Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against France's Lucas Pouille during their men's singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
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January 2019
01/25/2019
Look the doctor told me I will croak about 2:00 am tonight. So we really HAVE to do this - headache or no headache. Besides, Viagra prices are going 'up' - fast and 'hard'.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Rod Laver attends the Men's Singles Semi Final between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
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"But I learnt you said the same thing yesterday to the 'thing' sitting on your left".
"Yeah, but this time it's board certified doctor".
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01/24/2019
Photos.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: A detail as sweat drips from the brow of Rafael Nadal of Spain in his Men's Singles Semi Final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point after winning his Men's Singles Semi Final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas during their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Baz Luhrmann, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban during the Women's Semi Final match between Naomi Osaka of Japan and Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Japan's Naomi Osaka plays a forehand return to Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova during their women's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban smile following the Women's Semi Final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Danielle Collins of the United States during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban looks on ahead of the Women's Semi Final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Danielle Collins of the United States during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Australian actress Nicole Kidman (C), husband singer Keith Urban (R) and Vogue chief editor Anna Wintour watch the women's singles semi-final match between Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova and Danielle Collins of the US on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: A detail of the bandana of Rafael Nadal of Spain in his Men's Singles Semi Final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Spain's Rafael Nadal (R) shakes hands with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas after winning their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
Spain's Rafael Nadal takes off his bandages as he celebrates after victory over Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas during their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
Former tennis champion Australia's Rod Laver (C) attends the men's singles semi-final match between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain shakes sweat from his hair after winning his Men's Singles Semi Final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Xisca Perello, partner of Rafael Nadal of Spain, in the audience at his Men's Semi Final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Xisca Perello, partner of Rafael Nadal of Spain, in the audience at his Men's Semi Final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
On-court coaching stance?
Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after a point against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas during their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas accidentally hits a ballkid as he plays against Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Spain's Rafael Nadal (REAR/L) looks on with coach Carlos Moya (FRONT/R) and others as Nadal plays Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas during their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
Vogue chief editor Anna Wintour looks on ahead of the men's singles semi-final match between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
A supporter of Japan's Naomi Osaka watches her play against Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova during their women's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2019. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Chair Umpire Carlos Ramos looks on during the Women's Semi Final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Danielle Collins of the United States during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Rod Laver attends the Men's Singles Semi Final between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
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Think Djokovic is thinking the following right about now?
Should I 'Serena-Venus' style lose to Pouty or risk getting mauled and humiliated by the bull in the final?
That's without inserting the H2H dynamic involved: 27-25 Djokovic.
How about 'Home' Slam pride involved?
Sampras' 14?
Zero chance of ever 'catching' Nadal?
Hard court?
No. 1 rank?
If Djokovic doesn't annihilate Pouty whom he hasn't met even once - on or off the court - Nadal will own the 'stat' advantage - without a blemish. He still will own it but there will be an asterisk - with Djokovic's annihilation.
Djokovic's conscious mind is fighting his sub conscious. He is 'forcing' the pleasure element he has allowed to seep into his subconscious to transform into the pain one. Having already clinched the No. 1 rank (OK, this is the last time!!!!!!) after having risen from the ashes or being dead tends to provide that fodder to the subconscious mind.
Add the futility of the effort given negligible needle movement with respect to his contemporaries - EVEN he wins here - even though an insignificant piece comparatively - and the white heat burning desire evaporates even further.
Point? He has proven his point. "I came back from the dead to be No. 1 again - @ 31. What more do you freaking want? Be an undisputed GOAT? Get a chin or fly a hike".
Nadal OTOH has white heat burning stakes on the line thereby raising his pain threshold so high that Djokovic's looks like Hawaii - in comparison.
Djokovic's run so far this year adds credence to above and validates his subconsicious mind's effort to deliver 'what is asked' - with inevitability and definiteness.
Translation: Nadal may be where Federer was against Nadal @ their last AO final - after Nadal broke in the fifth set.
Djokovic now winning the title will require an interference from an 'outside' source like an injury etc. And that's if he comes out psychologically unscathed against Pouty. If not, Nadal may win - NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!!!!
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Pressure now on Nadal @ 2019 AO?
If you cannot freaking win one now, shouldn't you be barred from competing @ Roland Garros again - EVER?
You have not lost a freaking set for the first time in your freaking life here. Heck, you have dished the MOST breadsticks and bagels - one in the freaking semis - against blue, red and pink hot clown who thrashed Federer - in four sets.
