Is Novak Djokovic the Greatest Tennis Player of contemporary Era?

[bones]

Preach bro. These Djokovic fans act like Djokovic has dominated both Federer and Nadal at their best. Federer was at his prime from 2003-2012. Nadal was in his prime from 2005-2014. Djokovic had a losing head to head against both Nadal and Federer, when they were in their respective primes.

Djokovic had a losing H2H because Nadal and Federer had a head-start when Djokovic was a kid.
When player x or player y was at their prime is useless, you can only beat the version of a player in front of you. That’s why the overall H2H is a fair reflection, it takes into account when players are young, old, returning from injury, in form and out of form. It also takes into account performance across surfaces and tournaments. Djokovic had to catch up to Nadal and Federer because he was the youngest, he did and he overtook them in the H2H.

There is no doubt that Djokovic is the GOAT, but let not make it out like he was beating the absolute best version of Federer and Nadal in the last few years.

Rinse and repeat, Djokovic has been beating them for years and years. He didn’t need to wait until they were on their last legs. Federer fans have been crying about his old age since 2012, when he was 29/30. You don’t see us whining about Djokovic’s age.

Throughout tennis history, players dominate in their early and mid 20s They then start to decline in their late 20s and early 30s, and are replaced at the top by a young top player in his early 20s. Old Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall had young Connors and Borg to deal with. Old Connors and McEnroe had to deal with young Lendl, Becker, Edberg, Wilander and they had to deal with young Sampras and Agassi when they were in their late 20s and early 30s. Old Sampras and Agassi had to deal with young Safin, Roddick, Hewitt, Ferraro and Federer. Old Federer had to deal with younger Nadal and Djokovic. Who is old Djokovic dealing with? Which top young player has Djokovic got to contend with? Nishikori? Raonic? Dimitrov? Tsitsipas? Zverev? Thiem?

A typical Federer fan’s thinking. It’s so difficult for them to accept that maybe the problem isn’t that the next gen are not that good, maybe the fact is Djokovic so good that he’s making the next gen look bad.

Like I said, Djokovic will go down as the goat, but things needs to be put into perspective. If any one of Nishikori, Raonic or Dimitrov lived up to the hype, Djokovic wouldn’t have reached 20 slams, and to be fair, neither would have Federer and Nadal.

Maybe, maybe just maybe it’s these 3 guys and the fact they are just that good. Maybe they are so good they’ve made everyone else look ordinary.

 

[bones]

The Federer era started in 2003 when he won his first Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Nadal burst onto the scene as a champion player when he won the RG 2005.
You are making it sound as if Federer had multiple years at the top without Nadal. They are literally from the same era with Djokovic emerging as a world class player a few years later (2008-2009).
Djokovic will end up with 25-26 grand slams and it would be hard to argue against his GOAT status, considering the fact that Federer is unlikely to win another one and Nadal might have a couple of RGs left in the tank, but personally speaking, Federer from 2004 to 2007 is the best tennis player I’ve seen.
He was so ruthless and elegant to watch. In addition to being a winning machine, the one-handed backhand, not a single grunt, the bandana, his serve style. It was the purest and most perfect form of tennis you can have the privilege to watch.
Djokovic has some of the best characteristics of Federer and Nadal in his own play. He can reproduce Federer’s magic but has the heart and resilience of Nadal, but I personally don’t find that particularly attractive to watch.
I would still pick prime Federer as the best tennis player I’ve seen, but there is no doubt in my mind that Djokovic is superior to Nadal, who is better than Federer and Djokovic only on clay.

As predicted, so obvious. Now that Federer’s records are being taken one by one, his fan base will reach out with ridiculous cases such as his “elegance”, “dominance in the mid-20s”, “popularity” or “transcending the sport”.

McEnroe, Henman and Becker were having a discussion the other day and the outcome was, they said casual fans simply cannot understand how good Djokovic is. The things that make him great are some of the hardest things to do in tennis, significantly more difficult than what Federer and others do. How many players are able to return 130+mph serves on the stretch and landing within a yard of the baseline? How many players can slide into the BH corner and hit clean winners when 5 metres behind the baseline? How many players can be pushed to the absolute limit of their physical speed and then land a defensive lob within 2 inches of the baseline? These are just some of the things he does that make him the champion that he is.

You know the Djokovic fan base knew this was coming, the records were going 1 by 1. First it was the year end no 1, then wins against top 10, then points in a season, then the masters, then winning all the masters, then number of weeks at 1 and now he’s tied the slam count. So what do the Federer fans have left to use as an argument? Almost no statistical argument, just objective arguments.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The Federer era started in 2003 when he won his first Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Nadal burst onto the scene as a champion player when he won the RG 2005.

You are making it sound as if Federer had multiple years at the top without Nadal. They are literally from the same era with Djokovic emerging as a world class player a few years later (2008-2009).

Djokovic will end up with 25-26 grand slams and it would be hard to argue against his GOAT status, considering the fact that Federer is unlikely to win another one and Nadal might have a couple of RGs left in the tank, but personally speaking, Federer from 2004 to 2007 is the best tennis player I’ve seen.

He was so ruthless and elegant to watch. In addition to being a winning machine, the one-handed backhand, not a single grunt, the bandana, his serve style. It was the purest and most perfect form of tennis you can have the privilege to watch.

Djokovic has some of the best characteristics of Federer and Nadal in his own play. He can reproduce Federer’s magic but has the heart and resilience of Nadal, but I personally don’t find that particularly attractive to watch.

I would still pick prime Federer as the best tennis player I’ve seen, but there is no doubt in my mind that Djokovic is superior to Nadal, who is better than Federer and Djokovic only on clay.

Agree wholeheartedly with this. Federer at his peak played sublime tennis, it took precision and touch to augment his natural power. Nadal and Djoko are more about percentage and grinding power which is easier to produce over a prolonged period of time.

In my opinion if all three players were at their peak, Federer beats both Djoko and Nadal just through sheer shot making. Obviously that would depend on the surface, clay is always going to favour the percentage ground stroke players over a shot player, but on the most neutral surface like artificial, I would think peak Federer was unmatched.

 

[Chrish]

I don’t follow Tennis but I read a post somewhere that basically said Djok is tennis equivalent of Steve Smith.. Not easy on eyes like some other players but ruthlessly efficient and head and shoulder above any other player..

Is this analogy correct?

 

[bones]

I don’t follow Tennis but I read a post somewhere that basically said Djok is tennis equivalent of Steve Smith.. Not easy on eyes like some other players but ruthlessly efficient and head and shoulder above any other player..

Is this analogy correct?

Not even close. Djokovic actually has easy power, he’s a middleweight with cruiserweight power. It is the Federer fan base that think only their man has a “pleasing on the eye” style.

Even if we conceded that his game is like Steve Smith, Djokovic’s numbers in tennis are far more dominant. He dominance in the last decade has been almost Bradman’esque.

 

[bones]

Agree wholeheartedly with this. Federer at his peak played sublime tennis, it took precision and touch to augment his natural power. Nadal and Djoko are more about percentage and grinding power which is easier to produce over a prolonged period of time.

In my opinion if all three players were at their peak, Federer beats both Djoko and Nadal just through sheer shot making. Obviously that would depend on the surface, clay is always going to favour the percentage ground stroke players over a shot player, but on the most neutral surface like artificial, I would think peak Federer was unmatched.

Do you have any facts to back this point? Nope, I thought not.

It's expected, now that Djokovic has all but taken every meaningful achievement in tennis, Fed fans are left scraping the barrel to find reasons to keep themselves believing he's the GOAT.

There are many different sites who have points systems rewarding the players based on various categories. Some reward smaller tournaments a bit more, others reward H2H more. Some reward wins vs higher opponents. Some reward clutch play. Well whichever points system is used, Djokovic is above Federer now. In fact he was above Federer after RG this year and now he's starting to pull away.

