Tennis Prose




Jan/16

28

Djokovic scores another epic win over Federer

12592745_10206883825707426_765858074746143009_nThis showdown was different. This time Novak Djokovic looked like he was going to blast Roger Federer off the court and into seriously considering retirement later this year. For two sets Djokovic was near perfection making Federer look hopeless and helpless as he flashed to a sensational 61 62 lead in just 55 minutes. But then Federer found his groove and timing and managed to raise his level to avoid an embarrassing blowout loss to his arch rival. It also seemed that Djokovic’s level slightly dipped – of course it had to as no human could maintain such a freakishly high caliber of super hero tennis against such a court genius as Federer right? Federer won the third set 63 – and he had to earn it with several spectacular shots of his own. Then Djokovic settled and regained command by raising his level again. The fourth set was the inevitable feeling 6-3 for Djokovic. A few interesting things about this monumental performance by Djokovic: I can’t recall any double faults by either player – that’s how finely tuned in both were. Djokovic actually received the louder ovation when both players arrived to the court before the match. Rod Laver is a Federer supporter. Philadelphia Flyers Jakub Voracek helped his team beat the Washington Capitals by scoring the OT winner last night then tuned in for the match on ESPN and tweeted: “That is gotta the best played set by Djokovic in tennis history!unreal!!!#comeonRoger”. Djokovic now has the 23-22 lead in head to head vs Roger. Raonic has never won a set off Djokovic and Andy is 9-21 vs Djokovic. ——————————————————————————————————-RF Quotes Novak Djokovic def Roger Federer 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3

28 January, 2016
Roger Federer, SF, 28 January 2016.
Q. Was it disappointing that after you took the third set that you had to stop for the roof closing?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, yeah. I mean, maybe. But then again, I don’t think that’s where the match played out, to be quite honest. The match was in a tough spot at that point anyway.

But maybe with momentum it could have helped. I don’t think so. We were told beforehand that this could happen. It’s fine, you know.

Q. You played him many times. How good was he in those first two sets?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, I’ve seen Novak play this well before. It’s tough when it’s from the start because obviously you got to try to stop the bleeding at some point, you know. Because he returns very well, like Andre Agassi. He can get one or two sets all of a sudden. Those sets run away very quickly.

Before you can really sometimes do something, you know, 45 minutes a lot of tennis is being played and it’s tough to get back into it. I found a way. Started to play better myself. Made a bit of a match out of it, which was nice.

But still disappointed obviously that it didn’t go better tonight.

Q. In 44 matches before you lost to him only once 6-1. He was playing great, but maybe you were a little flat in the beginning or anxious to try to do something too risky?
ROGER FEDERER: I mean, honestly I don’t care if I lose a set 7-6 or 6-1. As long as you lose a set, it’s not a good thing. I know how important the first set is against Novak especially at this time right now when he’s world No. 1. When he gets on a roll, it’s tough to stop.

He’s always played very well throughout his career with the lead. Even more so now when his confidence is up. Then I was going to say something else, but I don’t remember anymore.

Q. About yourself.
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, you know, of course I wanted to do well. Of course I had a game plan. Of course I had ideas what I should do. I couldn’t quite get it done. Maybe parts of my game, maybe parts of his game just matched up in a tough way and the first set ran away very quickly.

Q. I know it’s hard to celebrate, but that point in the fourth set, chasing down the lob, saving the smash. Pretty remarkable point. How does that rate for you in the best points you’ve ever played?
ROGER FEDERER: Top hundred (smiling). Then I got an unlucky let cord. That calmed me down very quickly again.

But it was a nice point and great ovation. I was very happy I got as much support as I did. It was a cool moment. I wish I was in a better spot in the result.

But nevertheless, yeah, no, I’m happy to pull those shots off. Of course.

Q. For a long time we’ve talked about how great the Djokovic return is. He served impeccably well tonight. Do you think that’s been an improved stroke of his or how did you see it?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, I said it before many times. I think he cleaned up his game very nicely. Whatever was sometimes suspect before is not as wobbly anymore like it used to be. His serve is part of that. He used to have issues with double-faults. I think he serves very accurate, which is important for a serve.

