Novak Puts In Special Request

First topic message reminder :

Just before his pre-tournament conference at Roland Garros on Friday, the moderator announced: "Novak has requested he would like to answer only questions about his first-round opponent, nothing else to do with the draw at all, top half, bottom half, and he's asked his team not to mention anything about the draw, either.

"If you could respect that request. Thank you very much."

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/tennis-djokovic-adopts-head-sand-approach-french-open-145127865.html

Mmm...

I don't think Roger's or Ferrer's performances were brave or admirable nor do I think Novak is running scared... It seems people are arguing about the general opinion of the forum here but I don't think it's even that. It's probably just a few comments the posters themselves probably didn't even completely agree with.

This whole thing about no one having ever asked for what Novak's asked for before is pretty null as well as the history of all this player scrutinising isn't that long. He's doing what Fed sometimes does and other people who're intelligent enough to be bored with the whole charade and trying to skip proceedings. Are you that desperate to hear him tell you what you already know and then say something like "if I play my best I have a chance"?

I like the idea about Fed refusing to play Rafa though, kind of falls in line with what I was saying above.

bitf

You´ll like this then


http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2013-05-24/12524.php

CaledonianCraig wrote:

break_in_the_fifth wrote:Who's spouting any bile? Lol it's always the Fed fans with you guys... You Murray supporters here are always so melodramatic.

Are we really?

That is a bit rich coming from a Federer fan. Take a look at the Rome Masters discussions. As Fed won through to the final certain posters were proclaiming the great form he was in and drooling. He gets hammered in the final then the epitaphs were out again.

There you go again, "a Federer fan". Before I'm accused of double standards or hypocrisy I was referring to all 2 of you here in my post as you guys are the only ones I'm aware of. As for the Rome thread, is that just your take on it? I find it hard to believe anyone was genuinely surprised with what happened.

Whenever you guys think Murray hasn't been given enough respect it's always the Fed fans not giving him his dues. And really bile? On this forum where everyone treads so carefully? If that's not melodramatic...

Haddie-nuff wrote:bitf

You´ll like this then


http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2013-05-24/12524.php

Interesting read. Thanks.

See I always said, no one likes Djoko, and I was always criticized for it. Even seeing EuroSport's commercial intro for RG, its Fed first then Nadal, while Djoko is shown after a few lady players.

So this is hurting Djoko and I think Bogbrush said it nicely a few weeks ago, that Djoko tries to hard to be loved, its he's in pain of being ignored, so he's ignoring the media now.

I thought he was ignoring all question pertaining to his draw, not just questions about Nadal. Im not sure if this is a good move by Djoko. In Madrid he showed that his emotions can usurp him, and Paris is the last place you want a crowd on your back. Ignpring the media normally leads to that as they are the ones potraying you to the public. In Wimbledon Im sure he could get away with this, as at best British crowds over-enthusiastically applaud your opponent. In Paris things could get rough.

break_in_the_fifth wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:

break_in_the_fifth wrote:Who's spouting any bile? Lol it's always the Fed fans with you guys... You Murray supporters here are always so melodramatic.

Are we really?

That is a bit rich coming from a Federer fan. Take a look at the Rome Masters discussions. As Fed won through to the final certain posters were proclaiming the great form he was in and drooling. He gets hammered in the final then the epitaphs were out again.

There you go again, "a Federer fan". Before I'm accused of double standards or hypocrisy I was referring to all 2 of you here in my post as you guys are the only ones I'm aware of. As for the Rome thread, is that just your take on it? I find it hard to believe anyone was genuinely surprised with what happened.

Whenever you guys think Murray hasn't been given enough respect it's always the Fed fans not giving him his dues. And really bile? On this forum where everyone treads so carefully? If that's not melodramatic...

