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Mar/14

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Djokovic Domination of Rafa At Sony Open Could Change Rivalry

76 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop

djoksony

On the second point of the match, Rafa Nadal already began his trademark grunting. Novak Djokovic’s first grunt came on the second point of the fourth game.

Clearly, both players felt an extreme urgency to establish early control of the court and match.

Djokovic got the first break to go up 4-2. His pinpoint accurate shots to both sides of the court, forcing Rafa to change grips and alternate forehands and backhands, as well as mixed spins and speeds, seemed to force Rafa to miss more than usual.

Djokovic closed out the first set and immediately broke again to go up 2-0 in the second. His onslaught of consistency, defense, volley and baseline winners, with some free points on serve kept Nadal off balance. It was odd to see Nadal not even try to return about ten of Djokovic’s clean winners.

Unlike their other matches, this time Djokovic never had a lapse and was able to finish Rafa without much adversity or distress, the final scoreline was an efficient 63 63.

But it was a hard fought win, as Nadal, despite showing frustration with numerous negative head shakes and near misses, fought desperately until the final point, exhorting himself on despite being in the losing position. The deathblow came after a long rally on a spectacular winner by Djokovic off a Nadal drop shot. Djokovic then dropped flat on his back – Rafa style – before getting up after two seconds to embrace his arch rival at the net.

It was a masterpiece victory for Djokovic, one of the finest performance of his career. There was a different, business-like, ruthless certainty about Djokovic this time, perhaps inspired by Wawrinka’s masterful Melbourne win over Rafa. Djokovic was focused throughout, like a Serbian assassin. Nadal nailed plenty of his signature line winners off the full run which momentarily stunned Djokovic but he got right back to the task at hand and didn’t let Nadal’s magic offset his belief or gameplan.

After the match Djokovic said to his rival, almost slightly mockingly: “It’s always a pleasure and challenge to play against you.”

Later at his press conference, Djokovic was ecstatic: “Winning Indian Wells was special because I struggled in my matches. I still managed to win the tournament against Roger. It was a great confidence boost to me that I carried on this week…The best performance of the tournamnent (Miami) came at the right moment. I didn’t have any letdowns the whole match. I did everything right. I’m thrilled with my performance.”

Rafa made no excuses and praised his conqueror. “He was better than me in everything. I feel that I didn’t move so well as I normally do. I feel like he was having too much success with every shot, he was able to find the right spot, I was in negative positions to early in the point…He has better returns than my one, a better serve than my one. When he’s better he’s better.”

Rafa was asked if his back was any problem at all and he said “No, no. Thank you very much.”

Christopher Clarey asked the most interesting question of the press conference: “Rafa, you say you like challenges. Are you glad that Novak exists?”

Rafa’s reply: “No. I like challenges but I’m not stupid.” (Press room erupts in laughter.)

Minutes later when Djokovic came in, Clarey asked Nole the same question, also adding that he just asked Rafa this question. Djokovic smiled and asked to know what Rafa said, then answered, “I’m going to answer differently. Rafa is definitely the biggest rivalry I have in my career. I enjoy every single match we play, hopefully we can have many more. I think the big challenges I had in my career changed me in a positive way. Roger and Rafa made me understand what I have to do on the court.”

After seeing this match, it appears the Super Version of Djokovic who beat Rafa in seven finals in a row, has re-emerged. And that does not spell good news for the Nadal camp.

76 comments

  • Dan Markowitz · March 31, 2014 at 8:36 am

    Firstly, thanks for the great finals article and your entire coverage of the tournament. You bring an attention to detail and a knowledge of the players from Novak and Rafa right down to Stefan Kozlov that is pretty unique and entertaining.

    Second, do you think players are still inspired by Wawrinka after he’s come up with duds after AO?

    Third, that is amazing and I never thought you’d hear a guy like Nadal who I think is pretty much the consensus GOAT now or projected to be the GOAT by most tennis experts/knowledgeable fans, say flat-out, “He has better returns than my one, a better serve than my one. When he’s better he’s better.”

    Can you ever imagine Federer saying that or Sampras? Never! Either Nadal is being brutally honest or modest, but it’s still a startling statement.