It’s so important for me, too. You serve close to the line or on the line, it makes all the difference. Especially both of us. We don’t serve 225 or 235. We need the accuracy and the slide and all that. I think he’s done that very well now for many years.

I think it’s definitely helped his game, no doubt about it.

Q. For many of us watching the match, it’s easy to wonder whether you can actually beat him again at a major. What gives you confidence that you could if you come up against him in the next year or two?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, I have self-confidence as well, you know. That doesn’t fade away very quickly. I know it’s not easy. I never thought it was easy.

But, you know, I don’t know. Best-of-three, best-of-five, I can run for four or five hours. It’s not a problem. I prove it in practice again in the off-season no sweat. So from that standpoint I’m not worried going into long rallies. I know you guys make it a different case. I get that, because you think I’m old and all that. But it’s no problem for me.

But it doesn’t scare me when I go into a big match against any player who’s in their prime right now. But of course you need to prove yourself. You need to have all that going. It’s disappointing, but at the same time I’m going deep in slams right now. I’m having great runs. I thought I had a tough draw here, so I’m actually pleased where my level’s at at the beginning of the season.

Novak right now is a reference for everybody. He’s the only guy that has been able to stop me as of late, and Stan when he was on fire when he was in Paris. It’s okay. I wish I could have played a bit better, and who knows what would have happened.

Today Novak was very, very good. There’s no doubt about it.

Q. As dominant as you have been the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and so on, since there are not any more the Nadals or the Federers in the next three years, we don’t see that around, the fab four. Do you think Djokovic will be as dominant or more dominant than you have been having no great opponents in the future?
ROGER FEDERER: You have to be careful how you phrase a question. You don’t want to be rude to the other players because you have to face them. I don’t have to face them. I don’t ask them stupid questions like that.

I think there’s a lot of good players on the tour. I’ll tell you that. I think it’s hard to keep up that level of play. What he’s been doing is amazing. I was very happy how I’ve been able to keep up my level. Is it better or not? I don’t know.

I think we’re both, all of us, with Rafa, Novak, me, Murray, you name it, Stan, we’re all very happy with our careers. Of course, you can argue all these cases. We’re trying our best, you know, everybody. I think we’ll all walk away very happy that we were as successful as we were.

Q. What do you think you were doing better in the last two sets that could have maybe turned this match around?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, he definitely maybe dropped his level of play just ever so slightly. But that’s all it takes, you know. It’s not easy to keep playing the way he was playing. You can’t read all the serves all the time. I started to get a few more free points. I started to get more opportunities on his service games, as well.

Yeah, you know, just get into the match. Doesn’t take much. Margins are small out there. Even in a match like tonight where the first two sets run away. You can’t get discouraged. You have to keep going, stay aggressive. I think my game started to come more and more.

My rhythm, my timing, all that, was a bit off in the beginning. He took advantage of that and did an unbelievable job for a long, long time tonight.

Q. The first two sets, do you think that’s the highest level he’s played against you?
ROGER FEDERER: I said it before. I think he’s played this well against me in the past. He’s a great front-runner. He starts swinging freely. Usually does it towards the end of the match, obviously when he’s in the lead. It’s rare for him to do that early on.

But the problem is for me, he got the early break and started to feel very free and very good on the night. There was no wind. There was nothing there that could stop him really, other than my playing. That made it tough for me. But great effort by him to open up early really, to be quite honest.

33 comments

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 28, 2016 at 9:49 am

    Carlos Moya on Milos Raonic: ‘He is so much more talented than people think, and more talented than I thought’.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 28, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Novak Djokovic def Roger Federer 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3

    28 January, 2016
    Novak Djokovic, SF, 28 January 2016.
    Q. Did you ever play a better first set?
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I’ve had matches where I’ve played similar tennis. But I think against Roger, these first two sets have been probably the best two sets I’ve played against him overall I think throughout my career.

    I’ve had some moments against him in sets where I’ve played on a high level, but this was, yeah, I think a different level than from before. I’m just very, very pleased that I was able to perform the way I did from the very beginning till the end.

    Q. Does that mean you weren’t fazed when he got into it in the third set?
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, of course, after two sets, you know, you start to think the player of Roger’s caliber will start playing better, will change few things. I think he started raising his first-serve percentage. He used his slice, short slice, very well, and court positioning. He started to be more aggressive.

