Peter Bodo's TennisWorld - When is Enough?
Live Scores Schedule Players Stats Rankings Money Leaders Photo Wire On TV Gear Instruction Daily Spin Forums
Home       About Peter Bodo       Contact        RSS       Follow on Twitter Categories       Archive
When is Enough? 08/15/2011 - 4:56 PM

Pic by Pete Bodo

Having spent the last week screwing around up in the Discovery Islands off the coast of British Columbia, sans any electronic distractions, my re-entry into routine days left me with a number of impressions about my life and habits, one of which is that a tennis tournament, even a one-week Masters event, is a pretty long, drawn-out affair. The way the tours are organized diminishes that truth, because the calendar must be filled, and we get used to the endless loop of tournaments, week-after-week.

But take a little time away and you'll see how one of the signature traits—and strengths—of tennis is that each tournament has a pretty rich and complex narrative, played out over an unusually long span of time. Football (yours or ours, take your pick), hockey, F-1 auto racing, a track meet—all of them are over quickly, often within just a few hours. But in what other sport does it take a week (at the minimum) to decide a winner (here's a chance for all you cricket fans to leap to your feet)?

Playoff series don't count, either. The match may be the basic competitive unit in tennis, but we don't stage individual matches, at least not in any way that influences rankings or history; we stage tournaments—one or two-week affairs, almost every week, all over the globe.

Hence, when I began poking around on the Internet this morning and learned that Novak Djokovic had won Montreal, I was able to appreciate the endurance required of a champion. It seemed like forever since I'd last read his name, although it was just a week. Endurance, longevity, discipline, focus—all of them are relevant words in more ways than one, because in winning Montreal, Djokovic added another line item to a resume that, had it been offered up as a scenario for 2011 way back last December, might have seemed preposterous.

And in winning his ninth title of the season, Djokovic sent a powerful signal that didn't necessarily need to be broadcast once he won Wimbledon. His win yesterday essentially put his rivals on notice—It isn't enough. . . This is a fairly big deal, because—well, who would have faulted Djokovic for taking his foot off the gas after those dreamy few days in which he assumed the No. 1 ranking, won Wimbledon, and resoundingly dismissed Rafael Nadal's best chance to halt the Djokovic juggernaut?

That Djokovic returned from his well-deserved post-Wimbledon break to become the only active player to win the first tournament he played after earning the No. 1 ranking may not be the most memorable of the stats and records that Djokovic has been accumulating, but it's telling. Most mountaineers pause to take a deep breath and snap a few photos when they hit a summit; clearly, making the summit hasn't been Djokovic's sole and simple ambition.

Djokovic is playing extraordinary tennis these days, and it isn't mainly because of that whistling two-handed backhand, the gulten-free diet, or any real or imagined decline in the games of Nadal or Roger Federer—although some or all of those elements have certainly made his path smoother. Djokovic has been running amok because he decided. . . This isn't enough.

That happened roughly a year ago, when something must have clicked deep inside Djokovic's competitive heart and told him that it was no longer enough to be the third wheel in one of the game's great, historic rivalries. And since then two qualities have propelled Djokovic's rise and enabled him to utterly dominate the game in 2011: his appetite and his confidence.

Tennis isn't rocket science. Talent is the ante required to get you in the game, and consistency (arrived at through diligent, purposeful practice) the sum required to stay at the table. But in order to win big, you need those two things that Djokovic has been relying on this year—appetite and confidence. It may seem ironic to use the word "appetite" as a synonym for desire, given the role that dietary changes have played in Djokovic's success. But I see Djokovic's decision to adopt his diet as a more significant indicator of what was to come than the diet itself (while being the first to admit that separating the two is tricky business). In taking that decision, he wasn't just saying I want to do better, I want to feel better. . . he was making a commitment to that final stage of development, a level most players don't reach because they don't win enough to bring it into view.

Once Djokovic made that commitment, the confidence was sure to follow in a measure commensurate with his results. Confidence is both an appetite booster and suppressor; winning begets the desire for more winning, but it also consistently reminds a player that winning is not just possible, it's probable—at maximum flow, confidence might even make winning appear. . . pre-ordained. Confidence makes a player less greedy, because he knows he can eat all he wants. Confidence is what enables you to fend off five break points to win a set the way Djokovic did at the onset of his final with a game Mardy Fish yesterday. Listen to what Djokovic said afterwards:

"There was a lot of tension going on. It was a very close match. He wanted to win that match as much as I did. That's why we were quite intense. It was a mental fight, as well. It was not just physical. But I managed to hold my composure when I needed to.”