Sorry but please do show me where I have been melodramatic. I tell things as it is and that includes where Andy Murray is concerned. I have often knocked him when he has played poorly, freely come out and admit when his chances are slim or worse ie French Open prior to pulling out and can't say I have ever openly come out on any topic and said Murray would win. So please explain where I have been melodramatic?

break_in_the_fifth wrote:

There you go again, "a Federer fan". Before I'm accused of double standards or hypocrisy I was referring to all 2 of you here in my post as you guys are the only ones I'm aware of. You Murray supporters here are always so melodramatic.

If thats aimed at CC and Banbro, then its 3, cos I'm a Murray fan too.

As player fans, we're all a bit melodramatic aren't we, that's what makes our contributions so colourful I presume ?

Very true Jubba.

HM Murdoch wrote:Thing is Haddie, it's odd how the consensus is the most salacious interpretation when it comes to Novak.

Roger completely bombs in two matches v Rafa = he's brave for even trying, it's amazing he can even walk at the age of 31.

Rafa lets a player into his head for a whole year but eventually beats him on clay = the ultimate competitor.

David Ferrer blows almost every key point he's ever faced against the top 4 = he's the epitome of bravery.

Novak on one occasion doesn't want to talk about the draw = running scared.

I don't care if people think the above, it is after all a forum.

But, in the spirit of the exchange of ideas, I reserve the right to say when I think the standard of reasoning is rubbish!

Yes this running scared stuff is pretty over the board from this one line. Maybe this is part of what helps him get psyched up for the event. I don't like the idea of making too big a deal about this one French open. Yeah no doubt it is huge. But you are so correct that anything in regards to Djokovic has the worst possible connotation put on it while that isn't what we see with other players, even other greats. Roger poops tiffany cuff links we all know that. We see the same trend over and over again.

It is a bit much to extrapolate this mountain out of molehill that some of the posters on this thread could be accused of.

socal - The way I see it is that over-excited posters perceive Novak's recent losses as a glimmer of hope for them that Djoko is struggling and that his stranglehold on the game will be broken. That is why they are trying to make something out of one sentence spoken by Novak. He may win the French Open or he may not but one thing is pretty certain - he has not done winning a fair few more slams in his career.

Nothing wrong with Novak's request. He wants to focus on the next match and nothing else. He has probably got bored with answering questions about his potential route at every slam and wants all his energies going into the next opponent every round.

Sounds like he's up for this like never before. Good to hear. I find it amusing that some are criticising him for it.

HM Murdoch wrote:It's incredible how much cod psychology this has created.

How about:
1) He just wants to focus on each opponent in turn as he thinks this might help him play better

and

2) There's barely been a press conference in the last few months where's he's not been asked about Rafa and he's just bored of talking about it.

But of course, the only logical conclusion is that the guy on tour who has the best record against Rafa, who has won 8 of the last 11 matches against Rafa (including the last one, in straights) is now running scared of him.

I also note that Federer can turn in two absolutely abject performances against Rafa but all he deserves is credit for being so brave and keeping plugging away (as if there's an alternative! What else would he do? Refuse to play?).

But off the back of one press conference, we decide Novak is the one who is scared.

I'd say it was unbelievable but it's pretty much par for the course on this forum.

Well then if he simply "wants to focus on each opponent", what does that have to do with whether he's asked anything about his draw? Does a question about anyone in his draw stop or prevent Djokovic from focusing on his next opponent? You're not gonna argue that's the case, are you?? Because if you do, then you'll need to explain to the rest of us why Djokovic is publicly announcing such a policy for the first time in memory.

And how do you know he's "bored" talking about Nadal? Since you point out he's won 8 of their last 11 meetings, then why shouldn't he talk about Nadal? Seems to me Djokovic would be happy to talk about Nadal, or Federer, or anyone else in that case. The way you make Djokovic sound (and you seem to know so much about what he's thinking and feeling, since you keep telling us), he's the one to beat for this tournament. And he could well end up winning it. In which case he should be a chatter box!! He should have no worries, no fears, no anxieties - it should be business as usual for him, and that includes his press conferences. He should feel like the French Tennis Federation should just go ahead and engrave his name on the trophy right now, given your explanation of any speculation of his bizarre request to shut down a line of questioning amounts to nothing more than "cod psychology".

