Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Indian Wells Masters

Be a shame if Djokovic doesn’t even try to hold on to #1, finish the year as #1, go for an ATP Championship.

It would mean more opportunities to distinguish himself will be squandered.

In Federer news – Good financial article on the billion + dollar man, Roger Federer. Prize money is a very small part of the take-in. Roger’s made more money than Rafa, Novak, Andy.
https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/sports/leaving-nike-roger-federer-600-million-richer

September 30th, 2021 at 8:25 pm

Noticed that Osaka also withdrew from Indian Wells. Wonder if we’ll ever see her in a tournament again?

October 1st, 2021 at 4:24 pm

Not sure where to post this, but it’s interesting when T’Xrs complain about players smashing racquets and Novak doing this in the USOpen. This is Ibramovich’s take on this.

After celebrating his 40th birthday last weekend, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailed Novak Djokovic and labelled the Serb as ‘the perfect athlete’ for his passionate outbursts on court – actions that tennis legend Rafael Nadal disagrees with.

AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has praised Novak Djokovic for his passionate outbursts – the very same acts that tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have condemned. Ibrahimovic turned 40 last weekend and hosted a star-studded party to celebrate.

The Swedish striker, who has no plans to retire as he eyes a fourth Serie A crown with Milan in second place, had a number of impressive guests, including Paul Pogba, Antonio Cassano and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Ibrahimovic is close friends with tennis superstar Djokovic, and spoke fondly of the Serb’s passion, likening the 20-time Grand Slam champion to himself.

“First of all, Novak thinks in the Balkan way,” said the Swede.

“When you explode, everything goes well. When you are angry, you give your all, you become more concentrated and attentive.”

The striker insisted Djokovic is driven by defiance and anger, and such feelings give him extra energy on the court – even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Ibrahimovic added: “When Nole starts to get angry, he gives his maximum. It’s the same with me.

“He is a perfect athlete. With experience and age, a person grows mentally.

“Nope – he is like me.”

I remember the rare time that Roger Federer smashed his racquet, Indian Wells, there was a whole backlash against him, (mostly from Wogboy), Novak does this frequently and I understand his frustration, but let’s begin a discussion on this.

Sean, start a thread about smashing racquets and get a conversation going. It’s a bit boring during the hiatus.

October 6th, 2021 at 5:19 am

It’s a good subject and Ibrahimovic seems to understand the sort of competitor “type” Djokovic is very well. His emotional passion is his nature. The uncommon type though, where anger makes them better, vs. weakening their play.
And it is the nature of a phlegmatic Swiss German/Brit stiff upper lip couple to raise a Federer with the same traits. One not inclined to rages and racket pulverizing.

The next #1, which is looking like it will be Daniil Medvedev, will be a racket smasher, pretty sure. He hasn’t left N America since arriving in late July for Roger’s Cup. Medvedev is a young man on a mission. Who replaces the Big 4 and the near 20 year lock they have had on #1?
Him.
And does it when he will likely win by having a better year than even Djokovic, who had another Legendary year. He played more than Novak, looks like he has stronger desire and better ability than Djokovic does at present. Wants to finish year end #1 more than Djokovic does. If Daniil does it, gets the ATP title as well for that matter, man HE EARNED IT!!

Besides tennis, he and his wife had some good vacation time in the USA, and his wife was “off enjoying Los Angeles with friends” while he prepped at UCLA for Indian Wells. He thought it funny Americans over the last month have wanted to pay his group’s restaurant bills.

October 9th, 2021 at 6:08 pm