Viktor Troicki is not playing either saying he wants to prepare for the US HC swing.

July 12th, 2016 at 4:15 pm

Also, last time Murray won Wimby he had to undergo surgery right after, maybe that’s why he said this one felt more special. He couldn’t back it up that win in US HC swing and USO where he eas defending champion.

Now if he remais healthy the picture can be different.

July 12th, 2016 at 4:16 pm

Honestly, I don’t care that much about DC. Think at this point since all of them won it, they (Fed, Nadal, Djoko and Andy) should not be playing it. It messes with schedule and won’t actually add anyhting extra special for their legacy. They are not young anymore, all 29+. My two cents.

If I were Djoko I wouldn’t play DC as qell. Olympics marters more at this point and where he is at, 29 and on HC, his prefered surface. In 1 and a hlad month he can win everything that is to win in tennis, Olumpics gold and Masters Sweep with Cincy. 2 back to back tourneys and if he doesn’t get Olympics gold now he may end up like Federer, his next chance he’ll be 33.
Fed at least gets his silver and Olympics doubles gold as a consolation prize.

July 12th, 2016 at 4:21 pm

“last time Murray won Wimby he had to undergo surgery right after”

i think he waited till later, after the USO, daniel. i got the impression from his presser that it felt more special because it was more for him – and his close ones – this time, as opposed to before where he felt a lot of national pressure to win it. this time, it was more personal and thus more special. :)

July 12th, 2016 at 4:37 pm

chrisford1 – you can assume whatever you want about what Djokovic may or may not be obsessed with, but that’s just speculation unless you have actually know him personally. And you can be as abusive as you want in your posts, that’s just a reflection of you and nobody else.

On the ranking 815 points is not that much of a gap. Yes, Djokovic’s No. 1 ranking is pretty safe till the YEC. But all Murray has to do is to score 816 more points than Djokovic in the rest of the season and he is No. 1. That kind of difference can happen in just one slam, or even in a Masters 1000. If Murray goes further than Djokovic at the US Open, that could do it. And hard courts are Murray’s favorite too. With Lendl in his corner, who knows, he might again have a rejuvenation.

July 12th, 2016 at 4:47 pm

I’d take Novak’s 2 slam wins and 3 Masters1000 wins over Andy’s 1 slam win and 1 Masters1000 win this year any day.

I’m sure Novak is quaking in his boots at the prospect of Andy taking his #1 ranking.

July 12th, 2016 at 5:12 pm

Jane:

Andy won USA GS in 2012
and 1st Wimb. in 2013
(this is the one he said he played thru pain…Hence 2016 much better for him for this and the other reasons given.)

July 12th, 2016 at 5:17 pm

Daniel @ 4.13pm

Andy may do well, but he rarely does well at WTF. I believe he will be closer to Nole than is comfortable, but alas, Andy will not cover himself with glory at WTF.

July 12th, 2016 at 5:26 pm

Yes Dennis, overall Djoko’s year is better but I highlited aince clay Murray is better with 5 finals in 5 tourneys played

Clay to grass
Djoko is 18-3 (RG, Madrid)
Murray is 27-2 (Rome, Queens, Wimbledon)

Hence why Murray is in a position to even challenge for #1. But it all can’t be decides pretty soon. If Dhoko wins USO and the year is wrapped up

July 12th, 2016 at 5:27 pm

“HxH between Djoko and Murray is 2-1 woth they exchanging masters and Djoko winning the main one in this period.”

Wrong, it is 3:1, strange for somebody obsessed with stats to miss Nole’s three wins in three finals this year, 2 GS and 1 masters final.

July 12th, 2016 at 5:28 pm

“Why not focus on personal goals – like olympic gold, slams? So much for patriotism!”

Dumbest comment so far from somebody whose only purpose of posting is to play down Nole’s achievements.
What on earth do you know about Nole’s patriotism and what he did and still doing for his country?
Olympic gold is not personal goal, you are playing for your country and competing under the flag of your country as a member of Olympic team, basic knowledge.

July 12th, 2016 at 5:35 pm

James,
Nole is much more matured and zen to dwell too long on a loss. I am sure he cares less about records than Roger. He said himself that there is no match or record he would try to achieve if his health may suffer along the way. His health comes first. From the pictures I’ve seen of him recently, he seems quite content. And believe you me, this loss will spur him to become better prepared. You do not understand our mentality – he will not be lacking any motivation, quite the contrary.

As for patriotism, I think the Nole fans would know better. He gave his heart and soul for the team Serbia in both DC and Hopman Cup. He recently talked about the OG experience, specifically about the honor of carrying the flag. He said he still gets goosebumps remembering this. He explained how all the athletes from a country become one as there is no higher privilege than representing it. So, you see, trashing him about not being patriotic enough is pretty lame. Specially for those who understand him better, can hear and read things the western press may not share etc.

The Nolandy gap is certainly not wide. But all it takes for Nole is to perform a few points better than Andy and there you go. He will lose some, win some. But if things get really tight, I don’t think he would die trying to cling onto that, just like he didn’t when Rafa finished as #1 a few years back. The Valencia tournament even extended the invitation to Nole hoping he would welcome a few extra points. He refused. He stuck to his schedule and wanted to perform the best to his abilities at the events he decided on. There’s your proof, one of, about not going crazy over records. So, if Andy wins #1, it will be absolutely deserved. Andy is a formidable player and it would be utter shame not to reach it.

PS: I really do not see Roger and Rafa being a “non factor”. Roger is still lethal to most players and Rafa will be back rejuvenated. I really miss him. I see his picture here on the site every day I enter and it is a loss for the game not having him around.

July 12th, 2016 at 5:42 pm

James @ 11.16am

Thiem not ready yet to really mount a GS win-challenge. Goffin, very likeable and often very, very good but is extremely unlikely to ever win a GS. May stay in top 10 for a while though.

July 12th, 2016 at 5:43 pm

thanks, i know that j-kath.
but i was responding to daniel that
a) andy didn’t have back surgery until after USO13 and
b) that he said himself after his 2nd wimbledon that it was more special because it was for himself (not because of pain or whatever). at least that’s what i heard. maybe you read/heard differently.

July 12th, 2016 at 6:00 pm

i’d agree on thiem j-kath, but i think he could be ready next year. he already made a semi this season. but he overplayed!

July 12th, 2016 at 6:04 pm

Danica:

Truly admirable. I like your passion which is strongly backed up with good sense, insight and knowledge. I hope Nole wins the Olympics (Andy has won it once so I’m satisfied). (I’ll take my beating from Margo – although she’ll have to catch me first).

Also because I’m sanguine that Andy will have successes elsewhere…even-stevens-so-to-speak.

July 12th, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Oh right Jane.

I slightly mis-understood…thought you’d got the years mixed.
Should have remembered, you rarely get years wrong.

Andy did say what you said – his close buddies mentioned he played with pain…I rather like it that they said it and not Andy….when I think about it, neither Andy or Nole use excuses.

July 12th, 2016 at 6:28 pm

WB, read again, I am talking Start of CLAY swing. Inthis perido it’s 2-1.

My whole posts are about this, Murray is playing better and the most consistant one since clay. If he is going to keep that on HC is hard to see. Djoko otog prove tine afer tine that he is more consistant in HC.

But we can’t deny Murray has 5 straight finals last 5 tourneys and that is telling about his form.

July 12th, 2016 at 6:53 pm

You are right Jane, my point was just that as he skipped RG and maybe knew deep in his mind that he’ll have to undergo surgery, his “progress” was stopped.

Also agree the part ref British frenzi and pressure, it kind of wasn’t a title for him and more to everyone else. I think both played a part, the outaide pressure and his physical state. Now there seems to be nothing, except Djoko effect on him and his upper hand in their rivalry.

July 12th, 2016 at 6:59 pm

James – Don’t question a players patriotism, and the act of correcting you because you have your head up your hindquarters on that matter, is not abusive.