    And what are we left with when we think of Djoko? Clearly, he is a phenomenal player, but his slam count and his “fall” from his 2011 grace, has made him be viewed as less-than-legendary player. Can he change that evaluation in the next two years and truly dominate, remains to be seen.

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 31, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Thanks Dan, I watched a lot of tennis and practice for two weeks 🙂 Nadal’s comments I think were more about yesterday. Nadal has a very realistic way of talking about tough losses, he takes the exact opposite approach that Serena does. He never tries to discredit the opponent or make blatant excuses. Rafa really really tried his best, he was fist pumping and exhorting himself on in the second set, the game he won to get back to 34 (break down) but he just could not get Djokovic to wilt this time. Remember how three years ago Djokovic was jumping out to 4-0 or 4-l leads in clay masters finals, and it even looked like Djokovic could blowout Rafa? But Rafa would always fight his way back into the set and match, even though he lost in straight sets, he made it close where it looked like Djok was going to win easy. I think Djok sort of modified his approach this time. My guess is he waited till the middle of the set to gear up into turbo gear, instead of showing his best shots too early. And there were no lapses, even after Rafa landed his KO shots on lines and crazy defensive winners. This is my guess. Something about this match makes me think Djokovic has finally figured out the Rafa puzzle. And he will win the FO this year. After three straight near misses, where he really should have won all three. I really believe Djokovic is taking the next step now – and the huge win in the third set TB vs Federer was the springboard.

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 31, 2014 at 8:55 am

    Re: Hings/Lisicki beating Makarova/Vesnina. Another gem of a match by Lisingis. They were behind all day, both sets were battles but they hung in there through the adversity, 46 64. They were also down 35 in the match tiebreak but that’s when Lisicki tapped into her power station and really started pulverizing every ball – and she was not missing. There was a stretch of points where she made about twelve straight rocket forehands. Hingis also came up with her best tennis, making a key reflex volley. From 35 down they won fight straight points. Then Hingis made a beautiful lob winner over a charging Makarova for 95. Makarova double faulted on the last point to five Lisingis the title. What a fantastic match. Hingis is a joy to watch, still, and she has a perfect partner in Lisicki. They are just about as entertaining to watch as Paes/Step. I will be there for Hingis/Lisicki at the US Open if they play there.

  • Dan Markowitz · March 31, 2014 at 9:25 am

    I like that Djoko in the post-match interview with Brad Gilbert, who does a hellava job in that role I think, said that even on clay, he thinks he can play the way he did yesterday, the same formula, and win. That says a lot as far as the confidence he feels he has now.

    Any significance you think to the fact that Djoko didn’t win the AO or Dubai with Becker and then wins IW and Miami without him.

    C’mon, I know you like your Hingis, but is Lisingis really as fun to watch as Paestep?

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 31, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Yes I do think that loss to Stan by Djokovic by a nose at the wire, almost a photo finish, has sparked Djok. And seeing Stan obliterate Rafa has also boosted Djok’s confidence. It’s all going to come together this year and yesterday was an sign of things to come. I think Rafa can sense it too. Re: Becker…yes I think it’s no coincidence, they are still getting comfortable with each other, Vajda is the man for Djok and always will be, Becker and Djok are struggling to build that kind of bond and chemistry which takes time. One visual difference is Vajda sitting in the box, you can see clearly how much he cares about Djokovic. When TV shows Becker, it doesn’t look like he cares at all, he’s just sitting there like a celebrity guest. I really think this makes a difference. A big difference. You have seen it Dan when Hewitt chastises his box to “just do something, don’t just sit there.” Players like Djokovic absolutely feed off their boxes. Remember how key Ristic was for Djokovic with her fiery eyes and animated fist pumps? Becker isn’t giving Djokovic anything, whether it’s his ego, he just doesn’t really care, who knows. But Becker needs to up his coaching game and his player box demeanor. Vajda’s presence and these two Masters titles in a row has put pressure on BB Socrates to get some big results. No matter what Djokovic says in the media about Becker being his “head coach” I think think all the nice words and maybe even the hip surgery are just for public consumption.

