Australian Open 2021

21-02-2021 12:01pm

gracious speech by Medved

would like to see him to go on to get his mental game in order

21-02-2021 12:05pm

Aussie tennis heads very grudgingly accepting Djokovic's thanks

hamburgham · 21-02-2021 12:05pm

Notably Djoc didn’t thank the fans in his speech after their carry on.

dominatinMC · 21-02-2021 12:07pm

glasso wrote: »

which means the fed-tards will even be more bitter when Djokovic cruises past 20

Don't know why you're quoting me there, I'm no fed-tard, or even a fed-fan. And you can look through my posting history if you need evidence. I just doing see the point in indulging in hypotheticals.

yerwanthere123 · 21-02-2021 12:09pm

Overall I think it was a good enough tournament, even if both finals were duds. Osaka-Muguruza match of the tournament for me. Good to have tennis back!

21-02-2021 12:12pm

dominatinMC wrote: »

Don't know why you're quoting me there, I'm no fed-tard, or even a fed-fan. And you can look through my posting history if you need evidence. I just doing see the point in indulging in hypotheticals.

it's not a personal attack on you - it's a general comment.

it's well-known that Fed fans can't stand Djokovic and want him to fail in all grand-slams and go on about injuries etc (even though Fed is no mean man for a toilet break or assistant himself) because Djokovic has taken so many slams off him

fair enough on hypotheticals but we all know that he had the US Open (dire final between Thiem and Zverev which was like the greatest loser final - worst ever 5 set final) and Wimbledon who was going to challenge him?

lostcat · 21-02-2021 12:16pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

Overall I think it was a good enough tournament, even if both finals were duds. Osaka-Muguruza match of the tournament for me. Good to have tennis back!

it was ok, nice to see (if not hear) a few fans back.

Didnt see much of the ladies side, but on the mens side there were too many injuries and inexplicable dips in form from one match to the next for it to have been great, the final not exactly being a classic didnt help either. With the best will in the world, it was clear that players didn't have enough of a ramp up to get into slam condition.
still, upwards and onwards for the year hopefully.

lostcat · 21-02-2021 12:20pm

So. Djokovic gets to 18, cements his hold on the most weeks at No1, and no one has now won more slams at a tournament except Nadal (Djokovic was tied at 8 with Federers 8 Wimbledons).

Djokovic has held off the barbarians, over to Nadal now to do the same at the French. And we will see Federer back in action in the meantime as he tees up a tilt at Wimbledon.

things to look forward to..

Augme · 21-02-2021 1:20pm

It will be a fascinating slam race winner. You'd have to think Nadal is likely to win two more French opens to put him on 22. Leaving novak needing at least 5. Huge pressure on him to win wimbledon and the US this year to keep pace. It's set up nicely for the next few years with this battle going on while watching the young pretenders trying to break through.

Augme · 21-02-2021 1:21pm

Also match of the tournament for me was Nadal and Tsitsipas. Those last 3 sets were of a really high quality.

Girly Gal · 21-02-2021 1:22pm

Still looks like the younger lads haven't closed the gap, will we ever actually see any of them win a slam where they beat either Djokovic or Nadal, I think they'd even struggle to beat Federer in a slam final at this stage! Another generation failing against the big 3 in slams.
Looks like we'll have to wait until Djokovic and Nadal either get injured, totally lose form or get disqualified before we see a new slam winner.

dominatinMC · 21-02-2021 1:22pm

Augme wrote: »

It will be a fascinating slam race winner. You'd have to think Nadal is likely to win two more French opens to put him on 22. Leaving novak needing at least 5. Huge pressure on him to win wimbledon and the US this year to keep pace. It's set up nicely for the next few years with this battle going on while watching the young pretenders trying to break through.

Given how Nadal absolutely decimated Djokovic at last years FO, he really is a lock for this years. Only thing that can prevent him from #21 is an injury imo. I think Wimbledon and USO will be more open however...maybe that's just wishful thinking :pac:

21-02-2021 1:49pm

Few Djokovic points that I saw ->

Came along in the toughest ever era of men’s tennis

Won 18GS from 28GS finals

Out of those 28 finals, 23 have been against either Federer, Nadal, Murray or Wawrinka.