 

[The_KING]

Djokovic had a losing H2H because Nadal and Federer had a head-start when Djokovic was a kid.
When player x or player y was at their prime is useless, you can only beat the version of a player in front of you. That’s why the overall H2H is a fair reflection, it takes into account when players are young, old, returning from injury, in form and out of form. It also takes into account performance across surfaces and tournaments. Djokovic had to catch up to Nadal and Federer because he was the youngest, he did and he overtook them in the H2H.

Djokovic was already a top player by early 2007. What head start? It's not like Djokovic was a journeyman from 2005-10, before suddenly rising to the top in 2011.

Rinse and repeat, Djokovic has been beating them for years and years. He didn’t need to wait until they were on their last legs. Federer fans have been crying about his old age since 2012, when he was 29/30. You don’t see us whining about Djokovic’s age.

Because players tend to decline in their late 20s after dominating in throughout their 20s. That usually happens. When Federer won Wimbledon in 2012, a lot of his fans including me thought that it was his last slam.

A typical Federer fan’s thinking. It’s so difficult for them to accept that maybe the problem isn’t that the next gen are not that good, maybe the fact is Djokovic so good that he’s making the next gen look bad.

Maybe, maybe just maybe it’s these 3 guys and the fact they are just that good. Maybe they are so good they’ve made everyone else look ordinary.

In physically demanding sports, age matter. This isn't golf. There is a reason why Sampras retired at 31. There is a reason why McEnroe didn't win any slams after 26. There is a reason Becker retired at 32. I know that modern science has enabled players to have longer careers. But regardless of how good Federer, Nadal & Djokovic are, they are still in their mid-late 30s. There is no reason why younger and more fit players shouldn't be winning majority of the big tournaments.

Again, I don't know why you seem to be getting so offended. I even said that Djokovic is the GOAT and I even admitted that Federer got lucky that he won slams in his 30s, due to no young player really truly stepping up.

 

[street cricketer]

Don't shame me guys but I really dig Nadal's style of playing. I'm obviously biased because I'm a Rafa fan, but I absolutely love Rafa's forehands (his backhand is ugly I concede) and become utterly starstruck every time Rafa bends one from outside the line into the top left corner of the court while on the run.

 

[bones]

Don't shame me guys but I really dig Nadal's style of playing. I'm obviously biased because I'm a Rafa fan, but I absolutely love Rafa's forehands (his backhand is ugly I concede) and become utterly starstruck every time Rafa bends one from outside the line into the top left corner of the court while on the run.

Rafa's DTL FH will go down in the hall of fame. It's perhaps the most memorable groundstroke in the history of the sport. When it's on, it's devastating. But my favourite FH is the Del Potro FH, shame his injuries have meant we've seen it so rarely.

 

[Bhaijaan]

He most definitely is.

However, Roger Federer remains the guy who defined this era of Tennis. Call it bias or whatever, that guy carries himself with a class and aura that is hard to ignore and even if Djoker wins 30 GSs, this era would still be remembered more for the fact that Roger Federer played in it.

 

[Mamoon]

In spite of all the achievements, the Djokovic fan club is insecure and always desperate to convince everyone that he is the GOAT.

A lot of it has to do with the fact that he never managed to define an era. Federer and Nadal made people fall in love with tennis again.

Federer and Nadal became true icons and Djokovic emerged a few years later as a third wheel and was viewed as a party-pooper.

In spite of dominating the 2010s, he never emerged out of the shadow of Federer and Nadal who remained the more iconic and popular tennis players.

 

[bones]

There's a video that the John McEnroe made for the BBC about this exact topic. Please view, unfortunately the quality is not good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff93ZljpZYk

In spite of all the achievements, the Djokovic fan club is insecure and always desperate to convince everyone that he is the GOAT.

The title of the thread is about him being the GOAT, what did you expect to see when you opened the thread to read the content? We don’t have to convince anyone he’s the GOAT, statistically it’s been prove he is the GOAT. His overall resume is superior to anyone else’s in the open era.

A lot of it has to do with the fact that he never managed to define an era. Federer and Nadal made people fall in love with tennis again.

I’ve said this a few times and it’s totally expected, when the records tumble and by God have they been tumbling in the last few years. The Federer fan base will be in ruins. They’re have no statistical basis to label him the GOAT to it will arbitrary arguments and rubbish like aesthetics and popularity. These are tennis players, what matters to them the most is winning and winning the most important events. Djokovic has done that better than anyone else in the open. He’s on the brink of burying any debate, although the only reason there is a debate is because the Fed fan base, which is massive, keeps changing the criteria. First it was weeks at no 1, then it was H2H, then it was YE1, then it as slams.

You’re right, this isn’t the Djokovic era, right now it’s the Djokovic dynasty and Federer is just a sideshow. Nadal on the other hand has played a huge role, his fortress at RG has been the most difficult for Djokovic to breach but he’s done it.

Federer and Nadal became true icons and Djokovic emerged a few years later as a third wheel and was viewed as a party-pooper.

Djokovic is a massive icon too, you only have to visit other countries to realise how massive he is. Sure he’ll never be as big as Fed in this regard but he’s still a massive icon. He’s the face of global brands such as Lacoste, Seiko, Peugeot just to name a few. But what has any of this got to do with on-court achievements? Nothing.

However I’ll give you that, Federer is the most popular and well known, he is a massive icon. But do you seriously think he cares about that more than he does about winning slams?

In spite of dominating the 2010s, he never emerged out of the shadow of Federer and Nadal who remained the more iconic and popular tennis players.

Rinse and repeat.
They can have all the popularity votes. Whilst Djokovic keeps piling up the on-court achievements.

 

[The_KING]

We don’t have to convince anyone he’s the GOAT, statistically it’s been prove he is the GOAT. His overall resume is superior to anyone else’s in the open era.

Yet, all I have seen from you and many Djokovic fans on tennis forums and social media is wanting acceptance from everyone that he is the goat. It’s as if you only support him because he is the goat. Remember his achievements are his achievements. Not yours.

You’re right, this isn’t the Djokovic era, right now it’s the Djokovic dynasty and Federer is just a sideshow. Nadal on the other hand has played a huge role, his fortress at RG has been the most difficult for Djokovic to breach but he’s done it.

It’s not as if he beat a peak version of Nadal. If Federer had this current slow version of Nadal from 2005-11, he too would have defeated him at the French open.

Djokovic is a massive icon too, you only have to visit other countries to realise how massive he is. Sure he’ll never be as big as Fed in this regard but he’s still a massive icon. He’s the face of global brands such as Lacoste, Seiko, Peugeot just to name a few. But what has any of this got to do with on-court achievements? Nothing.

Popularity has nothing to do with on court achievements. But, Djokovic fans are still insecure about the fact that he isn’t as popular as Federer.

However I’ll give you that, Federer is the most popular and well known, he is a massive icon. But do you seriously think he cares about that more than he does about winning slams?

Federer has already won a lot. I am sure he is happy with his career.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Agree wholeheartedly with this. Federer at his peak played sublime tennis, it took precision and touch to augment his natural power. Nadal and Djoko are more about percentage and grinding power which is easier to produce over a prolonged period of time.

In my opinion if all three players were at their peak, Federer beats both Djoko and Nadal just through sheer shot making. Obviously that would depend on the surface, clay is always going to favour the percentage ground stroke players over a shot player, but on the most neutral surface like artificial, I would think peak Federer was unmatched.

I am not actually a Federer fan by the way, my favourite player of all time was John McEnroe, then maybe Stefan Edberg who was not a particularly successful player for winning grand slams, but on his day he was sublime. One of my favourite memories of Wimbledon was when he blasted Boris Becker off the court in the final just because he was in the zone.

I will freely admit I put style over stats so you can keep throwing those around, it won't change my mind. My deepest admiration for Federer was that he combined grace with power and precision, such that when he was at his peak, in my opinion he would beat your GOAT 9 times out of 10. Djoko would win when he was playing a Federer slightly past his best and on surfaces which suit the grinders.

 

[Bhaijaan]

You cannot argue against stats.

The moment Djokovic wins GS #21, he is going to become the greatest ever.

However, like I said above, it is Roger Federer (and not even Nadal) who is going to be remembered and revered as the era defining superstar of Tennis.

