I feel privileged to have just watched, albeit on television, the men's singles final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Another epic, absorbing and emotionally draining encounter to place alongside so many others which have marked this wonderful era of men's tennis. Like all genuinely great champions, Federer went down fighting, and it is perhaps a measure of his performance that the match extracted such a physical and emotional toll from Djokovic, who looked completely spent at the end, and barely had sufficient energy to lift the trophy!
When Federer won the first set, I thought to myself that this was great for the neutrals, because it would embolden Federer, and force Djokovic to dig deep. In the event, the match went its own wild and unpredictable way, with ebb and flow, and both men giving absolutely everything. Few other sports anywhere in the world have the capacity to deliver theatre like men's tennis currently does.
There was an interesting sub-plot, with Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg, who had a few titanic scraps at Wimbledon in their time, sitting in the stands, working on the respective coaching teams of Novak and Roger.
Matches between Djokovic and Federer do not, at first glance, have quite the allure of Djokovic-Nadal or Nadal-Federer, because the contrast in styles and personalities does not appear to be there. Djokovic does not have the classical elegance of Federer, or the relentless intensity of Nadal, and I must admit that in the past I did not really warm to him as a player. He is one of those players whose style and qualities require closer scrutiny before they can be fully appreciated. Only then does one understand how his mental fortitude and all-round proficiency combine to form an almost deceptive brilliance.
As ever in matches of this rarefied level, it only took the merest lapse, or the slightest drop-off in form, for the pendulum to swing. This occurred towards the close of the third set, when Federer's level appeared to diminish slightly, and Djokovic got the bit between his teeth. Then in the fourth set the Serb went "walkabout" momentarily, and Federer took his chance.
It looked for a few horrible moments as though Djokovic might be hindered decisively by injury, after his fall near the baseline, but happily this proved not to be the case. It would have been a terrible anti-climax had this gripping contest fizzled out in such circumstances. The fifth set saw both players existing to a large extent on pure guts and adrenaline, playing almost from memory.
Both men greatly enhanced their reputations as tennis players and men today. What would other sports give to have such talented and noble participants in their arenas?
Showing posts with label roger federer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label roger federer. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 July 2014
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
2013 US Open - Men's Final - Djokovic v Nadal
In the end, Rafael Nadal produced some of his patented tempestuous tennis to slowly overpower Novak Djokovic, and clinch his second US Open title in New York. Before Nadal's surge, however, there was some ebb and flow about the final at Flushing Meadows. At times, the level of play was stunning, even if it did not quite sustain the heights of excellence which we have seen in matches between the "big three" in recent years.
Nadal probably went into yesterday's final at Flushing Meadows as the marginal favourite, based on his and Djokovic's respective form in the build-up. The course and outcome of yesterday's final tended to confirm the view that Djokovic is not quite the well-oiled, chillingly efficient tennis machine of recent times. This is hardly surprising, as it would have been near-impossible to maintain that level for any great length of time. Yesterday there were even stages where his belief seemed to be sagging, but playing Nadal can have that effect on most people!
On the other hand, Nadal continues to astonish with his resilience and capacity to defy the doubters. In the past couple of years, people have repeatedly asserted that his body will eventually cry enough, in the face of his relentless and vigorous style of play. Each time, the Spaniard seems to return stronger in both body and spirit. The fire in his eyes, and in his belly, remain undiminished, it would appear.
There were times in the final yesterday when the match threatened to transform itself into a genuine "classic", as implied by the awesome 54-shot rally which saw Djokovic break serve in the second set. Nadal's dynamism and zest however gradually took the match away from his opponent. At this exalted level, the Serb only needed to drop marginally in intensity and consistency for it to be decisive. Too many errors crept in as time went on. Nadal went majestically on in his unyielding, industrious way, and Djokovic struggled to respond in the last one-and-a-half sets.
So as the Grand Slams end for another year, what is the state of play, the pecking order if you will, at the top of men's tennis? Well, it looks much more fluid these days. With the travails of Roger Federer, do we even speak in terms of a "big three" or "big four" anymore? Andy Murray's elevation to the status of Grand Slam winner has complicated such assessments, but I think some have excluded him from the top echelon, not because of any lack of accomplishment, but owing to his style of play. This perception may soon have to change.
It's unfair to say that the "golden era" is unravelling. It is just changing. More exciting times in store!