July 12th, 2016 at 7:35 pm

Fed played semis and finals. What difference does that make to his trophy total? He is 6 years older than djokeray, with far fewer quality and entertaining matches. Of course Fed says the 2001 wimbly match with old sickly Sampras with low red blood count was the best.
When people get sick or injured, it’s a joke to diminish their accomplishments with sf and f comparisons.
We all know how fed hates it when true GOAT candidates get
injured or sick and therefore don’t enter semis with crap tennis to inflate precious jewel Fed’s “stats”.

Fed didn’t mind having the most overrated servebot zombies and track racers that couldn’t play good matches or had twisted ankles during the golden 2001-2006 years.
Novak didn’t even plan to win 12 slams when he stated that his family was his priority in 2013. I was shocked that he said he didn’t expect to do well when he demolished fedal in 2012. He started on hardcourt then smashed them on clay and grass. There’s no surface homogenization excuse to use against him because he had no confidence on any surface back in 2009-2010. He couldn’t even serve back then, but he decided not to be scared of winning and changing his fitness. He’s not gonna talk about his older age as fed does about himself. Murray got inspired by novak because they had to fight like crazy to get to the top, and they aren’t arrogant and hateful to each other.

July 13th, 2016 at 12:27 am

@Danica at 5:42pm,great post as usual and THANK YOU so much for the beautiful line you wrote about rafa up there..when i said i’m your biggest fan,that is why!You’re truly beautiful on the inside,there’s no animosity whatsoever towards novak’s other biggest rival’s,only wonderful and encouraging words for them..i’m very honoured to meet you here Dani..

July 13th, 2016 at 12:28 am

AndyMira,

You are Danica’s biggest fan? That’s great!

Speaking of biggest fans, I may be wrong but I have a gut feeling that J-Kath is big fan of you and would go as far as being your Facebook friend… She loves SUPER POSITIVE and ultra-friendly posters such as yourself.

I also like your positivity – it is contagious! Whenever I read your posts I have an urgent need to go outside and hug random people.

July 13th, 2016 at 1:08 am

Daniel @6.39
Excellent post.
Danica@5.42
Your “saint award”- well deserved!

July 13th, 2016 at 1:10 am

Some memories:

1. Andy and wife in a “keeper” photo.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/07/10/22/3624767400000578-3683577-image-a-101_1468187453373.jpg

2. Mom congrats son, has quality time with son and trophy, wisely did not join Andy in the ice bath beforehand. From JudymooTwitter

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CnB9d7wWEAAXtuh.jpg:large

3. Speaking of Mom Murray, her memorable Cersei Lannister moment. Upon seeing Djoker went down, on the Big Screen. BBC just decided to pan over to see if Mom had any reaction, and got the gold.

https://zippy.gfycat.com/IdioticMerryHeron.webm

Hope TennisX is OK with me posting these.

July 13th, 2016 at 1:24 am

@ jane
b) not sure he’s said it’s more “special,” just think he’s said he’s going to “enjoy” it more, for the reasons already given.
@TB
That image of you “hugging” people? Heavens to Betsy man, that just ain’t right….;)

July 13th, 2016 at 1:39 am

I can’t help it Margot!
AndyMira’s posts have that effect on me…

July 13th, 2016 at 1:48 am

I agree TB! AM is just lovely. Cheers me up too. :)

July 13th, 2016 at 1:54 am

okay. well i think i should go hug random people too!
sheesh, all the love.

July 13th, 2016 at 2:01 am

Wow. “Love is in the air” on Tennis-X today :)
Virtual hugs from me ;)

July 13th, 2016 at 2:05 am

Lol VP and jane, makes a blooming change! Must be all down to darling Andy…….mustn’t it?
Andy Mira I mean you sillies……;)

July 13th, 2016 at 2:27 am

I’ve just been sick.

July 13th, 2016 at 2:55 am

@TB..Yes,i am a biggest fan of Danica..but not only her,i am also a biggest fan of YOU,dave,Margot,Okie,JK,VP,Jane,CF1,WB,Mat4,Skeezer,Willow,Daniel[who’s spelling always make my black eyes turned backwards!],Jalep,Jatin,michael,Markus,Giles,Humble Rafa,TheDA,Honfloureise,BBB,Madmax,YOU AGAIN,Margot again,okie again,VP again,JK again…err..i guess that’s it!C’MON LET’S GIVE VIRTUAL HUGS PEOPLE..LOVE YOU GUYS TILL FOREVER!!!

July 13th, 2016 at 3:02 am

@M..one of the reason why i love you so much these days!You rock!!!

July 13th, 2016 at 3:06 am

@JK,i didn’t blame you..blame TB..he’s started it..

July 13th, 2016 at 3:11 am

AM

I’m not blaming anyone for anything.

July 13th, 2016 at 3:28 am

@Kath
I’m sooo sorry. Was it all those cream cakes you ate to celebrate darling Andy’s win?
Get better soon.
@AM
:)

July 13th, 2016 at 3:41 am

@JK..okay..hope you feel better soon..next time be careful with what you ate okay?Love you from across the pond!

July 13th, 2016 at 3:45 am

Sorri Guys

My ambulance has arrived………

July 13th, 2016 at 3:54 am

J-Kath,

Do you need a hug?
Or perhaps, friend me on Facebook so we could heal each other over there… :-)

Oops, I don’t have a facebook page. Never mind.

July 13th, 2016 at 4:06 am

@JK..need me to call andy to take your blood pressure?

July 13th, 2016 at 4:35 am

Think these numbers are wrong.

Novak is almost 5000 points ahead of Murray. Is it possible for Murray to overtake Novak to end up World Number 1 on the basis of 1 tournament in London in November? I don’t get it?

With everything that Novak has achieved this year?

I thought Roger was at position 8, so just in to the top 8 players, but Tomas is ahead of him. May be, he doesn’t play this year?

However, on the upside, I think Federer has done immensely well in view of the injuries and time off he has had at the start of the year, to pull anything back at all. To reach the semi finals of wimbledon, was courageous.

July 13th, 2016 at 5:26 am

AndyMira, you confuse me. Who do you actually support? In terms of tennis players, NOT tennis X’ers!

July 13th, 2016 at 5:28 am

MM shes a Rafa fan ….

July 13th, 2016 at 5:33 am

@MM..like willow says i’m a rafa fan..but i like and respect very much everyone on TX..

July 13th, 2016 at 5:47 am

Oh forgot to add..i’m also like and respect very much the other big 3..

July 13th, 2016 at 5:51 am

Try tree hugging works for Nole and me, smoke some funny fags, get back to nature, and feel the lurve, soon you will start saying to every poster HEY MAN ….

July 13th, 2016 at 6:29 am

Jeez, so funny to see so many people going bonkers about Murray overtaking Djoko now that he won SW19. Funny how they forget that he didn’t have to play Djoko or Federer to get it. Not to take away his accomplishment, but if any of you think he’s going to get away with winning MAJORS by being able to avoid Djoko and Roger then you’re sadly mistaken. And it cracks me up to hear you guys talking about how sharp and good Andy looks out there but you forget that when you’re playing someone less talented than you it’s always easy to look good. Kinda reminds me of how Federer has looked so great and at time even invincible over the last few years but as soon a he meets Djoko in a MAJORS final then BAM!- he goes out with a whimper. For me, Andy’s situation is similar. He looks great now but when he faces Federer or Djoko (both of whom are obviously better than he is) then the mediocrity and losses will return, I promise you.

July 13th, 2016 at 7:05 am

Chrisford1 – touchy about djokovic ha? Get some perspective.

Players “say” all kinds of things. doesn’t always mean that they mean all of it.

July 13th, 2016 at 7:22 am

Good grief, he didnt have to face Novak or Roger to win Wimbledon, because NEWSFLASH niether Novak or Roger were good enough to actually make the final, its about beating the player in front of you, hardly Murrays fault niether got there, not to take away from his acomplishment, but you did straight away when you said that, he beat Raonic and did look very sharp and very good, its just plain silly, Murray won Wimbledon and right now thats all that matters, the rest is for the future ….

