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Grateful Nadal Accepts Gift From Djokovic
24 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
I thought Rafael Nadal played a superb match, it was a typical Nadal clay court beatdown, he seldom missed, ran down everything and even served more unreturnables than usual. He made the #1 player in the world look ordinary.
The king of tennis Novak Djokovic, despite serving a perfect love game to commence the final in Monte Carlo, gradually seemed to decline and did not seem to be himself today, perhaps emotionally disconcerted after losing his grandfather earlier in the week.
Nadal won by a lopsided 63 61 scoreline and after the match thanked Djokovic, graciously telling him, with a smile, at the award ceremony, “After seven, thanks for this one.”
Of course, Djokovic had spectacularly defeated Nadal in seven straight finals over the last 18 months.
With the win, Nadal has now won eight titles in Monte Carlo, an event he called his “favorite.” Nadal has not lost in the principality since falling to Guillermo Coria in the third round in 2003 – his very first Master Series event at the age of 16.
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Dan Markowitz · April 22, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Scoop,
Missed the match this morning, but surprised by the lopsided score. Djokovic has not been dominating all week, losing sets to Dolgo and Berd-man. Hard to say if Djoko has lost his edge. He’s had some surprising losses this year to Isner and Murray and now this bad loss. Adds to the intrigue of the French. I think we all know Federer can’t beat Nadal at the French, but there’s still hope for Djoko.
Boy, I got myself in hot water writing the match article on Djokovic-Berdych. I made an innocuous nickname up for Djoko, calling him the Dark Prince and said he was playing in front of the Prince of Monaco, Albert. One person asked me what I meant by calling Djoko the Dark Prince and I said that his Serbian background brought a lot of gravitas to Djoko and his expressions like before his great return against Fed at last year’s Open and this week in Monte Carlo, are sometimes very fierce. I also made reference to his former dropping out of matches in mid-match and his incessant bouncing of the ball before serving.
All of a sudden, a score of Serbians were calling me a racist and saying Djoko doesn’t have anything dark about him. Am I wrong here, I thought to myself, was not Milosevic, the Serb leader, convicted of war crimes? Did not the Serbs commit genocide? I know the Serbs were not the only guilty party in the Yugoslav wars, but I felt it was like Germans denying the Holocaust. Very weird, indeed.
I still think the Dark Prince fits Djoko, even as he has surpassed Nadal and Fed for now. Maybe he’s not a prince but a king now, but in my mind, he’ll always be a Dark Prince.
Scoop Malinowski · April 22, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Rios was called “The Prince of Darkness” by even some of his fans, and I understand that one, but not Djokovic being called Dark Prince. Djokovic is a very positive figure, he is a class champion, a wonderful ambassador for the sport, he is a hero and inspiration for his country and also the world. Though he is an ultra serious competitor, he is also a humorous person who injects tremendous amusement and laughter to tennis. I don’t know the history of the Serbian people but I do know some parts of “history” can be revised and twisted. Don’t know much about Milosovec or if he was a puppet or what that terrible situation there was. Djokovic has nothing to do with any war crimes or genocide, in fact he was almost killed by the bombings as was shown on 60 Minutes when they showed the shelter he used to sleep and hide in when the bombings happened. I see nothing dark about Djokovic, though I do see some Prince like qualities personified by him and he is proud of his Christian religion. Well, actually I do agree with you Dan in a way – Djok is the King, the King of tennis. But after today’s match, Mr. Nadal might be in the process of regaining the throne.
Steve · April 23, 2012 at 12:46 am
No, I don’t see anything dark about Djokovic. In fact, I see a friendly guy that likes a laugh but that’s what I see on YouTube and TV. He even applauds his opponents’ good shots during a match. There was only that one bizarre joke he and Tips did.
It will be hard for Nadal to wrest any momentum out of this victory. Djoker didn’t seem 100% there after the first few games. I suspect if Djoker wasn’t a resident of Monte Carlo he would’ve pulled out.
At the same time, Nadal played well. Probably well enough to beat most anyone on the planet. And serving bigger again which had slowed down quite a bit at last year’s US Open (perhaps he was secretly injured).
This match told us nothing about their rivalry. I wonder what Federer took from it if he was watching it.
I expect the top four to be in full force for Rome if not Madrid.
An interesting story is Simon. He beat Tsonga and had the first set against Nadal on his racquet but miss hit a fairly routine volley. Would be great if he could keep this level up and not only be known for taking Federer to five sets most times they play.