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 10:01 am

    The rivalry has re-shifted in Novak’s favor…. I am confident Rafa will make the necessary adjustments & retake the edge eventually… Yesterday was Novak at his machine like best & Rafa was off his game… Credit where it’s due… There are many patterns in this rivalry… Both step their game up when the other player surpasses them… Historically, Rafa is always better as the hunter than the hunted… We can expect more shifts in the rivalry & SURFACE type can’t be discounted… Novak figures to have a clear edge on hard court while Rafa is clearly The King of Clay… Novak should have won the French last year NOT in 2012 because had the rain not started making the court harder, he was on his way to a straight sets thrashing… Last year, he had the mental breakdown & unraveling that has plagued him at times throughout his career… Yesterday, The Serbinator was rock solid in every area… Another pattern is clear which is Novak is better in the best 2 out of 3 sets format while Rafa is better in the best 3 out of 5 sets format… Each guy needs a painful loss at the hands of the other to regroup… FASCINATING, 1 OF A KIND RIVALRY that will keep evolving with both players winning their share & going on streaks!

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 10:10 am

    The rivalry seems to shift year to year because as phenomenal as both players are, neither can sustain an out of this world level for consecutive years… It’s common to see a dip after an amazing year… I think Stan Wawrinka is coming back to earth as well & will never come close to the 2 amazing weeks he had in Melbourne where he caught lightning in a bottle… The results of.that slam may very well have changed how 2014 plays out… Tennis is truly a year to year sport!

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 31, 2014 at 10:45 am

    CS3 are you saying Rafa is the King of Dry Clay and Djokovic is the King of Damp/Wet Clay? lol. Djokovic has beaten Rafa on clay numerous times and lost many close battles. I think many fans and pundits minimize and under appreciate how great a player Djokovic is on clay. This year he will finally slay the Rafa dragon in Paris. He should have done it the last THREE years and this year he will get the job done. Rafa admitting to Christopher Clarey that he does not enjoy playing Djokovic was a startling revelation IMO and it will empower and embolden Djokovic to finally conquer Roland Garros.

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 11:08 am

    3 wins out of 16 matches isn’t exactly beating a guy numerous times on clay… Novak is an elite clay player but he’s NOT Rafa nobody is… Rafa has made comments like that before & it’s part of his persona…There’s some truth to what he says but there’s also a psychological method to it which is to give his opponents a false of security… We all know Rafa is a master at sand bagging… Novak makes him nervous but Rafa also has the ability to make Novak fold which has been proven… Last time I checked, Rafa has 2 Grand Slam victories over Novak on his favorite surface, hard court, while should have & could have means nothing because Novak still hasn’t broken through at Roland Garros… 3 out of 5 sets against Rafa on clay is the most difficult task perhaps ever in sports… There’s no guarantee Djokovic even reaches the final without a hiccup getting in the way, remember 2011, which by the way was probably his best chance to win the French? The 3 wins Novak has over Rafa on clay have all come when there’s been rain but he won those matches nonetheless while losing the other 13.. Lol Rafa has 7 wins against Novak on hard court so that’s yet another area where Rafa trumps his rivals… Djokovic is responding to the emotional trauma Rafa inflicted on him the last 2 years the same Rafa responded after the painful, never before seen 7 match losing streak against Djokovic from March 11-January 12… Constantly evolving & in time, Rafa will make the adjustments & regain the edge again because he’s the physically stronger, more athletic & mentally tougher player over the long haul… Novak is the more technically skilled & precise player who is also an amazing competitor… Clash of the titans… Quit distorting facts so often! LOL

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 11:23 am

    In reality, Rafa is as good & truthfully more successful of a hard court player as Novak is a clay court player… 3 Grand Slams & at least 8 Masters 1000 series titles solidifies that statement… Novak has won every clay court Masters 1000 series title himself so he’s definitely an elite red clay player… He’d have at least 2 or 3 titles at the French if not for Rafa… Federer would probably have at least 5 if not for Rafa & would probably be considered the best clay court player ever other than Borg if not for “The Mallorcan Bull”… Rafa has dominated 1 surface type in a way we’re unlikely to ever see again… Federer & Sampras were both amazing on grass as well as hard courts but an almost 95% win rate on clay is astonishing especially considering the fact, clay is widely regarded as the most difficult surface to play on by far… With Rafa & Novak, we’re looking at either the best or among the 2 best players in the world on 2 of the 3 surfaces which is just another thing that separates them from the rest of the ATP tour… I don’t put either in the top 2 on grass as I feel Roger & a healthy Andy Murray are the best in the world on grass… Rafa was among the top 2 up until 2012… Novak won Wimbledon in 2011 when he was suddenly SUPERHUMAN so he’s very capable on grass as well but he’s even admitted, it’s his least favorite surface… I didn’t expect Rafa to repeat what he did in 2013 because it’s not realistic to maintain that kind of out of this world level… Years like that take a lot out of a player because of the number of matches played… Look at the drop off Novak had in 2012… History repeats itself often in Tennis & as I said, the Rafa-Djokovic rivalry has patterns that figure to continue!