    I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong in the third. I was still playing solid, solid tennis. He deserved to win that one. After that, the roof was closed. In the fourth, I served on a very high level. I was very patient. I knew that I’m going to have my opportunity. When it was presented, I managed to utilize it and win in four.

    Q. From outside it seems like a massive switch between Gilles Simon, Nishikori, and this match. Is it all about the mindset and the matchup?
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Your best changes day to day. As I said, it’s not always possible to play this way. You strive to be the best you can be. When you’re playing one of your top rivals, somebody of Roger’s resume, of course it requires a lot of focus, determination, and a different preparation for that matchup than most of the other matches.

    So that’s why I came out with I think a great deal of self-belief and confidence and intensity, concentration. I mean, I played flawless tennis for first two sets, no doubt about it.

    Q. There was the fabulous point in the fourth set. Roger’s great retrieve. You turned it around in a flash. Talk about that process.
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I remember that point. It was actually the game I broke him in the fourth. It was a 15-30 point. I thought I’m going to end up the point with a smash, but it didn’t happen.

    His defense was terrific that point. After it was done, I had to just forget about it and focus on the next point. Managed to return two very good returns and pass him on the net. That was a crucial break.

    Obviously I didn’t want to allow him to come back to the match and give him an opportunity maybe to take the match to the fifth.

    I know that if I drop my level or concentration or allow myself to get distracted by anything that he would take the first opportunity, jump on me, and just take the lead of the rallies. That’s what he has done in the third.

    He just waits for a little drop from his opponent. That’s why he’s been so successful throughout his career.

    But I was aware of that before the match, so psychologically I did not allow myself to have big oscillations. Of course, there was a lot of excitement from the crowd, as well, towards the end of the third set. Then of course they got into it. It was a great atmosphere.

    But, you know, I’ve played in these particular situations before, and managed to use that experience.

    Q. You have more than 20 wins with Federer, Nadal, Murray, and Wawrinka. Do you think your future, the next two, three years, can be even more dominant since there are not competitors of that same level, at least from what we can see now?
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it’s hard to say what future brings. Obviously tennis is different from what it was when I was coming up 10 years ago. It’s more difficult, as we were saying before, for young players to make a breakthrough and actually challenge the best players in the world.

    It’s more physical nowadays and more demanding from each and every aspect. Point system is such that it doesn’t serve the young players to make a breakthrough. It’s a difficult sport, obviously. It’s an individual sport. You know, there are cases and players like Boris Becker and Chang, 16-, 17-, 18-year-old Grand Slam winners. It’s hard to really say if we’re going to have that or not in the future. It just really depends. The future is not in our hands.

    It’s expected to in a way see new faces, a new generation of players, guys like Kyrgios, Zverev. Those are players that are showing some big game, big tennis, and they are able quality-wise to challenge the top players.

    But to sustain that level and throughout the year to be actually consistent requires a lot more than just a good game. I’m going to try to stay here as long as possible. That’s from my perspective what I can influence, what I can do.

    Whether or not I’m going to be dominant in the years to come, I don’t know. I cannot give you an answer on that. I can try to do my best to try to keep playing on this level.

    Q. In your post match interview you were asked about the other semi. You said you’re expecting the unexpected. Does that mean you think Raonic is the favorite?
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No, it was a joke. There was no intention to discredit anybody or put somebody in a position of favorite. I didn’t really think about that. It was just a little joke with Jim Courier.

    No, I’m going to enjoy my two days off. I think it’s good for me at this stage. I’ve played a lot of tennis. Actually it’s going to serve me well for my recovery. Tomorrow’s match is going to be interesting to watch. Being in the finals and watching the other semifinals, of course it’s quite a joyful feeling.

    Whoever wins, I’m going to be ready for the great battle.

    Q. You came up with a very nice line about your convictions to be bigger than your doubts. Is that yours? A quote from somebody else? From your experiences?
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It comes from my experiences, I think. In the end of the day you are battling yourself the most. There are so many players out there that are hitting the ball well.