Nadal probably went into yesterday's final at Flushing Meadows as the marginal favourite, based on his and Djokovic's respective form in the build-up. The course and outcome of yesterday's final tended to confirm the view that Djokovic is not quite the well-oiled, chillingly efficient tennis machine of recent times. This is hardly surprising, as it would have been near-impossible to maintain that level for any great length of time. Yesterday there were even stages where his belief seemed to be sagging, but playing Nadal can have that effect on most people!
On the other hand, Nadal continues to astonish with his resilience and capacity to defy the doubters. In the past couple of years, people have repeatedly asserted that his body will eventually cry enough, in the face of his relentless and vigorous style of play. Each time, the Spaniard seems to return stronger in both body and spirit. The fire in his eyes, and in his belly, remain undiminished, it would appear.
There were times in the final yesterday when the match threatened to transform itself into a genuine "classic", as implied by the awesome 54-shot rally which saw Djokovic break serve in the second set. Nadal's dynamism and zest however gradually took the match away from his opponent. At this exalted level, the Serb only needed to drop marginally in intensity and consistency for it to be decisive. Too many errors crept in as time went on. Nadal went majestically on in his unyielding, industrious way, and Djokovic struggled to respond in the last one-and-a-half sets.
So as the Grand Slams end for another year, what is the state of play, the pecking order if you will, at the top of men's tennis? Well, it looks much more fluid these days. With the travails of Roger Federer, do we even speak in terms of a "big three" or "big four" anymore? Andy Murray's elevation to the status of Grand Slam winner has complicated such assessments, but I think some have excluded him from the top echelon, not because of any lack of accomplishment, but owing to his style of play. This perception may soon have to change.
It's unfair to say that the "golden era" is unravelling. It is just changing. More exciting times in store!
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal
My original intention was to put together a fairly straightforward report on the Australian Open tennis final, but as events developed and unfolded in Melbourne this morning, my thoughts switched more generally to the quite glorious era currently being enjoyed by the men's game, and where things stand in the aftermath of Djokovic's victory.
I have been following top-level sport avidly since I was a small boy, in other words over three decades, and I can barely recall a time when a branch of sporting endeavour was serving up (please pardon the pun) such consistently engrossing a spectacle as men's tennis has over the past three or four years.
Although today's final arguably lacked the relentless technical excellence of some of the other encounters involving the Big Three (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic), it more than compensated with its sheer drama, raw emotion and constant fluctuations in fortunes and momentum.
If, like me, you are able to relish sporting competition as an examination and celebration of the human character and spirit, then this was a match to savour. Two athletes testing the very limits of their own endurance and fortitude, as well as that of their opponents. A contest of wills, as well as physiques and techniques.
After the conclusion of the match, it was also difficult to escape the feeling that we were witnessing another watershed, the moment where Djokovic affirmed his status as the world's foremost player, regardless of what the rankings computer has had to say.
The elevation of Djokovic to this status has been curious to behold, as in the eyes of the wider sporting public he possibly has a less vivid "tennis persona" than Federer or Nadal, and his qualities less immediately conspicuous or easily quantifiable. This is not meant as a criticism, by the way!
The "new" Djokovic is a very imposing proposition, as his talent and natural attributes are allied to a formidable mental and physical resilience, and an indomitable will to prevail. These latter things were seen to great effect at various junctures in the Australian final. Time and again the pendulum seemed to be swinging away from him, but he was resourceful and confident enough to overcome these troughs.
For reasons which I find hard to pin down, I have not always found it easy to warm to Rafael Nadal in the past. Maybe it had something to do with my "purist's" admiration for Roger Federer. Today, however, he went up in my estimation enormously, with his never-say-die attitude, and his infectious energy. Even when he was clearly physically fatigued, the instincts and drive were still clearly there in abundance. People in all walks of life, and not just sporting and tennis enthusiasts, could draw inspiration from Nadal's spirit and attitude.
So where does today's match leave the state of play in the upper portals of men's tennis? Have we turned another page, and seen the dawning of a new mini-era within this Golden Era, with Djokovic taking the game to places not even visited by Federer and Nadal? It might be premature to judge, but if this standard is maintained, the commentators and pundits may soon run out of superlatives....
I have been following top-level sport avidly since I was a small boy, in other words over three decades, and I can barely recall a time when a branch of sporting endeavour was serving up (please pardon the pun) such consistently engrossing a spectacle as men's tennis has over the past three or four years.