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 31, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Djokovic has become a fullymatured more complete player in the last three years, stronger and smarter, so I discount the many earlier losses to Rafa. In the last three years he has been very very close to Rafa on clay, almost equal. Yes I agree to beat Rafa in 3 out of 5 is a very difficult challenge but it’s just a matter of time before Djokovic accomplishes this monumental victory on Chatrier Court vs. Rafa Nadal. He has proven he is mentally strong enough to overcome all the frustrations and failures, he is still banging and crashing hard on Rafa’s door, and eventually he will smash it down 🙂

  • Abe Froman · March 31, 2014 at 11:37 am

    djoko again has a legit shot in paris but i’ll take nadal in 5…..the juiced up bull must be raging – coming up short both at the AO, miami, etc…..a great champ like nadal will make the necessary adjusments and increase the dosage to bounce back hardcore at RG…LOL..

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 11:44 am

    It’s very possible that he eventually will but each year that he fails to do so will hang over his head… With Djokovic, all it takes is 1 disappointing match to send him into a funk… He’s the streakiest Great Player I think I have ever seen… He’s developed into quite the all around tennis machine no doubt… There’s always that possibility of him unraveling though which makes him very interesting to watch… I think Novak will win a French Open sooner than later perhaps against Rafa but there’s guarantee it will be against him… Djokovic is up & down on the biggest match Grand Slam stage so we just have to see how he performs… The fact he’s looked for help on how to mentally handle the big points is revealing just like Rafa’s statement… The time is now for Novak to make his move because if he doesn’t put together a multiple slam year this year, he may very well fall short of 10 career Slams… Going down as a Great Australian Open Champion doesn’t come with the same luster as the other 2 Greats of his era who dominated Wimbledon & Roland Garros & who are on Tennis’s Mount Rushmore… The Djoker is very determined & capable of achieving what he sets out to do I’ll acknowledge but he needs to strike while the iron is hot… Come next year, I think we will see 1 of the numerous rising young players ascend to the level of being ready to challenge for the World’s top 2 rankings… We are already starting to see it unfold… I think Dimitrov could very well be the future World #1… Time will tell… Lots of Tennis to be played in 2014… Interesting discussion as always… Take Care!

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 11:49 am

    Abe is funny… I think it’s more than likely Djokovic has taken something himself… Lol The sudden rise to the top he made in 2011 becoming almost SUPERHUMAN & UNBEATABLE didn’t just come from a “gluten free diet”… Guys don’t develop out of this world stamina after routinely retiring from matches & being chronic asthmatics by just changing their diet… Him & Rafa are both naturally & possibly somewhat unnaturally PHENOMENAL Tennis players… There’s plenty of “juicing” going on throughout the ATP & WTA tour… We’re kidding ourselves if we think otherwise… It’s going on in EVERY SPORT!

  • Scoop Malinowski · March 31, 2014 at 11:52 am

    Don’t see it as Djokovic looking to his box for help, he just likes to look at them as they are a source of strength and encouragement for him. Certain players, great players, tend to look a lot at their boxes, such as Lleyton Hewitt, Henin, Djokovic, Nadal, etc. while others rarely look at all (Fed, Sampras, Agassi, McEnroe, Navratilova, Serena).

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    There’s nothing wrong with looking to the box for encouragement… Both Rafa & The Djoker play with a lot of emotion… If getting positive reinforcement helps them, more power to them!