Yes it is a bias. Yes it will hurt if you are a hardcore Djokovic or Nadal fan but bias is everywhere.

Muhammad Ali also isn't the undisputed GOAT by the way in boxing however the sport as a whole continues to be defined and remembered in fond memories of Ali's heroics inside and outside the rings.

Same goes with Babe Ruth, Tendulkar in their respective sports.

Michael Jordan is 6/6 but Bill Russell has 11 rings. Kareem Abdul Jabbar has more career points. LeBron has more playoff points. But MJ will always be revered the most.

Crossing barriers, was Marlyn Monroe the absolute most beautiful or hotest woman ever. Subjective but she continues to be remembered as THE sex symbol in Hollywood.

Certain things go beyond what can be defined in numbers.

Federer, Tendulkar, Jordan, Ali etc are guys who were able to leave a lasting legacy beyond numbers for reasons that cannot be merely put in words.

 

[The_KING]

I am not actually a Federer fan by the way, my favourite player of all time was John McEnroe, then maybe Stefan Edberg who was not a particularly successful player for winning grand slams, but on his day he was sublime. One of my favourite memories of Wimbledon was when he blasted Boris Becker off the court in the final just because he was in the zone.

I will freely admit I put style over stats so you can keep throwing those around, it won't change my mind. My deepest admiration for Federer was that he combined grace with power and precision, such that when he was at his peak, in my opinion he would beat your GOAT 9 times out of 10. Djoko would win when he was playing a Federer slightly past his best and on surfaces which suit the grinders.

Tbh, majority of the surfaces suit grinders nowadays, which is a big reason why Federer hasn’t won as much in recent years as he would have if he was playing in an era, where courts were faster and suited his style more.

 

[bones]

Tbh, majority of the surfaces suit grinders nowadays, which is a big reason why Federer hasn’t won as much in recent years as he would have if he was playing in an era, where courts were faster and suited his style more.

So he's not adaptable? Djokovic can adapt, he's won all the masters, which are played on various surfaces. He's also won all the slams twice further cementing the case that he is more complete as a tennis player.

Losers whine about conditions, winners adjust and get on with it.

 

[The_KING]

So he's not adaptable? Djokovic can adapt, he's won all the masters, which are played on various surfaces. He's also won all the slams twice further cementing the case that he is more complete as a tennis player.

Losers whine about conditions, winners adjust and get on with it.

Federer adapted better than Djokovic. He started in the era of serve and volley and so was serving and volleying a lot in his earlier years. Then as courts started to get slower, he started to play primarily from the baseline. Djokovic started in the era of slowish courts anyway. He didn’t have to adapt to anything. With his average net skills, I wonder how he would have done in the era of serve and volley.

 

[bones]

Federer adapted better than Djokovic. He started in the era of serve and volley and so was serving and volleying a lot in his earlier years. Then as courts started to get slower, he started to play primarily from the baseline. Djokovic started in the era of slowish courts anyway. He didn’t have to adapt to anything. With his average net skills, I wonder how he would have done in the era of serve and volley.

Ironic you should say that, Wimbledon actually changed the grass in 2001. Tim Henman went into great detail about it during a Queen's tournament a couple of years ago. So if Djokovic benefited from the slowing down of Wimbledon, so did Federer lol. Here is a quote from an online article about this:

In 2001, Wimbledon tore out all its courts and planted a new variety of groundcover. The new grass was 100% perennial rye; the old courts had been a mix of 70% rye and 30% creeping red fescue. The new lawn was more durable, and allowed Wimbledon's groundsmen to keep the soil underneath drier and firmer. A firmer surface causes the ball to bounce higher. A high bounce is anathema to the serve-and-volley player, who relies on approach shots skidding low through the court. What's more, rye, unlike fescue, grows in tufts that stand straight up; these tufts slow a tennis ball down as it lands.

Keep them coming, these excuses are funny.

 

[Chrish]

[MENTION=135003]bones[/MENTION] love your insights and enthusiasm for the game.. My friend who follows tennis admits Djok is the GOAT at this point and he isn’t even a fan..

Just one question. Djok leads Federer in head-to-head but not by much (23-27 something). But there is also 5 years age difference between the two which to me is significant. Do you think the head-to-head would have been closer if the age difference wasn’t this big?

Djok and Rafa is a much fairer comparison..

 

[bones]

[MENTION=135003]bones[/MENTION] love your insights and enthusiasm for the game.. My friend who follows tennis admits Djok is the GOAT at this point and he isn’t even a fan..

Just one question. Djok leads Federer in head-to-head but not by much (23-27 something). But there is also 5 years age difference between the two which to me is significant. Do you think the head-to-head would have been closer if the age difference wasn’t this big?

Djok and Rafa is a much fairer comparison..

Well it would probably be where it is right now. I might give a slight edge to Djokovic because he's better across all the surfaces. So 27-23 is probably what it would be if they were the same age. Just take into account Fed has a huge lead on Djokovic whilst Djokovic was a kid. Djokovic and Fed swapped many matches in the middle from around 2010-2014 and then Djokovic really started to turn it in his favour.

The age is against Federer now, but it was against Djokovic till he turned 23/24.

 

[The_KING]

Well it would probably be where it is right now. I might give a slight edge to Djokovic because he's better across all the surfaces. So 27-23 is probably what it would be if they were the same age. Just take into account Fed has a huge lead on Djokovic whilst Djokovic was a kid. Djokovic and Fed swapped many matches in the middle from around 2010-2014 and then Djokovic really started to turn it in his favour.

The age is against Federer now, but it was against Djokovic till he turned 23/24.

How was the age against Djokovic till he turned 23/24, when he was a top 3 player at 20 in 2007? You don't think if a 38 year old Federer can take Djokovic to 5 sets and come within a point of winning Wimbledon, a 26 year Federer would do a lot better?

 

[The_KING]

Ironic you should say that, Wimbledon actually changed the grass in 2001. Tim Henman went into great detail about it during a Queen's tournament a couple of years ago. So if Djokovic benefited from the slowing down of Wimbledon, so did Federer lol. Here is a quote from an online article about this:

In 2001, Wimbledon tore out all its courts and planted a new variety of groundcover. The new grass was 100% perennial rye; the old courts had been a mix of 70% rye and 30% creeping red fescue. The new lawn was more durable, and allowed Wimbledon's groundsmen to keep the soil underneath drier and firmer. A firmer surface causes the ball to bounce higher. A high bounce is anathema to the serve-and-volley player, who relies on approach shots skidding low through the court. What's more, rye, unlike fescue, grows in tufts that stand straight up; these tufts slow a tennis ball down as it lands.

Keep them coming, these excuses are funny.

I don't see what point you are trying to make. Federer started his career playing serve and volley and changed his game once the courts started to slow down. That is a fact. Watch his match against Sampras at Wimbledon 2001, watch his first Wimbledon final. He was serving and volleying in those matches. Later on, he stopped S&V, expect for the odd occasion. Federer had to adapt more than Djokovic has had to adapt.

Of course, slow courts helped Federer. That is a big reason why we haven't see a single all time great player emerge after Djokovic. Slow courts have allowed Federer, as well as Nadal and Djokovic to remain consistent for 15+ years. But slow courts hinder Federer against Nadal and Djokovic, because Federer is a more attacking player than both of his rivals, and slow courts favour the less attacking player and the more defensive player.

 

[Chrish]

And difference is close to 6 years.. Again I don't know about Tennis like I do about Cricket. Most batsmen in Cricket peak after the age of 25 and stay good till 34. Afterwards things start to go downhill. Not sure how it compares in Tennis..

 

[The_KING]

And difference is close to 6 years.. Again I don't know about Tennis like I do about Cricket. Most batsmen in Cricket peak after the age of 25 and stay good till 34. Afterwards things start to go downhill. Not sure how it compares in Tennis..

In tennis, most players tend to be in their prime from early 20-mid 20s before starting to decline in their late 20s and early 30s. Federer's prime was 2003-2012. He turned 22 in August 2003 and 31 in August 2012. So essentially his prime was from age 21-30. During this run, Federer was mostly a top player, with his most dominant run coming in 2004-07. After that that was a bit of a slowdown, but he remained a top player until 2012. Starting in 2013, Federer had his first big decline and he had to change racquets to become one of the top players in 2014. But he was no longer in his prime.