July 13th, 2016 at 7:25 am

Good greif how silly are these people having the audacity to think Murray might overtake Novak, how silly are these Federer fans to actually get behind their favorite, and believe he could win another GS,i actually thought thats what fans did here, but some people know more than others about what will happen in the future apparantly ? ….

July 13th, 2016 at 7:37 am

Some people got it all wrong. Murray did not avoid Djokovic or Federer. It’s the other way around. Murray did his part and stayed on to play against them but those two “avoided” him by dropping out before the encounter could take place.

July 13th, 2016 at 8:55 am

Travis

I’m very popular – (until people get to know me). So lots of people ask me if I need a hug. I carefully hide my amusement because I know its not me wanting a hug, it’s them.

So, Travis, I’ll cut to the chase and explain my rules:
…..After the hug I leave immediately…no chat, no goodbye.
…..I immediately return home and take a shower.
…..While I’m taking the shower, all my clothing is being washed in the washing machine (which includes a strong disinfectant in the mix).

PS: I’m getting Rotweiler implants in my front teeth next week.

July 13th, 2016 at 9:02 am

Yes indeed Markus ;-)) ….

July 13th, 2016 at 9:12 am

Ah Ronn! You and your promises are wondrous to behold. I so look forward to the news that Murray has again shown “his mediocrity” and wonder if you can also forecast at which GS your predictions will come true: US? Wimb.? Aussie? or French?

PS: I ask so I can put on a strong bet on Fed. or Nole based on your assessment.

July 13th, 2016 at 9:21 am

Ronn Says:
Jeez, so funny to see so many people going bonkers about Murray overtaking Djoko now that he won SW19. Funny how they forget that he didn’t have to play Djoko or Federer to get it. Not to take away his accomplishment, but if any of you think he’s going to get away with winning MAJORS by being able to avoid Djoko and Roger then you’re sadly mistaken. And it cracks me up to hear you guys talking about how sharp and good Andy looks out there but you forget that when you’re playing someone less talented than you it’s always easy to look good. Kinda reminds me of how Federer has looked so great and at time even invincible over the last few years but as soon a he meets Djoko in a MAJORS final then BAM!- he goes out with a whimper. For me, Andy’s situation is similar. He looks great now but when he faces Federer or Djoko (both of whom are obviously better than he is) then the mediocrity and losses will return, I promise you.

July 13th, 2016 at 7:05 am

Ronn,

What an idiotic comment you have made. I will stick to the Federer comment, being a Federer fan.

Um. In case you had not noticed. Federer has done immensely well to get to the Semi Final. Almost, just almost won that SF. It was close. Although Sean referred to it using a pathetic headline, it certainly did not enunciate the sheer courageous effort that man put himself through to even get to the semi finals. So, quite frankly, SCOFF all you bloody like.

And. Newsflash. You play the opponent opposite you on the day. You expect, of course, the big names to win, most, if not all of the time. Check the record Ronn.

There had to come a time when Novak could not sustain the sheer brilliance of his achievements this year. Now Ronn, I know you are jealous. We can’t all reach the higher echelons of brilliance, there, there.

As for Federer. You heard it from him. He isn’t going anywhere for a while. Not just yet Ronn. Not just yet. Hold on now won’t you?

July 13th, 2016 at 9:53 am

Markus Says:
Some people got it all wrong. Murray did not avoid Djokovic or Federer. It’s the other way around. Murray did his part and stayed on to play against them but those two “avoided” him by dropping out before the encounter could take place.

July 13th, 2016 at 8:55 am

Markus,

can we use our words a bit more wisely please, else I will be lead to believe that you didn’t actually watch these very fine matches.

to “drop out”, not so. Oooh Markus, it’s too tame. Too tame. Federer fought to the bitter end. Novak was injured but politely declined to elaborate. I don’t blame him.

Andy didn’t have it easy either. Tsonga was his challenge, but he came through, so fought bloody hard too.

Okay?

July 13th, 2016 at 9:56 am

madmax, can we read with a little bit of comprehension please. Did you see the quotation marks that I put of the word “avoided”? If you did, did you understand why I had to use quotation marks there? Well, obviously you did not.

July 13th, 2016 at 10:26 am

If Roger “shoulda” beat Milos then he “shoulda” not had the chance when Cilic “shoulda” converted on any one of his three match points.

Even Roger said he was lucky to even make it to the semis.

Karma.

July 13th, 2016 at 11:40 am

Lol Kath, Ronn does seem in a teeny weeny bit of a tizz about our Andy, doesn’t he? Fortunately no-one can “rain on our parade.”
I thought Milos beat Fed and then Andy beat Milos? But apparently that is no indication of form whatsoever. Silly me to think otherwise.

July 13th, 2016 at 12:32 pm

Margot: I found myself reading in great awe. I thought it was MacEnroe in disguise then realised it had to associated with Federer’s potential loss of a sponsor next year.

July 13th, 2016 at 1:36 pm

MARGOT AND ELINA

Ladies seriously gloat all you want and enjoy it. My point (WHICH I WILL REPEAT) Is that fed did Incredibly well to beat cilic and almost grasped it in the semis. TO COMPLETE 2 5 setters, best matches of the tournament. Was thrilling.

Because you don’t see it that way you just have to knock it. Not going there. There’s no need to twist things. It’s just unnecessary.

July 13th, 2016 at 2:33 pm

Elina.

Fed was lucky? Right? Please. Do yourself a big favour.Go and read a match analysis for some tennis insight.

Federer v cilic. Genius play.

July 13th, 2016 at 2:40 pm

@Madamax
I am not gloating. I am responding to Ronn’s extremely negative comment. Please don’t take mine out of context.
And Cilic did choke.

July 13th, 2016 at 2:53 pm

BTW to gloat: to show smug or vindictive satisfaction in another’s misfortune.
I think you’ll find neither Elina or I have been doing this. We have merely been stating the obvious.

July 13th, 2016 at 3:03 pm

Margot, as usual, with her level head is quite correct madmax.

As far as Roger being “lucky” goes, don’t blame me for I am but the messenger of Roger’s own words…

“It wasn’t going well for me so I just tried to stay in the match, hope for his level to drop and get a bit LUCKY. That is what happened and the breaker was crazy.”

Perhaps you should pass your advice onto Roger then regarding any lack of his tennis insight then.

I was simply pointing out that whilst you said Roger almost beat Cilic, he actually came much closer to losing in the previous round but that is readily and conveniently dismissed.

July 13th, 2016 at 3:20 pm

sorry, almost beat Raonic…

July 13th, 2016 at 3:21 pm

Last night (1:24AM EST) I added a couple of pics, but then I added a funny Judy Murray GIF that I think triggered my post being hidden from others awaiting moderation.

It was removed from moderation, made visible this afternoon, so if Andy Murray fans in particular wish to go back and look at the 3 links, they will be pleased. If they have not seen them already. I suspect J-Kath and Margot have already seen all 3 on their own.

Sean Randall or anyone else who knows..is the TennisX setup such that pics can be posted with no moderation delay, but posting a Vid and GIF automatically triggers moderation?

July 13th, 2016 at 3:41 pm

I Dont think anyone was taking a pop at Federer, and i certainly wasnt, the other day i said sarcastically, how dare Federer fans have the audacity to get behind their favorite, and actually believe he has a chance to win W, after all isnt that what people do get behind their favorites? ?, which was misinterpreted, furthur more i also said how silly it was when Ronn the same poster claimed Murrays W win seemed less legit because he didnt face Novak or Roger in the final, even though niether player was good enough to get there, honestly the stupidity of some people here knows no bounds ….

July 13th, 2016 at 5:00 pm

Murray beat Tsonga, Berdych, Raonic to win Wimbledon, all 3 are top 10 players, and two are former GS finalists ….

July 13th, 2016 at 5:05 pm

Chrisford 1

Thanks for your good intentions re.pics. Have seen a couple but don’t know if they are those that you identified? Margot as you indicated may also have seen a couple.

