Why aren't we talking about Novak Djokovic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Americans aren’t very bright when it comes to tennis, which isn’t surprising given that the USA hasn’t had a top male player for over two decades and its female players are either in decline, wildly inconsistent, or not yet ready for prime time. They don’t realize that the media always wants to have villains from Eastern Europe or Russia to set against some Prince Charming or ingenue from the west (a role played at various times by Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer). Federer has been caught on tape swearing at officials and blowing off fans, but his fan base is too invested in his image to acknowledge he’s human, too.

I’ve been waiting for you! The old Western Media complaint. Take that mess back to the Tennis Forum and Reddit with the rest of the conspiracy theorists. The media is not at fault for Djokovic’s poor behavior.

[Anonymous]

Djokovic is a very poor sport but he is the GOAT fools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Americans aren’t very bright when it comes to tennis, which isn’t surprising given that the USA hasn’t had a top male player for over two decades and its female players are either in decline, wildly inconsistent, or not yet ready for prime time. They don’t realize that the media always wants to have villains from Eastern Europe or Russia to set against some Prince Charming or ingenue from the west (a role played at various times by Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer). Federer has been caught on tape swearing at officials and blowing off fans, but his fan base is too invested in his image to acknowledge he’s human, too.

It used to be that a lot of grand slam tennis was shown on the major networks, or at least on ESPN, but now you really have to seek it out to watch. And with no major American male players right now, I can see how a lot of the American public is not familiar with the current top players, even Novak. Just a different time than when Sampras/Agassi/Roddick were too players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People are talking more about Simone Biles because she's an American. But yeah that guy is an a-hole and should be banned. He needs fined too.

Also no one cares about Olympic tennis to begin with- many top players didn’t bother traveling for it. Total jerky move by him though- no one was forcing him to play mixed doubles but once he commuted he should have seen it through.

This is a large part of it. I doubt most casual Olympic consumers know anything at all about Olympic tennis, much less that he lost and was a big baby about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Americans aren’t very bright when it comes to tennis, which isn’t surprising given that the USA hasn’t had a top male player for over two decades and its female players are either in decline, wildly inconsistent, or not yet ready for prime time. They don’t realize that the media always wants to have villains from Eastern Europe or Russia to set against some Prince Charming or ingenue from the west (a role played at various times by Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer). Federer has been caught on tape swearing at officials and blowing off fans, but his fan base is too invested in his image to acknowledge he’s human, too.

It used to be that a lot of grand slam tennis was shown on the major networks, or at least on ESPN, but now you really have to seek it out to watch. And with no major American male players right now, I can see how a lot of the American public is not familiar with the current top players, even Novak. Just a different time than when Sampras/Agassi/Roddick were too players.

Roddick lol. The one slam wonder. American tennis has not been relevant since the 90s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Americans aren’t very bright when it comes to tennis, which isn’t surprising given that the USA hasn’t had a top male player for over two decades and its female players are either in decline, wildly inconsistent, or not yet ready for prime time. They don’t realize that the media always wants to have villains from Eastern Europe or Russia to set against some Prince Charming or ingenue from the west (a role played at various times by Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer). Federer has been caught on tape swearing at officials and blowing off fans, but his fan base is too invested in his image to acknowledge he’s human, too.

It used to be that a lot of grand slam tennis was shown on the major networks, or at least on ESPN, but now you really have to seek it out to watch. And with no major American male players right now, I can see how a lot of the American public is not familiar with the current top players, even Novak. Just a different time than when Sampras/Agassi/Roddick were too players.

Roddick lol. The one slam wonder. American tennis has not been relevant since the 90s.

PP here- not disagreeing, but he was at least contending for a while and was someone the US media could promote. They really don’t have anyone like that now-maybe Tiafoe will get there eventually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:It's appalling how Serena is treated compared to Djokovic.

This is so true. He's been an ass this whole time and there were lots of questions about how he got to the level he did when he did. He had some magic ability to not break down after lots of matches when before he was ridiculed for always backing out of matches. He is untrustworthy and fake.

Do you think that him being a Serb has something to do with your dislike of him?