As for Djokovic, his prime was from 2007-2016, with his absolute peak coming in 2011 and 2015. After 2016, his first big decline started due to injuries. Nadal's prime was from 2005-2014, with his absolute peak coming in 2008 and 2010.

All of these three guys have been able to win slams and compete at the highest level even after being past their prime, but that is due to the fact there hasn't been any top player from the 90s to challenge them and replace them.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Begrudgingly, he undeniably is. A case of tortoise versus the hare. He peaked late and is reaping the dividends

 

[King_Kohli]

Tokyo 2020: Novak Djokovic confirms he will compete at Olympic Games

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will compete in this summer's Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Djokovic, who claimed a record-equalling 20th men's Grand Slam title last weekend, had said he was "50-50" about whether he would take part.

On Thursday, however, the 34-year-old posted on Twitter he would be "proudly" joining Team Serbia for the Games in eight days' time.

He added: "I booked my flight for Tokyo."

Djokovic said after retaining his Wimbledon crown that he was undecided about appearing at the Tokyo Games after it was announced fans would not be allowed to attend because of a spike in coronavirus infections.

The world number one lifted his third title of the year at the All England Club a week ago and is now on course to try to complete tennis' 'Golden Slam'.

He needs to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics and take the US Open singles title in September to become the first male player to achieve the feat.

Germany's Steffi Graf is the only player to accomplish a 'Golden Slam', which she achieved in 1988.

Earlier this week, British number ones Johanna Konta and Dan Evans withdrew from the Games because of positive Covid-19 tests, while Swiss legend Roger Federer and three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber have also pulled out.

Australia's world number 17 Alex de Minaur has also tested positive for Covid-19 and has subsequently withdrawn.

The tennis tournament at the Olympic Games gets under way on 24 July.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57858543

 

[bones]

Begrudgingly, he undeniably is. A case of tortoise versus the hare. He peaked late and is reaping the dividends

It's this time of salt, that makes it all the more enjoyable.

 

[Firebat]

Monte Carlo Masters: Novak Djokovic beaten in second round by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

World number one Novak Djokovic went down to a shock defeat by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on his return to the ATP Tour at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic was playing in his first tournament since February after missing the US hard court swing because of restrictions over his Covid-19 vaccination status.

Davidovich Fokina won 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 to reach the third round.

Djokovic had his serve broken nine times by his Spanish opponent.

It is the first time the 34-year-old Serb - whose last match was a quarter-final defeat in Dubai - has lost an opener at a tournament since 2018.

"This win is so special to me because I grew up watching Nole [Djokovic] and I'm a big fan of his," said world number 46 Davidovich Fokina.

"I knew Nole didn't have the confidence because he didn't play a lot this season. I had my chances in the beginning of the match and I took them.

"When he won the second set it was tough mentally, but I work hard to be focused. I had to be prepared for the war."

Earlier, Britain's Dan Evans cruised past Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets to reach the second round in Monte Carlo.

The British number two was dominant in the first set but the second was more open, Bonzi taking a 4-1 lead before Evans rallied to win 6-0 7-6 (7-4).

Evans, a semi-finalist last year, will face David Goffin in the next round after he defeated Jiri Lehecka in straight sets.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61080617

 

[Firebat]

Novak Djokovic wins 1,000th Tour-level match with semi-final win at Italian Open

Novak Djokovic became the fifth man to win 1,000 Tour-level matches by beating Casper Ruud in the semi-final of the Italian Open in Rome.

He joins record-holder Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl and Rafael Nadal in passing the landmark.

The 34-year-old Serb, who won his first ATP Tour match in 2004, was presented with a cake topped with the number 1,000 by organisers afterwards.

"I am blessed and privileged to have that many victories," Djokovic said.

"Seeing Roger and Rafa celebrate these milestones in the last couple years, I was looking forward to getting to that milestone myself.

"It is a long time since I won my first match on Tour. Hopefully I can keep going and there are many more victories to come."

As the players shook hands, Ruud congratulated the 20-time Grand Slam champion on his landmark win.

The world number one has reached 1,000 wins more quickly than rival Federer but has taken two more matches than Nadal and was also slower than Connors and Lendl.

Djokovic had to battle at times against Norwegian Ruud, 23, but impressively came through 6-4 6-3.

He will play Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final as he chases a first title of the season.

Tsitsipas reached the final of the clay-court event for the first time by beating Alexander Zverev 4-6 6-3 6-3.

The 23-year-old Greek overcame a perfect start from Germany's Zverev to reach a fifth Masters final and his fourth on clay.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61450016

 

[Firebat]

ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to equal Roger Federer's record

Former world number one Novak Djokovic beat Casper Ruud for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title.

The 35-year-old Serbian overcame his Norwegian opponent 7-5 6-3 in Turin on Sunday.

Victory for Djokovic in the season-ending event caps a year in which he was forced to miss two majors because of his reluctance to take a Covid-19 vaccination.

He last won an ATP Finals title in 2015 and has matched Roger Federer's mark.

Djokovic took the biggest pay cheque in tennis, worth $4,740,300 (£3.985m), for going through the tournament unbeaten.

Having sealed the success with one of nine aces in the match, he said the seven-year wait for the title made the triumph "even sweeter".

"It feels deeply satisfying and, at the same time, a huge relief because of the circumstances that I have been through this year, situations earlier this year, of course, with Australia," added Djokovic.

"That had an effect obviously on my start of the year. For the first several months, I was trying to find that balance game-wise but also mentally in order to be able to come back to the court and find that tennis level that I need.

"I don't know what the future holds but I know that what I hold in my mind is a huge hunger still to win trophies."

Ruud, 23, made two poor errors to hand the 21-time major winner the break in the first set.

Having won the opener, Djokovic then took control and broke his opponent's serve in the fourth game of the second set.

Ruud continued to battle and forced the veteran into a 36-shot penultimate rally, but Djokovic was stronger and closed out the match with a powerful ace.

It marked another final defeat for the Norwegian who was runner-up at both the French Open and US Open.

But Ruud said: "Overall, if you gave me the offer to end the year at number three, play the finals that I've played, on 1st January this year, I would probably sign the contract right away. No doubt about it."

It was also a successful day for Britain as Joe Salisbury won the men's doubles event with American partner Rajeev Ram.

The US Open men's doubles champions beat Croatian pair Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/63696459

 

[SpiritOf1903]

He's definitely making it an objective argument

 

[bones]

A lot of people including me, think despite him not having the most slams, he is the best ever. Apart from the slam count he pretty much leads Nadal and Federer in most other categories.

 

[James]

As an all round player he does seem to be the best tennis player ever. An incredible athlete.

 

[The_KING]

He is and I can't stand him. Stats indicate that he is the best unfortunately.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Storms Into Second Round On Australian Open Return

Novak Djokovic swept past Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena to launch his bid for a 10th Australian Open title Tuesday, with the Serb enjoying a rousing reception following his deportation a year ago. The 35-year-old, who was banned from last year's tournament, showed few signs of the hamstring niggle he picked up in Adelaide this month as he raced to victory on Rod Laver Arena 6-3, 6-4, 6-0. After not being able to play last year over his Covid vaccination stance, there were concerns over how he might be received by fans in Melbourne.

The city endured lengthy lockdowns during the height of the pandemic.

But, as in Adelaide, the fourth seed walked out to loud cheers and chants of "Nole", with vocal backing during the match from a stadium awash with Serbian flags.

"Thank you for giving me such a welcoming reception that I could only dream of," said Djokovic, who is chasing a record-equalling 22nd major title.

"I feel really happy that I'm back here in Australia and on the court where I have had the biggest success in my career.

"Definitely this court is the most special court in my life and I couldn't ask for a better start to the tournament."

He arrived at Melbourne Park in sizzling form after ending 2022 by winning another ATP Finals title, then followed that up by triumphing at the Adelaide International.