That on it's OWN should be enough. But the clown who is unigalastically considered to be the favorite - coming in or going out - has lost two sets in each of the last two matches - against Tomato Cans AND has dished just ONE bagel and that was largely due to the anger of losing a set than anything else thereby diminishing it's value.
Heck, he also lost in Doha and claimed he had 'A-gut' feeling he was going to lose to AGUT. And that was not even in the finals. It was the semis.
Plus he lost - OK hasn't won anything after the 2018 season ended in NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's TWO months.
I mean, wouldn't it be a bigger surprise now if Nadal loses and Djokovic wins? How about if Pouty Pouille wins? Heck, at this point it may not even raise many body parts if Djokovic loses to Pouty.
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Has someone EVER won AO without losing a set?
| No. | Player | Event | Seed | Matches | Sets | GW | GL | % Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Don Budge |
1938 Australian Championships | 1 | 5 | 15 | 100 | 60 | 62.5% |
| 2 | Don Budge (2) |
1938 Wimbledon Championships | 1 | 7 | 21 | 129 | 48 | 72.9% |
| 3 |  John Bromwich |
1939 Australian Championships | 1 | 5 | 15 | 93 | 37 | 71.5% |
| 4 | Tony Trabert |
1955 Wimbledon Championships | 1 | 7 | 21 | 131 | 60 | 68.6% |
| 5 | Neale Fraser |
1960 U.S. National Championships | 1 | 7 | 21 | 135 | 59 | 69.6% |
| 6 | Chuck McKinley |
1963 Wimbledon Championships | 4 | 7 | 21 | 140 | 82 | 63.1% |
| 7 | Roy Emerson |
1964 Australian Championships | 1 | 6 | 18 | 114 | 60 | 65.5% |
| 8 | Ken Rosewall |
1971 Australian Open | 2 | 6 | 18 | 114 | 66 | 63.3% |
| 9 |  Ilie Năstase |
1973 French Open | 2 | 7 | 19 | 115 | 49 | 70.1% |
| 10 |  Björn Borg |
1976 Wimbledon Championships | 4 | 7 | 21 | 133 | 70 | 65.5% |
| 11 | Björn Borg (2) |
1978 French Open | 1 | 7 | 21 | 127 | 32 | 79.9% |
| 12 | Björn Borg (3) |
1980 French Open | 1 | 7 | 21 | 126 | 38 | 76.8% |
| 13 |  Roger Federer |
2007 Australian Open | 1 | 7 | 21 | 132 | 72 | 64.7% |
| 14 |  Rafael Nadal |
2008 French Open | 2 | 7 | 21 | 128 | 41 | 75.7% |
| 15 | Rafael Nadal (2) |
2010 French Open | 2 | 7 | 21 | 130 | 71 | 64.7% |
| 16 | Rafael Nadal (3) |
2017 French Open | 4 | 7 | 20 | 116 | 35 | 76.8% |
| 17 | Roger Federer (2) |
2017 Wimbledon Championships | 3 | 7 | 20 | 122 | 74 | 62.2% |
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01/23/2019
Is this the definition of an undisputed GOAT?
You are fighting for your life while being at the mercy of your arch rival - AT AGE 37. 38?
Not enough?
You are shamelessly resorting to stooping FAR below the GOAT standard - to bag points to win - AT YOUR HOME SLAM.
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Djokovic now needs more match play or rest to defeat Nadal in the final @ 2019 AO?
Match play? Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!
Granted it's close but given his record since the beginning of year - forget here @ AO - he needs more REAL match play - than rest.
If that's true, Nishikori may have just handed over the trophy to someone?
Not enough?
Pouille (28) is not helping with the REAL match play bit!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Federer overlooking something in his bid to compete @ clay in 2019?
No. 37? 38?
He will be 38 @ his next realistic Slam shot.
That DEMANDS more rest than in prior 'times' when clay was skipped - to help with winning Wimbledon? Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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01/22/2019
Photos.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
What kind of BS hair transplant surgery was that???????
