How did Novak muster the self-confidence to change the Big 2 into the Big 3 despite having a combined 2-9 record versus Federer and Nadal in majors?
Tag: Novak Djokovic
French Open 2021: Men’s Singles Final Prediction – Djokovic vs. Tsitsipas
I pretty much agree with both my tweet (shocking!) and with Howard Bryant. On Friday, I told someone, “If Tsitsipas serves well, hits spots that set him up well. He has a 40-45% chance of winning. If he doesn’t serve well, I think he has less than a 10% chance of winning.” I would add…
Chess and Tennis: Chess Can Be Good for Your Tennis Game
David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest spends a few pages describing tennis as a hybrid of chess and boxing. Reading this led me to thinking about Ivan Ljubicic being a strong chess player and Boris Becker complimenting world #1 Novak Djokovic’s chess acumen. This might deserve more investigation. Uniquely Qualified? I’ve been playing tennis since 1985…
French Open 2021: The 58th Meeting between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – Prediction
How often does the world #1 get to enter a match with many people thinking he has no chance to win? If he loses in 3 or 4 sets, no one is going to think much of it because it is Rafa in Rafa’s house.
All Hail Queen Naomi II and King Novak IX: A Historical Perspective on Australian Open 2021
While the WTA computer does not yet reflect this fact, clear world #1s exist on both the ATP and WTA Tours. Novak Djokovic moved to 9-0 in Australian Open championship matches and grabbed major #18! Novak won his semifinal and final rounds in straight sets after facing tough challenges in rounds 2, 3, 4, and…
Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev Championship Prediction
Novak Djokovic vs. Daniil Medvedev Elastic Tennis vs. Amoeba Tennis I watched Novak Djokovic practice in Cincinnati and was taken with how smooth his swings were and what a great economy of motion he had. That was over a decade ago, but Djokovic’s flexibility, defensive skills, ability to take the ball early, his keen strategic…
Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Aslan Karatsev
Can he do what Tiafoe, Fritz, Raonic, or Zverev did vs. Djokovic? Yes. If he does a little more, he may topple a titan.
Don’t Count on It
Australian Open 2021: Day 9 Men’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Grigor Dimitrov (18) vs Aslan Karatsev – Dimitrov has a good path to another major semifinal. I am not sure he can go further than that at this event, but he is probably the 5th most likely player to win the event among the 8 remaining. 3 of the bigger obstacles…
Australian Open 2021: Day 7 Men’s Singles Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Rod Laver Arena [3] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. [18] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) – This should be an outstanding match. I think Thiem is younger, moves better, and has the better forehand of the two. I expect a 3 to 4 set win for Thiem, but Dimitrov has a shot at the upset. [1] Novak Djokovic…
Australian Open 2021: Day 5 Men’s Singles Predictions
Predicted Winners in BOLD Rod Laver Arena (11 a.m. start) [6] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. [32] Adrian Mannarino (FRA) – This probably won’t happen, but my gut feeling says upset.[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [27] Taylor Fritz (USA) – Fritz has had a nice event. Novak will advance. Margaret Court Arena [15] Pablo Carreño Busta (ESP) vs. [18] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) – PCB would benefit…