Steve · April 23, 2012 at 12:54 am
Despite all the likable qualities of Djoker I’m still waiting to see a player decked out in all his Sergio Tacchini line and using his Head Racquet and bag.
There’s many kids (and grown men) with the full Nadal gear. Some Federer too. At least in my area, people marvel at Djoker’s game but don’t want his gear.
Dan Markowitz · April 23, 2012 at 10:31 am
I’m sorry, I see and have seen darkness. Did you see the look on the guy’s face before he hit the return against Federer or the way he Robert Deniro-ed it against Berdych? I’m not saying he’s a tortured soul, but he’s got some demons. Plus, who wears black as much as Djoker? You ever see Nadal in black or Murray? Djoker wears black every night match.
mat4 · April 23, 2012 at 10:54 am
@Dan:
I like your posts, and I like this site, and I am your assiduous reader.
But knowing Eastern Europe quite well, I would like to make just a few points.
In Serbia, computers and internet are mostly a matter of the last, let’s say, ten years. Most of tennis fans are quite young (Serbia doesn’t have a real tennis tradition, though there is a great sport tradition) and very… uneducated. So, I am not surprised by their reactions, and I can only advise you not to read those posts. Most of their parents would be shocked reading their posts, or just seeing some of their nicknames.
As a matter of fact, Milosevic was never convinced. Just check it please. And comparing Serbs to Germans in WW2 could be inappropriate.
In reality, British policy on the Balkans, aimed at closing the Dardanelles and limit Russian influence never really changed. You can also find it in history books.
The bottom line of that policy for Serbia is that there are almost a million of refugees, that the state is destroyed, the inhabitants live in misery, without any hope for the future.
I do quite understand Djokovic’s beliefs, and though I am not able to grasp how much he means to Serbia, he certainly means a lot. I usually avoid to write about anything outside tennis (I could be hammered the way you were for this post.) but I believe that you overdid it a bit.
I could recommend you this book: http://archive.org/details/guardiansofgateh00laffuoft for another angle about the Serbs.
Scoop Malinowski · April 23, 2012 at 11:23 am
Dan Djokovic is a ruthless destroyer on the court, all the great ones are merciless tennis wrecking machines. Yes good point Djok does wear all black a lot – again, I think Rios was the first one to wear all black from head to toe (Andre Sa told me he saw Rios do this in juniors). But like Steve says, Djok’s light hearted persona off the court and with the imitations, overshadows his fierce competitive nature. I wouldn’t say Djok has any demons either, that’s pushing it. Don’t forget it was Djokovic who organized that aid for the Japan disaster soccer game last year in Miami, among other civic minded activities. If there’s any, Marcelo Rios is the only Prince of Darkness in tennis.
Scoop Malinowski · April 23, 2012 at 11:23 am
Welcome to the site mat4, that’s a fine debut post!
Scoop Malinowski · April 23, 2012 at 11:27 am
Steve I concur, this match probably tells us nothing about the rivalry, Djok gave this one to Rafa as a freebie. The next clash will be much more telling most likely. Djok will be more motivated to restore order. I played a friendly opponent ten times in a row, very good player, it started out close, then I figured out how to win comfortably though it was still tough, but a few times I came in undermotivated and not with the same intensity and came close to losing but was able to save it in the second set tiebreak then close it out in the third 46 76 (5) 62. Then the next time we played I won 60 63. I think Djokovic will handle Nadal next time, but if he doesn’t there will be trouble for Djokovic. He has to win the next one.
mat4 · April 23, 2012 at 11:30 am
@Scoop:
Thanks for the welcome note, Scoop. But I have to warn you: I have a very dry sense of humour.
On a more serious note: Tennis.prose is very refreshing with his choice of topics, and just like you, I like boxing.
Dan Markowitz · April 23, 2012 at 11:48 am
Thank you, Mat4. I will look for the book you recommend. You’re right, Milosevic was not convicted, but he was still in trial when he died of a heart attack. Belgrade, the Serbia capital, was the target of the NATO bombing of 1999 and the U.S. and Europe was trying to stop the Serbs from attacking rebel forces in Kosovo. So it seems from my limited reading of the war that the Serbs were the aggressor and would not submit to ending the war through diplomacy.
You are absolutely right that comparing any country to the Germans is a risky gambit. But, for example, if the US suddenly attacked Puerto Rico for trying to secede, I’m sure world condemnation would crash down upon the U.S. Whenever a country punishes its own people or people within its jurisdiction, it receives world condemnation, like what is happening in Syria and the Sudan today.
I didn’t know that there was still so many Serbian refugees because of the war. I do know that Croatia has suddenly become a hip place for Americans to travel to while I never hear of anyone going to Serbia.
