By Scoop Malinowski
Three-time defending Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic had a slow start today but eventually prevailed in four sets vs Songwoo Kwon 63 36 63 64 in his 2022 Wimbledon debut.
But once again it was the subdued, passive, more neutral defensive version of Novak Djokovic, not the fire breathing, roaring, screaming dragon, which has been curiously absent since the Taylor Fritz match at 2021 Australian Open. Anybody who saw the Djokovic roar/scream in that match will never forget it. It personified the quotation, “It’s the crazy ones who change the world.”
Since the 2021 US Open final where Novak lost to Danill Medvedev, but was reduced to uncontrollable crying at the end due to the huge positive support and ovation he got from the US Open fans, Djokovic’s on court character has altered. He no longer seems willing to summon his ultimate beast mode, he now plays like public approval is more important to him than winning major titles. The renowned Djokovic competitive fire has changed and he’s not the same player without the secret weapon edge of emotional adrenaline that no other player can match. How many times have we seen Djokovic enter his beast mode and raise his game to another level nobody can handle?
Maybe all the media criticism, condemnation and character assassination attempts has also factored into why Djokovic has decided to play with a reduced fury, passion and obsession to win and break records.
The question remains whether we will ever see again the ultimate, greatest level of tennis and competitive fury from Novak Djokovic? Or has he subconsciously decided to complete the rest of his career with his new modified “Mr Nice Guy” gentleman version where gaining public approval and acceptance is now the top priority?
Artwork by Andres Bella
Asics · Lacoste · Nole · Novak Djokovic · Wimbledon
Scoop Malinowski · June 27, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Isner won in five sets, Hurkacz was two sets down, leveled it but ultimately lost to Fokina. Paul dominated Verdasco in three. Tiafoe in three. Paire lost yet again, terrible record over two years. Alejandro Tabilo won in a fifth set TB, I will share my Biofile with Tabilo this week.
Scoop Malinowski · June 27, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Today’s win was another special landmark record by Djokovic, it was his 80th match win at Wimbledon so now he is the only male or female player to win 80 matches at each Grand Slam. Federer is six years older and Rafa started playing slams two years before Novak did.