July 13th, 2016 at 6:30 pm

Good grief. Murray’s victory is impressive, his season is impressive, and he’s making things interesting in terms of the year end race. That’s good for tennis, and probably good for Djokovic.

Why must every victory be denigrated in some way by fans of whoever didn’t win?

July 13th, 2016 at 6:49 pm

Now en route to bed: An almost non-tennis subject prior to Davis Cup: (1)The sacking of (George Osborne)the UK Chancellor and (2)the appointment of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary.

.UK residents and others views (if anyone interested)?.
PS: Lots of new trade agreements already in discussion.

@ Margot: Serena may get more income from next year’s Wimb. …still think she should be paying UK taxes on amounts earned in the UK. Not only Serena….HRH Mr. Federer and others.

Greetings to Travis…wish I knew how to do an “emotif”…but anyway no hugs on offer..

July 13th, 2016 at 6:57 pm

LUCKY?

Don’t blame me, I am but the messenger…..

Example #1

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/2014/09/03/gael-monfils-roger-federer-us-open/15053171/

Everyone uses the word. Don’t take it out of context of the game. If you know the game, the word”luck” is not like:

I won the Lottery. Lucky.

July 13th, 2016 at 7:23 pm

J-Kath – I didn’t realize Boris Johnson had been picked for foreign secretary. I find that very, very…counterintuitive.

The more I read about Brexit, the more I think no one knows what they’re talking about. Even the Economist said that financial services aren’t covered by trade agreements such as CETA and TPP. That’s just wrong – it’s financial services regulations that aren’t covered. Huge difference.

July 13th, 2016 at 7:27 pm

Murray won and everybody else lost. Get over it, folks….or get therapy.

July 13th, 2016 at 8:29 pm

Lost in the Novak-storm, with the CYGS, has been the fact that Andy has been having an all time great season. At least it was lost to me. Three slam finals in a row, major clay wins, andWimbledon won. Its incredible that could fly under the radar, but its up against possibly the greatest run in history.

Congrats,again, to Andy. He absolutely beat up Milos, and Milos is a legit slam contender. If you don’t buy that, remind me in a year.

The question is, can he use this singular success to turn from the perennial bridesmaid into the bride. Summer and USO I think will really answer that question. I’m not particularly a fan of Andy, but I’d really enjoy a real battle at the top, as we haven’t really had that since 2013.

July 13th, 2016 at 11:21 pm

Congrats on/to Nole’s ESPY award.
There, first to post it. Eat it CON.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:14 am

https://twitter.com/Ringham7/status/752521152526942209

This is the dumb British media hyping up Murray as usual, and putting an unnecessary pressure on him:

“Richard Ingham Evans
Don’t think anyone in Open era has won Rome, Queens & Wimbledon with an RG final wedged in between. Phenomenal effort from @andy_murray”

Note that this guy (R. Evans) is supposedly one of the main English tennis journalist, he covers tennis for Guardian, among other stuff…
And one simple look at his statement uncovers stupidity, bias, lack of tennis knowledge, you name it…

I don’t cover tennis for any newspaper but could think of many equal or better achievements that the one he is hyping Murray about. For example, just last year Djoker won Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Rome and Wimbledon with (to use Richard’s expression) an RG final wedged in between.
However, in his streak Djoker didn’t win Queens (didn’t play it), so perhaps that is what makes Murray’s feat exceptional, so much so that Guardian’s expert exclaims “Don’t think anyone in Open era has done it”…

July 14th, 2016 at 12:23 am

@BBB
Boris’ appointment as FS just shows May has a great sense of humour. Also obviously wants him as far away from her as possible.
@TV
The main person who has suffered from this awful hype is of course Andy. I believe he stopped reading newspapers years ago.
But, who knows what hype is centred round other players in their own countries, Thiem and Zeverev for example.
Same with swearing isn’t it? Pity Andy swears in English, really.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:47 am

cf1, i am pretty sure that if you have more than one link of any sort in your post, it’s automatically put in the moderation queue.

July 14th, 2016 at 1:26 am

Andy can very much go on a successful run, just like Novak did after his son was born. I will bet on Andy to take the number one ranking, never seen him so determined. Can see him have a career like Agassi and win five more slams. With Lendl back, he is mentally more tough to break down and he has been playing the best tennis of his career the last few months, and especially at Wimbledon. Andy is my pick for the USO with the form he is in. Novak,I don’t think will be too bothered with defending the number one ranking. He must be focused on Olympic gold. Also, read Becker telling that Novak had only two days preparation prior to Wimbledon,he payed his price for being complacent. Too much over confidence is also not good.

July 14th, 2016 at 2:04 am

Yeah..congrats to Nole for his 2nd?3rd?ESPY award..not surprising considering his amazing perfomance..well deserved..if Andy can bring his hot and spicy game to USO and win it and defend his crown at Olympics,he maybe has a shot for this award next year..then ALL big four finally has at least one each..isn’t it amazing?LONG LIVE BIG FOUR!!!LET’S HUG EVERYBODY!!!

July 14th, 2016 at 3:09 am

Absolutely huge congrats to Nole on winning the ESPY award, after the year hes having, no other player is more deserving ;-)) ….

July 14th, 2016 at 3:22 am

Anki

Nole had the same amount of preparation/non-preparation the previous year, and he won Wimbledon. Perhaps he was more tired this year.

Margot: I remember the Grigor hype. He was going to be No.1 the very next day.

Unfortunately everybody e.g. umpires know the real nasty English swear words…and maybe they are the best expletives in the world? In French, “Merde” is maybe the worst they’ve got…and it sounds almost “afternoon tea-party/bent pinky” posh, i.e. acceptable.

July 14th, 2016 at 3:29 am

Why cant Andy just be given credit for what he has done, rather than being compared to other players, and pulled to pieces for what he hasnt done ?? ….

July 14th, 2016 at 3:30 am

“Unfortunately everybody e.g. umpires know the real nasty English swear words…and maybe they are the best expletives in the world?”

hehe J-Kath, it is obvious you were never in the Balkans ;)

July 14th, 2016 at 3:40 am

^^ Hungarians are also very creative

July 14th, 2016 at 3:42 am

BBB:

Boris is capable of starting WW3, 4, and 5.

Theresa May, clever as she May be, doesn’t understand Brexit either. How on earth can she dither over the right of foreign nationals to remain in the UK who have been here for donkey years? And is an American a foreign national? or is she only addressing EU foreigners? And what if they are married to a Brit.? (If my husband hadn’t died, she might have sent him back to the States). It is that Unclear.

Is it going to be left as quid pro quo? Thinking of all these people who have sold UK property and bought cheap Spanish villas…if they are sent “home” they’ll be broke (burden on the State) and it will be the UK Gov. fault for using people as bargaining chips.

July 14th, 2016 at 3:47 am

VP

Agreed I don’t….but neither does most umpires. But everybody knows the English favourite which starts with “F” easy to say, slips of the tongue of many nationalities – easily in pressured moments.

July 14th, 2016 at 3:52 am

^^ agree. Using sometimes an “international” language has its disadvantages :)

July 14th, 2016 at 3:56 am

At last some views of Nole relaxing. BB’s critism isn’t really much…it just hyped the article which has two pics. One is really great.

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Boris-Becker-criticizes-Novak-Djokovic-He-did-not-prepare-well-enough-after-Roland-Garros-articolo34444.html

July 14th, 2016 at 4:34 am

@J-Kath Tired?? Shit excuse. Novak payed the price for being complacent in early round matches, Querrey took advantage and didn’t choke. Credit to him. Also congrats for Andy winning Wimbledon, well deserved. It was long overdue. What a run he is having, eh? Impressive Three GS finals in a single year. Playing some of his best Tennis at 29, just wow. US open will probably be the decider on who will seal the number one ranking, expect Andy to do well there.

July 14th, 2016 at 7:12 am

Anki props to you for giving Andy credit for winning the title, rather than giving excuses for Novak not winning the title, tired all players get tired, injured all players get injured, fans being relieved that he lost eh, yeah right pull the other one, no fan is relieved their favorite lost, and no player is relieved they lost either, pure BS, exactly tell it like it is ! ….

