“What an aura he’s created for himself. Does anyone actually walk out there and believe they can beat him? It’s actually scary. Because I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone before in this position in a men’s Wimbledon, like so far dominant.” – Alicia Molik on Novak Djokovic
Uncle Toni is still trying to deny Djokovic is the best ever: “Federer and Nadal have trascended their sport more than Djokovic. If we counted for Rafa everything he hasn’t played due to injury, he would probably have won more than the others.”
Keep in mind, Nadal turned pro in 2002 and has been on the ATP World Tour for over 20 years.
“It’s really cool to say I’m a Grand Slam quarterfinalist and who knows where it will lead. I try to lock in and focus on the next match.” – Chris Eubanks
For the fifth time in his career, Novak Djokovic wins at least 25 straight Grand Slam matches. No other male player has been able to extend his streak to 25 more than twice in the Open Era.
Carlos Alcaraz recalls the first time he ever met his quarterfinal opponent: Alcaraz. “I met Rune for the first time when we were eleven in a tournament in Mallorca. And we played doubles together for the first time there.”
The Chris Eubanks win over Stefanos Tsitsipas at Wimbledon will improve his ranking and prize money but another benefit of making the quarterfinals (vs Medvedev) is the 27 year old American is now a lifetime member of the “Final 8 Club” and he will receive Wimbledon credentials/tickets for life.
Aryna Sabalenka has major admiration for Djokovic: “He’s such a great guy. I can always ask him for advice, and he’ll always give it. It’s really good to have a friend like Novak. You can always ask for advice. I mean, I really appreciate him for the help.”
Chris Eubanks · Novak Djokovic · Wimbledon
catherine · July 11, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Farewell Iga Swiatek out to Svitolina in 3. Iga seemed well below her best. I hope W’don won’t turn into a bogey-man for her.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see changes in her team.
So maybe Rybakina for the plate.
Scoop Malinowski · July 11, 2023 at 12:56 pm
The Ukrainian war hero winning Wimbledon is exactly what the tennis establishment and media wants. They can use the Ukrainian war hero and her platform soapbox lectures to beg for more billions from tax players everywhere. Iga’s smile at the handshake was a little too happy. Great match though. Curious that the Ukrainian war hero’s husband didn’t want to be there to watch this.
catherine · July 12, 2023 at 1:44 am
I expect Gael was at home with the baby.
Swiatek played badly throughout. She needs to take a break.
She can play on grass, as she demonstrated in Bad Homburg.
Most top players can. Its just an excuse.
catherine · July 12, 2023 at 4:58 am
Oh and by the way, I’m ignoring your comments on the conflict because they make no sense to me (and we’re a lot nearer Ukraine than you are) but to imply that Monfils did not want to watch hs wife is just too much.
‘According to Svitolina, it is unlikely that Monfils and Skaï will join her in London. “She’s with Gaël right now at home. I was FaceTiming with her just right after the match actually,” she said. “She was really distracted with her ice-cream, so I was not the priority there. She is still at this age when she doesn’t care if I win, if I lose. She’s just happy by herself or sometimes when I come back home she’s happy, too.”
Of course that’s all fake.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2023 at 7:16 am
I just find it odd that the baby and husband can’t be with her at the hotel or rented house. Maybe the full focus on playing and war propaganda is her only priority for this fortnight.
Steve · July 12, 2023 at 9:24 am
Sinner is looking pretty sharp with his updated, pinpoint serve motion. He is crushing groundies with his gluten-fueled power. Should be good matches all around today.
catherine · July 12, 2023 at 10:41 am
Out goes Rybakina to Jabeur in 3. Brilliant effort from Ons but I wish I found her a more interesting character.
Elena looked as if she was wading through mud.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2023 at 11:28 am
Steve, let’s see if Sinner turns into a dud like Shapo and Felix.
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2023 at 11:33 am
Catherine, Jabeur is just as interesting as Steffi, Mary Joe Fernandez and Anke Huber ) Her personality speaks more via her creative play style.
Sam · July 12, 2023 at 4:48 pm
Scoop, I suspect by now that you’ve heard about Alcaraz’s father taping Djokovic’s practice session. Is that kind of thing actually allowed?? If so, is it normal??? 🤔
Scoop Malinowski · July 12, 2023 at 8:10 pm
Sam, yes I saw that story and it may be the first time a player team did surveillance on a chief rival like this. Djokovic hasn’t complained so nobody else should but it’s poor sportsmanship by Team Carlos. It’s also a sign of weakness IMO.
Sam · July 13, 2023 at 7:32 am
Well, if Djokovic’s father had done the same thing to Carlos, I have little doubt that the media would be calling for Djokovic to WITHDRAW from the tournament. 👊 And then if he didn’t, they’d create a narrative that should he win, his victory would be asterisked. ✳️ 🙄
Scoop Malinowski · July 13, 2023 at 7:47 am
Sam there is no doubt about that, if Srdjan filmed a Carlos practice the biased tennis media would turn it into the biggest cheating drama controversy of the whole tournament with endless character assassination smear campaigns by all media against the Djokovic family. But since the boy wonder got caught doing it, it’s nothing and will be reduced to nothing. “Tennis media is the worst in any sport.” – Reilly Opelka.
Scoop Malinowski · July 13, 2023 at 8:18 am
“…the image is one thing and the human being is another…it’s very hard to live up to an image.” – Elvis Presley in 1972. Good luck to Carlos trying to live up to the perfect image the media created for him. He will need it.
Scoop Malinowski · July 13, 2023 at 10:04 am
Vondrousova upsets Svitolina 63 63, good for tennis as there will be no more politics marring the final. Vondrousova now in her second Grand Slam final, though her name is Marketa she is not a very marketable figure for the WTA, low key personality and ordinary appearance. I am told by a former pro that her mom works as a receptionist for years at the CLTK Prague tennis club.
catherine · July 14, 2023 at 3:51 am
Both players now in the WTA final very likeable and skillful but somehow not the greatest Wimbledon Final material. Might be a good match but most probably not a spectacle.
I watched Jabeur/Sabalenka and what seemed missing was any great contrast, either in play or on-court character. Same will be true of Jabeur/Vondrousova.
Of course what’s missing is Swiatek – her sheer speed, her inventiveness. I can’t wait to see her again at her best. She really lifts the women’s game.
Scoop Malinowski · July 14, 2023 at 8:30 am
Catherine, it’s the same old Svitolina, not buying all those coach player discussions about her game, makes a nice storyline though. Jabeur has variety and spunk and can also play routine wta tennis. The name “Wimbledon” is going to sell this final which obviously lacks the star power which we will see in the other final. Swiatek will return to her true self again soon.