Djokovic and Federer stayed healthy most of their career. Nadal had issues on and off due to his playing style. The same thing worries me with Alcaraz going balls to the wall trying to run down everything. He tends to play short points which could help long term. Not as many grueling rallies as Nadal liked to play.
***2023 Tennis Thread***
- Thread starter BigJCy
- Start date
This is yet TBD. It Novak wins slams vs Alcaraz who then goes on to win 15-20 slams himself, then I don’t think it’s comparable.
Sort of. Depends on who challenges Alcaraz because then you can say the same thing if he racks up slams because nobody else is really that good.
The whole “weak era” thing is stupid and I don’t buy it from anyone. You play who you play and beat who you beat. Perhaps Federer was just that damn good? Perhaps Rafa was? Perhaps Novak is? I don’t diminish a damn thing these athletes do because if you see top-10 players live, these dudes are freaking good. Just goes to show you how good the Big 3 have been.
Because the clay is a moving surface Hawkeye is not deemed “accurate” enough to the level they require. It’s honestly stupid and at the very least they should use it to find the correct mark. I think most players would be on board with using Hawkeye as opposed to some chair umpire coming down from a stand all the way across the court to point at some dirt and eyeball it.
I think the accuracy is honestly fine but Roland Garros is notorious for getting stuck in their ways. They make the folks at Augusta National and Wimbledon look progressive. Finally got lights and a roof a few years ago. And Roland Garros itself is easily the most dated venue for fans from all reports. Truthfully the Aussies are the best with advancements. That tournament is top notch.
Some good tennis today. Iga is so good on this surface especially it’s scary. And Ruud looked great. Sucked to see Jabeur go down as I really want her to win a slam.
Man I want Alcaraz and Ruud but I think we get Djokovic vs Ruud and it’s a bloodbath like last year. I think Rafa and Novak still mentally beat guys like Ruud before they even take the court.
Then for the women I think it’s a 1 v 2 and we get Iga vs Sabalenka.
Wow major props to Muchova closing that out. Sabalenka couldn't handle it being up 5-2 in the 3rd. Muchova stepped up to the line when serving for the match there and left no doubt. Something Sabalenka couldn't do when serving for the match. Hats off to Muchova.
It's incredible what Aryna has been able to accomplish with her current team, but I can't imagine how good she could be with better coaching.
She just needs someone to get her over the hump.
Well she did get over the hump by winning the Australian Open this year, but your point is still correct because she falters in big moments a lot. Now, not sure that can be coached out of her or not, but I thought the Aussie victory would crack that open and allow her to relax a little more. She was so tense in today's Semifinal. But let's see what happens over the next 4-5 slams. Bad matches happen to everyone in big moments. Nadal blew a 5-2 lead in the 5th Set in the Aussie Final a few years ago to Federer. Everyone knows the infamous double championship point Federer blew against Djokovic at Wimbledon a short time ago. It happens.
I kind of meant the hump of being really good to elite, but you make some good points. Tennis is tough and closing is the toughest. She has the tools, but it seems like she's in her own head a lot. That's where I think better coaching could really help her.
What a Set! Alcaraz hitting a bunch of drop shots much like their matchup in Madrid last year seemed to break Djokovics rhythm just enough. This is anyone's match at this point. That last game Djokovic looked flat footed but he's looked this way many a times only to turn it around
Oh no this is bad. Is Alcaraz’s style of play the main reason for these issues? Would it be smart of him to not try to chase down every single ball and pace himself better?
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This match has been bizarre. The wind isn’t helping but Djokovic has just been better. Alcaraz has not played particularly well. Missing a lot of easy shots and Novak is doing what he does better than anyone and that’s playing consistent, solid tennis.
It was basically dead even until Alcaraz had cramping issues.