July 14th, 2016 at 7:58 am

Willow, what are you, a comedian? Djoko, not good enough to win Wimbledon? Uh huh, SURE he isn’t! Good grief, woman, think before you speak…

July 14th, 2016 at 8:29 am

J-Kay, it’s fine with me if you think somehow Murray is going to catch fore and dominate Djoko from here on out just because Djoko played one bad match. Yes, the end is near, maybe Djoko should retire, lol. My memory is hazy but didn’t Djoko sweep Murray away in straight sets this year at Ao and then thump him at the French after you people were saying how Murray would beat him in the finals? Wow, you people how a short memory…

July 14th, 2016 at 8:34 am

Golly gee, MadMax, pray tell what and who I am jealous of? Especially when my boy has been winning everything for the last 2 years? And as for Federer, tough luck. You can talk ’til you’re blue in the face about how well he did to get to the finals but look closely at who he played to get there. And now him going deep in a tournament is all you Fedatics can look forward to because he’s done winning MAJORS. Yes, he’ll be 35 soon and his level is still so high for a guy his age but when you Fedatics act the why you do and have unrealistic expectations about your hero then you should expect to bear the blunt of the blow when guys like me call you out on it. With the exception of a small few, you Fedatics are a sad, miserable lot…

July 14th, 2016 at 8:40 am

Exactly, Elina. Federer only made the semis by “sneaking” his way into it and also by having a laughably easy road all the way to the quarters. And then all he had to do is get by a Cilic who never has played well on grass and Roanic who also has never played that well on grass and who Federer has owned. Federer got through Cilic because Cilic basically handed the the match to him on a silver platter and his luck ran out when he met Raonic.

July 14th, 2016 at 8:44 am

Margot, you can have your Andy for all I care because I sure don’t want him. He’s a perennial loser who lucked out with an easy draw and scraped his way to only his 3 MAJORS win in what, 12 attempts. Nah, I’ll stick with my boy Djoko as he is greatness and a legend in the making. You can keep your SCOTTISH Murray because without the Scots (and Irish) your “British” athletes are a total joke, 555. Sometimes I’m amazed that English males are even able to procreate without sperm banks, lol…

July 14th, 2016 at 8:48 am

Then expect to lose your money, Anki, ’cause the only way Murray gets to #1 is if Djoko is out of play for months because of an injury…

July 14th, 2016 at 8:54 am

Willow, what is your problem, can you slow down? Thread after thread you are going after Nole fans and you are asking for trouble.
Aren’t they are allowed to have their opinion? You became pretty cocky since you found few allies here, including the one that jumps in everyone’s bed as long as they go against few Nole fans here. When Nole fans return fire you are crying foul and asking for moderation and asking for pity due to your medical problems, but forgetting that you asked for it with your regular snide remarks against few posters that you dislike and it happens that they are exclusively Nole fans, few day ago you even called one Nole fan “CREEPY” using capital letters..as of lately.
I understand you are more relieved that Nole lost than Andy’s win, just enjoy it, no need to go after posters if you can’t handle what might come back at you as result of your snide remarks.

July 14th, 2016 at 8:57 am

Ronn its your comprehension skills that are not very good, nobodies saying Novaks not very good , only an idiot would say that after what hes continuing to do in tennis, what im saying is he wasnt good enough to win Wimbledon this year, obviously because he lost to Querry and didnt make the final, the more you talk, the more ridiculous your posts are actually sounding, you really are making yourself sound really silly, so its you that needs to think before you speak ….

July 14th, 2016 at 8:58 am

Ronn,
I get you don’t like Fed fans. Fair enough. But get your facts straight.
“…Cilic who never has played well on grass…”
Cilic’s best percentage of win/loss is on grass. Arguably his best surface.
“Federer only made the semis by “sneaking” his way into it..”
Fed is the all time Match win leader “in history” on Grass, he must have been “lucky” his entire career, lol.
I think he knows how to navigate a win by earning it, he’s done it 142 times, and I don’t call that “luck” or the use of another “lucky” word………., “sneaky”.

July 14th, 2016 at 9:06 am

Wogboy who said they are not allowed an opinion, i dont know where that came from, i just think its unfair sometimes when a player cant be given credit in their own right, without another player being brought up, ie his achievements are good, but his achievements are better, and many of the snide remarks were directed at me first, so i retaliated back, as for Novak i said i thought he suffered from some bad line calls, but also that Sam deserved the win, and there were some nasty comments made about Novak from Tennis Lover which i defended, and ive always looked for my favorites to succeed not their rivals to fail, and i dont know who these so called allies are that im supposed to have formed ? ….

July 14th, 2016 at 9:13 am

And BTW i did congratulate Novak on his ESPY award in an above post, but i expect that went unnoticed ….

July 14th, 2016 at 9:18 am

Ive been here for years, you must surely know me better than that by now,i dont form allies, but there are posters that i get on really well with, so i shouldnt have to apologize for it ….

July 14th, 2016 at 9:23 am

Lol, Andy won congrats to him and his fans. Novak lost, bad luck, Roger lost after being in pole position, tough luck. Move on. Let us see how the rest of the season pans out. We have a battle for number one after quite some time. Also, looking forward to having an injury free Rafa back.

July 14th, 2016 at 9:30 am

Ohh no Willow, as of lately CF1, TB, VP, Ronn and few others …don’t even address you nor they talk about you, but you can’t wait to make snide remarks after their posts and provoke them… and yes, I thought I knew you better, but obviously I was wrong.

July 14th, 2016 at 9:35 am

Wogboy its not about provacation, its an open forum for goodness sake, when a poster claims that Andys win is not legit simply because he didnt face Novak like Ronn did its just plain silly, or claim Federer fans are deluding themselves because they dare to get behind the guy i mean thats what fans of their favorites do surely otherwise whats the point ?, as for VP we get on OK now but dont interact much, and i avoid getting into discussions with the other two if i can help it, but the taxi driver addressed me first with the quote on giving life lessons , or words to that effect, otherwise i wouldnt have bothered which i largly dont anymore, what is it im supposed to do here, say yes, say no, smile and agree on everything, otherwise whats the point of an open forum ? ….

July 14th, 2016 at 9:46 am

As for ESPY award, that is award for the best tennis player and not for the best sportsman, worthy one (Ronaldo won it), honestly, who else could’ve won the award for the best tennis player, if you ask me pretty meaningless award and I am Nole fan..but we’ll take, comes handy in the future GOAT debate..

July 14th, 2016 at 9:56 am

Geez! These wretched joker fans are still griping about his Wimbledon loss. Get over it, plenty more to come hopefully! 😉

July 14th, 2016 at 10:07 am

Ronn @ 8.34am

Gosh you are now answering questions that were never asked and assuming views which I didn’t give. I asked you who would win what so I could put a bet on it. After all you were absolutely certain of your predictions. So I took you at face value.

Wogboy: Did you see the picture in the article I posted? I thought a number of people would like it, especially Nole fans. I noticed Willow congratulated Nole on the award he got – I didn’t because I have no idea what it is and was too lazy to look up.

July 14th, 2016 at 10:14 am

Good Lord, how did that comment (of WB)appear when it wasn’t there when I was writing. OK. Now I know what the award is for. If it’s yearly, then Nole would have got it last year as well

July 14th, 2016 at 10:19 am

anki, i’d hardly call novak complacent. i’d guess that he was more mentally tired, if anything, after the run he went on throughout 2015 and into the first half of 2016, holding all four slams – never done since laver, etc. that was a huge feat. he was bound to suffer a bit of a letdown at some point; as becker said, he’s only human.

July 14th, 2016 at 10:19 am

Anki + Willow

Rafa is having a struggle to be accepted for the Olympics. It is related to the Davis Cup. He was injured when he was supposed to play it – on more than one occasion – and thus he does not qualify. He is extremely disappointed, as you’d expect. Maybe (or maybe not) they will make an exception. ???