Spain's Rafael Nadal (front L) hugs Frances Tiafoe (rear R) of the US as he celebrates his victory during their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova (L) hugs Australia's Ashleigh Barty (R) after winning their women's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Rafael Nadal of Spain warms up before walking onto Rod Laver Arena for his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his victory against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut during their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece celebrates winning match point in his quarter final match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Xisca Perello (C back), girlfriend of Spain's Rafael Nadal looks on after his victory against Frances Tiafoe of the US during their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Rafael Nadal of Spain, smiles after his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Rafael Nadal of Spain, smiles after his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Rafael Nadal of Spain is interviewed by John McEnroe after winning his quarter final match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory against Frances Tiafoe of the US during their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Spain's Rafael Nadal adjusts his drink bottles during a break as he plays against Frances Tiafoe of the US in their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
Frances Tiafoe of the US takes a break as he plays against Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles quarter-final match on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Danielle Collins of the United States sign autographs after her quarter final match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
People watch the women's singles quarter-final match between the Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova and Australia's Ashleigh Barty on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by Allan LEE / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read ALLAN LEE/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic is interviewed by Jim Courier after winning her quarter final match against Ashleigh Barty of Australia during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Rod Laver watches the quarter final match between Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Former champions Mary Pierce of the US (R) and China's Li Na attend an International Tennis Hall of Fame ceremony on The Rod Laver Arena on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
Former champions Martina Navratilova (C), Pam Shriver (L) and Chris Evert of the US (R) take a 'selfie' as they attend The International Tennis Hall of Fame ceremony on The Rod Laver Arena on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
Former champions Mary Pierce of the US (R) and China's Li Na attend an International Tennis Hall of Fame ceremony on The Rod Laver Arena on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: (L-R) 2019 Hall of Fame inductees Li Na and Mary Pierce address the crowd during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Former champion Australia's Rod Laver attends an International Tennis Hall of Fame ceremony on The Rod Laver Arena on day nine of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Mary Joe Fernandez of the United States, Barbara Schett of Austria, Martina Navratilova of the United States and Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia pose for a selfie in their Women's Legends Doubles match during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece is interviewed by Jim Courier after beating Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece celebrates winning match point in his quarter final match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Martina Navratilova of the United States plays a forehand in her Women's Legends Doubles match with Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia against Mary Joe Fernandez of the United States and Barbara Schett of Austria during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
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Sign this is NOT the 2019 AO winner?
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece celebrates winning match point in his quarter final match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain during day nine of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
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Why Tsitsipas is a pan in the flash and his match against Nadal will have a backdrop that will work against him JUST like it did FOR him against Federer.
Had a post on this earlier but here it is again since the notion of him dominating is gaining momentum.
ONE HANDED FREAKING BACKHAND? Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Federer's backhand is a defensive shot. He directs it to his opponent's backhand forcing him to force another backhand shot from Federer. Enough time the opponent fails either because it lands on Federer's forehand or shot has no pace and Federer can run around for his forehand.
What Tsitsipas did against Federer was use the ONE HANDED backhand as an offensive weapon - Wawrinka style.
That's a HUGELY low percentage shot over freaking three sets - forget five. And that's when you have someone feeding you sitters NOT when some bull is top spinning your long hair into a disheveled mess.
Point?
To time the shot that precisely consistently is IMPOSSIBLE - even if you are 20 or whatfreakingever.
Granted Wawrinka has won Slams but first Tsitsipas is nowhere near Wawrinka's entire package - physically and mentally - and second, heck, his backhand itself cannot rival Wawrinka's.
That's not to say he won't defeat Nadal here (????????????) or will not win a Slam or two but to anoint as the next big thing is outright incorrect. The days and nights of one handed anything is freaking over - for good.
Add to all that his height (6'4"). That's beyond the parameters that allow ALL the eccentricities of tennis to fit in sufficiently enough to produce another Federer or Nadal. Heck, Agassi.
With respect to 'backdrop', remember how full of praise Tsitsipas was of Nadal after losing to him @ the Toronto Masters - in straight sets - AFTER slaying Djokovic, Zverev and Anderson back to back to back?
| ATP World Tour Masters 1000 CanadaToronto, Canada2018.08.06 - 2018.08.12 |
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| Round | Rank | Opponent | W-L | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finals | 1 |
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L | 26 674 |
| Semi-Finals | 6 |
 |
W | 674 64 767 |
| Quarter-Finals | 3 |
 |
W | 36 7611 64 |
| Round of 16 | 10 |
 |
W | 63 675 63 |
| Round of 32 | 8 |
 |
W | 63 766 |
| Round of 64 | 24 |
 |
W | 63 763 |
What he said was this (paraphrasing):
"Nadal WILL pass Federer's Slam total. He is a bull who runs you ragged and makes you pay."