Most weeks at world number 1

Every masters series title won twice

Winning head-to-head records against every one of his main rivals

MisterAnarchy · 21-02-2021 3:40pm

glasso wrote: »

Few Djokovic points that I saw ->

Came along in the toughest ever era of men’s tennis

Won 18GS from 28GS finals

Out of those 28 finals, 23 have been against either Federer, Nadal, Murray or Wawrinka.

Most weeks at world number 1

Every masters series title won twice

Winning head-to-head records against every one of his main rivals

You could argue that he came along after the courts had been slowed down dramatically, surfaces had been homogenised and cheatalon was common place in the game.

People play the same game on clay, hard, grass, indoors, under the roof, whatever the conditions are.

It also used to be the case that making the French Open and Wimbledon finals in the same year was a mammoth achievement. For a very long time, the only person to win both in the same year in the Open year was Borg, playing completely from the back of the court at the French and serve-volleying every first serve at Wimbledon.

This situation is fine now while there are three truly great players at the top of the game, but in a few years time it is not going to be so appealing.
It is quite clear that there are no outstanding players in the next generation, aged around 22-26, who you would expect to be coming through and challenging the top players by now.

You could even suggest that the current top players are not actually that great, they have just been around at a time when their games are suited to the prevailing conditions and where there is such a small difference between playing on the surfaces due to conditions and racquet technology.

That would be a harsh opinion, Djokovic is a great player, who is a mental giant but I also dont think its fair to compare Grand Slam title counts across eras because of the obvious technological changes.
Tennis and Golf are probably the 2 games that have changed technology wise over the eras but a great in one era would also be a great in another era.

josip · 21-02-2021 3:52pm

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

... I also dont think its fair to compare Grand Slam title counts across eras because of the obvious technological changes.
...

Perhaps total weeks at #1 would be a better metric ?

I love the atmosphere on a Sunday after the AO Open, a warm glow of happiness pervades the house and all seems right with the world once again.

(Until the FO swings around)

lostcat · 21-02-2021 4:09pm

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

You could argue that he came along after the courts had been slowed down dramatically, surfaces had been homogenised and cheatalon was common place in the game.

It also used to be the case that making the French Open and Wimbledon finals in the same year was a mammoth achievement. For a very long time, the only person to win both in the same year in the Open year was Borg, playing completely from the back of the court at the French and serve-volleying every first serve at Wimbledon....That would be a harsh opinion, Djokovic is a great player, who is a mental giant but I also dont think its fair to compare Grand Slam title counts across eras...

agree with a lot of this, however in terms of speed, the courts in this tournament were playing very fast compared to the same tournament 10 years ago, paradoxically this actually helped Djopkvic this year as he was serving so well.

I think the winning the FO and Wimbledon in the same year is a good point and its why Borg should never be out of any conversation of who was 'the greatest'

re generations, I don't even think its totally fair to compare Federer to Nadal/Djokovic, sure, they are playing at the same time but Federer is in reality 1/2 a generation older. its all the harder to compare players whos careers don't even overlap.

Girly Gal · 21-02-2021 4:29pm

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

You could argue that he came along after the courts had been slowed down dramatically, surfaces had been homogenised and cheatalon was common place in the game.

People play the same game on clay, hard, grass, indoors, under the roof, whatever the conditions are.

It also used to be the case that making the French Open and Wimbledon finals in the same year was a mammoth achievement. For a very long time, the only person to win both in the same year in the Open year was Borg, playing completely from the back of the court at the French and serve-volleying every first serve at Wimbledon.

This situation is fine now while there are three truly great players at the top of the game, but in a few years time it is not going to be so appealing.
It is quite clear that there are no outstanding players in the next generation, aged around 22-26, who you would expect to be coming through and challenging the top players by now.

You could even suggest that the current top players are not actually that great, they have just been around at a time when their games are suited to the prevailing conditions and where there is such a small difference between playing on the surfaces due to conditions and racquet technology.