In fact - since you seem to know so much about what motivates him - pass along this message to Djokovic. Instead of refusing to speak about Nadal, tell him to openly have pity for Nadal in his press conferences!!!! Tell Djokovic that if he really wants to psych out Nadal (or for that matter Dimitrov, since he lost to him last time), have Novak talk about how much empathy he has for their struggles: Nadal's Light Bulb Knees & Dimitrov's eternal cramping. Tell Djokovic that his open embracing of their physical limitations is something he's feels so badly about. It will be a double whammy for him!! He'll get Instant Love from the media!!!! I mean, how could they tarnish someone so publicly empathetic to fellow his player's physical struggles?? As an added bonus, Djokovic gets the benefit that such public pronouncements are likely to chafe both Nadal and Dimitrov!! It's a Win-Win for Novak!!! That should send out sheer terror to the Dimtrov & Nadal camps, no??

Jeez Antonico.. take a chill pill. Obviously a Nadal fan, no??

Well it all appears to be superstition


http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/tennis-superstitious-djokovic-hopes-avoid-french-open-mishap-015958970.html

CaledonianCraig wrote:

break_in_the_fifth wrote:Who's spouting any bile? Lol it's always the Fed fans with you guys... You Murray supporters here are always so melodramatic.

Are we really?

That is a bit rich coming from a Federer fan. Take a look at the Rome Masters discussions. As Fed won through to the final certain posters were proclaiming the great form he was in and drooling. He gets hammered in the final then the epitaphs were out again.

Careful though CC, a few Fed fanatics seem to understand how ridiculously hypocritical they come across and some might know your home address

break_in_the_fifth wrote:Whenever you guys think Murray hasn't been given enough respect it's always the Fed fans not giving him his dues

I don't think you quite understand. Let me explain. Clearly, as its obviosuly needed

1) In fairness when Andy beats Roger, all the Fed fans are pretty OK actually. Lots of comments about his Olympic win, which were fulsome in their praise. Also, lots of sympathy for Andy after his Wimbledon loss - where quite a few stated that they thought Roger got 'lucky' with the roof. So that torpedoes one of your myths
2) The annoyance, sarcasm, answering back on these boards, i.e on this thread, comes from the rank hypocrisy of some. Roger has often, curtly, stated that he wants his Tennis to do the talking - and then there would be a thread somewhere telling everyone about how mature and classy he is and couldn't that naughty Novak, with those naughty parents, do the same.
3) Novak takes a leaf out of the Master and still gets it in the neck!!
4) For a six time Slam winner, Novak gets little respect from non-Novak fans - some of us think that isn't on

If these seems "melodramatic" then so be it

I have to say Banbro you are the king of backhanded compliments. Praise with one hand and stick the knife in with the other. You and CC are very quick to label Fed fans as extreme yet you clearly have no idea how fanboyish you come across.

BTW I don't recall any Federer fans stating that he got 'lucky' with the roof. That notion is one that has been peddled by certain Murray fans (you). Let me remind you of the facts. Before the roof closed, they were tied at 1 set all, with Roger having won the last set. Fed then comfortably held serve at the start of the third. So if anything the momentum had already swung towards Roger before the roof closed. In fact I distinctly remember the commentators saying that the break had come at a good time for Murray after losing the second set in a very deflating manner, and that it would allow him to regroup.

All the talk about the roof only appeared after Roger tore him a new one under it.

I also completely agree with BITF's original statement to CC. The default position on this board seems to be that any criticism of Murray must be coming from Federer fans. What a load of nonsense. Most of us couldn't care less about him. Personally I see him as less than the other top 3 players because he is - hence I hardly talk about him.

antonico wrote:Well then if he simply "wants to focus on each opponent", what does that have to do with whether he's asked anything about his draw? Does a question about anyone in his draw stop or prevent Djokovic from focusing on his next opponent? You're not gonna argue that's the case, are you?? Because if you do, then you'll need to explain to the rest of us why Djokovic is publicly announcing such a policy for the first time in memory.