NP. My dislike for him is because while he is an amazing tennis player, he is a below average human being. He is disrespectful and childish. He is also hypocritical and sexist. He is elitist and prioritizes the top of the ATP rankings and does not care much for the journeyman players. In essence, he is a selfish and egotistical human being. Yes, I respect his tennis skill, but I don't think he is a good ambassador for the sport, I don't think he is a hero or role model. Some star athletes are better than others at that. I prefer to support and cheer for respectable and honorable star athletes. Both Federer and Nadal (among many others) are in this category. Djokovic (and a handful of others) are not.

Which others ones do you think are not?

Not good sportsman? Nick Kyrios, Bernard Tomic, Benoit Paire runs hot and cold, but frequently is an a$$. Looking at the top of the current rankings, Daniel Medvedev (World #2) is not a nice person. Fabio Fognini has a horrible temper and is often rude to officials and linesmen. Andy Murray is one who can be extremely nice and extremely mean and nasty. Recently retired Mikhael Youzhney had a vicious temper. Former world #1 Lleyton Hewitt was known to be extremely mean to tournament staff and media. Quite a few ATP players who are just not nice people as a general rule.

Which ones are nice? Other than Roger?

There are many more nice guys than the bad apples. Federer is one of the nicest guys on tour. Stan Wawrinka, Jack Sock (true good sportsmanship, look for the match where he convince Lleyton Hewitt to challenge a point against him), Rafa Nadal, the Bryan brothers, Grigor Dimitrov, Diego Schwartzman, as another PP mentioned earlier Juan Martin del Potro, Sam Querrey, John Isner, many of the doubles players. Since I mentioned recently retired Youzhny on the bad apple list, I'll mention recently retired Alexandr "Dog" Dolgopolov. He was widely reputed to be an amazingly nice guy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Americans aren’t very bright when it comes to tennis, which isn’t surprising given that the USA hasn’t had a top male player for over two decades and its female players are either in decline, wildly inconsistent, or not yet ready for prime time. They don’t realize that the media always wants to have villains from Eastern Europe or Russia to set against some Prince Charming or ingenue from the west (a role played at various times by Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer). Federer has been caught on tape swearing at officials and blowing off fans, but his fan base is too invested in his image to acknowledge he’s human, too.

It used to be that a lot of grand slam tennis was shown on the major networks, or at least on ESPN, but now you really have to seek it out to watch. And with no major American male players right now, I can see how a lot of the American public is not familiar with the current top players, even Novak. Just a different time than when Sampras/Agassi/Roddick were too players.

Roddick lol. The one slam wonder. American tennis has not been relevant since the 90s.

He may have only won one slam, but he had the misfortune to have peaked when Federer peaked. In 2004-2009, Roddick made 4 additional finals (3 Wimbledon and 1 US Open) and was stopped by Federer all four times. Had it not been for Federer, Roddick would very likely have won at least one more slam.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not only did he have a spectacular meltdown with unsportsmanlike behavior, he withdrew from his doubles match after losing two straight matches in other events, leaving his partner without a chance to play for a medal.

I'll be honest - my view of sportsmanship is more traditional. I have, in the past, criticized the behavior of athletes, both male and female, who have behaved as poor sports, including Serena Williams. That doesn't change my opinion of their athletic achievements. I prefer more gracious and respectful competitors.

However, seeing how Novak's behavior is barely mentioned while a huge segment of the population has devoted considerable time and effort criticizing Simone Biles. The fact remains that whatever you think of her decision from a competition standpoint, her sportsmanship and support of teammates and competitors during these Olympics has been exemplary. Her accomplishments in the sport speak for themselves. People want to hate her for some reason, but a racquet throwing temper tantrum from a male player isn't even worth mentioning. It's hard to think of any explanation other than sexism and/or racism.



https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/02/sports/theres-double-standard-work-with-simone-biles-novak-djokovic-olympics/

White, male player

You forgot the "white" part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Americans aren’t very bright when it comes to tennis, which isn’t surprising given that the USA hasn’t had a top male player for over two decades and its female players are either in decline, wildly inconsistent, or not yet ready for prime time. They don’t realize that the media always wants to have villains from Eastern Europe or Russia to set against some Prince Charming or ingenue from the west (a role played at various times by Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer). Federer has been caught on tape swearing at officials and blowing off fans, but his fan base is too invested in his image to acknowledge he’s human, too.