July 14th, 2016 at 10:33 am

JK,

Thanks for the link, nice pictures and Nole is looking very happy and relaxed with his friends. I am sure he’ll play Rogers cup, he can’t go to Olympics without any match since he bombed out of Wimbledon.

July 14th, 2016 at 10:38 am

@Jane Yeah, he was mentally fatigued. Novak has his usual initial round struggles in GS’s, but I have never seen him play this bad in the last few years in grand slams. The way he fell apart in the second set, lol no words. Anyway, just hope it is a small blip and he will be back to his normal self. Also hope everything is fine in his personal life too.
@J Kath Heard Rafa is back in training and is targeting a return in Rio, can’t wait to see him back. Was in good form in clay season before that wrist injury. Miss him so much, he is so unlucky with all these injuries

July 14th, 2016 at 10:59 am

i’ve seen quite a few pictures of rafa practicing for the past week or so; i didn’t realize he was still facing issues re: the olympics. they need to just let him go and not be ridiculous about it. i’d say he’s served his d.c. team enough over the years, and he’s clearly been injured a lot, which would explain missed ties.

July 14th, 2016 at 11:07 am

1. Fed fans have a predicament. For years and years, they said “Only Slam Count Matters”. Wins elsewhere are insignificant, and making Slam semis, quarters, or even being RUP is meaningless, each a failure of Fed to win it all. One Slam trophy in the last 6 years, and Roger adorers forced by their impossibly high standards to not celebrate a great senior statesmen run – only say, “Yeah, but he has 17 Slams and that is all that matters.”
Fed’s career, when it is done, will objectively be seen as having had a glorious twilight, all those fine Masters, YECs, Slams performances where he didn’t get a trophy but came closer than 99% of his ATP peers will be properly celebrated – even by the Slam Counters.

2. Novak needed to take his foot off the gas pedal, enjoy a respite from the tennis grind. But it came with a price. Andy is now back in his rear view mirror, gaining. (A)Andy will motivate him,he knows Andy now has the confidence and momentum. (B) While he thinks Andy is as bona fide a member of the Big 4 as he is, and perhaps would not mind at all if Andy gets some deserved weeks as #1, Djokovic is a player that excels when he is back in the hunt to reassert he is the champ. His pattern since 2011. (C) Roger and Rafa took #1 from Novak, but didn’t hold onto it for long because Djokovic moved mountains to get it back. It will be the same if Andy grabs it.

3. Ana Ivanovic off the market. Happy for her, after so many suitors, she finally gave in to one. And of course Cibulkova, though she didn’t amass a Taylor Swift-esque pile of dumped boyfriends like Ana did. Domi found the right guy 6 years ago and finaly tied the knot. And another Taylor, Taylor Fritz, the US hopeful, wedded at 18 his girlfriend. Rumors of a muffin in the oven.

July 14th, 2016 at 11:56 am

Jane – concur. The tennis PTB backed off and allowed Caroline Wosniacki to be eligible even though she missed the needed amount of Fed Cup play due to injuries. I would be surprised as anything if they screw Rafa. As you said, he has been a Davis Cup stalwart and marvel over the years.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:04 pm

Margot, can you imagine a meeting between TheDonald and Boris?

JKath – it’s really breathtaking, the slapdash way everyone went about such a serious and complex issue. And as you know, I understand both sides, so it’s without prejudice to the actual outcome.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:14 pm

Wogboy i wasnt attacking Novak, i was merely defending Andy and Roger, thats why i retaliated to what Ronn said, they might not have come at me personally, but when they belittle a players achievements i have to say what i feel is deemed unfair, and as i say i did defend Novak just the other day when a poster called him a demon, i will also do it to when its about Rafa, i will also critique when i feel its justified, but lets not go down the road of me not defending Novak, as you know full well i have done numerous times, i didnt get my point across properly earlier as you caught me when i was getting ready to go out ,the other stuff i discussed you are quite right as no placing on a forum, and i will leave whats been said in the past, even though its now others bringing it up ….

July 14th, 2016 at 12:29 pm

Skeezer, I’m not talking about Fed’s OVERALL accomplishments at Wimbledon, I’m talking about THIS YEAR. Everyone was writing him off after he failed to even make the finals in the 2 warm-up tournaments leading to SW19, so yes, in my opinion he did sort of sneak his way deep at Wimbledon.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:37 pm

Ronn,
Noted. And anytime a player sneaks their way deep into a tournament, good on them.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:43 pm

Anki & Jane

It was today I read the article. Glad it is already dated and Rafa has been cleared for entry.

BBB:
I don’t know if you see BBC News…you’d have killed yourself laughing when the news of Boris’s appointment hit the EU…their expressions! Also the would-be Labour Leader Angela Eagle was in the middle of a speech and was speaking scornfully about Boris – her reaction when the news came through!!!!!…you couldn’t duplicate it.

As you say it is a serious and complex issue.
As for me? I voted OUT but I am also an SNP so my future political views are rather complex to say the least.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Willow, that’s right, I DID say that Murray had an easy draw at Wimbledon because he DID! I’m so sick of all this hype surrounding Murray just because he won Wimbledon without having to play my boy Djoko or Fed. Ok, I acknowledge he won, ok, but he really hasn’t proven much if you think about it. And I’m sick of hearing people saying how he’ll overtake my boy when he hasn’t even come close to beating Djoko this year at the MAJORS. And until he does beat my boy I won’t fall for this hype. So go ahead and enjoy your fun now bur Murray will get his reality check very soon!

P.S. And the British press needs to back off. All this over-hyping Andy isn’t going to help Andy. Enuff of this nonsense.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Chrisford 1

Ah yes, the young Mr. Taylor Fritz. He proposed during the FO with the Eiffel Tour in the background. Married at 18…and if a baby is already on the way, he could be a grandfather by the time he is 35/36 years old. Awesome.

July 14th, 2016 at 12:58 pm

Ronn never mind ….

July 14th, 2016 at 1:05 pm

Whats with the my boy, your boy they are tennis players, not your personal property ? ….

July 14th, 2016 at 1:07 pm

So Andy is a “perennial loser.” Jeez Louise, have heard everything now. No 2 on ATP list. Top 4 for goodness knows how long, most points this year, 3 slams etc etc.
What very,very harsh standards you have angry Ronn.

July 14th, 2016 at 1:10 pm

@BBB
Have you ever seen Boris and The Trumpington in the same room?….;)

July 14th, 2016 at 1:11 pm

Roger knows what lucky means…

“Definitely felt like I got lucky to some extent today. Always when you’re saving match points, I don’t know, when you’re down two sets to love, 3‑All, Love‑40, it’s a moment when it’s not in your control anymore.”

It means that Federer needed more luck against Cilic than Raonic did against Fed. Point being, everyone goes on about how Fed should have won that match whilst dismissing that, even according to Roger, he was lucky to have even been in the semis lol.

(Tennis) “luck” is a two way street my friend.

Just ask Roger.

July 14th, 2016 at 1:14 pm

“It means that Federer needed more luck against Cilic than Raonic did against Fed. ”
No it DOESN”T.

Ouote from Fed:

“….it’s a moment when it’s not in your control anymore.”

This is right. He wasn’t lucky, the other guy has to hit the ball also and he couldn’t place it where he wanted. It’s called execution.

Luck is for the Lottery. Fed wasn’t in the Lottery, he was in a tennis match.

If you believe ( I highly doubt it ) that every word or sentence that comes out of RF mouth is pure gold then you must be Queen of the Fed fanatics. We can do the same on other players if you want. Want to start with Monfils?

July 14th, 2016 at 1:43 pm

Ouch Skeezer: Lay off Monfils. Alas, he ought to be but isn’t relevant to the conversation.

July 14th, 2016 at 2:00 pm

margot

:)

July 14th, 2016 at 2:04 pm

Margot – you read my mind….