It's all in these last three sentences, everything you need to know about tennis and why certain players are able to dominate.

As a rueful Fish observed: “I felt like I had an opportunity today, I really did. . . If you try to forget who you’re playing against, you’re just playing another player, maybe you can figure out a way to get a break or two there. I had a lot of shots early in that first set on my racquet that I’d like to have back.”

That's the thing, though, you can't forget who you're playing—not if a guy like Djokovic calls on any of the small ways he can remind you, which is the difference these days between a Djokovic and a Federer. It's hard to imagine getting tired of being Federer, but I think Roger is. And so he's not reminding people of who is anymore. He's going about his business, diligently and quietly, no longer much interested in making a fuss, while Novak is very happy to be Djokovic, and letting everyone know about it.

It was a mental fight, as well. . .  The words ought to be engraved somewhere for all players to read.

I wouldn't discount the physical challenge posed by the game, but the way Djokovic is playing now, the last thing that stands out about him is stroking fundamentals or footwork. He's in a special place, mentally and emotionally, a place that very few people get to inhabit for any number of reasons, starting with the fact that the overwhelmingly great number of them don't ever get a chance to test themselves in such a comprehensive and transparent way. Is there anything with less gray area than a tennis score? 

One reason it's exciting to behold a run like Djokovic's is because we know it can't last. It's not that we want to see it end; it's more that, like a good book, we know it must end, it will end, it has to end. And even those of us who hope it never ends knows that it will. Very few players, including some great ones, never got us to the point where we are today with Djokovic, simply because they never reached a comparable level of sustained brilliance—a level that's amazing as well as unsustainable.

Or is it?

Over the past few years, we've seen quite a few amazing things come to pass, including Federer's Grand Slam record, Serena Williams' serial resurgences, Nadal's conquest of Federer, Nadal's clay-court ascendancy and, yes, even the emergence of a Top 5 British player. We're living in the anything-is-possible era, in which widespread chatter about Nadal perhaps eclipsing Federer's record of 16 Grand Slam singles titles has yielded, overnight, to questions like, "Will Nadal ever beat Djokovic again?"

These days, any player who claims to be a big dog (as Andy Roddick is at Wimbledon) has to make his case quickly because an even bigger dog (Federer at Wimbledon) is already stepping off the porch. Right now, Djokovic is the biggest dog of them all.

***

On Wednesday, I'll look at some of the statistics Djokovic has been posting and compare them with those of some of his rivals, present day as well as historic.
547
Comments 		Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
1 2 3 4 5 6      >>

Posted by thebigapple 08/15/2011 at 05:03 PM

Djoker's apetite will serve him well. He seems the hungriest of the big 4 at the moment.

Not only for himslef but for his supporting cast that seems to enjoy the limelight. And his countrymen that seem to take him seriously.
Posted by thebigapple 08/15/2011 at 05:04 PM

Where did my post go?
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 05:07 PM

ah at last a new post!two many pages in the last one!now off to read!
Posted by Bored Poet ((((back from REHAB)))) 08/15/2011 at 05:11 PM

When is enough?

I think many of us passed "enough" a few months back.
Posted by Master Ace 08/15/2011 at 05:13 PM

Andrea forced a 3rd set with Jarmila while Petra M is up a break in final set
Posted by Claire 08/15/2011 at 05:13 PM

Jarka 'this match shows were you are... nowhere' (muttered to herself after yet another error)

The last 2 points were followed by my commies saying 'dreadful' and 'that really is bad'. And they are quite right - as much as I love the wta I can't watch anymore of this match. It is terrible
Posted by CWATC 08/15/2011 at 05:13 PM

Thanks for the new post, Pete.

I don't think that Fish choked those BP's because of anything Djokovic did (other than not make at UE before Fish could). It was partially the stress of wanting so badly to win a Masters event in his 4th attempt, and partially the intimidation that a dominant #1 just has.

Fed can't intimidate in the same way because he doesn't have an intimidating record this year; it's that simple.
Posted by thebigapple 08/15/2011 at 05:14 PM

Yep, I have had enough myself.

Well more than enough.