  • Abe Froman · March 31, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    @ CS3….very balanced and shrewd observations on nadal, djoko, etc….and fed’s gotta be on something too, no ?….look at his career, records, injuries (lack there of), etc……and both parents in the pharmaceutical industry – he must be getting some of best and absolute state of the art swiss chocolates…LOL..

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    Wouldn’t at all be surprised if Fed has a “magic potion” that enables the REDISCOVERED VINTAGE FORM at an advanced age… Tremendous talent & the right “training methods” can go a long way for the world’s top players Abe! LOL

  • CS3 · March 31, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    Plasma knee injections, hyperbolic pressurized egg chambers & parents in the pharmacy industry… Interesting stuff to say the least Abe! LOL

  • Andrew Miller · March 31, 2014 at 10:33 pm

    Lisingis is awesome. I really like Lisicki.Hingis I appreciate now more than before – court wizard.

    Interesting Djokovic said what he did about clay. Michael Joyce said the same thing – the biggest mistake players make on clay is being different.

    Rafa ALWAYS recognizes reality, one reason he’s at the top: recognizes reality then outworks the field.

    Stunned Djokovic started to hit a super spin forehand, right handed version of the Nadal ultra spin forehand. Never seen one before.

    As the fact Nadal was troubled by the super spin forehand, never seen THAT before!

    Regarding Wawrinka, I think he is suffering the let down from being at the top of the world. But if he wants to he could spoil the party again, even if Federer’s back on the rise and the two top players are back in form.

    Can Djokovic beat Nadal in Paris? Soderling did it (even with the bad knee) so Djokovic could too.

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 1, 2014 at 8:19 am

    It really looked like Djokovic has the Rafa puzzle solved now Andrew, and that he’s going to take him down on clay, starting in Monte Carlo. Lisingis – I watched three of their matches QF SF F and they were all captivating and highly entertaining. I was also told by a Japanese reporter who was in IW that Hingis and Lisicki lost early in IW and right after the match Hingis went back on a practice court to practice. She actually stayed all week in IW practicing and practicing and regaining her game. The hard work paid off for Hingis in Miami. Regarding Wawrinka, I think he’s going to be very happy and content with one major title. In this era of the behemoths ruling the roost (Fed Rafa Djok Murray Delpo Ferrer), one major title almost equals four. I also get a sense Stan is focusing his year on Davis Cup more than anything else. He’s got the major title, now the big goal is Davis Cup, anything else now is secondary.

  • Abe Froman · April 1, 2014 at 10:57 am

    if there werent any rules or guidelines around juicing – fine, i wouldnt care so much but since it’s obviously prohibited and its usage seems to be skewed and skews results…..so, in that case – do we condemn / undermine the “rule breakers” and praise the “all natural” players ?….or are the “all natural” players just too naive or scared to get an edge, etc. ?…..even navrilatova was known to have her fresh blood transfusions with that of an 18 year old’s, etc….

  • CS3 · April 1, 2014 at 11:18 am

    Djokovic has the edge & has solved the puzzle FOR NOW just like in 2011… Rafa will patiently wait for the opening, work on the necessary tactics & will regain the edge again eventually… This rivalry has patterns & again like I said, both players need to be surpassed by the other to raise their level & regain the edge… Novak’s a proud champion & the way Rafa frankly broke his spirit last year in 2 Grand Slams lit a fire in him similar to the way Novak’s 3 Grand Slam Finals win over Rafa including the EPIC ’12 Australian Open clash that Rafa gave away lit a fire in him… Novak has the edge again FOR NOW which are the key words because Rafa figures out puzzles & conquers obstacles better than any player in history… All he does is prove the many who write off wrong over & over again so bury him at your own peril… Novak is a machine when in top form but he’s already shown he can & will have a dip & his tendacy to become unglued in the biggest matches will show itself… This battle has more twists & turns coming which history pretty much confirms!

  • Abe Froman · April 1, 2014 at 11:54 am

    absolutely, no question that nadal and djoko push each other to greater heights….a lot more respect for each other and much more of a competitive rivalry than the nadal – fed……the djoko – fed, on the other hand has a bit of bitterness to their rivalry for some reason…dont you think ?..