It used to be that a lot of grand slam tennis was shown on the major networks, or at least on ESPN, but now you really have to seek it out to watch. And with no major American male players right now, I can see how a lot of the American public is not familiar with the current top players, even Novak. Just a different time than when Sampras/Agassi/Roddick were too players.

Roddick lol. The one slam wonder. American tennis has not been relevant since the 90s.

He may have only won one slam, but he had the misfortune to have peaked when Federer peaked. In 2004-2009, Roddick made 4 additional finals (3 Wimbledon and 1 US Open) and was stopped by Federer all four times. Had it not been for Federer, Roddick would very likely have won at least one more slam.

Roddick was a one-trick pony. He was lucky to win one grand slam.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think that is true. In mixed doubles, usually the team with the better ranked male player wins.

Sure, but you generally don't see top ranked men playing mixed or regular doubles. Many of the women do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's appalling how Serena is treated compared to Djokovic.

This is so true. He's been an ass this whole time and there were lots of questions about how he got to the level he did when he did. He had some magic ability to not break down after lots of matches when before he was ridiculed for always backing out of matches. He is untrustworthy and fake.

Do you think that him being a Serb has something to do with your dislike of him?

NP. My dislike for him is because while he is an amazing tennis player, he is a below average human being. He is disrespectful and childish. He is also hypocritical and sexist. He is elitist and prioritizes the top of the ATP rankings and does not care much for the journeyman players. In essence, he is a selfish and egotistical human being. Yes, I respect his tennis skill, but I don't think he is a good ambassador for the sport, I don't think he is a hero or role model. Some star athletes are better than others at that. I prefer to support and cheer for respectable and honorable star athletes. Both Federer and Nadal (among many others) are in this category. Djokovic (and a handful of others) are not.

Which others ones do you think are not?

Not good sportsman? Nick Kyrios, Bernard Tomic, Benoit Paire runs hot and cold, but frequently is an a$$. Looking at the top of the current rankings, Daniel Medvedev (World #2) is not a nice person. Fabio Fognini has a horrible temper and is often rude to officials and linesmen. Andy Murray is one who can be extremely nice and extremely mean and nasty. Recently retired Mikhael Youzhney had a vicious temper. Former world #1 Lleyton Hewitt was known to be extremely mean to tournament staff and media. Quite a few ATP players who are just not nice people as a general rule.

Which ones are nice? Other than Roger?

There are many more nice guys than the bad apples. Federer is one of the nicest guys on tour. Stan Wawrinka, Jack Sock (true good sportsmanship, look for the match where he convince Lleyton Hewitt to challenge a point against him), Rafa Nadal, the Bryan brothers, Grigor Dimitrov, Diego Schwartzman, as another PP mentioned earlier Juan Martin del Potro, Sam Querrey, John Isner, many of the doubles players. Since I mentioned recently retired Youzhny on the bad apple list, I'll mention recently retired Alexandr "Dog" Dolgopolov. He was widely reputed to be an amazingly nice guy.

Ok, I can't read anything past Jack Sock! You clearly, very clearly know nothing about tennis and the tennis players! Jack fracking Sock! He is an abusive POS! Did you ever watch him play, in real life?
He might give points, but what a douche bag during matches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Williams can even be considered for GOAT against the likes of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal.

She would lose 6-0, 6-0 to Andy Roddick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As arrogant as he is, he has never claimed to be the GOAT (which he is). But yeah, he is an absolute asshole and should be heavily penalized. Stars like him get breaks for extremely unprofessional and intimidating behavior because they are the money makers. It’s time for stiff penalties.

Um...Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal would like a word....

Actually Serena would like a word....

Serena is definitely the greatest woman tennis champ. Rafa is my favorite male player, but I think Federer is the goat for men's tennis. If you are comparing men and women, Steffi Graf, with her Golden Slam should rank high in the contest for GOAT.

I'm not going to give much credit for an Olympic medal. More credit for beating Hingis in her prime to where she threw a hissy fit.
Would give even more credit if she hadn't quit on McEnroe and won that doubles and the singles at Wimbledon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As arrogant as he is, he has never claimed to be the GOAT (which he is). But yeah, he is an absolute asshole and should be heavily penalized. Stars like him get breaks for extremely unprofessional and intimidating behavior because they are the money makers. It’s time for stiff penalties.

Um...Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal would like a word....

He has winning records against both of them.