Posted by x-fan 08/15/2011 at 05:17 PM

Enough for me too :)

Perhaps if we all decide (like Nole did according to Pete) that this is enough we'll get our wish? ;-)

Thanks for the new post, Pete. Hope you enjoy your electronic-less vacation
Posted by x-fan 08/15/2011 at 05:18 PM

enjoy = enjoyed

Perhaps I ought to stop pretending I can write in English!!! and stick to Spanish.
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 05:20 PM

Oh my,I saw Tsvetana Pironkova and I'm already shivering for Vee and she's not even playing,that's how scary she is to this Vee's fan!!!
Posted by Samantha Elin, Kom sa, Caro. 08/15/2011 at 05:21 PM

Is anyone else tired of Djoko 24/7? They cut away from Serena's match so we could see him beat down Gael. I sure hope he doesn't dominate at the USO because I'm frankly tired of hearing and seeing him.
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 05:21 PM

NOLE will have enough or enough will be imposed to him next Aussie Open...
Posted by wilson75 08/15/2011 at 05:25 PM

Count me as one who's hard enough as well.

Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 05:25 PM

I think Jarmila is getting tired!
Posted by ixvnyc 08/15/2011 at 05:26 PM

Outstanding article, Pete!

Truly useful observations.
Posted by Master Ace 08/15/2011 at 05:26 PM

Wilson75 and Samantha Elin,
Give Djokovic some love as he is trying to do a 1984 Navratilova.
Posted by wilson75 08/15/2011 at 05:27 PM

MA: And I'm sure people had enough of Martina too.
Posted by Samantha Elin, Kom sa, Caro. 08/15/2011 at 05:27 PM

Patrick, enough is enough!
Posted by Arun 08/15/2011 at 05:29 PM

"One reason it's exciting to behold a run like Djokovic's is because we know it can't last. It's not that we want to see it end; it's more that, like a good book, we know it must end, it will end, it has to end..."

Beautiful.

Really enjoyed this one, Pete. Thank you.
Posted by H2L 08/15/2011 at 05:31 PM

CWATC, thanks for that link to the review of the Rafa book. Interesting, indeed. Maybe Rafa should have held off on this project. Master Ace, I see linex answered your post about the quality of play in the Nalbandian/Nishikori match. but nice win, however it came, right linex?
Posted by nehmeth 08/15/2011 at 05:32 PM


After 4 years firmly entrenched in the rear view mirror of "fedal", Nole won't be saying "enough" until three or four years from now. I'm happy to see him keep winning everything.
Posted by Arun 08/15/2011 at 05:32 PM

Oh, yes echoing x-fan's "Hope you enjoy your electronic-less vacation".
Welcome back, Pete.
Posted by ixvnyc 08/15/2011 at 05:34 PM

I said it a couple of days ago, and Bodo confirms it:

Novak is now The Roger Federer of tennis, with everything that entails:

1. As Mardy is indicating, he just needs to show up on the other side to put pressure on his opponents (while Federer no longer does that).
2. "Experts" now routinely pick him to win, by "you don't bet against Novak" logic (remember when it was unthinkable to pick Federer to lose anything other than to Rafa on clay?)
3. TV follows him for reasons no better than "hey look, it's Novak hitting the ball!" (remember all those early round Fed blow outs we used to watch from Fed, while epic battles happened elsewhere? Yep, that's Novak now)
Posted by Mayes 08/15/2011 at 05:38 PM

If only the WTA no. 1 can achieve half of what the ATP no. 1 had achieved this year, people would start talking about her again. Right now, I think she's in a worse state than him, right? Or is not being talked about much better than being talked about all the time and then hated by SamE?
Posted by Kristy 08/15/2011 at 05:38 PM

Great article, Pete. And I agree with you. Yesterday, in the third set, I noticed Novak walking behind the baseline after winning a point with a prideful, preening stride, like a prize fighter. For a second I flashed on some Mafia hotshot or other power-mad figure. I think that hunger is there and it's driving him -- as Roger's and Rafa's does too, of course. But his need to win seems especially primal.

Posted by Bored Poet ((((back from REHAB)))) 08/15/2011 at 05:39 PM

For those who've had enough look at the bright side. Should Djoker continue to amaze and run the tables for the rest of the year he'll wind up regretting a certain day in Paris for the rest of his life.
Posted by Corrie 08/15/2011 at 05:40 PM

People used to complain that Federer's 04 to 07 run of domination was just plain boring. Now they're complaining that Djokovic's- so far only eight months - is too?