As if that wasn't daunting enough for 75th-ranked Carballes Baena, Djokovic came into the clash having won his last 21 Australian Open matches.

He opened with an ace, but didn't have it all his own way at first, needing to save three break points in the fifth game.

But he quickly settled and broke next game to love for a 4-2 lead and closed out the set.

His hamstring appeared to trouble him briefly when he slid for a shot at 2-2 in the next set, but he pressed on and broke again for 4-3 when Carballes Baena netted a forehand.

Djokovic stepped up a level as the clock ticked passed midnight in Melbourne and he immediately broke in the third set, with the Spaniard out of answers as the former world number one surged to victory.

"I'm very, very pleased with the way I played in the third set. I didn't give him too much chance to breathe from the back of the court," he said.

"I served very well. Second set was up and down and credit to him for fighting."

In Djokovic's absence last year, long-time rival Rafael Nadal won the title to claim a 21st Grand Slam which he stretched to 22 at the French Open.

Djokovic won Wimbledon to take his haul to 21 and he has made no secret about wanting more.

Extra motivation comes from attempting to become just the third player in history to win at least 10 titles at a single Grand Slam.

Only Nadal, with 14 at Roland Garros, and Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open singles titles, have more.

NDTV

 

[ex-q-zit]

Australian Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic wins but Casper Ruud loses to Jenson Brooksby

Novak Djokovic battled through injury to reach the Australian Open third round on another day when more of his expected title rivals were knocked out.

The 35-year-old Serb, going for a record-extending 10th men's triumph in Melbourne, won 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-0 against French qualifier Enzo Couacaud.

Djokovic had a medical timeout, seemingly hampered by an existing hamstring injury, but came through.

A day after Rafael Nadal exited, second seed Casper Ruud was also beaten.

The Norwegian, who reached two Grand Slam finals last year, lost 6-3 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 to American Jenson Brooksby.

In the same quarter of the draw, eighth seed Taylor Fritz also lost 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 to Australian wildcard Alexei Popyrin.

Novak Djokovic battled through injury to reach the Australian Open third round on another day when more of his expected title rivals were knocked out.

The 35-year-old Serb, going for a record-extending 10th men's triumph in Melbourne, won 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-0 against French qualifier Enzo Couacaud.

Djokovic had a medical timeout, seemingly hampered by an existing hamstring injury, but came through.

A day after Rafael Nadal exited, second seed Casper Ruud was also beaten.

The Norwegian, who reached two Grand Slam finals last year, lost 6-3 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 to American Jenson Brooksby.

In the same quarter of the draw, eighth seed Taylor Fritz also lost 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 to

Australian wildcard Alexei Popyrin.

Djokovic entered the Rod Laver Arena with his left thigh heavily taped but it was his opponent Couacaud who struggled with injury early on, rolling his right ankle midway through the first set and requiring a medical timeout.

Djokovic cruised through the rest of the opener but twinges in his hamstring - which was already bothering him before the start of the tournament - slowed him down and allowed Couacaud into the contest. The Serb left the court for treatment and returned with fresh, tighter dressing on his leg.

The 27-year-old Frenchman, making his Australian Open debut in 2023, took advantage and forced the 21-time Grand Slam champion into a second-set tie-break as the crowd got behind his every shot, much to Djokovic's frustration.

With play defying his ranking of 191, Couacaud bounced back from 3-0 down in the tie-break to mark the first time Djokovic has lost a set to a qualifier or lucky loser in Melbourne since 2009.

But something switched in Djokovic's mind at that point, and his relentlessness returned. The fourth seed breezed through the third set in little over half an hour, although faced another challenge in the fourth set in the form of hecklers in the crowd who he said were "drunk out of their mind".

After asking the umpire "what he was going to do about it", the hecklers were eventually removed and Djokovic regained his focus, knocking Couacaud out with a bagel he did not deserve.

Djokovic will play his "Balkan brother" Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the third round, a player he has beaten on nine occasions but not played since 2019.

"A lot happened tonight in tonight's match," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

"Enzo deserves credit for the fight, he played some great tennis, especially in the second set.

"We both had medical timeouts and struggled a little but, but I managed to respond well in the third and especially the fourth."

Ruud's wait for Grand Slam triumph and top ranking goes on

The exit of Ruud, last year's French and US Open runner-up, means he must wait for another opportunity to land a first Grand Slam title and ended his chance to become the world number one.

The 24-year-old Norwegian was outplayed by world number 39 Brooksby, who took control early with two breaks of serve in the opening set and commanded play from the baseline in the second.

Ruud, who later said he had felt "tension and some slight pain" in his abdomen but refused to blame that for his performance, saved three match points in the third before winning a tie-break to force another set.

But 22-year-old Brooksby regrouped to break early in the fourth, sealing the win when his opponent sent a backhand long.

"Casper's a warrior, I knew it'd be a great battle out there. I was pretty confident with my level and just wanted to have fun out there and see what could happen," Brooksby said in his on-court interview.

"I was really proud of my mental resolve out there after the third-set battle didn't go my way to turn it around."

Brooksby will face Tommy Paul in the next round after his compatriot beat Spanish 30th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in five sets.

The men's draw was already without last year's Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios, who withdrew before the tournament through injury, leaving Djokovic as the overwhelming favourite, assuming his hamstring holds up.

BBC

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Yes. Statistically and quite simply one of the greatest physical specimens ever who sent from being quite flaky to an absolute mental titan.

Lots of similarities with Kohli who may have supposedly shared the same dating pool as him

 

[MenInG]

Novak Djokovic through to the 4th round after beating Grigor Dimitrov in Melbourne 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.

 

[sweep_shot]

He is the greatest of all time possibly.

Federer vs Novak head-to-head record is 27-23 (in favor of Novak).

Novak also has won 21 Grand Slam titles while Federer has won 20.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

He is the greatest of all time possibly.

Federer vs Novak head-to-head record is 27-23 (in favor of Novak).

Novak also has won 21 Grand Slam titles while Federer has won 20.

There is the issue of overlap there. Prime Federer and Prime Novak is a little more different. Federer beats Djokovic until his 2012 tear-up and Federer declined markedly after are 30 around 2013.

Still beat Novak at RG so is is still quite subjective

 

[MenInG]

Novak Djokovic made light work of home hope Alex de Minaur as he continued his pursuit of a record-extending 10th men's title at the Australian Open.

Serbia's Djokovic, 35, still had his left thigh strapped but he looked in no trouble as he won 6-2 6-1 6-2.

The fourth seed will play Russian Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals.

Rublev, seeded fifth, saved two match points - and fought back from 5-0 down in a final-set tie-break - to beat Danish teenager Holger Rune.

Later on Monday, the 25-year-old discovered he would face Djokovic after the former world number one had too much quality for 22nd seed De Minaur.

On the prospect of facing Djokovic, Rublev joked: "No-one wants to face Novak, I want to be in the other half of the draw."

 

[Firebat]

He is looking totally unstoppable. Should cruise to #22 on Sunday.

 

[MenInG]

Srdjan Djokovic watched his son Novak's Australian Open semi-final from home to avoid causing "disruption" after being pictured with supporters of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The 62-year-old was photographed with a man holding a Russian flag with Putin's face on it after his son's win over Russian Andrey Rublev on Wednesday.

Nine-time champion Novak beat American Tommy Paul 7-5 6-1 6-2 on Friday.

"I am here to support my son only," Srdjan said in a statement.

The images of Srdjan also featured a man wearing a T-shirt printed with the pro-war Z symbol following Djokovic's quarter-final victory.

BBC

 

[ex-q-zit]

Djokovic Says Images Of Father With Russian Flag "Misinterpreted"

Novak Djokovic hit out Friday at what he said was a "misinterpretation" of images showing his father posing at the Australian Open with a Russian flag that had Vladimir Putin's face on it.

The Serbian tennis star admitted that the controversy swirling around his father Srdjan had "got to me", but maintained no harm was meant.

Djokovic beat Tommy Paul to seal a place in Sunday's final and said he hoped his father would be there after skipping Friday's semi-final.