    Whether or not you’re able to cope with the pressure in these particular moments, fighting against some of the best players in the world for the major trophy, you know, of course there’s a lot at stake. Emotions are going up and down. It’s important to keep it together.

    You go throughout the match, and even before the match, through different thought processes. Even though sometimes it seems unnatural, you need to keep pushing yourself to be on the positive side. That’s why I’ve stated what I stated on the court.

    Q. When you play with Roger or Andy, the majority of the audience is not on your side. How do you deal with that in your mind?
    NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, you know, I try not to focus on that. I feel like I’m enjoying lots of support around the world. I was saying before that when I play Roger it’s something that is expected in a way considering his career and his greatness on and off the court, what he has done for the sport.

    He’s loved. He’s appreciated. He’s respected around the world. For me it’s normal in a way. I’m trying obviously to enjoy my time, to do the best that I can with the tennis racquet, but also focus on the positive energy rather than negative, rather than getting frustrated for that. There’s no reason.

  • Leif Wellington Haase · January 28, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    As remarkably as Djokovic played in the first two sets–and, under the circumstances, they may well have been the best played sets in tennis history– Federer came very close to turning the match. Had Djokovic converted a set point on Federer’s serve at 1-5 in the second, then led off with serve in the third, or broken Fed at 2-3 in the third on a routine pass he probably would have strolled to victory.

    It is a testament to Federer’s greatness that he changed tactics, righted the ship, served better, and played much better from the back than Djokovic in the third and much of the fourth. When Federer capitalized on Djokovic’s weak overhead (like Laver on bounced overheads at times in his career, the overhead is now Djokovic’s only tiny Achilles heel)and volley with a sensational pass, it looked like the miracle could happen. But a fortunate let cord aided a brief Djokovic flurry led to the break and he put the match away.

    A near-historic match by Djokovic, but kudos to Roger for finding a way– on a night when things didn’t go his way– to bring suspense to the outcome. Great champions are defined both in the way that they win and the way they lose, and Federer showed again why.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 28, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    Very well said Leif – it was a fascinating match again – they always are between these two golden titans – I said it before and will say it again: This is the best rivalry in the history of ANY sport – 23-22 now – and counting —

  • Hartt · January 28, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    This is a quibble, but Raonic has won a set off Djokovic. It was in the SF of the 2014 Rome tourney. Milos won the 1st set in a TB and took the 2nd set to a TB that Novak won. So Milos actually was close, but not good enough, to getting a win over Novak, who was very complimentary about Milos’ play that day. But I almost feel sorry for any player who is facing Novak in his current form.
    Raonic’s coach, Piatti, has said that he thinks Milos is the best player he has coached, and over his long career, he has coached a lot of good players. Now with Moya also bringing his expertise to the Raonic camp, thing are looking good for an excellent season. But I think Andy has to be the favourite for the upcoming SF, but will hope for an upset.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 28, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    Andy has to be the fav but would not bet against Raonic right now the way he is playing – pressure will be on Andy he is expected to win –

  • Gaurang · January 29, 2016 at 1:05 am

    The first two sets of tennis that Novak played were probably the highest level of tennis ever played over 2 sets. I remember Davydenko played such a high level of tennis against Roger for a set and a half, but then lost the second, third and fourth sets. Over 2 sets, against the player of Roger’s caliber, these were the highest level of tennis that I have seen. (apart from Rafa at RG).

    Novak has taken tennis to a level beyond Roger and Rafa. He is very likely, the strongest player to have ever played tennis — what makes him great is not his shots (Roger hits more beautiful and breathtaking shots), but his match winning ability at a very high level of consistency. And by now having a positive head-to-head against Roger and Rafa, he has made his case to be best Best Of All Time (BOAT).

    It will be very interesting to see how long can Novak keep this level, and how many more slams can he win. There’s some possibility that he will equal 17 slams count of Roger, but thats remote right now… Winning each slam is very difficult. And players like Raonic and Nishikori will start upp’ing their level soon.

    In fact, Raonic, if he defeats Andy, could trouble Novak in the finals of this tournament.

  • Louise Belcourt · January 29, 2016 at 1:57 am

    Yeah, what a match from Novak!
    So glad that Roger was able to fight back in the 3rd else he might’ve been scarred for the remainder of his tennis life.
    The crowd, just like in the USA open, were obviously pro-Federer, but that didnt dent Novak’s focus.

