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Djokovic Tops Rafa Again in 49th Clash in Rome
21 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Bios
Novak Djokovic administered another excruciating defeat onto the former king of Clay Rafael Nadal today in the Rome quarterfinals 75 76. This was was different because it the pattern of the match was altered by Nadal who instead of falling behind early and fighting back fiercely opened up positively in both sets by taking break leads on Djokovic in each set. Nadal seemed to know that despite holding the lead he still did not have control of Djokovic and he played with a sense of fear and expectation that Djokovic was surely going to raise his level. And of course Djokovic did fight back and win both sets. Nadal knows Djokovic better than anyone – this was their 49th meeting – and he knows Djokovic’s optimum level can strike like lightning at any time. And when the lightning of Djokovic strikes Nadal is helpless against it. Djokovic struck for several incredible defensive plays and then offensive strikes which provoked near screams from Tennis Channel announcer Paul Annacone. Djokovic was annoyed in both sets by the fact he was losing to Nadal but he was able to turn the match around to his favor with his magic. The final point featured another scramble with Djokovic forehanding Rafa cross court wide where a feeble backhand return by Rafa was blasted into the open court by Djokovic with a backhand winner. Djokovic raised his arms with a silent declaration that there is a new king of clay. But the muted celebration expressed also that there is a lot more work to be done. And the most difficult part of this spring adventure looms ahead for Djokovic who is clearly ready to achieve tennis history. (art by Andres Bella)
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Henk · May 14, 2016 at 2:15 am
Scoop, for years you have been (wrongly!!)predicting Novak would take the Roland Garros crown.
You wrongly predicted it in 2011 and again in 2012. Then I remember in April 2013, when Novak beat Rafa in the Monte Carlo final, you were quick in shouting and writing: “New King of Clay” too and (again) wrongly predicted Novak would win RG.
That same year Novak didn’t win any other Clay tournament and lost to Rafa in the semis in Paris.
In 2014 again your prediction only to see Rafa win RG again.
In 2015 a certain Stan was in the way of yet another (wrong) prediction.
Now you (again!) disrespectfully refer to Rafa as the “former King of Clay”. Rafa will only be a former King of Clay if/when anyone matches or surpasses his title haul on the surface and manages to win multiple crowns at Roland Garros, which will not happen anytime soon and may never happen. Until then he is not only the King but the undisputed Emperor of Clay.
Novak was as nervous as Rafa at certain points in the match. However, the good news for Rafa fans is that this was another Rafa than the one that lost to Novak in the 2014 Rome final but nevertheless won Paris by comfortably beating Novak that same year anyway. Yesterday’s Rafa played much better than in 2014 and will be extra motivated by this match that could have gone both ways.
So, let’s simply enjoy what may be coming in Paris and hope the RG draw will allow for a possible quality roller-coaster meeting of these giants in the finals. The road to that achievement is far from sure and may be tougher than ever with the up and coming generation.
However, it’s best of five and Court Philippe Chatrier has been Rafa’s home since 2005, except for two outings…
Dan Markowitz · May 14, 2016 at 6:02 am
Rafa has little chance of beating Djoko in Paris. That canard was exposed last year at RG when Rafa lost badly to Djoko. Yes, this was a better Rafa this time, but really the only players who even have a shot at Rafa at the French are “Clay” Nishikori and Murray. Rafa’s serve and forehand lack the bite anymore to seriously challenge Djoko.
Serena was very impressive in bludgeoning Seta yesterday. And the women’s game is in more turmoil with no one really looking very strong at all after Vika has struggled.
sharoten · May 14, 2016 at 7:07 am
Well said Henk.
catherine bell · May 14, 2016 at 7:44 am
Dan – yes, women’s game is threatening to be a very serious shipwreck unless someone with the game (not just banging from the backcourt) and presence suddenly emerges with a large lifebelt and I can’t see anyone on the horizon when Serena decides to devote more time to her dogs…..
Simona Halep is a beguiling player (and I’m sure the press in Madrid appreciated that beer),popular, but she just doesn’t have the weight of shot or variety to dominate. Was a bit lucky in Madrid. I’d like to see her improve but maybe too late.
Moskova Moskova · May 14, 2016 at 11:08 am
Calm down scoop….nadal’s been in a slump and djoko’s been in his prime. A couple of wins and then immediately declaring djoko as the new king of clay is premature. Djoko will never win 9 RGs 😉
Gans · May 14, 2016 at 4:06 pm
Henk, that’s a fair analysis. But Scoop’s predictions are partly based on the excitement of seeing someone as complete as Djokovic. Before 2011 it was inconceivable to outhit Rafael on clay. Djokovic is still the only player who cam consistently beat Rafael on any surface. You are only looking at the end result. Even though Stan won FO, would u say Stan is a better clay court player than Djokovic?