That would be a harsh opinion, Djokovic is a great player, who is a mental giant but I also dont think its fair to compare Grand Slam title counts across eras because of the obvious technological changes.
Tennis and Golf are probably the 2 games that have changed technology wise over the eras but a great in one era would also be a great in another era.

The point of the slam surfaces being homogenized to the point where players now play more or less the same game on all surfaces is very relevant, (only the FO is significantly different), the players of the current era do have that advantage over previous eras where each slam surface was significantly different, so different players came to the fore at different slams, that doesn't really happen anymore.
Also I'd agree that there really are no great players in the 22- 30 age bracket to really challenge Djokovic and Nadal, they seem to be waiting for those two to retire instead of trying to up their games to a level where they can challenge at slam level. Djokovic had broken Medvedev's resistance early in the second set today, that's too early for a top player to throw in the towel regardless of how the match is going, dig in and try to turn it around, make Djokovic earn it instead of just giving up without a real fight.

There's no doubt that Djokovic, Nadal and Federer are the 3 greatest players of all time and would be successful in any era, the game will be all the poorer when they do eventually go. Federer is probably the most talented of the 3, Nadal is mentally and physically tougher and just never gives in, but, it's Djokovic who I think will ultimately come out on top, he has a of mixture of Federer and Nadal; second only to Federer talent wise, but, mentally and physically much tougher only Nadal at his best can match him, but, he's a better all round player than Nadal.

I would like to see the younger guys win slams before all the big 3 retire, as the big 3 did in the beginning of their careers, it's important for the next generation to dethrone the previous generation.

MisterAnarchy · 21-02-2021 4:59pm

I always wonder how Agassi would do on the modern courts and string technology.
He is arguably the best returner of all time, he used to take the ball early, often inside the baseline and hit it very flat.
The first player to win all 4 Grand Slam titles on different surfaces and did it back when the courts played very differently.

An interesting excerpt from his autobiography.

Andre Agassi vividly detailed his 2002 embrace of polyester string towards the end of his career in Open, his must-read memoir:
People talk about the game changing, about players growing more powerful, and rackets getting bigger, but the most dramatic change in recent years is the strings. The advent of a new elastic polyester string, which creates vicious topspin, has turned average players into greats, and greats into legends. [Coach Darren Cahill] puts the string on one of my rackets… In a practice session I don't miss a ball for two hours. Then I don't miss a ball for the rest of the tournament. I've never won the Italian Open before, but I win it now, because of Darren and his miracle string.

yerwanthere123 · 21-02-2021 5:00pm

https://twitter.com/TroIISports/status/1363440167915122693

21-02-2021 5:53pm

Luxilon has been around since 1991 - if it was so great for Agassi he really should have been using it earlier

https://www.luxilon.com/en-us/explore/about

Djokovic uses natural gut on the main strings

Luxilon on the cross strings

Players like Nadal have benefitted from this sort of tech much more than Djokovic. Federer uses the same set-up as Djokovic on strings.

All players have access to the same tech so can't go moaning about it

walshb · 21-02-2021 9:29pm

What a damp squib...

Nole is not at or near his peak, but still these other younger players can’t break through..

I think Nole should be favorite in Paris.

Nadal second favorite..

I still think Nadal done now at 20!!!!

dominatinMC · 21-02-2021 10:20pm

walshb wrote: »

What a damp squib...

Nole is not at or near his peak, but still these other younger players can’t break through..

I think Nole should be favorite in Paris.

Nadal second favorite..

I still think Nadal done now at 20!!!!

One of the more ridiculous takes I've seen on Boards recently and that's saying something! We saw what happened at last years FO when an undercooked Nadal utterly destroyed Djokovic. Put aside the recency bias, Novak ain't winning the French again. Injury, followed by Thiem is a bigger threat to Nadal at that now.