That being said, perhaps, darkness is too strong a word to use for Djoko, but there is a steeliness and the way he broke onto the tour, with his parents’ brashness, I always think of the Djokovics’ as outsiders to the tennis circle.
mat4 · April 23, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@Dan:
I read that article or yours. There was nothing offending in it. “Dark prince” is a metaphor like another, so why not? Come on, you did nothing wrong.
The States in reality did attack one of his part to prevent it to secede. Thomas Jefferson was never put on trial, because there was no legal ground for that.
But, please, let’s not write about politics any more.
I would like just to write a few words about the psychological moment in the Rafole rivalry.
First, did you notice the hug after the match, the warmth in their speeches after the match, in their pressers before and after the final? Relations change again, from cold to warm. Does the match scheduled on Santiago Barnabeu has a part it? Or the changes in the Fedal relationship? Isn’t it strange that suddenly, Novak backs Rafa about the blue clay?
I don’t deny that this match could have an impact on Rafa. But, if I remember well, Rafa blinked only once, last year: in the Wimb final. But he won two breakers after that, so it is rather a matter of match-up than of psychology.
Those guys are so tough, so ferocious on the court. All of three of them have a global vision (or their teams, coaches, whatever) of the changes, the improvements they got to make. Finally, those two things, determination and vision, are what puts them above the others, Murray, Berdych or Tsonga, who are still on their respective paths to manhood.
Steve · April 23, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Federer has worn all black at us open night matches for a very long time. I don’t think fashion statements mean that much beyond taste.
Dan Markowitz · April 23, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Mat4, you’re right, no more politics. I do find it interesting that the two closest in age, Nole and Rafa, have the closest relationship. I would’ve thought that maybe with the age difference there wouldn’t be as great a competitive fire between, say, Djoko and Fed. Djoko and Fed have had the better matches, outside of this year’s Aussie O final.
There’s something missing in Murray, Berdych, Tsonga and Del Po. Although, I think Tsonga and possibly Del Po don’t belong with the other two as far as greatness. Determination and vision, and I’d also add maturity, since Murray and Berdych seem to be lacking a bit in this important trait.
Steve · April 23, 2012 at 4:06 pm
I tried to post this earlier but it failed…hmmm
Federer has been wearing all black when playing the US Open at night for many years. I don’t think a fashion choice says much beyond personal taste or the sponsor’s taste.
Steve · April 23, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@Dan,
Do you really believe all these views you express or are you just being provocative to try to generate page views?
Saying Djoker is a bad or dark person because he once grimaced like Deniro is pretty weak and made me laugh out loud. The political stuff is a stretch beyond reason.
mat4 · April 23, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Sorry. Seems that politics, when you throw it through the doors, comes back through the window.
So much about it.
Honestly, I don’t think that Rafa can take back the number 1 ranking, nor regain the upper hand in his H2H against Nole. I don’t believe that the essence of the changes of forces is of mental nature. Djokovic improved his forehand, his backhand, his net approach, his stamina. He made a considerable leap in the course of the 2010 fall, and with the change of racquet at the beginning of 2011, all the pieces fell together.
Rafa and Roger also upped their games considerably. Roger had a lap – first, he didn’t feel the danger in time, then, he made the record, had children – but he did a great job in the last year and a half. Rafa searches for new solutions: his improved USO serve, a better backhand, some placenta before the slams (that could be an old solution, if it is one in the first place). We have still to see the full results.
But Novak’s game could be in complete mutation, for a second time. Did you notice the subtil changes in the serve? the improved volleying? the effort to learn how to approach the net? Just compare the first with the second set in his match against Ferrer, in Miami: almost two different players – a Federerlike Djokovic in the first set, a basher in the second. But I am sure that once, when the pieces fall in place for the second time, we could have a Djokovic 3.0.
Steve · April 23, 2012 at 10:08 pm
@mat4 Federer would rather play Djoker than Nadal. It’s a much better match-up for him as he showed at last year’s FO. Federer will always serve a little better than Djoker. Fed’s backhand his sick against flat hitters –we tend to forget that. We must also acknowledge that Federer is a from a different generation just like Edberg was from the Agassis, Gugas and Samprases that came a little latter to take over.