I didn't find Federer's run remotely boring, therefore, I certainly won't be finding Novak's boring. Both of them were/are far too brilliant to be boring.

Long may Novak continue, he's not going to continue never, never losing, but he could have a nice long run like Federer's.
Posted by ixvnyc 08/15/2011 at 05:44 PM

Fun tidbit from a Serbian site:

A commenter wrote (in a serious tone) that she banned her kids from watching Novak play, because in her opinion its impossible to win as much as he did, and so something very suspicious must be going on (I guess she stopped just short of accusing him of selling his soul to Satan).

Posted by ixvnyc 08/15/2011 at 05:45 PM

BP,

Oh no worries. It will just be a motivation to do better in 2012!
Posted by just horsen 08/15/2011 at 05:45 PM

oh, BP, what would we do without you?

P.S. Hi Everybody!
Posted by Samantha Elin, Kom sa, Caro. 08/15/2011 at 05:48 PM

Mayes sorry, but saying you're tired of hearing about someone who has dominated the tennis landscape doesn't equate with hating. I would just like to see the attention divided up and to not have the ladies matches interrupted with how great Novak is. Not sure why you felt the need to bring Scandinavia's beautiful and talented no 1 into it. A bit of changing the subject,no doubt.
Posted by Colette 08/15/2011 at 05:51 PM

Where-the-pets-go comes back!
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 05:51 PM

Vesnina got a bagel the last set? Aw, that's terrible. Poor girl hasn't had much singles success lately.
Posted by H2L 08/15/2011 at 05:52 PM

hi just horsen, how've you been? :)
Posted by Samantha Elin, Kom sa, Caro. 08/15/2011 at 05:52 PM

Kom igen, Sofia, keep it going. Pete, this was a nice read on Novak.
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 05:53 PM

"Novak is now The Roger Federer of tennis"

hum, may I not,repeat not, swallow this one yet?

From 2004 to now is not from 2011 to we don't know when altgough I bank next year early...
Posted by just horsen 08/15/2011 at 05:53 PM

"and so something very suspicious must be going on"

I'm no Djoko lover (I'd be just fine if Fedal + some Delpo won every Slam from no till 2050! :) I've actually had the same thought myself. What's sad in this situation is that in our day and age almost every champion, in any sport, is automatically suspected of cheating just because they're winning\doing well\etc. Many of those times the athlete is innocent. Success has become this triggering factor for steroids in too many peoples minds. It's sad.

Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 05:54 PM

BP @5:39, lol. Excellent point. :)
Posted by Bored Poet ((((back from REHAB)))) 08/15/2011 at 05:55 PM

Hey Horsen!

Long time no see. It wouldn't be a Fedal funeral without you.
Pull up a chair. We'll be serving sour cream at the wake. I brought enough spoons for everyone!
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 05:55 PM

vee what is it about Pironkova that you can not fathom?look Mc hale beat her 7-5 when you can't win three games against her?what is it Vee???
Posted by Philly V. 08/15/2011 at 05:56 PM

No player had ever won 5 Masters Shields in a single season before right?

Well my question is, how many shields did Federer win in his best year(was that 05,06,07?)

ALos, how many did Nadal win in HIS best year?

Finally, what is the best year end record of all time? I wonder what Fed's best year-end record was and what Nadal's was as well.
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 05:56 PM

Bogo and some Johnson guy beat Blake-Isner? Were James and Johnny Boy late for dinner?
Posted by just horsen 08/15/2011 at 05:57 PM

oops. *now* not *no*

H2L: great! Been really busy with real life stuff :) How are you?

Posted by Colette 08/15/2011 at 06:00 PM

One for you, BP (maybe old hat. I don't always have time to open links)

http://tinyurl.com/d4mtn7
Posted by Roddick fan fropm Virginia (Rangers in Cincy) 08/15/2011 at 06:03 PM

I see that Roddick's Rangers newest officer Second Lieutenant Alexander Bogomolov, Jr(career high #50) defeated Major Ginepri in 1st rd and then teamed up with NCAA Champion Trooper Steve Johnson to beat Lt Col Blake and Captain Isner in doubles.

Posted by just horsen 08/15/2011 at 06:06 PM

BP: thanks for the invite! you're so kind!

...I'm still holding out hope that either part of Fedal will win the US Open, I really don't care which anymore, and all will be right with the world again :)
Posted by H2L 08/15/2011 at 06:10 PM

been ok, jh. I like your thoughts on the US Open. although I do have a preference.

Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 06:12 PM

"actually naturally I have a very low blood pressure, so this helps to bring it to normal range :-))"

Sokol has revealed her secret to survival. :) Great post. True confessions of a Sveta fan.
Posted by Bored Poet ((((back from REHAB)))) 08/15/2011 at 06:13 PM

Colette

Been waiting for someone to throw that video at me. Can you say, "first?"
Clapton looks completely disgusted with the thing. Nobody ever said pop stardom was dignified.

Horsen

I'm all out of hope. It's freeing in a way. Or so I keep trying to convince myself.
Posted by Roddick fan from Virginia (Rangers in Cincy) 08/15/2011 at 06:13 PM

Sherlock,
I think Blakesner just used doubles for practice and Bogo needed pts and money. Johnson is on USC's three-peat team NCAA Champs and this years Men's Champ.

Posted by CL 08/15/2011 at 06:16 PM

I've been thinking about this..."stepping off the porch"? mayhaps - "perch"?

Beloosh! Remember him?
Posted by just horsen 08/15/2011 at 06:18 PM

H2L: yea, I'm sure subconsciously I'll be tilted toward a certain side. But either one would be a welcome relief from Mr. Invincible, in my opinion.

Nice dropping in for a bit, but I've got to go make a pizza for dinner. Hopefully, I'll be around a bit more these next few weeks! See y'all later!

Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 06:19 PM

Cool. Thanks, Roddick fan. :)

Nice win for Johnson. I bet he enjoyed that one a lot.

I saw some of Bobo-Robby this morning. While I'd like to see Robby string a couple wins together, it was fun watching Bogo. You have to respect that guy, still working hard and playing good ball at his age.

A fun little Bogo tidbit that I never knew, from Wiki:

"In 1998, Bogomolov won the USTA National Boys’ 16 Championships, defeating Andy Roddick in the final."
Posted by Colette 08/15/2011 at 06:21 PM

First!
Posted by H2L 08/15/2011 at 06:21 PM

Haas holds to love to even it with Pico, 1-1. Hope to see more of you, just horsen. I'm off, too. good night...
Posted by Roddick fan from Virginia (Rangers in Cincy) 08/15/2011 at 06:22 PM

Speaking of Champions, howabout Jack Sock repeating as US 18 Boys Champion and winning doubles also. Soon to be UVa 1st yearman Mitchell Frank was runnerup in both singles and doubles. Sock's doubles partner Jackson Withrow helped beat his future Texas A&M teammate Junior Ore in doubles final.
Posted by Milan Covic 08/15/2011 at 06:22 PM

Never is enough, Pete.
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 06:24 PM

just horsen,hi back to you,sorry sometimes I only read from my post on and answer...
Posted by just horsen 08/15/2011 at 06:25 PM

BP: keep on trying! :) And save me that seat at their funeral! I'll be there Sunday night September 11 if one of them isn't holding the trophy. And if my optimistic beliefs turn out to be correct, you're invited to the celebration! Complete with all the smooth sweet cream you want!

Posted by Roddick fan from Virginia (Rangers in Cincy) 08/15/2011 at 06:27 PM

Yeah, I had read that about Bogo. He defeated Ginepri in the semis and Ginepri won the third place match.
Posted by Bored Poet ((((back from REHAB)))) 08/15/2011 at 06:28 PM

I've been working on my computer all day. Dropping in and out here whenever I got stuck. I just complete my work and turn on the TV to watch some tennis and reward myself. So how am I rewarded for a being a good boy?

Verdasco.

Tennis hates me.
Posted by Bored Poet ((((back from REHAB)))) 08/15/2011 at 06:32 PM

Horsen

I will dance on the bastard's graves!
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 06:38 PM

The bastard has more than one grave?
Posted by smokey 08/15/2011 at 06:39 PM

when he the same loft status that raf and roger have enarned only then with the man ( so he claims to be but i reckon the real nole was abducted by alien and replaced with this one)content with winning until he crack the 30 mark in titles one winning 30 titles makes you a hall of fame candidate and nole wants to be a legend and is chasing it. I just hope fed will retire with memories of achieving great things into his thirties much in the way agassi did and if possibly still a top ten player

Posted by Roddick fan from Virginia (Rangers in Cincy) 08/15/2011 at 06:47 PM

With Verdasco's win, if Colonel Andy loses in the 1st or 2nd rd, he will fall to 21 next week. So next year when Andy wins Wimbledon, this possible low ranking will be a distant memory used to inspire future Rangers to Eternal Tennis Glory. Go Rangers! Defend the Homeland! Drive the Bums out! Make Minister of Propaganda P-Mac proud!!!
Posted by Kristy 08/15/2011 at 06:52 PM

LOL, Roddick fan.