July 14th, 2016 at 2:13 pm

@M…not sure whether you’re already see this pic but i find he’s so’beautiful’..can’t help but share it with you..http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/2008-02-17-2171940154_x.htm

July 14th, 2016 at 2:35 pm

Ronn – Andy has been to 11 Slam Finals. 10 against Novak or Fed, most in the prime of at least 1 of those two.
The other stars, particularly “your boy” say Andy is legit as a Big 4 member. You calling Djokovic a liar or blind to Andy’s level of play since they 1st had a match almost 20 years ago (Age 11, and Andy won).
He won 2 and lost 8 Slam Finals against Novak and Fed. But both are slightly better players than Andy. Still, both have some goodly losses to Andy. The H2Hs are not hugely lopsided. With his Masters wins, Oly gold, spearheading a UK Davis Cup win and his great consistency, Andy will be in the best 15 players all-time in the Open era, possibly Top 10 depending on how the next 3 years go. (Andy gets a YEC, has time as #1, and a career Slam?? He’s Top 10 on my list in that case.

ANDY MURRAY – NOT A PERENNIAL LOSER. A GREAT OF THE SPORT OF TENNIS.

(We can root for Nole, you and me, and criticize his rivals. But we should strive to be respectful and accurate on what we say and have honest opinions, not button pushing for reactions. Reason being that many of the people at TennisX, particularly Andy and Rafa fans, like and respect Novak. Even some Fed fans are finally giving Djokovic respect and some liking for what a wonderful champion he has become.)

July 14th, 2016 at 2:35 pm

J-Kath

:)

Any one of those three MPs could have been aces or return winners. I believe Roger when he said he got lucky.

So one shouldn’t assume he was unlucky to lose to Raonic without first considering the higher luck he needed to beat Cilic to begin with.

But that wouldn’t allow for the classic cherry picking.

July 14th, 2016 at 2:38 pm

J-Kath – you are hysterical… I have a very big smile on my face right now. I don’t post that often, but love to read everyone’s comments and think the relationships some of you have are great…. after all, we obviously all LOVE tennis, or why else would we be on here? I am a forever Federer fan, but, like you, appreciate the talent of others. Crushed me when Roger went out to Milos. I had to remind myself I am a fan, not family!! For the rest of you… quite the thread here… If I wasn’t at work I would join in. as it is only 11:40 a.m. here (I am in California) I must sadly get back to my job……and to Margo… I, who talk “Americanese” perfectly understood the article and what you are saying :)… Are we Americans a minority on here? I only have another 100 or so comments to get through!

July 14th, 2016 at 2:42 pm

@CF1..really really really great post..respect so much your fair and unbiased comment..i salute you..

July 14th, 2016 at 2:46 pm

I just read this: “Margot: I found myself reading in great awe. I thought it was MacEnroe in disguise then realised it had to associated with Federer’s potential loss of a sponsor next year.”

What sponsor might Federer loose? I find that hard to believe a sponsor would drop him

July 14th, 2016 at 2:51 pm

J-Kath,

He is relevant to the conversation of players talking about luck(see my earlier link). Plus, I know it’s elina’s most favorite player and she would appreciate the mention of her beloved man.
;)

July 14th, 2016 at 2:59 pm

Ah, so you are human Skeezer. Respect for Elina. Good man, good man.

Maybe I can use you for a remark made about Boris Johnson. “He is the type of person – they are saying – would “make his horse a Senator similar to the mad Roman Emperor Caliqula”.

I say Why not? Better than some of what looks like will happen here in the ununited UK.”Yes, Ma’am, Certainly Ma’am”.

July 14th, 2016 at 3:24 pm

not only did she appoint boris to office, but now theresa may has done this! ugh…

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-department-killed-off-by-theresa-may-in-plain-stupid-and-deeply-worrying-move-a7137166.html

July 14th, 2016 at 3:32 pm

Cilic never had MP on his serve, 2 were on Fed’s serving 4-5 and 5-6 and another in tiebreak under Federer serve.

In a way I agree, he was a bit lucky, playing down MP always is, one point is not torally on your control, anything can happen. But go tell that to Djoko fanatics about that return in USO 2011. MP down on your opponent first serve, which happens to be one of top 5 best overall serves ever! Love that you bring this “lucky” thing up now elina. Lol

July 14th, 2016 at 3:52 pm

Hello there, Pamela.
Many Welcomes

There are Americans on these threads – there’s Okiegal from Oklahoma – U can trust her with your life (+ at least one Canadian star – and I don’t mean Milos). However, don’t know where everyone is from – but certainly not enuf, making you an important newbie.

In my case, my husband was from the USA but had a car accident in Dec. 2015 and died from it Jan. 2016.

Firstly, if I could I would send you the article re. the Fed. losing a sponsor. However, it is no longer easily accessible. Basically, it is because the contract has run its time and one assumes that Roger and the Sponsor are unclear how much longer he will want to play.

I’m glad I’ve helped to give you a few big smiles…oh gosh I love to see big grins and huge laughs…my Mum and my hubbie had huge noisy laughs and that’s what I miss.

Seeyah.
Cheers Kath
PS: As you’ll have read I don’t do the Hugs!

July 14th, 2016 at 3:58 pm

Andy Mira: He looks adorable and so young in that pic you posted and that wild, wild hair too :)
CF1: Cheers. :)
jane: Just had a friend round and we didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at what’s happening. May has taken a scythe to Cameron’s crew and sent Boris, whom she is reputed to loathe, as far away as possible. He’s gonna have a terrible time, hopefully, grovelling his way round the world.

July 14th, 2016 at 3:58 pm

http://indy100.independent.co.uk/article/update-a-map-of-all-the-countries-boris-johnson-has-offended–W1zaTLC63rW?utm_source=indy&utm_medium=top5&utm_campaign=i100

Just for you BBB. Enjoy. ;)

July 14th, 2016 at 4:46 pm

I love it Margot! Should be interesting….

July 14th, 2016 at 6:57 pm

@M 3:58pm..very true!So young and innocent and i bet his tongue even didn’t recognize the word ‘F’ yet!!But you know M,i love that pic so much..i even uploaded to my FB timeline,so i could look at him when i converse with okie..btw..did you see the pic of the big 4 when they’re still kids that i posted the link the other day?They’re all cute right?

July 14th, 2016 at 7:50 pm

@Pamela…..Welcome aboard my fellow American!! As JK stated I am from Oklahoma…..not that you wouldn’t have figured that one out……..Right?? Skeezer lives in California. I have been rather quiet lately, Rafa being out of commission and all. But I do appreciate all of the players and their amazing careers…..Rafa just happens to be my personal fav…..AndiMira is a Facebook friend and we chat privately regarding Rafa……with that form of social media we don’t bore everyone on TX about “our” guy! Lol 💜 Rafa 🎾 and that ain’t no 🐂! 🆗ie….but I’m not from Muskogee, Ada, Oklahoma is where I hail from. Go OU SOONERS and VAMOS Rafa! (I will waddle on back to FB and talk about Rafa there) 😀😀😀

July 14th, 2016 at 10:13 pm

Oh me, oh my, Andy Mira, what exceptionally good taste you have….;)
Have seen that pic of all those little cuties b4 :)
But Pamela….never mind about vocabulary, of course the real question is…..do you “get” irony?…..;)

July 15th, 2016 at 1:07 am

@M..1:07am..of cozzzz!!didn’t i tell you that i learned from the ‘GODDESS’ herself!

July 15th, 2016 at 3:02 am

And they call Andy dour!

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Andy-Murray-wins-another-trophy-that-has-no-relation-to-tennis–articolo34462.html

July 15th, 2016 at 3:47 am

Willow, I guess “my boy” is more or less a Yankee expression being that you don’t seem to understand how it is used. But since you’re “across the pond” I’m not really surprised. So tell me, have you ever been to Scotland? Will they ever seek independence from England? I hope so…

July 15th, 2016 at 7:06 am

Margot, I play fire with fire. You guys have been undermining my boy Djoko since his rare upset loss and you’ve been hyping up the Scot as much as you possibly can, so you deserve what you get. You talk as if the Scot is taking the tennis world by storm just because he won Wimbledon. Nothing the Scot has done in his career even comes close to what the “Big 3” have done on the court. You guys are going to be in for a real letdown when reality hits home and Djoko comes back strong for the remainder of the year and Murray fades as he always does during the 2nd half of the year. I hope you prepare yourselves for it…

July 15th, 2016 at 7:12 am

Fair enough, ChrisFord, but I take exception to this…

“He won 2 and lost 8 Slam Finals against Novak and Fed. But both are slightly better players than Andy.”