For the last few years, Novak has been the best clay court player. He has shown time and again that his best is better than Rafa’s. It is possible that he may never win FO. Even team Nadal knows they were quite fortunate not to meet Djokovic in 2011 finals. Nadal would admit that they were somewhat fortunate to take advantage of Novak’s added pressure, which resulted in bad decisions that cost him the title. They know he is worthy to hold 4 or 5 titles already. Every year pressure keeps rising for Novak- just ask yourself why? Because he has been the best! As simple as that.
Cheers,
Gans
Gans · May 14, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Often times our liking for a particular player and/ or dislike for another, skews the way we things and gets the best of us. Yesterday’s match is an example. While Djokovic’s fans may claim, “see my man beat Raga again. He took 15 sets in a row. He is going to whip Nadal at the French”. While Rafael fans could takeaway…”man, I hate to see Raga lose to this guy over and over. Man he had so many chances. Where is that old Rafa? The 2010 Rafa would have taken him down. But he is so close to Novak than he was in 2015. He can turn it around at the French where Djokovic may be under more preasure.”
You see, same match. Two different analysis. What I saw was even though Rafa lost yesterday, he was unfortunate to lose both sets. I felt like the mental demons got the best of him. He played better than Novak overall, but yet he lost yesterday. Novak was not at his best yesterday. He just found a way because of confidence. This is the exact same reason why Rafa beat Novak in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 FO semis and finals even though Novak had a better game.
There are many great scientists and actors without a Nobel or Oscar. End result is only a part of it. Nadal has been the best player on clay until 2010.
To me, Novak has overthrown Rafa on all surfaces including clay for a few years already.
Gans · May 14, 2016 at 4:54 pm
I don’t know if GOAT discussion has any real meaning, but if we discuss who has been the most dominating, I would say it this way:
Until 2007, we thought Federer was invincible (even then very astute tennis fns knew Nadal would take over). Nadal showed Federer is beatable if u can exploit his BH side. Then there was a stretch when Nadal looked like he couldn’t be beat. I remember, Tennis-prose making predictions that Rafar would go on to win 20 or more!
Then comes Djokovic who showed Nadal is beatable if u can find his BH consistently.
So in my books, Djokovic > Nadal > Federer. This is despite the fact that the # of majors is the exact reverse order. In the same way, Nadal may have won more FO than any other human in the histroy, but still it doesn’t make him the best clay court player in the last few years.
I enjoyed commenting. I am OK if Henk or Moskova see it differently. It’s all in the game. I am ready for a Rafa vs Novak showdown at the FO. Cheers!
Moskova Moskova · May 14, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Good observations gans…..my point was that djoko is not the king of clay.
Yes, he has closed the gap against a slumping rafa now but its a longshot that djoko will win multiple RGs.
Dan Markowitz · May 15, 2016 at 5:54 am
Best rivalry in the game now is Djoko v Nishikori. That match yesterday in Rome, excluding the final tie-breaker where Nishikori made a number of unforced errors, including double-faulting into the net at 3-all, was far better tennis than one sees in a Nadal-Nole or Nole-Murray match these days. In fact, usually the final set of a Nole-Murray match is very lopsided in Djoko’s favor.
But the dynamic of the match, the two best shotmakers in the game going at each other, makes it a superb match up and one that I look forward to watching, unlike the Nole vs the two other top players in the world. Right now, Nishikori is either the third or fourth best player in the world which is amazing because the guy is like 5-10, has a below-average serve and is the only Asian male to ever reach the top of the game. Who’s the next best Asian player, Taro Daniel? It’s amazing what Nishikori has done. It’s a testament to his skill and mindset.
Yesterday, when he struck a winner that hit the line as he charged for a running forehand at 3-6 in the final breaker, Annacone on TC said, Kei has “nerves of steel.” It is amazing. I don’t think Nishi does anything on the court for the fans. Everything is centered on how he can play better where even a focused competitor like Djoko, sometimes he’ll sneer or yell at the ball boys to hurry up getting the balls to his side of the court (have you seen this penchant with Djoko? He can be a real bully at times) and it seems like partially why he’s doing what he’s doing is to show the fans and maybe his opponent how domineering he is. With Kei, there’s no show. It’s almost like he’s a oblivious to the setting, the fans, his opponent, everything. That’s part of his personality, but I think it aids him in conserving energy and getting to the task at hand.
Andrew Miller · May 15, 2016 at 11:17 am
Andy Murray: The man who showed u.s. players their excuses don’t fly on clay.
catherine bell · May 15, 2016 at 1:21 pm
Yes Andrew –
And why does Andy need a ‘coach’ ? – he seems to be doing ok, at 29, with what he’s currently got: a small support team and Judy 🙂
IMO some of these high profile coaches are vastly overrated.
Experience is probably the best coach around – plus maybe some knowledgeable and benign presence who can help with developing insight etc as time goes by.
Andrew Miller · May 15, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Murray figures out clay, wins a huge tournament. Catherine I’m sure Murray knows what he learned from every coach. BG gave him something, Lendl, Mauresmo. He had a physio, his mom of course. Other coaches.
I’m sure someone is in his ear for clay too. It says something about Murrays ability to take good advice. And he’s putting Wawrinka to shame.