Posted by Tennisfan1 08/15/2011 at 06:52 PM

I have had more than enough of the novak streak as well. Its consistent, but the same boring and defensive game every match, and the drop shot execution is ugly to watch. I would much rather see a Delpotro or a Tsonga streak- attacking and exciting to watch.
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 06:55 PM

Lol. Well done, Roddick fan. Minister of Propaganda for P-Mac is so perfect, it's rather scary. :)
Posted by Adda 08/15/2011 at 06:57 PM

@ Philly V.: Fed Masters Series Record 4 titles in '05 & '06, 3 titles in '04 and 2 titles in '07.
Nadal: 4 titles in '05, 3 titles in '08 & '10

Best year record: John McEnroe '84 (82 - 3); Federer '05 (81 -4) Nadal '05 (79 -10)

Source: Wikipedia
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 06:57 PM

yes McHale double break against la tombeuse de Venus Williams!
Posted by Roddick fan from Virginia (Rangers in Cincy) 08/15/2011 at 07:01 PM

Go Christina!

Posted by noleisthebest 08/15/2011 at 07:04 PM

Interesting angle to look at Nole at the moment, Pete.

I've been away for a week (the week before Montreal) and my Iphone wouldn't work in Belgrade. So I only had one fix in an internet cafe.

So virtually internet-free, it was interesting to live in real time again: the, heavy, sticky, crushing weight of long summer days.

The thought of the ultra intense&intensive tennis time at the time really fried my brain, which is why what Novak is doing this year is utterly insane.

And to all the silky, cocooned, "precious" minds here that have had enough of this burning real life poetry: be worried about the numbness of your souls...nothing a few days/weeks of hard physical work won't fix...
Posted by Colette 08/15/2011 at 07:05 PM

Do I hear SamE temporarily singing Christina's praises?
Posted by Heather 08/15/2011 at 07:07 PM

Roddick Fan, 21? Ugh, that thought makes me ill. Please for the love of all things holy he needs to maintain his points.

Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 07:08 PM

And she went,lol!yeah...McHale...
Pironkova can only beat Vee and Zvonoreva...and I'm sure if Zvonoreva wasn't hurt she would beat her in Wimby...
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 07:15 PM

Gael and Simon just got beat 1 and 1? Using dubs for practice is one thing, but not showing up? :)
Posted by Samantha Elin, Kom sa, Caro. 08/15/2011 at 07:15 PM

Colette, I wasn't worried about that fluke Pironkova, Caro would have sent her packing. Petra is the one I'm concern with.
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 07:16 PM

Colette, that's quite the conundrum. A young American player winning? Ouch. :)
Posted by dann 08/15/2011 at 07:20 PM

Realistic people know it has to end or at least pause at some point...perhaps sometime in March-May 2013/2014 timeframe? :)

Novak knows that all he did is just a prep before he can even see the summit.Little league baseball still rules tennis on Espn.

Looking forward for 2012.
Posted by LoveFed 08/15/2011 at 07:21 PM

One thing for sure is that whatever Djoko has going for him, it will not last and will come to an end. He is at his prime and playing at amazing level of tennis. Let him enjoy his moment in lime light.

Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 07:24 PM

Go, Ryan the Adorable!!**

** - copyright, Heather.
Posted by Heather 08/15/2011 at 07:25 PM

LOL, Sherlock!! :)

Posted by the end 08/15/2011 at 07:27 PM

everything has to end.

so ended federer's reign. so ended rafel's reign.

so djoker's reign begins.

it will end someday......
Posted by noleisthebest 08/15/2011 at 07:29 PM

"everything has to end.

so ended federer's reign. so ended rafel's reign.

so djoker's reign begins.

it will end someday......"

and best of all, even the end will end!
Posted by Colette 08/15/2011 at 07:30 PM

Sherlock, not so for poor Alexa. So far for Ana, no glitch in her match with Glatch
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 07:31 PM

He he. You ready for tonight, Heather? :)

Come on, Alexa. Get a game at least!
Posted by Misha 08/15/2011 at 07:32 PM

Boys and Girls Djokovic is mentaly stronger than Federer and Nadal.Nole knows how to talk and act, simmpley smart man. What can i say people admit it for once :D
Posted by Serb to the bone 08/15/2011 at 07:33 PM

by Bodo
One reason it's exciting to behold a run like Djokovic's is because we know it can't last. It's not that we want to see it end; it's more that, like a good book, we know it must end, it will end, it has to end. And even those of us who hope it never ends knows that it will.
-----------

Well sir,
If you using this expression, you should elaborate that "end".
If not, you are just lingering on the brink of stupidity with "if you wont to win, you have to not to lose"
End by what or who??

