I don't know, Nadal won 22 grand slams playing with the same intensity. Djokovic was notorious for having physical problems in big matches early in his career too. Sometimes cramps just happen. It's a hot day in Paris, and the long break between the 2nd-3rd sets probably didn't help his muscles stay relaxed.
Sort of. Alcaraz should have won Set 1 as well but he was hitting very costly unforced errors and making plays on the ball that are uncharacteristic of him typically. Novak returning serve has been a beauty to watch.
100% agreed. Zverev won't be afraid of Novak whereas Ruud will be imo. Zverev also has the game to at least think a shocking upset could happen whereas Ruud, despite being extremely good on clay, has zero weapons to hurt Novak. Djokovic can and likely will still easily beat Zverev but there's at least a chance should Zverev be on his A-game and Novak not quite at his best.
Not just that but he would have another realistic chance at the calendar slam, and match Roger’s Wimbledon titles.
Yeah nobody is beating him at Wimbledon unless it's in the first three Rounds where the grass is fresh, slick and can be the equalizer. Once it's chewed up that's the end of it. I don't want to see him win the calendar slam for a variety of reasons, but mainly because I have already accepted moving on from the Big 3, I don't want just one of them to win every slam for the next couple of years. I am ready for whoever the new group will be because you can't beat father time. And Novak will be done soon whether we want it or not.
He will be really motivated at Wimbledon cause he can match Roger’s titles.
You're a Novak guy though right? Then yes of course you want to see him win the calendar slam. Not because someone hasn't done it in forever, but because it's him. He will easily match Roger's Wimbledon titles as nobody can challenge him on grass.
Yes I am a Novak fan. But both are true… I want to see him win the calendar slam because I am a fan and because nobody has done in too long of a time.
He just played a great set and still couldn't get it. Would of been better to lose 6-3 that had to be crushing. Think Djokovic cruises from here
Agree, Djokovic is looking gassed though. We'll see how much Ruud has left in the tank as well. Trying to take 3 sets of Djokovic after losing that grueling first set is a brutal mountain to climb.
Younger guys will have plenty chances when Novak retires. He can’t go forever.