  • Andrew Miller · April 1, 2014 at 11:59 am

    Djokovic spin was unreal. Is this a new part of his game, the lasso finish above the head on the forehand? I had never seen it before but sure caused nadal problems set one.

  • CS3 · April 1, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    The way Nadal & Djokovic, Djokovic & Nadal continue to keep putting the ball in the other’s court to come up with the answer is 1 of the most fascinating things I’ve ever seen in any Tennis rivalry… Djokovic has the upper hand again & haschallenged Rafa to respond which in time he will & after that, it will again be Novak’s turn to retaliate… Best believe both guys will keep finding solutions until the time comes that they are no longer able to compete… This rivalry will continue to evolve because they both push each other to have to get better which they both do… Rafa needs to start hitting the serve with the kind of pace he’s shown he’s capable of doing (2010 US Open) & he needs to flatten out his shots & pull Djokovic into the corners with those looping forehands setting up either his lethal inside out forehand or the shot that really helped him regain the edge, his vastly improved ripping cross court backhand… Sit back & enjoy the world’s 2 best players keep adjusting their game to deal with the other!

  • Andrew Miller · April 1, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    Djokovic’s heavy spin= RH Nadal.

  • Abe Froman · April 1, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    would like to see some metrics on that….i’ve read previously before on an analysis as to why fed has so much trouble with nadal’s FH to his BH….

    nadal : 4000 rpm
    fed : 2600 rpm
    atp avg : 2200 rpm

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 1, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    If Rafa is asked right now which player do you consider the better player, at his best, Federer or Djokovic, who do you think he says?

  • Abe Froman · April 1, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    clearly against himself – djoko is better than fed…..on a collective, fed should be the better player but it’s debatable..

  • CS3 · April 1, 2014 at 5:56 pm

    Djokovic is a much tougher opponent for Rafa than Federer because he’s a more complete player with a defense to offense style similar to Rafa’s… Similar games can trouble guys or create stiffer challenges… Rafa & Djokovic will always be each other’s toughest opponent & greatest rival period!

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 1, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Yes, as odd as it sounds, I think it’s safe to conclude Djokovic is a better player than Federer. The Nadal litmus test proves it. Things change quickly in tennis. But right now it seems 50 years could pass before someone comes along who can play at a higher level than Rafa and Djokovic. But it could happen in a year or two.

  • Andrew Miller · April 1, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    Djokovic’ FH in Set 1=Nadal spin. Never seen a RH player impart this spin, use Nadal’s “game” against Nadal. SI picked up on it also in their analysis.

    “Nadal has to give him another second serve and, like clockwork, Djokovic controls the point. He puts a lot of shape and heavy spin on his forehand to pull Nadal wide to his backhand and Nadal sends the reply long. There’s the break for the Serb.”

    The ATP tour said this, pretty sure it’s about Djokovic’ spin:

    “Djokovic refused to allow Nadal to penetrate his defence with his deep cross-court topspin forehands to the deuce court, maintaining the pressure throughout the second set. He continued to empty his bag of tricks with effective slice approaches and superior net play. ”

    To me the “tricks” include a new super spin forehand that he uses only when necessary.

  • Dan Markowitz · April 1, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    Scoop,

    I’m usually never one to cover for Federer, but you can’t possibly think Djoko is a better player than Federer. One guy’s won 6 slams, the other 17. Fed is still playing Djoko close or beating him when he’s almost 6 years older. Djoko isn’t in Fed’s class yet and probably never will be.

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 1, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    Dan, if you asked Nadal which player is harder for him to play, Fed or Djokovic at their very best, I think it’s safe to assume Rafa would say the latter not the former. Federer could never beat Nadal seven times in a row.

  • Andrew Miller · April 2, 2014 at 12:08 am

    Matchups matter – example krajicek brought out worst in sampras but few others etc. Djokovic is playing good ball – he sustains this level and odds may tip for him in Paris.

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 2, 2014 at 7:40 am

    Think of Nadal’s mindset: He held off Djokovic the last two years in Paris, barely, all he has to do is beat him a few more times and Djok’s belief will crumble But Djokovic just keeps coming at him, getting stronger and more determined. It’s like a Creed vs. Rocky Balboa, Creed is Rafa but Rocky just keeps on coming at him, winning rounds, scoring points. I’d rather be Djokovic right now than Rafa.