And how do you know he's "bored" talking about Nadal? Since you point out he's won 8 of their last 11 meetings, then why shouldn't he talk about Nadal? Seems to me Djokovic would be happy to talk about Nadal, or Federer, or anyone else in that case. The way you make Djokovic sound (and you seem to know so much about what he's thinking and feeling, since you keep telling us), he's the one to beat for this tournament. And he could well end up winning it. In which case he should be a chatter box!! He should have no worries, no fears, no anxieties - it should be business as usual for him, and that includes his press conferences. He should feel like the French Tennis Federation should just go ahead and engrave his name on the trophy right now, given your explanation of any speculation of his bizarre request to shut down a line of questioning amounts to nothing more than "cod psychology".

In fact - since you seem to know so much about what motivates him - pass along this message to Djokovic. Instead of refusing to speak about Nadal, tell him to openly have pity for Nadal in his press conferences!!!! Tell Djokovic that if he really wants to psych out Nadal (or for that matter Dimitrov, since he lost to him last time), have Novak talk about how much empathy he has for their struggles: Nadal's Light Bulb Knees & Dimitrov's eternal cramping. Tell Djokovic that his open embracing of their physical limitations is something he's feels so badly about. It will be a double whammy for him!! He'll get Instant Love from the media!!!! I mean, how could they tarnish someone so publicly empathetic to fellow his player's physical struggles?? As an added bonus, Djokovic gets the benefit that such public pronouncements are likely to chafe both Nadal and Dimitrov!! It's a Win-Win for Novak!!! That should send out sheer terror to the Dimtrov & Nadal camps, no??

I find sarcasm tends to be more effective if it doesn't ramble on for 3 paragraphs and 400 words.

Full marks for enthusiasm though.

Will be interesting to see how the media approach Djokovic after the match today (...after he beats Goffin). The French don't like being told what to do...someone will break ranks!

Just saw a funny interview with Novak on Eurosport.

Novak with a big smile on his face wanted to talk about how his big target this year was the French and how Monte Carlo gave him confidence. But the interviewer (who obviously hadn't been briefed by Novaks team) was having none of it. He wanted to talk about his recent poor form and in particular his early exits in Madrid and Rome. You could see the dark clouds form in Novak's eyes and maybe the hint of a tear as he said defensively that he won the AO....

Can I request that Murray fans who want to discuss how unemotional they are create their own thread to do so?

I find sarcasm tends to be more effective if it doesn't ramble on for 3 paragraphs and 400 words

Yawn.

emancipator wrote:I have to say Banbro you are the king of backhanded compliments. Praise with one hand and stick the knife in with the other. You and CC are very quick to label Fed fans as extreme yet you clearly have no idea how fanboyish you come across.

BTW I don't recall any Federer fans stating that he got 'lucky' with the roof. That notion is one that has been peddled by certain Murray fans (you). Let me remind you of the facts. Before the roof closed, they were tied at 1 set all, with Roger having won the last set. Fed then comfortably held serve at the start of the third. So if anything the momentum had already swung towards Roger before the roof closed. In fact I distinctly remember the commentators saying that the break had come at a good time for Murray after losing the second set in a very deflating manner, and that it would allow him to regroup.

All the talk about the roof only appeared after Roger tore him a new one under it.

I also completely agree with BITF's original statement to CC. The default position on this board seems to be that any criticism of Murray must be coming from Federer fans. What a load of nonsense. Most of us couldn't care less about him. Personally I see him as less than the other top 3 players because he is - hence I hardly talk about him.

Quite right. In my opinion Murray put so much into those first two sets, and Roger sets such a demanding pace, that he started to wilt during the 3rd set. That break game in the 3rd then really drained him dry. So the roof just put the top hat on it, the match was swinging anyway.

I confess that until those last 4 points of the 2nd set I was very pessimistic, though.