Slashermcguirk · 21-02-2021 10:23pm

Djokovic hands down the greatest of all time for me. In full flow he is unstoppable, reasons for me he is the greatest:

Most weeks all time as world number one after next week
Only player in open era to win 4 slams in a row
Winning record against all his top rivals including Federer and Nadal
Only player to win golden masters (all masters series and he has done it twice)
3 Wimbledon final wins out of 3 against Federer (Feds favourite surface)
1 of only two players to beat Nadal at the French open
Most wins of any player vs Nadal on clay
Longest win streak of this generation (42 consecutive matches)
Most year end number ones (tied with Sampras)
Of his 18 slam wins he has had the toughest opponents in finals (of those 18 wins, 14 were against Federer, Nadal and Murray)
Best career win % on ATP tour along with Nadal
11-6 grand slam record vs Federer and is 9-1 since 2012!

I think he and Nadal will finish with the most slams but I think his share of slams is more even than Nadal which is so heavily towards the French open. It’s a close shout but I think Djokovic edges it

walshb · 21-02-2021 10:42pm

dominatinMC wrote: »

One of the more ridiculous takes I've seen on Boards recently and that's saying something! We saw what happened at last years FO when an undercooked Nadal utterly destroyed Djokovic. Put aside the recency bias, Novak ain't winning the French again. Injury, followed by Thiem is a bigger threat to Nadal at that now.

As Arnie would say: “I’ll be back.”

Roll on May-June!!!

Nole already has beaten Nadal in Paris..

Nadal is not winning RG this year!!!

dominatinMC · 21-02-2021 10:50pm

walshb wrote: »

As Arnie would say: “I’ll be back.”

Roll on May-June!!!

Nole already has beaten Nadal in Paris..

Nadal is not winning RG this year!!!

I dunno, this sounds more like wishful thinking than realistic prediction! Anyway, time will tell, but if I was a betting man, my money would be on Nadal getting 21 before Nole getting 19

walshb · 21-02-2021 10:53pm

dominatinMC wrote: »

I dunno, this sounds more like wishful thinking than realistic prediction! Anyway, time will tell, but if I was a betting man, my money would be on Nadal getting 21 before Nole getting 19

Nadal for me is looking ragged and jaded...

I’ll await your apology when it is not Nadal lifting the trophy..

josip · 21-02-2021 11:01pm

I can see Nadal winning another 4 or maybe 5 FOs. He won't win any other GS.
In a couple of years time, he'll probably not bother with too many of the other tournaments to preserve the joints and avoid injuries.
Djokovic will average the AO and one of the other GSs for a couple of years before being caught by the pack or injury takes him out.
His is a high intensity game and I can't see him keeping this going when he's 36.
So I think it will finish 24,22,20

22-02-2021 1:42am

walshb wrote: »

Nadal for me is looking ragged and jaded...

I’ll await your apology when it is not Nadal lifting the trophy..

Nadal has looked like a desiccated prune for a while now but he's still winning the French Open so far.

Augme · 22-02-2021 2:06am

There's a huge amount of variables at pkay when it comes to how well Nadal and novak will do over the next year or two and a lot will come down to luck.

Aa good as novak looked this AO he has a great side of the draw and when he looked like he was struggling he came up against fairly poor quality players baring Zvererev, bit he's notoriously weak minded as well.

I think if Novak didn't or Nadal are taken to five sets before a final then that knock on effect on their performance will be significant. That's what the effects of age, it's doesn't have a huge impact on skill or talents levels but there's a massage drop off on the physical side of things.

There aren't many players who will take Nadal to 4 sets, let alone five, at roland garos. If he is drawn in the opposite of thiem and novak then it is very hard to see past him. Outside of those two players I wouldn't be confident of anyone else on tour taking a set off him on clay.

Slashermcguirk · 22-02-2021 9:38am

I disagree, Novak had a very tough draw when you look at all rounds other than his semi. His first round opponent Chardy is ranked just outside top 50 as was his second round Tiafoe, Fritz was a seed, Raonic is ranked just outside top 10, Zverev is ranked 6. Karatsev was of course a good draw but he had knocked out seeds left right and centre with ease. If you take out Karatsev, the worst ranking of any player Djokovic faced was 60.

Medvedev first two opponents were ranked 65 and 97. His 4th round opponent is ranked 197!

Nadals opponents were ranked 56, 177, 69, 16, 7

The easy draw for Novak is another myth. He had the highest rank opponents on a consistent basis other than the semi

Augme wrote: »

There's a huge amount of variables at pkay when it comes to how well Nadal and novak will do over the next year or two and a lot will come down to luck.