Although today's final arguably lacked the relentless technical excellence of some of the other encounters involving the Big Three (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic), it more than compensated with its sheer drama, raw emotion and constant fluctuations in fortunes and momentum.
If, like me, you are able to relish sporting competition as an examination and celebration of the human character and spirit, then this was a match to savour. Two athletes testing the very limits of their own endurance and fortitude, as well as that of their opponents. A contest of wills, as well as physiques and techniques.
After the conclusion of the match, it was also difficult to escape the feeling that we were witnessing another watershed, the moment where Djokovic affirmed his status as the world's foremost player, regardless of what the rankings computer has had to say.
The elevation of Djokovic to this status has been curious to behold, as in the eyes of the wider sporting public he possibly has a less vivid "tennis persona" than Federer or Nadal, and his qualities less immediately conspicuous or easily quantifiable. This is not meant as a criticism, by the way!
The "new" Djokovic is a very imposing proposition, as his talent and natural attributes are allied to a formidable mental and physical resilience, and an indomitable will to prevail. These latter things were seen to great effect at various junctures in the Australian final. Time and again the pendulum seemed to be swinging away from him, but he was resourceful and confident enough to overcome these troughs.
For reasons which I find hard to pin down, I have not always found it easy to warm to Rafael Nadal in the past. Maybe it had something to do with my "purist's" admiration for Roger Federer. Today, however, he went up in my estimation enormously, with his never-say-die attitude, and his infectious energy. Even when he was clearly physically fatigued, the instincts and drive were still clearly there in abundance. People in all walks of life, and not just sporting and tennis enthusiasts, could draw inspiration from Nadal's spirit and attitude.
So where does today's match leave the state of play in the upper portals of men's tennis? Have we turned another page, and seen the dawning of a new mini-era within this Golden Era, with Djokovic taking the game to places not even visited by Federer and Nadal? It might be premature to judge, but if this standard is maintained, the commentators and pundits may soon run out of superlatives....
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
US Open Tennis 2011 - Men's Final
I have just watched Novak Djokovic overcome Rafael Nadal to win the men's singles title at the US Open in New York.
The match was another example of the new heights to which men's tennis has been elevated in the past five years. The competition and rivalry involving Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and others have undoubtedly driven this, in addition of course to the quantity of talent currently on the circuit.
What is striking is the sheer intensity and quality of the tennis on display, with points more often than not being clinched by daring and skill, rather than unforced errors, and the physical and psychological resources of the protagonists being stretched to their very limits.
We are indeed lucky to be living through times when this level of competition is taking place. It seems that the tennis community, and the attached media, are acutely aware of this, and it would be a shame indeed if the wider public was not exposed to the pure excellence of the current crop of elite players.
It will be interesting to see how things develop from here. Initially, Roger Federer was the undoubted no.1, but this status came under pressure from Nadal, with Djokovic as the "comingman". Now, as Federer perhaps begins to fade slightly, Djokovic has ascended to new heights, and his reserves of resilience seem to rival even those of the Spaniard.
Who knows, perhaps a new pretender, equipped to challenge "The Big Three", is just waiting to flourish and make his mark?
Whatever happens, it will make for pulsating viewing!
The match was another example of the new heights to which men's tennis has been elevated in the past five years. The competition and rivalry involving Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and others have undoubtedly driven this, in addition of course to the quantity of talent currently on the circuit.
What is striking is the sheer intensity and quality of the tennis on display, with points more often than not being clinched by daring and skill, rather than unforced errors, and the physical and psychological resources of the protagonists being stretched to their very limits.
We are indeed lucky to be living through times when this level of competition is taking place. It seems that the tennis community, and the attached media, are acutely aware of this, and it would be a shame indeed if the wider public was not exposed to the pure excellence of the current crop of elite players.
It will be interesting to see how things develop from here. Initially, Roger Federer was the undoubted no.1, but this status came under pressure from Nadal, with Djokovic as the "comingman". Now, as Federer perhaps begins to fade slightly, Djokovic has ascended to new heights, and his reserves of resilience seem to rival even those of the Spaniard.
Who knows, perhaps a new pretender, equipped to challenge "The Big Three", is just waiting to flourish and make his mark?
Whatever happens, it will make for pulsating viewing!
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