Back to topic, I find the whole thing absurd. Players can't instruct or restrict questions; there's a free media and the purpose of the press conference is for them, otherwise players could just put out a press release. If I were a journalist I'd ignore such statements and ask the questions I think my readers want answering, not what Novak's favourite colour is.

antonico wrote:

I find sarcasm tends to be more effective if it doesn't ramble on for 3 paragraphs and 400 words

Yawn.

That's more like it.

bogbrush wrote: If I were a journalist I'd ignore such statements and ask the questions I think my readers want answering.

"Hi Novak, I'm bogbrush from The (Fed) Express. When are you going to get a proper haircut? And that "inat" stuff is nonsense, isn't it? How crass is tearing your shirt? Admit it, The Shot was a fluke, wasn't it? Can I have Federer's contact details?"

HM Murdoch wrote:

bogbrush wrote: If I were a journalist I'd ignore such statements and ask the questions I think my readers want answering.

"Hi Novak, I'm bogbrush from The (Fed) Express. When are you going to get a proper haircut? And that "inat" stuff is nonsense, isn't it? How crass is tearing your shirt? Admit it, The Shot was a fluke, wasn't it? Can I have Federer's contact details?"

Djokovic has clearly been watching the "Fight Club" movie during his time out.

To the media at his next press session he'll say:

"Welcome to Djokovic Club.
The first rule of Djokovic Club is: You do not talk about Djokovic Club.
The second rule of Djokovic Club is: You DO NOT talk about Djokovic Club!
Third rule of Djokovic Club: If someone yells "next round!", goes on about other players, or so much as mentions Nadal, Djokovic Club is over!
Fourth rule: Only one guy can look at Djokovic at any one time.
Fifth rule: One question per session, fellas.
Sixth rule: No ripping shirts, no throwing shoes. That's my department, OK!
Seventh rule: The ONE question will go on as long as I say it does.
And the eighth and final rule: If this is your first time at Djokovic Club, you swear to these rules now or else I rip the shirt of YOUR backs!

HM Murdoch wrote:

bogbrush wrote: If I were a journalist I'd ignore such statements and ask the questions I think my readers want answering.

"Hi Novak, I'm bogbrush from The (Fed) Express. When are you going to get a proper haircut? And that "inat" stuff is nonsense, isn't it? How crass is tearing your shirt? Admit it, The Shot was a fluke, wasn't it? Can I have Federer's contact details?"

My readers already know that answers to all that.

We want to know whether he had the Serb Mafia bar Fognini from being in his quarter after he sabotaged Novak in 2011.
And did he pay Andy Murray to make such a prize plum of himself by supporting him in the 2007 US Open final, or does it come naturally?

HM Murdoch wrote:

bogbrush wrote: If I were a journalist I'd ignore such statements and ask the questions I think my readers want answering.

"Hi Novak, I'm bogbrush from The (Fed) Express. When are you going to get a proper haircut? And that "inat" stuff is nonsense, isn't it? How crass is tearing your shirt? Admit it, The Shot was a fluke, wasn't it? Can I have Federer's contact details?"

Haaa!! That is it about sums it for my opinion of BB the old objective journalist. Don't forget the most important question "how many of your 6 grandslams would you have won if not for Federer's ageing, the egg chamber, and slowed conditions?

socal1976 wrote:

HM Murdoch wrote:

bogbrush wrote: If I were a journalist I'd ignore such statements and ask the questions I think my readers want answering.

"Hi Novak, I'm bogbrush from The (Fed) Express. When are you going to get a proper haircut? And that "inat" stuff is nonsense, isn't it? How crass is tearing your shirt? Admit it, The Shot was a fluke, wasn't it? Can I have Federer's contact details?"

Haaa!! That is it about sums it for my opinion of BB the old objective journalist. Don't forget the most important question "how many of your 6 grandslams would you have won if not for Federer's ageing, the egg chamber, and slowed conditions?

Answer's obvious. One.

You didn't mention Glandular Fever.