Aa good as novak looked this AO he has a great side of the draw and when he looked like he was struggling he came up against fairly poor quality players baring Zvererev, bit he's notoriously weak minded as well.

I think if Novak didn't or Nadal are taken to five sets before a final then that knock on effect on their performance will be significant. That's what the effects of age, it's doesn't have a huge impact on skill or talents levels but there's a massage drop off on the physical side of things.

There aren't many players who will take Nadal to 4 sets, let alone five, at roland garos. If he is drawn in the opposite of thiem and novak then it is very hard to see past him. Outside of those two players I wouldn't be confident of anyone else on tour taking a set off him on clay.

lostcat · 22-02-2021 10:07am

It was clear to me that Nadal really didn't want to go past 3 sets, which fed into his anxiety during that third set tiebreak against Tsitsipas.
However after last years FO, its hard to bet against him in Paris. Djokovic didn't look like he thought he could beat him in the final, cant see that changing in a couple of months.

One of the main outcomes for me from the AO is that I can now type 'Tsitsipas' without double checking the spelling, thanks to this thread. So, hat tip to Boards for that useful life skill

Slashermcguirk · 22-02-2021 10:22am

I agree Nadal is a big favourite to win the French. However that win vs Djokovic in the final last year was a one off result. If you look at their other meetings at Roland Garros, they tend to go to 4 or 5 sets and once Novak even beat him. It’s a bit like when Djokovic similarly destroyed Nadal in the final in Australia in 2019, losing just 8 games in total.

I would see Nadal beating Novak in Australia almost as unlikely as Novak beating Nadal at the French. Both are so dominant on those courts. I think it Nadal meets Djoko in French final this year, it would more likely go to 4 or 5 sets but I would still fancy Nadal to win.

I think Djoko will be favourite to win Wimbledon, people can quickly forget he has won it 5 times and if he wins this year he is soon catching up with Sampras and Federer, imagine that !! I don’t see it happening but if he wins this year and moves to 6, it’s all to play for.

I also expect Novak to nick maybe one more US open, maybe not this year but i think he might win one more

Slashermcguirk · 22-02-2021 11:16am

Interesting read on the GOAT debate

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56146799

josip · 22-02-2021 11:30am

Slashermcguirk wrote: »

Interesting read on the GOAT debate

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56146799

Which is why I can't ever see Djokovic ever catching Nadal.
Nadal has maintained the gap since 2017.

Hector Savage · 22-02-2021 12:10pm

That 1st set at least in FO final last year on paper looked a lot worse, most of the games went to deuce...

But still, was not expecting 3-0 and can't see Nadal not winning in Paris - at least for the next 2 years.

And it won't be Djokovic beating him there when it happens either.

Having said all that I can imagine after yesterdays win Goran and team would have had a sit down and said "ALL OUT FOR THE FRENCH ... it will be prioritised like nothing else this year" ..

Slashermcguirk · 22-02-2021 12:29pm

Yes but you also have to factor in that outside of the French open, Nadals odds of winning the other 3 slams are less favourable. I would consider Djokovic a bigger threat at Australian Open, Wimbledon and US open. I know that Nadal has won 4 US open but Djokovic tends to appear in the final more frequently as is overall a better hard court player. I think US open is the most open of all the slams and most likely to produce new winners from next gen players.

I just think Novak has a slight edge because he is the favourite in both oz and Wimbledon vs Nadal at just the french.

I still think it’s very touch and go and impossible to call but I think Nadal and Novak might end up on about 22. Federer could win another slam especially at Wimbledon but I don’t see him winning two more

josip wrote: »

Which is why I can't ever see Djokovic ever catching Nadal.
Nadal has maintained the gap since 2017.

yerwanthere123 · 22-02-2021 4:41pm

To me it's almost inevitable that Djokovic will overtake both Federer and Nadal, and I think perhaps a lot of Federer/Nadal fans are almost in denial about it all. I think Nadal will win a minimum of 3 more RG, and I think he'll possibily win at least one more elsewhere, probably at the US Open. Djokovic isn't really showing any signs of slowing down, and he'll be the favourite at three of the four grand slams for the forseeable future. Keeping in mind that Djokovic could've possibly already been on 20 had pandemic/default not happened, his body will likely hold up better than Nadal's, and the fact he's a year younger, I think it's inevitable he'll overtake Nadal eventually. Nadal will likely finish on 23 imo, Djokovic probably 24/25.