BIG Question!!

I do not see any quality player around who can reach this level of tennis Djokovic is playing now.
Of course that Novak can lose here and there, but to be deprived of No1 or his quality not likely
Posted by Heather 08/15/2011 at 07:33 PM

Nervous, very nervous Sherlock! I'm actually undecided if I'm going to watch. I think perhaps I'll watch the first set and if he's stinking it up I'm going to have to just move along!
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 07:35 PM

Lol, Colette. TW is always more entertaining when you're posting. :)
Posted by **Isis** 08/15/2011 at 07:36 PM

have time now to catch some tennis and found a Harrison-Chela stream... coms said Harrison got off to a shaky start, dropping serve, but since then it's been all Harrison. but at 5-1, Harrison got broken serving for the set. trainer now working on Chela's shoulder.

looking forward to Pete's Wednesday post. wish I could like Djokovic (his game and his personality) as much as I'm impressed by him (his game and his personality-- in some ways, at least). the question of how long he can sustain this pretty exciting, though it does get to feel old week in, week out.

Sherlock, I know from skimming today that it's been said, but nice to see you. It was a weekend to forget; a few of our reputations depend on it, though BP kindly makes the rest of us look normal in comparison.

BP-- speaking of which, could you please go embarrass yourself on Tignor's New Normal thread? some guy got pretty unhinged last night and I stupidly (sleeplessly) got involved; today, all his comments were deleted, but mine (responding to them) weren't (LOL). Come on, you owe me one.
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 07:38 PM

Serb to the bone, I like your nick. Reminds me of George Thorogood. :)
Posted by Heather 08/15/2011 at 07:40 PM

Have a good night all, crossing my fingers for an Andy victory! Hoping for one for Ryan "the adorable" as well! :)
Posted by **Isis** 08/15/2011 at 07:40 PM

Harrison will serve for the set again
Posted by Aube, back to school week! 08/15/2011 at 07:40 PM

the two friends Ana and hantuchova both have no mercy on their opponents,ouch...
Posted by Sherlock 08/15/2011 at 07:41 PM

Hang in there, Heather! I've got a feeling about this one. Not sure if it's good or not, but I'm going with the former. :)

Aw, thanks, Isis. Very kind of you. It's good to see you, too.

BP is kind in that way. Being the standard bearer is tough, but he pulls it off smoothly. :)
Posted by **Isis** 08/15/2011 at 07:42 PM

Harrison takes the set:)

Posted by Samantha Elin, Kom sa, Caro. 08/15/2011 at 07:43 PM

Go Ana!!!
Posted by jita65 08/15/2011 at 07:43 PM

".. when something must have clicked deep inside Djokovic's competitive heart and told him that it was no longer enough to be the third wheel in one of the game's great, historic rivalries."

And are his fans glad that it did! For years it was so frustrating to watch him, so close and yet so far. But now to watch him play with such confidence, match after match, it's just incredible. I can see how fans of other players may be getting tired, but for Novak's fan this is making up for the last three years when there were no majors, hardly any big titles and some very tough losses.

I hope it does not 'end' any time soon. Novak has worked way too hard to get here, so even if there is another big loss, hope he will just shrug it off and start on the sequel. All signs are there that playing at such high level comes normally to him.
1 2 3 4 5 6      >>

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

Posted by:

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Working...
Your comment could not be posted. Error type:
Your comment has been posted. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.

Working...

Leave a Comment



<<  Around the World in 1000 Words The Deuce Club, 8.12  >>




RG Crisis Center, Day 8
They Said What? 6.02
RG Crisis Center: Day 7
They Said What? 6.01
A Little Bit of Roll, A Lot of Rock
They Said What? 5.31
RG Crisis Center: Day 5
This blog has 3602 entries and 1607110 comments.
More
More Video
Daily Spin