Dan Markowitz · April 23, 2012 at 10:24 pm
OK, let me elaborate my stance again regarding Djokovic. I called him the Dark Prince, but did not say he’s a bad guy. In fact, in my association with him, I’ve been impressed by his genial side, his humility and his humor. I was particularly impressed in IW when a NYTimes reporter asked him how he felt about revenge and he said:
รขโฌลI don’t believe in revenge. I believe revenge is a very negative sensation, very negative word. So I don’t like to revenge anybody for anything. I believe you just need to focus on every match. That’s it. Have this positive mindset, not thinking about revenge, because that’s takes out the negative emotions.รขโฌย
I also don’t necessarily associate having a dark side as being negative. I know I have a dark side to my personality, but for the most part I’m a pretty up person. I won’t address Zen Master’s comments because in my opinion the guy’s comments don’t deserve commenting on. I will say that when you come from a country that was accused of genocide and NATO forces had to bomb your capital city for almost 70 straight days to get your country/army to capitulate, that is a heavy situation for a 12-year-old to live through.
Finally, I’ve never seen a top player like Djokovic receive a luke warm response from fans (maybe JMac) like Djoko did at the USO last year. He was the clear underdog to Federer and before he turned around the match by hitting his miraculous return of serve, there was definitely a bitterness and uptight feeling he showed in his expressions. After he hit the shot, Djokovic had the lightness and humor to raise his hands to the stands as if to say, “See what I can do for you? Give me some love.” And the fans responded kindly.
That was my basis for calling him dark, but there are certainly plenty of light qualities in his persona and he’s obviously a strong and mature person as well.
mat4 · April 24, 2012 at 6:31 am
@Dan:
What you wrote, in the light of the previous very positive articles about Djokovic, was clear to everybody with some intelligence. You don’t need to explain, you just need to ignore some comments. Whatever you write now, it won’t help. So, get over it. There are still so many topics I would like you to write about, don’t bother about this.
@Steve:
I believe that Roger has improved his game in the last year and a half. Better, more consistent backhand, and most important of all, a clearer view about the strategic structure of his game overall. It was obvious in IW, against Rafa: Roger was more patient, worked the angles to open the court, and bid his time to approach the net and finish rallies. It seems like a tweak here, a tweak there, but the physiognomy of his game changed.
Did he miss the train? In a way. He was so dominant, he didn’t see the danger coming. When he started the changes, he got children, he searched for a way to improve, before he got it. I wasn’t sure, but watching IW and Miami, it came to me that, despite the obvious differences, Fed’s and Nole’s game started to converge, and are evolving in the same direction.
The way Roger played against Rafa, the patience, the grit he showed remained me of Rafa’s “one more ball” quote. Fed didn’t try to hit through the court: whenever it was close, when a rally started, he worked on opening the court, played with more angles he ever did.
Djokovic, on the other side, against Ferrer: you can see that he still need two approach shots to go to the net, but he learns quick, and his volleying is better and better. The strategy, especially in the second part of the set, was the same: open the court, finish the point with an angled winner if possible, wait for a slice otherwise and volley.
It is the pattern for this decade. It is not a revolution, but he final form of the tennis modern evolution.
Dan Markowitz · April 24, 2012 at 9:55 am
I don’t know if we’ll see a Djoko 3.0. He has had a bit of a setback this year which is crazy because he’s won the only slam and one of the three Masters events. But he has played somewhat inconsistently. Losing sets to players like Andujar and and Almagro, losing outright to Isner and Murray, and he’s yet to face Federer.
When he’s been hot, like the first set against Ferrer in Miami, he’s been dynamite. When he’s been sluggish or a little passive, he’s been beatable. Maybe it’s good for his game to lose so much this year as compared to last. But I do think he needs a win either in Madrid or Rome to solidify his co-top-dog position going into the French.
Steve · April 24, 2012 at 10:43 am
I agree Mat4. I truly believe Federer has another slam or two in him. At the end of last year Federer also started moving like a 26 yr old again. I was amazed. Of course Nadal plays his best tennis against Federer but Fed has been snuffing him out more & more. Fed hit through is backhand at IW which is the adjustment we’ve all been waiting for. Easier said than done, I guess. ๐
Scoop Malinowski · April 28, 2012 at 11:48 pm
Right Steve, Darth Federer.
Michael · May 17, 2012 at 5:06 am
mat4 “As a matter of fact, Milosevic was never convinced. [Sic]”
I also prefer tennis to politics but your statement is a bit shy on facts (even with a suggestion to check it out).
Maybe Mladic will off himself before he’s convicted and you can add him to the list of people never convicted of genocide:
Me
Dan
Milosevic
Hitler
Most of the rest of the human race whether living or dead
Mladic ???
Personally I would not ink in Mladic just yet because I think he may make it to the end of the trial. And he has about as much chance of getting off as Milosevic.