Hector Savage · 22-02-2021 4:47pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

To me it's almost inevitable that Djokovic will overtake both Federer and Nadal, and I think perhaps a lot of Federer/Nadal fans are almost in denial about it all. I think Nadal will win a minimum of 3 more RG, and I think he'll possibily win at least one more elsewhere, probably at the US Open. Djokovic isn't really showing any signs of slowing down, and he'll be the favourite at three of the four grand slams for the forseeable future. Keeping in mind that Djokovic could've possibly already been on 20 had pandemic/default not happened, his body will likely hold up better than Nadal's, and the fact he's a year younger, I think it's inevitable he'll overtake Nadal eventually. Nadal will likely finish on 23 imo, Djokovic probably 24/25.

Nah Nadal on 23.
Djokovic tied with Federer on 20.

yerwanthere123 · 22-02-2021 4:55pm

Hector Savage wrote: »

Nah Nadal on 23.
Djokovic tied with Federer on 20.

How do you think Djokovic is only winning only two more grand slams though? On what grounds? Not trying to cause an argument but just curious. He's won six of the last ten grand slams, would probably have been seven without the default.

josip · 22-02-2021 5:04pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

How do you think Djokovic is only winning only two more grand slams though? On what grounds? Not trying to cause an argument but just curious. He's won six of the last ten grand slams, would probably have been seven without the default.

It's Hector's coping strategy

He believes that if he says one thing, the gods will deliver the other.
He really wants Djoko to end up on the 23/24 and Nadal to stay stuck on 20.
But he's worried that if he says that, he'll hex it.
Not making fun of Hector for this, a lot of people talk down their own teams' chances before games.

yerwanthere123 · 22-02-2021 5:06pm

josip wrote: »

It's Hector's coping strategy
He believes that if he says one thing, the gods will deliver the other.
He really wants Djoko to end up on the 23/24 and Nadal to stay stuck on 20.
But he's worried that if he says that, he'll hex it.
Not making fun of Hector for this, a lot of people talk down their own teams' chances before games.

I figured, but took the chance and decided to take him seriously

josip · 22-02-2021 5:16pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

I figured, but took the chance and decided to take him seriously

Sorry for undermining your attempt.
Hector, I'd also be interested if you could explain your thinking behind 2 more for Djokovic.
I'd agree with your Nadal estimate.

Girly Gal · 22-02-2021 7:59pm

Djokovic is likely to finish with most grand slams, as he is favourite to win 3 of the 4 slams and probably 3rd favourite for the FO, Nadal is obviously strong favourite for the FO and among the top 2/3 challengers to Djokovic in the other slams. Federer only has an outside chance of winning another GS, so is likely to stay on 20. I think Nadal will win no more than 2 more FO and unlikely to win a GS outside of there, to leave him on 22. That leaves Djokovic probably getting to 23 to the end of season 2023. I think at that point they will no longer be able to hold back the next generation and are unlikely to win anymore slams. Of course all the above depends on them staying relatively fit and in reasonable form for the slams and of course that none of the younger guys emerges as a serious contender
at GS level in the next year or so.

lostcat · 22-02-2021 8:02pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

... I think Nadal will win a minimum of 3 more RG, and I think he'll possibily win at least one more elsewhere, probably at the US Open.....

was going to challenge this, but on reflection, really only Thiem from the rest of the field is a clay court specialist, the rest are hard-courters.
And Thiem, i'm afraid, looks to lack that killer instinct.
So either Djokovic manages to beat him somewhere along the line in Paris, or no one does..

