The fifth set is about character

[bill_schubert]

Boris Becker said the first four sets in a match were about tennis, the fifth was about character.

For whatever reason (Serb, dark, strange expressions, micro bursts of anger) there is a huge number of people who don't like Novak Djokivic and never have.  He's always been the number three behind Nadal and Federer both of whom everyone loves.  If he doesn't fall down a flight of stairs or in some other way hurt himself Novak will end up being in almost any measure the best tennis player who has ever lived.  

He has made himself that through, granted, a lot of talent but mostly hard work and through finding and listening to some of the finest coaches who have ever lived.  He's done everything right.  Not perfect.  Like Federer he hit a linesman with a ball struck in frustration.  Unlike Federer he was kicked out of a major tournament that he would have likely won.  But he took the rebuke with grace and by his own admission learned from it.

I just watched the second of two of the best matches I've seen in a long while.  The first was Djokovic and Nadal so by its very setting a barn burner.  The third set will go down in history as one of the most thrilling of all time.  Nadal's seams started to unravel a bit, his age slowing him down just enough for Djokovic to over power him.  After winning Djokovic still had to beat a rising star, Tsitsipas (I can only wish for the return of names I can spell, like Stan Smith) who is 11 years his junior and amazing in his own right.

So Djokovic loses the first two sets and although both are blistering the ball at speeds that make it hard to see, Tsitsipas is smiling and bouncing and looking invincible.  Djokovic has to be tired from beating Nadal.  It is understandable.  All Tsitsipas has to do is win one of three remaining sets.

Djokovic:  "Got him right where I want him."

Wimbledon starts in a couple of weeks.  Djokovic is the clear favorite.  If he wins Wimbledon and the US Open a couple of months after there will be little doubt about his legacy.

mrdreamjeans, I'll root for Tsitsipas next year.  He earned respect.  

Comments

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You are so very correct ... The 5th set is about character ... lack of character off the court is my problem with Djokovic. I hope Tsitsipas does have his moment in the Grand Slam Winner sun!

I don't know if you saw my post from yesterday, but I went 0 for 2 on my picks for the French Open Mens Final and 145th Westminster Dog Show. :(

Bill, do you think Federer has any chance in this year's Wimbledon? I read an article that Nadal may skip it.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I should probably pay more attention to the athletes between sets but, really, I don't follow them much as people. So I see the attitude and actions on the court and hear what the three in the booth say and that's about it. After yesterday I did pre-order the Federer book so I'll know more soon.

Djokovic has a personality that is hard to embrace no matter how much he tries. I just read one comment in the 'why does everyone hate Djokovic' search that said he appears to be faking what Federer and Nadal do naturally. I think that is what people see. Some people just radiate a vibe that is joyful and you want to be next to. Fed and Nadal do that. Djokovic tries so hard and will never be that. He reminds me of the ebullient personality (sarcasm intended) of Ivan Lindell (who I also never really liked but respected).

And the Serbian connection is strong. Apparently his fans are kind of thuglike for tennis fans. And Serbs have a deservedly bad reputation that they kind of wallow in.

It appears to me that Djokovic is peaking this year and has the bit in his teeth to achieve a calendar grand slam. It is unfortunate for Federer, who is kind of reaching for his last Wimbledon title, and Tsitsipas, who is reaching for his first anything title, that they are running into a machine.

Federer is clearly going to be the fan favorite and no one should ever count him out. It will be a sad day, and this might be it, to see his grace and elegance depart the court. I'll never forget the last Sampras/Agassi match. The end of the Federer/Nadal era will be like that. Like the end of the Navratilova era.

Honestly I don't think Fed can beat Djokovic if it comes to that. It will be interesting to see the draw. They pretty much have to put Tsitsipas and Djokovic in opposite brackets which means Fed and Djokovic might meet, ala Nadal, in a pre-final match. The monetary advantage of this to the network is obvious now they've seen what happened in the French. TWO FINALS!!!

I've got Westminster recorded until Dana gets home so no spoilers.