    Some stats from the match:
    Unforced errors**: Roger 51 Novak 20
    Winners: Roger 34 Novak 33
    Overall points: Roger 82 Novak 115

    Novak now also leads Roger 9-6 at grand slams and 6-4 in grand slam semi-finals.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 29, 2016 at 8:39 am

    I wonder if anyone notices that that is what I have been saying for over a year now: “Djokovic has taken tennis to a new level above and beyond Rafa and Fed” ? It really is evident now – the head to head vs Rafa and Fed and the incredible level of play are indisputable proof – Djokovic will break Fed’s record of 17 majors – perhaps even by the 2017 US Open —

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 29, 2016 at 8:43 am

    Good point Louise – Fed winning that third set might have saved his own career – losing 16 26 26 to Djokovic would have been shattering – even losing the way he did in four sets was I consider a devastating loss because he looked helpless and hopeless for over an hour vs Djokovic – Fed will not go down without a fight but it’s really hard to imagine what he can do to change the dynamic of his rivalry with Djokovic – it could be all downhill from here —

  • BoDu · January 29, 2016 at 10:54 am

    This is how Djokovic can end his career with 18 slams:

    2016: 3 slams
    2017: 2
    2018: 1
    2019: 1
    2020: 1

    I think it’s doable.

  • Hartt · January 29, 2016 at 11:06 am

    I had predicted Andy would win over Milos in 5 sets. This is one prediction I wish was wrong. At least it was a competitive match until Milos got the groin injury. And the fact that he played well at AO bodes well for future success.
    Fully expect Novak to win the final, but hope Andy can at least put up a fight.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 29, 2016 at 11:18 am

    BoDu – I think four this year and four next year is very attainable for Djokovic – I know it’s going to take a lot of luck and hard work but do you think the double GS is doable?

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 29, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Didn’t see this match yet but reading the tweets it seemed that Raonic was crushed after blowing the fourth set and this is what sprung the “injury” – Didn’t see but was there a specific play where the injury happened? Or did he just suddenly have it? Either way it was a tremendous effort by Raonic but for his own personal very very high expectations it’s another devastating loss – tennis is a heartbreaking business for a lot of players who fall short —

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 29, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    Q. Did you ask the medical people whether there was a risk of you making it worse by playing on till the end?
    MILOS RAONIC: No. I couldn’t have cared less what could have happened on the court. I was in my second semifinal. I was in a much better position than where I was last time. Regardless of what situation I was in, I was going to play and try to do whatever I could.

  • jg · January 29, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    I saw only the 4th set and was very impressed with Raonic. His movement was better than I have seen it before, I thought for a while even with the injury he would pull it out–he started hitting harder with the injury (although not the serve-which maybe did him in). Come Wimbledon, he will be very dangerous.

  • Andrew Miller · January 29, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    My original prediction was Murray or Wawrinka. As Murray beat Raonic and Raonic beat Wawrinka, I’m still going with Murray.

    Raonic’s semifinal showing was a breakthrough (even if he was in the Wimbledon semis in 2014). It’s his best hard court performance and the best I’ve ever seen him play. Moya’s comment, which Scoop had posted, was something to think about.

    It’s official. On the men’s tour, Raonic’s going to be the next non-big-4/5 (big four plus wawrinka) player to win a slam.

    For the women’s tour, I’m picking Kerber right now. She’s getting advice from Steffi Graf, you can’t get much better.

  • Andrew Miller · January 29, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    Now, who do I want to see win a slam? Another story.

    I’d say Monfils and Safarova.

  • Dan Markowitz · January 29, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    I say Murray’s chances of beating Djoko are better than Kerber beating Serena and Kerber has like a 10% chance at best. Murray just can’t beat Djoko. When’s the last time he beat him? 2013 Wimbledon. He’s fortunate if he can get a set.

    Who’s this guy Nicolas Meister who’s doing well in Maui? Maybe Noah Rubin is the best of the American young guns. He’s had the best results so far. Where’s Paul, is he hurt. Kozlov might be a very minor player. He can’t seem to come close on Challenger circuit anymore after having had breakthrough at 2014 end.

