Anyone who is anyone has heard the same grumbles. This is not the Djokovic of 2011. 3 Slams, 5 Masters Titles, the Streak, season win percentage of 92% which only Federer can boast of exceeding or matching in the current era.
He started the year rather well. Winning in Abu Dhabi, Australian Open and Miami. It seemed the winning habit was alive and well. Then in April the tragic news he lost his grandfather during the Monte Carlo Masters. He paid tribute to him after his victory over Dolgopolov. He made the final, but lost to the man he tormented last year Rafael Nadal. He went on to lose to him in Rome and Roland Garros in finals. Now for me that showed mental courage I have never seen. With the pain and the grief of suffering the loss of a family member and taking to court is quite extrordinary. His form on the court however was quite wayward. Seemed to be distracted when cruising in matches and then they turned into a fight which in many of them he overcame. Almost like he had to be backed into a corner in order to summon the fight to play the great tennis he can normally play.
The Grass showed again his form wasn't quite there. Defeats to Federer and Del Potro and everyone starts to panic. The 2011 model comes out and it is such a high standard of model to compare.
The Hardcourts again however have shown a calm before the storm. Toronto success followed by a final in Cinncy is for me signs that Djokovic is peaking. He is slowly finding his form again.
2012 for me more than anything has endeared me more to Djokovic. When some is successful like he was in 2011 some just overlook it as a one sided affair by where players didn't play well that allowed such success. I have endeared myself to Novak because he has shown humanity and vulnerability. The human characteristics that Federer showed in 2008 and even Nadal in 2011 when your nemesis plagues you from every corner it seems.
Novak may not have the same mainstream success or attention that Federer or Nadal have, but I guess that's what elevates the stock of Djokovic because he keeps himself to himself. Has that personal exclustivity that creates interest and curiosity. I admire a guy who doesn't throw himself into the spotlight. I like a guy who shows emotion like he does and also someone who can smile during matches and pay respect to an opponent who plays a great shot no matter how highly or lowly they are ranked.
For me if Murray doesn't win the US Open, I do hope Djokovic does.
Novak Djokovic - Interesting Times
posted on 22/8/12
You are a pleb
posted on 22/8/12
I see I've won my argument.
posted on 22/8/12
If only.
I can't wait to see how Del Potro is a contender.
Let me guess, because the 2009 version will show up.
posted on 22/8/12
LK
For me, having Murray in Fed's half of the draw tomorrow would be a nice start
posted on 22/8/12
Thanks NITB
I do think he will be unlucky and draw the short straw that is Murray.
I have been impressed with Nole this year. I think the fact he doesn't chase publicity and keeps himself to himself is an endearing quality. I know Rafa and Roger embrace that element and even Murray does to an extent.
I don't know how I would feel if he sold out to Nike or Adidas. I feel is if he wants to be recognised for his tennis much rather than the image it portrays.
posted on 22/8/12
I am sad Tacchini wasn't able to honour their contract with Nole. I will always associate his magical 2011 with those iconic outfits...
Nothing is impossilbe, but I do hope he stays away from Nike.
posted on 22/8/12
I was amazed that Adidas ditched Djokovic. Bet they were kicking themselves when 2011 unfolded.
posted on 22/8/12
Entering Monte Carlo was a mistake, the slide started from there plus all those 5-hours matches have started to take their toll. It was just not tennis that Nole and Nadal kept playing. Rafa has suffrered more and somewhere Nole too is paying the price for burning himself out.
posted on 22/8/12
Djoko just has to start taking his PEDs again and he will be ok
Boring comment that isn't it? and yet Rafa fans have had to endure it for years
posted on 24/8/12
Novak may not have the same mainstream success or attention that Federer or Nadal have, but I guess that's what elevates the stock of Djokovic because he keeps himself to himself. Has that personal exclustivity that creates interest and curiosity. I admire a guy who doesn't throw himself into the spotlight. I like a guy who shows emotion like he does and also someone who can smile during matches and pay respect to an opponent who plays a great shot no matter how highly or lowly they are ranked.
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Rolled my eyes when i read that: absolute poppycock.