  • Abe Froman · April 2, 2014 at 10:27 am

    Scoop, i agree with Dan on this one…..djoko is not better than fed…..yes, he has better results against nadal but that should not be the sole factor…..how about prize money, endorsements, fanbase, aesthetics, class, style, overall results (esp. at GSs) and of course their H2H – which fed leads by 1..

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 2, 2014 at 10:51 am

    Many criterias to determine who is the better player, and Federer has many advantages and accolades, but Djokovic vs. Rafa compared to Fed vs. Rafa clearly tips in Djokovic’s favor. And that’s a very important clue as to who can play the superior brand of tennis. I’m not talking about legacy, slam totals or career earnings. I’m talking about who, at his very best, can actually play the better brand of tennis? Djokovic’s tennis against Rafa may be the finest we have ever seen in the history of the sport.

  • CS3 · April 2, 2014 at 11:06 am

    All it takes is for Rafa to defeat Novak again by way of his unbreakable will to in a SIGNIFICANT MATCH/EVENT which he will SOONER than later & the rivalry will once again turn… Neither guy can or will put the other away for good… They both have the ability to raise their game & add new elements to take the edge over the other for a while… LOL Djokovic does produce his very best, most technically precise Tennis versus Rafa however Rafa also produces his most impressive Tennis versus Djokovic when he defeats him by basically deflating Novak’s belief & breaking his spirit like he did last year at the US Open… The ultimate game of Tennis chess & both guys will continue to out maneuver the other until the inevitable response comes… Too many patterns in this ongoing rivalry to assume otherwise!

  • CS3 · April 2, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Rafa is also a more effective player when he has a challenge to overcome… Despite being the best player of this & probably any era ever, the guy has always been much more comfortable as the World #2 than he is as the World #1… It’s like he pushes himself to be better more in the role of the hunter than the hunted… The results he produces against the #1 player in the world when he’s ranked #2 confirm that argument… When Rafa or Djokovic surpass each other, it seems to provide the necessary spark for the other player to come back with a vengeance & regain the edge… When these 2 look across the net from each other, it has to feel like they are looking in the mirror in many ways I imagine!?

  • Abe Froman · April 2, 2014 at 11:56 am

    Scoop, as with most topics discussed on this great tennis website…..our reasoning is debatable and no clear silver bullet exists for this one either….some could argue that the best tennis was played by nadal – coria in a rome final one year…or safin against fed at the AO SF….or even more recently, at the same event – wawa taking down djoko could qualify as the best tennis of all time..

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 2, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    CS3 I think one or the other will eventually master the other. That’s the way it’s always happened in tennis. McEnroe got Borg. Sampras over Agassi. Fed over the rest. Rafa over Fed. Martina over Chris. Steffi over the rest. Monica over Steffi. (unfortunately, tragically, Gunter Parche over Monica). Right now it looks like Djokovic will get a handle on Rafa, he did it with seven wins in a row, but Rafa fought back. I think it’s inevitable that Djokovic will be the last man standing. Rafa is not going to get any quicker or make any changes to his game, he just fights like his life is on the line and that’s what got him out of the Djokovic sleeperhold. But now it looks like Djokovic has the puzzle figured out. We’ll see. Just my take.

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 2, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    Just one match doesn’t count Abe, the player has to sustain it over a period of time and over different surfaces. Federer dominated. Rafa dominated. Djokovic dominated. There has to be dominance involved. Coria and Wawrinka are great players but they did not sustain their dominance.

  • Abe Froman · April 2, 2014 at 3:31 pm

    rafa over djoko in 5 at paris (if djoko makes the final)…..place your bets ! place your bets !! LOL

  • Andrew Miller · April 2, 2014 at 4:25 pm

    Djokovic playing like agassi during his 99-00 three slam run.