  • Andrew Miller · January 29, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    Murray has more urgency – I think he’s playing for more than the win. For djok it is just another Australian to add to the trophy case. Murray in 4.

  • Schreiner · January 29, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    If you don’t mind me posting:

    I don’t know if anyone over here know about him, but I saw Leustian’s quarterfinals match against a big German guy, and I was impressed. Very aggressive, very good serving technique (he struggled a bit when his opponent put pressare on him off the second serve), he’s able to generate good pace off his forehand wing. Maybe he could work on his movement but I want to see him again before commentino on that.

    He’s the only US boy left in the draw and I’m looking for his semifinal match against a super-talented French kid.

  • Dan Markowitz · January 29, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    Andrew,

    Murray can have all the urgency in the world, he ain’t beating Novak. His matches against him have almost been laughable of late. Now I only saw the Novak-Roger match, so how Novak lost two sets and commited 100 errors against Simon, does make me believe Andy has a chance, but it’s an awfully slim chance. I mean Djoko has won their last 10 out of 11 matches and 13 out of 15. You really think he’s going to lose out on winning a Grand Slam possibly this year to Murray?

    Women’s tennis is becoming such a far cry in competition from men’s tennis it’s not funny. I mean, when you have to watch a Kerba-Konta slam semis, that’s really bad. There are no more stars in women’s tennis except Serena. Sharpie and Azarenka are the next big stars and they’ve won like 5 slams between them.

  • Gaurang · January 29, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    Murray fared very bad in their last two matchups. But before that he won against him in Canada Masters, and took their RG SF to 5 sets.
    I think Murray _will_ win a set in the finals. Djoko in 4.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 29, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    Paul is playing the Colombia on clay – lost early to Spaniard – Djokovic in four sets – Kerber has to play perfect tennis to have a shot – I like her attitude and fire right now – could be interesting – Steffi has to give her the secret weapon text –

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 29, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Thanks Schreiner: What is Lestian’s first name? Who is the French kid?

  • sharoten · January 30, 2016 at 12:49 am

    Scoop Malinowski at 8:39 am “I wonder if anyone notices that that is what I have been saying for over a year now: “Djokovic has taken tennis to a new level above and beyond Rafa and Fed” ?”

    Well d’uh. Djokovic has been playing against an injury riddled Rafa and a past his prime Fed. Djokovic couldn’t keep up with either of them a few years ago when they were at their best. He’s been extremely fortunate to not have the competition that both Rafa and Fed played against during their heydays and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he’s dominating right now in a relatively weak era when those older than him are declining and there has been a whole generation of exceptional young players coming up missing.

  • Schreiner · January 30, 2016 at 5:56 am

    Stefan Leustian. He was coached by a Russian guy I think. The a french kid is Harold Mayot, he’s marvelous to watch.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 30, 2016 at 7:28 am

    Djokovic destroyed all the opposition – just like Fed and Rafa tried to destroy Djokovic – two years ago it was not expected for Djok to rise up – easy to see now – Djok achieved the not possible – he conquered the two GOATs – easy to see now – I saw it before it happened –

  • BoDu · January 30, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Scoop,

    I think the double GS is possible but unlikely.

  • Andrew Miller · January 30, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    Dan, Kerber played a heck of a match. I think you’d have to say that was an exciting final.

  • BoDu · January 30, 2016 at 3:36 pm

  • Bryan · January 30, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    Djokovic vs Federer is always a hyped up match during majors but it’s usually a beatdown. This ‘rivalry’ is kind of becoming like Serena vs Maria, good for TV but not competitive.

    I don’t know why these pundits thought Serena had a better chance than Djokovic to win a calendar grand slams. It’s a rarely accomplished feat. Maybe because women’s tennis isn’t as deep as the men’s field. Djokovic is crushing guys during an ATG era for the men’s game while Serena beats a lot of weak comp.

    That’s the only explanation I’ve got because Djokovic is a more formidable champ in the men’s game than Serena is in the women’s.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 30, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    That’s funny BoDu – I bet Djokovic missed him by just inches on purpose 🙂 Yet another good chuckle moment caused by Djokovic —

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