Slightly better. Only slightly better? Are you serious?

July 15th, 2016 at 7:17 am

@Ronn,i am a rafa fan but i like and respect novak so very much,he’s so amazing..there’s no word to describe how awesome he is and he is in a class of his own..and to win 4 in a row is just added to his greatness and you don’t have to worry, nobody can take that away from him but Andy has just won wimbledon,and he’s not win any majors for 3 years..why don’t you give his loyal fans a break..let them celebrate any way they want..you know it’s not easy to win a major when novak’s around,so when andy won..at wimbledon of all places..his beloved fans have a right to feel ecstatic,who wouldn’t?

July 15th, 2016 at 8:56 am

I could see Ronn being real good as a Nacho Libre.

July 15th, 2016 at 9:03 am

I love tomatoes but not rotten ones….

July 15th, 2016 at 9:29 am

tomatoes and avocado = nectar of the Gods.

July 15th, 2016 at 9:34 am

Ronn

Willow is English
Margot is Welsh
I’m Scottish
Don’t think we have a N.I. here, unless you are?

July 15th, 2016 at 9:38 am

I have a lot of respect for people who spell Ronn with 2 n’s. Why make life easy when it can be hard?

July 15th, 2016 at 9:47 am

I’m gone from the site for a few days and I return to discover that AndyMira has virtually hugged every other poster except for me!

July 15th, 2016 at 9:55 am

@RZ….HA HA HA HA HA HA!!very funny!!!Didn’t you feel my arms hug you very tightly RZ?But to make you smile..here’s one for you now…Catch!!!

July 15th, 2016 at 10:31 am

Ronn:
When have I “undermined” Nole? Kath and Rz haven’t either. Not our style.
And, if you think you can provoke me into being unpleasant about him, think again.
BTW Have you considered anger management?

July 15th, 2016 at 10:51 am

Come on , Ronn, give Margot, J-Kath and other Andy fans a break. They are really nice. They were just happy, that theyr boy won Wimledon. Like you, I am a Nole supporter and I never had the feeling, that Andy supporters undermine our boy ;)

July 15th, 2016 at 11:22 am

J-Kath,

I guess Ronn is American. He mentioned something about Yankee.

Ronn,

Please correct me, if I am wrong :)

July 15th, 2016 at 11:29 am

VP

See Ronn 7.06am: I understood what he was saying to Willow indicated he thought she was “over the pond”. Then he goes on to question whether she’d ever been to Scotland…..?

July 15th, 2016 at 11:43 am

VP:

He’s actually stopped addressing me. Because what he accused me of I didn’t actually say etc. I just wonder why he bad-mouths Andy so much……

July 15th, 2016 at 11:47 am

Ah, ok J-Kath, well I have learnt a new expession, “over the pond” :) Would be great, if Ronn was Irish. We would have a complete UK here.

July 15th, 2016 at 11:49 am

J-Kath,

For your post from 11:47. I do not know…perhaps he misunderstood something. Have no idea…he should tell you what and why.

July 15th, 2016 at 11:53 am

Correction for my post from 11:49: Northern Irish, Southern Irland is not in the UK :D. Apologize

July 15th, 2016 at 12:16 pm

VP: In the fullness of time, perhaps. Not bothered. Just curious.

July 15th, 2016 at 12:19 pm

I know, J-Kath, I am sure you would survive without knowing the reason :)

July 15th, 2016 at 12:21 pm

Actually, Van, I’m a Fowler and Scots-Irish but I was born “over the pond” and now I live over a bigger pond called the ‘Pacific Pond’ so I’ve been around, lol. But I will say this: Tell those Celtic lasses to lay off Djoko and I’ll lay off Murray. Deal?

July 15th, 2016 at 12:28 pm

https://twitter.com/stu_fraser/status/753980089071726592
Rafa fans. Rafa has won his appeal to the ITF to play in OG.
👍👍👍👍👍

July 15th, 2016 at 12:45 pm

Hi Ronn

But do remember I didn’t say what you accused me off. And being an honest Scot (or half of you) my mates were defending Andy rather than deprecating Nole.

Lang may yer lum reek.

July 15th, 2016 at 1:15 pm

Got it AndyMira – thanks! :-)

July 15th, 2016 at 1:23 pm

You’re most welcome RZ!Btw..did you have a good laugh so far?I remembered that you promised to laugh so hard if Andy win something..

July 15th, 2016 at 1:36 pm

And RZ,u’re also promised to book a table for me and margot and a bottle of a good,fine champagne to complete it..i didn’t see it anywhere??

July 15th, 2016 at 1:39 pm

@Kath
Not bothering any more. There’s none so deaf as those who wont hear.
@AM
Yum, yum, champers….top hole ;)

July 15th, 2016 at 2:01 pm

Ronn,

Very pleased to meet you.:)
When it was he case, I’ve done my part ruthlessly (with the ones, that deserved it). This is not the case.

July 15th, 2016 at 2:07 pm

VP: Well we now have the 4 nations of the UK!
And maybe Ronn will be back and enjoy the give-and-take of these threads.

See yah.

July 15th, 2016 at 2:08 pm

Yes, J-K, now we have all 4, as you thought in the first place.

July 15th, 2016 at 2:30 pm

VP

Kudos to you.

July 15th, 2016 at 3:24 pm

@AndyMira – I’ve been laughing at this entire thread. There’s some good comedy here. I can laugh even harder at some of the comments now that Murray has slam #3.

As for our celebration, I have the seats set up and the champagne glasses filled, but am still waiting on you and Margot!

July 15th, 2016 at 3:53 pm

@RZ…YOU ROCK!!!!!But,don’t laugh too much okay?Save it for later coz i think Andy still not done with only #3,#4 is on the way man!If not this year,next year..you’ll see!

As for our celebration,i think you have to change a little bit..i want to include YOU, JK,VP,WB,Okie,CF1,CDP,TheDA,HONFLEUREISE,MARKUS,WILLOW..

@M..sorry..it’s not that i don’t want a romantic dinner with you alone but i think they’re also deserve it as well for their support for Andy..

July 15th, 2016 at 7:46 pm

^Oh sorry forget several important names such as Danica,Jane,TB,Courbon,Mat4..

July 15th, 2016 at 7:59 pm

AM, you’re a darling ;)

July 15th, 2016 at 8:30 pm

@Dani..and you’re a SAINT!How can i compete with that?No matter Dani..LET’S HUG!!!

July 15th, 2016 at 11:00 pm

^Oh..forgot to say again..and you’re DESERVED that title Dani..err..can i add you as a friend on my FB Dani?

July 15th, 2016 at 11:04 pm

Thanks, J-Kath

July 16th, 2016 at 1:36 am

Jeepers, from last night we’ve gone from a quiet little dinner a trois, to a very loud, rocking knees up! As long as there’s champagne I’m in!

July 16th, 2016 at 1:51 am

Ronn

Okey-doke. U R Welcome.

July 16th, 2016 at 4:02 am

Margot, RZ et al

Mock the Week – tonight (Sunday) Andy and Kim in audience:

Too much to write but a couple:
They had Andy in the Bath Picture up
Does Andy’s “p…” fit into the trophy?
Are you in the bath to get dry-freeze so you can come back and beat Nole when he’s past it!!!!!!!!!!
The “C” on Lendl’s cap means “Charisma”
Does Lendl bring his dental floss to the Court

They did a lot of charactertures (sp.?) of Andy complaining at his Box.
They did a sour-grapes from Henman and Rusedki.

Sorri I’m doing such a bad job of explaining this. The whole time Andy and Kim were in stitches.

Ah well, I tried.

July 17th, 2016 at 7:08 pm