Think that played into his match against Federer and WILL play against Nadal - at some level? It's possible.
Bottom line: He is another pan in the flash who may gain from lack of competition FAR FAR MORE than from acquisition of 'impossible' talent - given JUST the two strikes against him (backhand and height) - forget others he may acquire later like lack of a good hair stylist.
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Scores for Djokovic and Nadal @ 2019 AO. How many bagels, breadsticks, 2s, 3s, 4s............? Heck, sets lost........
| Nadal | Opponent | Djokovic | Opponent | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 64 62 | Tiafoe | 64 67 62 63 | Medvedev | ||||
| 60 61 76 | Berdych | 63 64 46 60 | Shapovalov | ||||
| 61 62 64 | Minaur | 63 75 64 | Tsonga | ||||
| 63 62 62 | Ebden | 63 62 62 | Krueger | ||||
| 64 63 75 | Duckworth |
The LONE thingy working for Djokovic vis a vis Nadal now is the match up BS. If that fails fueled by lack of fire from having already clinched the No. 1 rank (bagging is easier than holding), Djokovic will be humiliated.
Heck, if he realizes the 'mismatch' from the stats have already neutralized the match up advantage - by a mile - if he hasn't already that is, he will lose to Nishikori or Raonic - Federer style - to avoid the obvious.
Point?
Psychological warfare is FAR more fatal than the physical one. Nadal has built up a sizable mental advantage with his scores.
And all that without inserting what Djokovic did BEFORE the AO - THIS year. He lost to what Agut? Didn't he lose someone else too - somewhere?
| Qatar ExxonMobil OpenDoha, Qatar2018.12.31 - 2019.01.05 |
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| Round | Rank | Opponent | W-L | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Finals | 24 |
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L | 63 676 46 |
| Quarter-Finals | 21 |
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W | 46 63 64 |
| Round of 16 | 36 |
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W | 46 64 61 |
| Round of 32 | 47 |
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W | 61 62 |
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01/21/2019
'Active' players with five setters under their belt @ 2019 AO.
Nishikori: 3 (Busta, Karlovic and Majrack).
Agut: 3 (Murray, Millman and Cilic).
Pouille: 1 (Popyrin).
Tiafoe: 1 (Seppi).
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Point distribution: 2019 AO. Federer was defending 2000 points. Lost in 4th round. So...........
| Event | W | F | SF | QF | Round of 16 | Round of 32 | Round of 64 | Round of 128 | Q | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 |
| Men's Singles | 2000 | 1200 | 720 | 360 | 180 | 90 | 45 | 10 | 25 | 16 | 8 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Doubles | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||
| Women's Singles | 1300 | 780 | 430 | 240 | 130 | 70 | 10 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 2 | |
| Women's Doubles | 10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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Photos.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21:Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning his fourth round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta reacts after losing to Japan's Kei Nishikori during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta reacts after losing to Japan's Kei Nishikori in their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Russia's Daniil Medvedev serves from out wide against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Alexander Zverev of Germany smashes his racquet in between games in his fourth round match against Milos Raonic of Canada during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic (R) shakes hand with Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne early on January 22, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Milos Raonic of Canada celebrates after winning match point in his fourth round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta reacts after losing to Japan's Kei Nishikori in their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
Members of Japan's Kei Nishikori's coaching box react after he beat Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: A detail of the jewellery worn by Alexander Zverev of Germany in his fourth round match against Milos Raonic of Canada during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Kei Nishikori of Japan plays a backhand in his fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Serena Williams of the US shakes hand with Romania's Simona Halep (R) after their women's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
Serena Williams of the US shakes hand with Romania's Simona Halep (R) after their women's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: A detail of the jewellery on the chest of Novak Djokovic of Serbia as he changes his shirtÊin his fourth round match against Daniil Medvedev of RussiaÊduring day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Serena Williams of the US (R) shakes hands with Romania's Simona Halep after their women's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
Serena Williams of the US celebrates her victory against Romania's Simona Halep after their women's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Anna Wintour watches the round four match between Simona Halep of Romania and Serena Williams of the United States during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Amelie Mauresmo watches the fourth round match between Borna Coric of Croatia and Lucas Pouille of France during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Serena Williams of the US reacts after a point against Romania's Simona Halep during their women's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Serena Williams of the United States player box looks on during her fourth round match against Simona Halep of Romania during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Former Australian tennis player Dianne Balestrat is inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Japan's Naomi Osaka (L) shakes hands with Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova after winning their women's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
France's Gael Monfils (C) attends the women's singles match between Ukraine's Elina Svitolina and Madison Keys of the US on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Serena Williams of the United States looks on as she enters the court prior to her fourth round match against Simona Halep of Romania during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
21st January 2019, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia; Australian Open Tennis, day 8; Elina Svitolina of Ukraine shakes hands with Madison Keys of USA (photo by NaFoto/Action Plus via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Mansour Bahrami of Iran (R) and Mark Philippoussis of Australia celebrate a point in their legends doubles match against Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde of Australia during day eight of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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Nadal playing with 'House' money @ 2019 AO?