The 35-year-old Djokovic stressed that his father had "no intention whatsoever to support any war initiatives".

"I saw as everyone else saw what happened and it was unfortunate the misinterpretation of what happened has escalated to such a high level," Djokovic said after his semi-final.

"It has got to me of course. I was not aware of it until last night. And then of course I was not pleased to see that.

"My father, my whole family, have been through several wars. As my father put in the statement, we are against the war. We will never support any violence or war," he added.

He said his father had been greeting fans outside Rod Laver Arena after every match he played to thank them for their support.

Djokovic senior had earlier said that he would not attend the semi-final, insisting in a statement that he "wishes only for peace".

"I am here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption," Srdjan Djokovic said, after he faced calls to be banned from the tournament.

Demand for apology

A video posted to a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account on Thursday showed Djokovic's father posing with a man holding a Russian flag with President Putin's face on it.

The video was captioned: "Novak Djokovic's father makes bold political statement."

Another man was photographed by AFP inside the stadium during Djokovic's match with a T-shirt bearing the Russian pro-war "Z" symbol.

Srdjan Djokovic said he had been outside on Wednesday with his son's fans "as I have done after all of my son's matches to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them".

Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, had called for Srdjan Djokovic to be stripped of his accreditation.

In an interview with AFP, Myroshnychenko also called on Djokovic to personally apologise and to clarify his stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"He should apologise for what has happened, and condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine," he demanded.

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who lost in the women's doubles semi-final, said the behaviour was hurtful, but was reluctant to comment on whether Djokovic's father should be banned.

"No matter what I say, I will be hated until the rest of my life, especially by very aggressive Novak fans," she told reporters.

Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia last year for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19 -- the controversy overshadowing the start of the tournament.

'Absolutely disgusting'

Myroshnychenko said the player's response to the latest controversy would again draw attention away from what was happening on the court.

"The last Open was all about Djokovic," he said. "Now it's all about Russian flags and Djokovic as well."

Ukrainian former player Alex Dolgopolov said on Twitter that open support for what he called a "genocidal regime" was "absolutely disgusting".

Myroshnychenko was instrumental in persuading Australian Open organisers to ban Russian and Belarusian flags from this year's Grand Slam.

Russia's embassy in Australia had hit back at the ban, calling it "another example of unacceptable politicisation of sports".

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he didn't "want to see any support given to the Russian invasion of Ukraine".

Tournament organiser Tennis Australia said Thursday it would continue to work with security to enforce entry rules.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, Russian and Belarusian players have normally competed under a neutral white flag as independents, as is the case at the Australian Open.

NDTV

 

[MenInG]

Heading towards greatness:

Wins his 10th title in Melbourne, and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam.

 

[MenInG]

In the build-up to Sunday's final, Djokovic said he did not feel any different "in terms of stress" as he aimed to create more history and move closer to cementing his place as the greatest player of all time.

While such a title remains subjective and a topic for debate, the defining factor remains the number of major titles.

Djokovic moved level with 36-year-old Nadal - and now only trails 24-time champion Margaret Court and Serena Williams, who has 23, on the women's side - and has showed in the past two weeks he has the capacity to win many more.

Mentally and physically, his ability is showing few signs of diminishing.

He had been hampered by a hamstring injury at Melbourne Park and also had to deal with controversy surrounding his father Srdjan before Friday's semi-final against American Tommy Paul.

But time and time again he shows the stoicism to overcome difficult circumstances and produce in the biggest moments. This was the latest example.

A confident and collected start against Tsitsipas - targeting the Greek's one-handed backhand, which can be beautifully effective but also liable to break down - set the platform for Djokovic to comfortably claim the opening set.

However, like in his semi-final win against Paul, his mood turned and a spell of tetchiness almost allowed his opponent back into the contest.

After becoming animated and regularly chuntering to his team, Djokovic dug in to stave off the set point with a stunning inside-out forehand winner.

Locking in again saw him dominate the tie-break for a two-set lead and from that point it looked unlikely he would lose his grip on the match.

While Tsitsipas broke in the first game of the third set, he could not consolidate the advantage and Djokovic again showed his mentality in the tie-break to complete another masterful win.

 

[bones]

I've been watching him since he started out. He was not at his peak levels but he's so much better than the field that he won comfortably. No one came close to even troubling him let alone causing an upset.

He will have once again the biggest challenge in 5 months against a certain Spaniard.

 

[Abdullah]

French is an open field if Nadal gets fit.
Hopefully Nadal can stay away from the Alcatraz and djokovic being in the other half.
Djokovic will end up with most slams and that for me along with the H2Hs make him the GOAT

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Alcaraz was a huge miss. Hope he isn't one and done like Thiem or Del Potro

 

[Firebat]

Absolutely cruised to the trophy, no one is close to him on these courts, even at 35.

Saw a stat today: it's 2023, there has still not been a winner of the Australian Open, French Open or Wimbledon born after 1987.

 

[Sidilicious]

Absolutely cruised to the trophy, no one is close to him on these courts, even at 35.

Saw a stat today: it's 2023, there has still not been a winner of the Australian Open, French Open or Wimbledon born after 1987.

Take that Gen Z and later half of millenials.

 

[The_KING]

Absolutely cruised to the trophy, no one is close to him on these courts, even at 35.

Saw a stat today: it's 2023, there has still not been a winner of the Australian Open, French Open or Wimbledon born after 1987.

The 90s generation is full of losers who crap themselves at the sight of Djokovic and Nadal on the other side of the net. These guys are in their mid 20s and in the prime of their careers, so should be beating old men Nadal and Djokovic.

The 90s generation is a reflection of modern society. Weak, soft and not very manly.

 

[topspin]

The 90s generation is full of losers who crap themselves at the sight of Djokovic and Nadal on the other side of the net. These guys are in their mid 20s and in the prime of their careers, so should be beating old men Nadal and Djokovic.

The 90s generation is a reflection of modern society. Weak, soft and not very manly.

What about Rohan Bopanna? He was born in 1980.

 

[The_KING]

What about Rohan Bopanna? He was born in 1980.

He is a doubles player.

 

[bones]

The 90s generation is full of losers who crap themselves at the sight of Djokovic and Nadal on the other side of the net. These guys are in their mid 20s and in the prime of their careers, so should be beating old men Nadal and Djokovic.

Very easy to say this but in Djokovic you have the greatest returner and BH the game has ever seen. In Nadal you have one of the greatest if not greatest defenders and FHs the game has seen.

People call the likes of Nishikori and Dimitrov weak but you tell me what they have in their game to overcome the huge difference in skill levels.

If a player has a better serve/FH combo like yesterday with Djokovic and Tsitsipas, these greats then massacre the other wing. If a player tries to go all out attack against them they end up capitulating because of the huge UE count.

 

[Firebat]

Novak Djokovic has equalled Steffi Graf's record for most weeks as world number one after starting his 377th week at the top of the men's rankings.

 

[Firebat]

World number one Novak Djokovic says he is hoping for a "positive decision" to allow him to play at Indian Wells and the Miami Open next month.

 

[Firebat]

Novak Djokovic: World number one able to play at US Open after change to Covid-19 policy

World number one Novak Djokovic will be able to play at this year's US Open after the United States confirmed international travellers will no longer need to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner, 35, was forced to miss last year's tournament because of his vaccination status.

He also missed the past two Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.

But US policy will change on 12 May, allowing Serb Djokovic to return to Flushing Meadows in August.

"Today, we are announcing that the Administration will end the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travellers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends," the White House said in a statement.

Despite applying for special permission to enter the United States, Djokovic withdrew from Indian Wells in March because he was still unable to enter the country.

He won the Australian Open in January, a year after he was deported from the country on the eve of the 2022 tournament because he had not been vaccinated.

Although injury kept him out of the ongoing Madrid Open, Djokovic is due to begin his bid for an overall men's record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open later this month.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/65452554

 

[MenInG]

Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest exit at the Italian Open since 2013 when he was beaten by rising Danish star Holger Rune in the quarter-finals.

