There's ONE major reason Djokovic, @ 2018 Paris Masters:
Was extended to 'close' three sets against Cilic in quarterfinal.
Barely won against some 37 year old senior citizen - with a third set tie-break - in semifinal.
Lost to some Tomato Can in the final.
What is it?
First correct answer = Wall Of Fame listing.
Winner / Correct answer: Monday, Nov 12, 2018.
| Round | Rank | Opponent | W-L | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finals | 18 |
 |
L | 57 46 |
| Semi-Finals | 3 |
 |
W | 766 57 763 |
| Quarter-Finals | 7 |
 |
W | 46 62 63 |
| Round of 16 | 52 |
 |
W | 61 21 (RET) |
| Round of 32 | 48 |
 |
W | 75 61 |
| Round of 64 |
Bye
|
Zero motivation when it became clear he is #1 after Rafa's withdrawal
Posted by: nick | 11/05/2018 at 04:35 PM
Better opponent
Posted by: Klv | 11/05/2018 at 05:01 PM
Correct, but possibly much too obvious an answer. This is TP after all.
Posted by: Alpha | 11/05/2018 at 08:41 PM
Physically exhausted
Posted by: Gipotu | 11/05/2018 at 09:06 PM
He also had flu-like symptoms but again, too obvious.
Posted by: Alpha | 11/05/2018 at 10:53 PM
Aha, here's one. Give that the #1 had been wrapped up. his main goal was to beat Federer and increase the h2h lead. This is Djokovic's biggest claim to fame -- winning h2hs versus the other big 4. So, he was tight in the match before playing Federer (happens, check Federer vs Millman at USO with Novak looming), was obviously tight playing Federer (how else do you explain 0-12?) and then once he beat Federer, he lost motivation.
Posted by: Alpha | 11/05/2018 at 10:59 PM
Agreed, at this point his only objective is his score vis-a-vis Fedal. However, even this is too obvious and as you said this is TP after all. So ...
His even bigger objective, probably subconsciously, is the desired worldwide perception of Nole The Great. And, he has a major issue there with the planned exhibition with Rafa in Saudi Arabia. All of the above still applies, but once he beat Federer his mind turned to handling the 'political' situation.
P.S. Where's Gary?
Posted by: Veglia | 11/06/2018 at 05:20 AM
Man... if Novak can't get motivation from the fact that, by winning, he would be tied with Rafa for most Masters titles... he isn't the guy I think he is. Was he showing flu-like symptoms? I didn't hear that. That would do it. Off day. He's human.
Posted by: sperry | 11/10/2018 at 01:15 PM
I think Novak is current goal is to surpass Nadal and get year-end number one, once Nadal quit for Paris, he lost the motivation
Posted by: Jim | 11/12/2018 at 06:37 AM
Oh, Nick already said this :)
Posted by: Jim | 11/12/2018 at 01:12 PM
WINNER: NICK.
Posted by: Tennis Planet | 11/12/2018 at 03:36 PM
Congrats Nick!
Posted by: Veglia | 11/12/2018 at 06:46 PM
Congrats Nick!
Posted by: Alpha | 11/12/2018 at 07:21 PM
Wow. Just checked. Finally made it. Before Fed retired I could do it :)
It was too obvious of an answer. Definitely not in TP's earlier range. But glad to accept the honor from TP.
Thanks everyone for wishes. Hope Fed makes it to semis, he is too much of his own ghost now.
Posted by: nick | 11/12/2018 at 07:25 PM