The only thing I would say is I don't think Nadal will play for 3 more years.

yerwanthere123 · 22-02-2021 8:16pm

I think Nadal and Djokovic will both likely play on until they're near 40. Why not? Federer is, Serena and Venus are (yes different tours/circumstances I know), the sport is continuing to get older. People have been writing Nadal off for the bones of ten years or so, his game is too taxing on the body, his knees will give in etc. Maybe the older they get the more they'll struggle, but with finely tuned schedules catered towards their strengths/best events and sheer will to end with the most grand slams, they'll drive on as long as they can. As long as Djokovic is winning in Melbourne, Nadal in Paris and both are still going deep in the other slams then they're not retiring imo.

walshb · 22-02-2021 8:21pm

Slashermcguirk wrote: »

Interesting read on the GOAT debate

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/56146799

Great read...

So much to consider... no clear GOAT

So, for me it comes down to tennis beauty/genius/effortlessness and skills with a tennis racquet. Bit like Ronnie in snooker, it’s Roger in tennis. Nobody ever did it better...

Of the criteria in the article, the one that kind of stood out for me was Nole being the only man to win ALL masters 1000 titles.....

john9876 · 22-02-2021 9:12pm

The French open is going to be huge. Nadal has to win it to have any chance of staying in the race with Novak.
Imagine a final between the two of them.
Nadal and Federer had a 4 & 5 year start before Novak won his first slam. I'm sure he's thinking he'll have 4/5 years without them at the end of his career.
Fortunately for him there doesn't seem to be another obvious challenger on the horizon.

dominatinMC · 22-02-2021 9:32pm

john9876 wrote: »

The French open is going to be huge. Nadal has to win it to have any chance of staying in the race with Novak.
Imagine a final between the two of them.
Nadal and Federer had a 4 & 5 year start before Novak won his first slam. I'm sure he's thinking he'll have 4/5 years without them at the end of his career.
Fortunately for him there doesn't seem to be another obvious challenger on the horizon.

It's always the same after Djokovic wins the AO, everybody talks up his chances of winning the FO - which he has won a grand total of once. The final last year was a beat down, as it has been any time Nadal has played Djokovic on clay in the last few years. Thiem and/or injury is not the biggest threat to Nadal at the FO but, realistically, he's more of a favourite now at that competition than he was 10 years ago.

whiterebel · 22-02-2021 9:39pm

How can there be an article like that without considering Laver, Emerson and Rosewall? If Laver was at his peak when he was banned from the Slams, how many of those 20 would he have won to add to his 11? Also had 8 doubles slams. Emerson had 16 doubles slams to add to the 12 singles. McEnroe had 9 doubles to go with his 7 singles slams, but limited to US and Wimbledon, couldn't win FO. Won his last slam at 25. Borg had 11 between FO and Wimbledon, couldn't win the US in 4 attempts and didn't bother with Australia like Mac. Retired at 26.
Fed was chasing Connor's record of 109 singles titles, yet Laver has closer to 200.
There seems to be a concerted effort in the media to ignore anything before the Open era. Davis Cup seemed a lot more important in the 70s and 80s, and there were quite a few banned for playing in different tours. It seems to be one of the most difficult sports to judge, because of the various upheavals down through the years.

Augme · 22-02-2021 9:48pm

yerwanthere123 wrote: »

I think Nadal and Djokovic will both likely play on until they're near 40. Why not? Federer is, Serena and Venus are (yes different tours/circumstances I know), the sport is continuing to get older. People have been writing Nadal off for the bones of ten years or so, his game is too taxing on the body, his knees will give in etc. Maybe the older they get the more they'll struggle, but with finely tuned schedules catered towards their strengths/best events and sheer will to end with the most grand slams, they'll drive on as long as they can. As long as Djokovic is winning in Melbourne, Nadal in Paris and both are still going deep in the other slams then they're not retiring imo.

Fed and Serena are only there to chase records. I get the sense venus is only there to help her sister chase the records. If Serena has broken courts record two years ago I don't think there rid any chance she would still be in tour.

If fed was sitting 5 behind in the GS race I don't think he'd be on the tour either. He's prbnaly desperately hoping to win one more and praying that will be enough to at least share the accolade when Nadal and novak hang it up too.

Australian Open 2021

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