The Serb top seed, who turns 36 next week, was beaten 6-2 4-6 6-2 by 20-year-old Rune on the Rome clay.

Djokovic was bidding for his seventh title in the Italian capital as he prepares for the French Open on 28 May.

Seventh seed Rune will play Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud or Argentine 24th seed Francisco Cerundolo next.

Djokovic's preparations for the French Open have been disrupted by injury, having missed the recent Madrid Open with an elbow problem and returning to the court in Rome as he looked to build up form and fitness.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion will have the opportunity at Roland Garros to move clear of Rafael Nadal in terms of the most men's major titles of all time.

Following opening wins against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Grigor Dimitrov and British number one Cameron Norrie, Djokovic was going through the gears in Rome without yet finding his finest form.

There were signs of tension during a tetchy last-16 match against Norrie, before which Djokovic needed treatment for an injury that he was reluctant to discuss afterwards.

Djokovic, who will be replaced as world number one by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz next week, also needed a medical timeout early in the second set against Rune.

BBC

 

[Firebat]

French Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic sends message about Kosovo after opening win

Novak Djokovic wrote a political message about Kosovo on a camera lens after beginning his quest for a record 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title with victory at the French Open.

Serbia's Djokovic claimed a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-1) win over Aleksandar Kovacevic.

After beating the American, Djokovic wrote: "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence."

The statement was a reference to recent tension in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

The Kosovo Tennis Federation said Djokovic's actions would "directly result" in increasing tension between the two countries.

"It's not the first time that Djokovic is doing this. He's continually provoking Kosovo," Jeton Hadergjonaj, president of the federation, told the PA news agency.

Serbia has never recognised Kosovo's independence and there has been violence in the past days following the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in the north of the country, with police and Nato troops clashing with Serb protesters.

Speaking to Serbian journalists, Djokovic, whose father was born in Kosovo, said: "This is the least I could have done. I feel the responsibility as a public figure - doesn't matter in which field - to give support.

"Especially as a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to the entirety of Serbia.

"My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I've always stated publicly.

"I empathise with all people, but the situation with Kosovo is a precedent in international law.

"I am very sorry for the situation that we are in - Kosovo is our heart, our stronghold, the centre of historically most important events for our country, the biggest battle happened there, our most important monasteries and temples are there."

The Kosovo Tennis Federation said it would "have to react" and planned to ask the governing bodies for Djokovic to be fined.

The French Tennis Federation, organiser of the Roland Garros event, said there are no official rules on what players can or cannot say at Grand Slams.

On Tuesday, it said it was "understandable" discussions about international news events took place at the tournament.

Djokovic was involved in a political row at January's Australian Open after his father, Srdjan, was filmed posing for pictures with supporters of Russia president Vladimir Putin.

Alcaraz's second major bid starts smoothly
World number one Carlos Alcaraz progressed in straight sets, beating Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-0 6-2 7-5. The Spaniard is in the same half of the draw as Djokovic and the two could meet in the semi-finals.

The US Open champion cruised through the first two sets before eventually taking his fifth match point after Cobolli had threatened to force a fourth set.

The 20-year-old will face Japan's Taro Daniel next as he continues his bid for a second major title.

Asked about his approach to the sport after Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas yesterday described him as a "breath of fresh air", Alcaraz said: "I heard that Stefanos said he was starting to enjoy his tennis more because of me.

"For me it's the most important thing to enjoy and smile on court."

Djokovic was forced to play a third set tie-break against the 114nd-ranked Kovacevic, who is of Serbian heritage, after being broken as he served for the match in the 10th game.

That came after the crowd had booed his celebration when he broke back against the American midway through the set.

"I played well in the first two sets but then I missed opportunities and lost a little focus," Djokovic, who will face Hungary's Marton Fucsovics next, said.

"But it is also a sign of Aleks' level, which was getting better. When you get to a Grand Slam it is not the opponent who gives you the victory, you have to earn it."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/65747827

 

[MenInG]

Novak Djokovic's political message about Kosovo at the French Open was "not appropriate" and "shouldn't happen again", says France's sports minister.

Amelie Oudea-Castera said there needs to be a "principle of neutrality for the field of play".

Serb Djokovic wrote "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence" on a camera lens.

It is in reference to recent tension in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Serbia has never recognised Kosovo's independence and there has been violence in the past days following the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in the north of the country, with police and Nato troops clashing with Serb protesters.

World governing body the International Tennis Federation said Djokovic's statement did not violate any rules because the Grand Slam rulebook does not ban political statements.

"When you carry messages about defending human rights, messages that bring people together around universal values, a sportsperson is free to express them," Oudea-Castera told broadcaster France 2.

"But in this case it was a message that is very activist, that is very political. You shouldn't get involved, especially in the current circumstances, and it shouldn't happen again."

Oudea-Castera said she made a distinction for messages in support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion, adding that she did not put Kosovo and Ukraine "on the same level".

That includes supporting Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk, who was booed by the crowd after she refused to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus on Sunday.

Belarus is an ally of Russia and allowed troops to use its territory to launch last year's invasion of Ukraine.

"What's happening for Ukrainians on the circuit is so painful, so difficult," said Oudea-Castera.

"You can understand [Kostyuk's refusal to shake hands]. Even if you'd like there to always be fair play up to and including the handshake, but there's pain and I respect it."

Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who has repeatedly spoken out about tennis' response to the Russian invasion, said Djokovic should be allowed to give his view.

"We are living in the free world, so why not say your opinion on something?" said Svitolina, after beating Storm Hunter in round two.

"I feel like if you stand for something, you think that this is the way, you should say."

Djokovic, 36, has defended his message, which he wrote immediately after his first-round win over Aleksandar Kovacevic on Tuesday.

Speaking to Serbian journalists the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion, whose father was born in Kosovo, said he was "against wars, violence and any kind of conflict" but that the situation Kosovo is a "precedent in international law".

"Especially as a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to the entirety of Serbia," said Djokovic.

"Kosovo is our cradle, our stronghold, centre of the most important things for our country. There are many reasons why I wrote that on the camera.

"Of course it hurts me very much as a Serb to see what is happening in Kosovo and the way our people have been practically expelled from the municipal offices, so the least I could do was this."

Kosovo Olympic authorities have asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to open disciplinary proceedings against Djokovic, accusing him of stirring up political tension.

"Novak Djokovic has yet again promoted the Serbian nationalists' propaganda and used the sport platform to do so," said Ismet Krasniqi, president of Kosovo's Olympic Committee.

On Tuesday the Tennis Federation of Kosovo said Djokovic's actions would "directly result" in increasing tension between the two countries.

The French Tennis Federation, which organises the French Open, said there are no rules on what players can say at Grand Slams, and that it is "understandable" that discussions about international news events took place at the tournament.

"The same rules apply to all four Grand Slams. The tournament referee and Grand Slam Supervisors ensure that these rules are complied with," read a statement.

"Messages are passed on to the teams of any players concerned by such matters."

BBC

 

[SpiritOf1903]

That's disgusting what he's done. Especially when he's so obviously pro Russia.

Absurd. And Wimbledon being hypocritical as ever

 

[MenInG]

Cameron Norrie has reignited his feud with Novak Djokovic as the British number one hit back at accusations of poor sportsmanship.

The pair shared a fiery clash in Rome that seemingly sparked after Norrie smashed a ball at the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s ankle.

Djokovic took issue with that in the subsequent press conference and also for his opponent celebrating in his face after winning points and then taking a medical timeout near the end of the match.

Djokovic, who won the contest comfortably, said: "Those are the things that we players know in the locker room it's not fair play, it's not how we treat each other."

Speaking at the French Open, Norrie did not see what the fuss was about.

On the smash, he said: "I apologised straight away and I didn't see him. I looked up and hit the ball down low. I didn't see him turn and concede the point.

"I wanted to win, it was one of those matches where he's one of the best players in the world and I wanted to play my best and compete as hard as I could.

"I didn't think I was in his face at all. I think, if anyone knows me, I'm pretty vocal in some matches. It was a regular tennis match for me.

"I was feeling my hip a little bit and I took the medical time-out. It is within the rules. And for him also it's in the rules to start the match on his time - being late."