  • CS3 · April 2, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    It looked like Djokovic had the puzzle solved before & Rafa turned it around which he will again… Rafa has a history of always coming back strong & has been consistently GREAT longer than Novak… The year age difference & the many more matches Rafa has played is the biggest edge for Novak having more years ahea however I don’t see Novak taking over Tennis like he truly could have following 2011 but he failed to do so… In the next year or 2, a young player will emerge & seriously challenge the supremacy of Tennis’s 2 best players… By the way, Rafa did make some tactical changes to regain the edge Novak had on him once & he will yet again… Being mentally tougher & a stronger willed competitor/fighter will enable Rafa to make another strong response… Writing him off has been proven to be a big mistake & premature on numerous occasions… My statements play out in time like they so often do!

  • Scoop Malinowski · April 2, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    I’m not writing off Rafa yet but his back is against the wall and one of these times when he’s on the brink, he’s going to come up shooting blanks. Nobody respects Rafa and all he’s done in tennis and the class and spirit with which he has carried himself as a champion. I just bought my second Rafa shirt at the Sony Open out of respect. If he wins the FO I’ll wear it for a week straight )

  • CS3 · April 2, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    Eventually, Rafa like Roger will be unable to go like we’ve come to expect as Father Time will have been his true conqueror… I do believe Rafa has 1 last response in him & will overcome Novak again but the tour in general is catching up to him… Nobody has competed harder than Rafa over the last decade & the way he competes comes with a heavy physical even emotional price… Novak will start to decline in the next couple of years as well as he’s starting to advance in Tennis years himself & he also plays a grueling physical brand of Tennis… The fact he got a later start in the professional ranks is of benefit to him without question… Novak is likely the heir to the throne of the Roger-Rafa era but he won’t have the kind of lasting legacy they did mostly because of the many years he had to wait for his opportunity to become the top dog… Tremendous player who will go down as a member of Tennis’s Greatest Trio of Champions competing during the same era in history… Novak will have another run at #1 but I do believe Rafa will retaliate again like he did in 2012-2013 before calling it a career in about 2 more years… 1 of the many talented younger players who are emerging will more than likely make their move to the top of the ranking in the very near future… We’re seeing the dawning of a new Tennis era unfolding in 2014… I will always be privileged to have witnessed THE BEST TENNIS perhaps ever featuring 3 True Titans… Fortunately they all have quite a bit left & we should be able to enjoy some more EPIC SHOWDOWNS… Always enjoy these discussions Scoop & I do appreciate you letting me contribute!

  • Gans · April 3, 2014 at 7:29 am

    Great thoughts from CS3, Scoop and others.

    I am on the same page with Scoop in terms of Nadal-Djokovic rivalry. When Djokovic plays precisely, there is little that Nadal can do. It can also be seen in the scoreline.

    If the match is over in 2 sets in a three set match, it is won by Novak. The motivation is extremely high for Nadal to win Masters, so no excuse there. When it comes to Grand Slams, subsequent to Djokovic’s 6 in a row victories against Nadal, the 2012 AO was the key for Nadal’s resurgence. And I agree with CS3 that Nadal showed what a true champion he is to have taken the mental edge against Novak.

    But I also believe there is an explanation. When Novak won those 7 consecutive matches against Rafa he was hunting him and was still figuring him out so he did not mind coming back from behind. We saw him drop the first set or even the first two and then make a comeback like a man possessed. I think, this strategy back-fired him at the French in the last two years.

    Last year was a special case because after losing to Nadal yet again at the French, Novak had lost motivation a bit and after another tough loss in Wimbledon, he was really mentally down, which showed in the way he competed in North American season.

    Nadal took advantage of Novak’s worst times and beat him at the US Open. Since then Novak understood what was missing: the mental focus and patience. If you notice, he has now started to show urgency from the start. He has been winning the first set and that has made the difference. You do not want to count on comebacks even if you are Novak Djokovic- the one and only who knows how to play Nadal. Everyone knows what needs to be done, but Novak is the only one capable of executing it. Federer can do it only for a few games or a set.

    So I think, if Novak continues to stay focus in the clay court and wins Rome- which is key, he will beat Nadal in 4 sets at the French. I don’t think, it would even go to 5 sets this time. No matter what the surface is, Novak is just a better player when it comes to Nadal. That does not take away anything from Nadal. It just shows how great Novak his.

    To be able to win 6 slams competing in the era of Nadal and Federer, in my books, he goes down as one of the all time greats alongside of Nadal and Federer even though he has won less overall at this point of time.

    Cheers!

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