Tennis Today: Perfection-chasing Novak Djokovic backed to surpass Rafael Nadal in GOAT race
In Tennis Today, a former Grand Slam semi-finalist has explained why Novak Djokovic will ultimately surpass Rafael Nadal, and the Serb has explained his outburst of frustration despite dominating Matteo Berrettini on Sunday.
What’s on the site
Rafael Nadal is due to get his ATP Finals campaign underway today, assuming there is no late withdrawal due to injury. But is he making a mistake by trying to push through it? One of tennis’ top analysts has exclusively told us he just might be.
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have, of course, already started their journeys in the tournament, and with very mixed fortunes.
Both are positive, though. Roger Federer has described what happened on Sunday as ‘just a hiccup,’ while Djokovic is already looking ahead to their clash on Thursday.
Someone else who is looking ahead to what appears to be a very bright future is Jannik Sinner, and you can watch the video highlights of his Next Gen Finals win right here to get an idea about why so many are talking about him.
It was a disappointing weekend for Ashleigh BArty and Australia though, who suffered some Fed Cup heartbreak.
What’s in the news
Novak Djokovic probably gave a bit of an insight into just why he is a 16-time Grand Slam winner on Sunday.
The world number two beat Matteo Berrettini 6-2, 6-1 at the ATP Finals, but even that wasn’t good enough to meet his high expectations of himself.
Indeed, when he was broken at 4-0 up in the second set, he reacted angrily on court, but he has explained it was frustration borne of chasing perfection.
“I mean, look, you know – yes, to answer your question simply, probably yes, is no other reasonable explanation than trying to play as perfect as possible. But I guess that’s me, you know,” Djokovic said, as reported in the Express.
“Everyone is different. Throughout my career, I always intended and always tried to perfect my game and, you know, in the midst of a battle and heat of the moment, sometimes you just get frustrated with certain things regardless of the results.
“Sometimes I really don’t mind the results as much as I care about the execution of certain shots or tactics or whatever it is. That’s all it is.”
Sticking with Djokovic, he has also been backed to surpass both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – because he is more durable.
“I think his game is less demanding physically,” Tim Henman said, as per Metro.
“Obviously he’s a great athlete and does a lot of running, but when you look at Rafa there’s an enormous amount of stress that goes through his body, particularly with his style of play on clay.”
“I think Djokovic has got plenty of years at the top ahead of him.”
What’s on social media
Keep those fingers crossed for Rafa…
Update? Ok, I’m in London happy to be here. Taking it day by day after Paris (small abdominal tear). I need to see how things go, started serving yesterday very slowly. Right now the main goal is to be ready on Monday following the protocols that the doctor gave me
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) November 8, 2019
The Williams are on holiday. Not jealous at all. Not one bit. Honest.
No rest for Petra Kvitova, though…
This kind of focus probably explains France’s Fed Cup win…
View this post on Instagram
What’s on TV
Its all about the ATP Finals this week, and you can catch them on Amazon Prime.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?