He knows there is zero chance of him defeating Djokovic @ final. All he can do is extend it to five sets - to his own detriment.
He has bigger 'surface' to fry @ Roland Garros. Heck, bigger fish too @ No. 20.
Putting too much stock into winning this - UNLESS Djokovic is eliminated - is counter productive.
So as long as he can dish bagels and breadsticks @ straight setters, it's good practice. If it goes beyond that it's better to craftily capitulate.
AND that mindset may be the fuel triggering his current form - considering this is first tournament in a decade AND after surgery.
Point?
He is operating 'like totally' without pressure. He is NOT supposed to win this. There's nothing to lose.
Could THAT be the 'setting' that may finally allow him to defeat 'in full flight' Djokovic - once and for all - @ Djokovic's bedroom - in straight sets? After all, it's worked so far.
Add Djokovic's 'poor' form - he has not only dished JUST one bagel in four matches, he has dropped two sets @ last two matches (totally uncharacteristic of him) - and it may just turn out into an unintended consequence of Nadal's antics.
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Federer is not winning another Slam. Duh!!!!!! Point? Given his stature - and everything else that gets dragged with it (bad and good) - isn't it reasonable to............
............'force' him into retirement?
I mean, what are you freaking running around for then? Masters? Newsflash: You are NOT winning them EITHER.
Mickey Mouse titles? Another newsflash: It's not going to be easy.
All you are now good for are 'Tom and Jerry' titles - also called Challenger BS.
Point?
It's understandable, heck even applaudable, if Karlovic @ 39 wants to continue busting his zombie face on the tour for as long as he can.
I mean, who is going to give him a job - for ANYTHING with that face and body.
So he has to support his family and this is the easiest and shortest route to it - given the conditions.
Besides, he is not hurting anybody or anything.
Conversely, Federer is not only hurting his own legacy and stats, he is hurting the sport - forget denying youngsters vital paychecks to advance their budding careers.
Think some 20 year old feels great after losing to Federer? Get freaking real!!!!!! You REALLY don't want me to print what they 'say' after losing to him!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's WITH the possibility of Federer winning another Slam. Without it, it's all RAP music - on steroids - if that's even possible.
Translation: If you cannot win another Slam or Masters 1000 AND you don't need the money, what's the freaking rationale for ruining young careers - among other BS?
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Can there be ANY other reason except the following why Federer is planning to compete @ 2019 clay season?
He wants to maintain as high a ranking as possible by adding points from clay season he hasn't appeared in for a freaking decade? Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or is he planning for the Wimbledon retirement and wants to 'play' himself 'into' it - without pressure?
Nah. It's the first one, right?
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Is this turning out to be another 'gift' Slam for Nadal - 2017 US Open style?
If Djokovic somehow is eliminated - heck, forget that, just extended - Nadal would have played JUST three seeded players in seven matches. Highest seed could be what 14 (Tsitsipas) - most likely - after discounting Djokovic?
For 4th round, Nadal was supposed to face Edmund (13) who lost leaving Schwartzman (18) who lost too leaving unseeded Berdych.
For quarterfinal, he was supposed to face Anderson (5) who lost leaving Dimitrov (20) who lost too leaving unseeded Taifoe.
What's next? Agut (22) will defeat Tsitsipas (14) for semifinal?
AND Pouille (28) will defeat Raonic (16) and Djokovic (1) for final with Nadal?
Wait. That makes it 'worse' than Anderson in the final @ US Open.
Gift on a platter, then?
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