The last comment was a pointed reference to the fact Djokovic turned up more than 10 minutes late for the match after spending time in the treatment room.

TalkSports

 

[the Great Khan]

Never liked him. Not a fan of Serbs after the Bosnia war..

 

[MenInG]

Novak Djokovic admitted he is fuelled by drama as the fall-out continued from his controversial message about Kosovo.

The French sports minister weighed into the debate on Wednesday over Djokovic’s decision to write ‘Kosovo is the heart of Serbia’ on the camera after his first-round victory at Roland Garros.

Speaking to TV station France 2, Amelie Oudea-Castera said the message amid violence in the north of the country, which is not recognised as independent by Serbia, was not appropriate and she warned Djokovic not to repeat the action.

He told Serbian media he would do it again but, after beating Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 7-6 (2) 6-0 6-3 in the second round, he opted just for a signature and smiley face.

At his post-match press conference, Djokovic said: ‘I would say it again, but I don’t need to because you have my quotes if you want to reflect on that.

‘Of course I’m aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It’s something that I stand for. So that’s all. Drama-free grand slam, I don’t think it can happen for me. I guess that drives me, as well.’

He declined to respond to Oudea-Castera’s comments and did not confirm whether tournament director Amelie Mauresmo had discussed the matter with him, saying: ‘I have no more comment on that. I said what I needed to say.’

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/ten...p&cvid=af8c4e42768e4b04b9672855f2e12f71&ei=11

 

[MenInG]

Novak Djokovic survived a quarter-final scare from Karen Khachanov to keep his bid for a record 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title alive at the French Open.

Djokovic was in danger of falling two sets behind against the Russian but prevailed 4-6 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-4.

He could become the first man to win all four majors at least three times.

Djokovic's win sets up a potential semi-final with world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in Tuesday's night session (19:15 BST).

The Serb had not dropped a set all tournament on the Paris clay but Khachanov provided the test he arguably needed to prepare him for either Alcaraz or Tsitsipas in the last four.

Having faced seven break points - saving six of them - in losing the opening set, Djokovic tightened up his service game for the majority of the match thereon.

And while the 36-year-old was kept on court for three hours and 43 minutes, the outcome never really looked in doubt once he comprehensively won the second-set tie-break.

"I played the perfect tie-break and from that moment onwards I played a couple of levels higher than I did at the beginning," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

"It was a big fight, it's what you expect in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam. You are not going to have your victories handed to you and I'm glad to have overcome it today."

Unrelenting Djokovic outlasts valiant Khachanov

Djokovic came into the match having won 29 successive sets in Grand Slams but Khachanov ended that streak in just under an hour on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The world number 11 matched Djokovic in the returning stakes - not usually a Khachanov strength - early on and finally broke serve in a marathon fifth game after seeing four previous break points saved.

He served out the set, despite a typically-dogged Djokovic saving three set points, two on his own serve and one on Khachanov's.

Neither player earned a single break point in a serve-dominated second set, which Djokovic claimed in clinical fashion without dropping a point in a one-sided tie-break.

A fortunate net-cord handed Djokovic a break of serve in a lengthy opening game of the third set and he rarely looked back from there as Khachanov's challenge discernibly faltered.

The Russian had never beaten a top-five player in a Grand Slam or on clay, holding 0-8 records in both categories, and the belief he showed in the opening two sets began to desert him.

Khachanov still showed quality to test Djokovic in patches, particularly late in the fourth set where he threatened a revival by breaking back from 3-1 down, but Djokovic won eight successive points from 4-4 to wrap up victory in style with an ace.

A ninth victory in 10 meetings with Khachanov sealed a 45th Slam semi-final appearance for Djokovic - one shy of the record held by Roger Federer - but it is the 'big one', the record 23rd men's title, that surely motivates him.

And with the injured Nadal absent - not just in Paris but probably for the rest of the year - the Spaniard will likely be looking to his compatriot Alcaraz to help him preserve his share of the Grand Slam title record.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Novak Djokovic wins the French Open to become the first male tennis player to win 23 Grand Slam titles

 

[bones]

He is the GOAT and it’s statistically indisputable now. He was the GOAT a few months ago but Federer and Nadal fans kept saying that slam tally is the deciding factor.

 

[Mockingbird]

He is the GOAT and it’s statistically indisputable now. He was the GOAT a few months ago but Federer and Nadal fans kept saying that slam tally is the deciding factor.

Truly the GOAT!

 

[Firebat]

Reluctantly I'd have to say he's the undisputed GOAT. He can easily go beyond 25

 

[Firebat]

French Open 2023 final: Novak Djokovic says others must decide who is 'the greatest'

Novak Djokovic says it is not down to him to decide if he is the greatest player of all time after he won a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title.

Serbia's Djokovic won the French Open on Sunday, moving him one clear of Rafael Nadal in terms of men's majors.

He is level with Serena Williams on 23 and could equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 at Wimbledon in July.

"I don't want to enter in these discussions. I'm writing my own history," Djokovic, 36, said.

"I don't want to say I am the greatest. I leave those discussions to someone else."

In the past several years Djokovic has been locked in an engaging battle with Nadal and Roger Federer, who retired last year with 20 major titles, to finish with the most men's Grand Slams.

By beating Norway's Casper Ruud at Roland Garros, Djokovic has moved clear of his long-time rivals for the first time.

On this evidence Djokovic looks a good bet to extend the gap further, especially with the injured Nadal planning to retire in 2024 and 41-year-old Federer already retired.

"It's amazing to know that I'm ahead of both of them in Grand Slams, but at the same time everyone writes their own history," said Djokovic, who also regained the world number one ranking in Paris.

"I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark and a legacy.

"I have huge faith, confidence and belief in myself and everything that I am, who I am and what I am capable of doing.

"This trophy is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that I'm still able to produce."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/65873721

 

[The_KING]

Djokovic is the GOAT.

But that doesn't change anything for me, in regards to how I feel about Federer. He will aways be my favourite.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

He'll reach 30 easily. Grand Slam very much on

 

[Firebat]

Djokovic is the GOAT.

But that doesn't change anything for me, in regards to how I feel about Federer. He will aways be my favourite.

Same for me and Nadal, I just enjoy watching him and his style more. It was inevitable that Novak was the GOAT for the past 3/4 years.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Same for me and Nadal, I just enjoy watching him and his style more. It was inevitable that Novak was the GOAT for the past 3/4 years.

Could argue he's been undisputed Goat since circa 2012

 

[bones]

He'll reach 30 easily. Grand Slam very much on

Even as a huge fan of his I find that number very unrealistic. 25-26 is possible but not much more because eventually, eventually age catches up with everyone.

 

[Firebat]

Even as a huge fan of his I find that number very unrealistic. 25-26 is possible but not much more because eventually, eventually age catches up with everyone.

But is there anyone who can truly challenge him at the moment other than maybe Alcaraz? I can easily see him winning 4 of the next 6 and reaching 28 by the end of 2024. He is still in supreme shape, but maybe after that age will catch up.

 

[bones]

But is there anyone who can truly challenge him at the moment other than maybe Alcaraz? I can easily see him winning 4 of the next 6 and reaching 28 by the end of 2024. He is still in supreme shape, but maybe after that age will catch up.

Djokovic has been on the decline since early 2016 when he was about 29/30. The decline has been slow but it's getting faster. The incredible thing is even a shadow of his former self he is significantly better than the field. That gap with close quickly. Age or father time as they say is undefeated.

I'm being realistic, his experience and skill may help him get a couple more but the decline from here on in this very physical sport will be rapid.

 

[Noman]

Djokovic has been on the decline since early 2016 when he was about 29/30. The decline has been slow but it's getting faster. The incredible thing is even a shadow of his former self he is significantly better than the field. That gap with close quickly. Age or father time as they say is undefeated.

I'm being realistic, his experience and skill may help him get a couple more but the decline from here on in this very physical sport will be rapid.

Please go and watch Wimbledon 2019. Yes he is on the decline, But 2016 Djokovic is the best tennis player ever