The French Open is once again Djokovics to lose. But I think it is also Murrays to win.
Scoop Malinowski · May 15, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Dan I am surprised you don’t mention that I called Nishikori for the top five way back in 2009 in Delray when he won the title there vs Blake – I remember you kind of scoffed at that idea – But I always saw the Specialness in Kei – the flowing efficient easy movement and the solid all around form and technique on all shots but also – and most important – the uncanny ability to play magic tennis under pressure and stress – to win Delray as he did out of nowhere as an unknown (I believe) qualifier was pure magic – Kei showed back then he is extraordinary and he kept on going and striving and getting better – totally dedicated to the game and never any BS or gamesmanship to anyone any player fan or media or official – total class act – great champion – still getting better too –
Scoop Malinowski · May 15, 2016 at 7:43 pm
Henk: I see Djokovic as the King of tennis and the king of clay and king of all surfaces – Rafa was great but he has not gotten better and Djokovic has a higher level that he can’t handle – I believe Djokovic has been unlucky to not win at least two Roland Garros – no disrespect to Rafa he is the all time King of Clay and always will be but Djokovic is the new current king of clay imo – No disrespect to Rafa but Im just calling it as I see it – Rafa’s best level can’t handle Djokovic’s best level on clay or any surface – I believe Rafa has stopped improving and Djokovic passed him – No Djokovic has to prove that and the only way to prove that is by winning Paris which I still believe he is destined to do – and will this year – but it won’t be easy – Wawrinka could turn into Super Stanimal – Fed can get on fire and ignite the fury of the French fans to go against Djokovic and Djokovic could unravel – or Rafa could suddenly find his old super form and run through the tournament – or even Andy can shock the world – Nishikori and Kyrgios can’t be ignored either – But I favor Djokovic to finally get King Kong off his back and finally fulfill his destiny by winning the elusive Roland Garros title –
Scoop Malinowski · May 15, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Well said Gans – only can add that Djokovic has TWO seven match win streaks vs Rafa and that is by far the record vs Rafa – no one has come close to beating Rafa seven times in a row – and nobody ever will – Also the 2011 French Open was affected by Fed’s upset win vs Djokovic which Djokovic should have won ( he has set point in the first set) but Fed escaped and then won in four close sets with a lot of help from the French crowds which were heavily in his favor and it annoyed Djokovic and lowered his game – I still recall that match and how Fed escaped with the win partly stolen partly earned – Djokovic just screwed up that day and crafty Fed made him pay for it – If Djokovic won that match (which he should have) I like Dan feel he would have rolled Rafa in the final – he was rolling Rafa all year that year –
Scoop Malinowski · May 15, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Again well said Gans – Djokovic has that confidence and that aura of invincibility – he just knows he will beat Rafa even if he struggles he can turn on the extra gear and get the job done – I have had the same feeling playing this very good Czech player in FL – great matches but I won seven sets and he won one tiebreaker 75 then we played again and it was a great match and despite being down 02 and three game points for 03 down I still won 64 76 – incredibly hard work and hard fought – every point we both have to hit at least five balls and figure out how to win the point – every point a battle – But I have the mental edge from winning all the close sets and he gets tight when he blows the big points and starts whining and crying to himself – I felt the similar pattern to Djokovic vs Rafa or Fed – Djokovic just has that extra calm and confidence on the crucial points – and Fed and Rafa lack it – I also have the same problem in reverse to the player in USTA who beat me fourteen times out of fourteen times – even when I have chances and leads he still can shake me off and break me down – Tennis is such an intriguing and fascinating sport!
Scoop Malinowski · May 15, 2016 at 7:59 pm
mm: Rafa is slumping because of the depressing reality that he has lost seven times in a row to Djokovic – he does not know for sure in his head and heart that he can ever beat him again – Losing seven times in a row to the same player is devastating – and very hard to reverse – VERY VERY HARD –
Moskova Moskova · May 16, 2016 at 8:28 am
rafa slumped prior to those losses for whatever reason….and losing to djoko did not help the situation however rafa is due for a turnaround win over djoko on clay soon 😉
Scoop Malinowski · May 16, 2016 at 10:12 am
I believe Rafa’s declines have been caused by injury and physical breakdown AND mental damages caused by excessive losses to Djokovic – when great players lose repeatedly to one certain player it’s traumatic psychologically – that Rafa was able to overcome the 2011 losing streak to Djokovic and regain the upperhand was imo one of Rafa’s greatest achievements – it’s very rare that a great champion solves the puzzle of another great player then loses grip then regains the upper hand grip – Rafa is one of the very few players to do this – Agassi never could totally solve Pete – Steffi never could totally solve Seles – Fed never could totally solve Rafa – But Rafa has solved Djokovic a couple of times – Djokovic has solved Rafa twice too –
Moskova Moskova · May 16, 2016 at 10:35 am
yes, it’s a nice rivalry.
however, would like to see FED find his form again and turn the tables on djoko but that’s a long shot.
regardless, djoko will never have the same kinda respect or fan-base as FED or rafa.