Be Quiet

by barrystar Wed 31 Jul 2013, 12:59 pm

The heading is a quote from Federer "going postal" at Djoko's family in 2008.

The love-in has not been forgotten, with Djoko's dad saying in a recent interview that Fedal are jealous of Djoko and have not been at all classy since he started winning, although Murray's family are singled out for praise.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/10213175/Roger-Federer-and-Rafael-Nadal-are-jealous-of-Novak-Djokovics-success-claims-Serbians-father.html

Telegraph 31.07.13 wrote:World No 1 Djokovic has been the player to beat over the last couple of seasons, winning five of the eight grand slam finals he has competed in and raising the bar of the men's game.

And it is because of this success that Srdjan believes Federer and Nadal have become sore losers and turned on his son.

Speaking to Serbian newspaper Kurir, Djokovic's father said: "Federer is perhaps still the best tennis player in history, but as a man he's the opposite.

"He attacked Novak at the Davis Cup in Geneva (in 2006), he realised that he was his successor and was trying to discredit him in every way. Novak's success is an amazing thing and something that one cannot understand."

And Srdjan holds the same grudge against Nadal, adding: "Nadal was his best friend while he was winning. When things changed, they were no longer friends. This is not sport. This is what Novak has in him, but others don't."

However, while attacking Federer and Nadal, Srdjan Djokovic did have some kind words for Andy Murray.

"I have never, not even for a second, felt jealousy from Andy’s family," he said.

"Andy’s mother went in the locker room, in Rome, to congratulate Novak, his team and family. They cannot be best friends as they fight for the most important titles, and lots of money.

"But they are more than correct rivals and I am sure that after they finish their professional careers, they will be great friends."

Djoko himself is such a classy presence on Court - you wonder where he learned that from.

by carrieg4 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 1:27 pm

Yep, these comments should in no way reflect upon Djokovic. As you say he is a classy player.

by lags72 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 1:45 pm

I guess most of us have been embarrassed by our parents at one stage or another. But it rarely becomes worldwide news in the way that it does with high profile figures from sport or entertainment.

Mind you, the comments by Srdjan as reported here are pretty mild compared to the sort of accusations levelled at Federer by socal ........ Shocked

by kingraf Wed 31 Jul 2013, 1:54 pm

Parents say the darndest things sometimes. That some of the things Srdjan said are quite baffling. in 2006 Fed had a losing record vs Nadal, had dropped a set to him at Wimbledon, and lost to him in Dubai.. Im struggling to understand why Srdjan would think RF would have seen No1e as a bigger threat than the Raging Bull (there, conveniently endorsed everyones brand it)

by banbrotam Wed 31 Jul 2013, 2:46 pm

Look whilst I'm not a big fan or Novak's Dad (nor a fan of posters who appear to question the class of Novak, but think Roger has no weakness's in this area) he has a point. Not certain it helps Novak though!!

In the past Roger made great PR from being gushing about the likes of Roddick and Davydenko, who strangely enough he was beating all the time, but had little positive to say about Andy and Novak

It's clear to anyone with a neutral brain, who follows the sport all the time - that Roger had an issue with the fact they saw him as just another player to be beaten, rather than bleating on about how wonderful he was

Roger had spells of lacking grace, that were quite astonishing - thankfully in the past couple of years the graceful good guy has returned

by hawkeye Wed 31 Jul 2013, 3:11 pm

Basically Srdgan Djokovic and Judy Murray are both pushy parents who are trying to weedle their sons into the top set. They both have a different approach but I'm familiar with their type. A note from a parent is not an entry requirement for the top set however it is worded.

by time please Wed 31 Jul 2013, 3:27 pm

Looks like Gulbis' wish is being granted, albeit from a parent rather than a top player!! Wink

by carrieg4 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 4:19 pm

hawkeye wrote:Basically Srdgan Djokovic and Judy Murray are both pushy parents who are trying to weedle their sons into the top set. They both have a different approach but I'm familiar with their type. A note from a parent is not an entry requirement for the top set however it is worded.

What has Judy Murray got to do with this??

by Born Slippy Wed 31 Jul 2013, 5:15 pm

And Novak will probably be WN1 for a third straight year so hard to see why his dad would think he needs weedling into the top set!

Roger unfortunately hasn't always been overly gracious towards Novak and Andy so its hardly a shock that Novak's dad might not be a massive fan.

by banbrotam Wed 31 Jul 2013, 5:18 pm

hawkeye wrote:Basically Srdgan Djokovic and Judy Murray are both pushy parents who are trying to weedle their sons into the top set. They both have a different approach but I'm familiar with their type. A note from a parent is not an entry requirement for the top set however it is worded.

The fact that you bracket these two in the same category, only shows that you "typecast". Andy doesn't look like someone who has remotely suffered from a pushy parent. More likely that he was so headstrong and drove them mad at wanting to win, they encouraged an outlet when they saw it and thus supported him

The mods on these boards are "familiar with their type" too - the type of poster who always wants to have a negative dig at the same player or their family.

As you've found out laughing

by time please Wed 31 Jul 2013, 5:46 pm

mmmm - I'm a great admirer of Judy Murray but I think her sons' careers are a little more orchestrated than you seem to suggest banbro.

by carrieg4 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 6:08 pm

time please wrote:mmmm - I'm a great admirer of Judy Murray but I think her sons' careers are a little more orchestrated than you seem to suggest banbro.

As a tennis coach she was obviously keen for her kids to play sports and be active from an early age. When they showed talent she knew how to nurture it (working with kids being a speciality of hers). By all accounts she is anything but a pushy mother though.

by TRuffin Wed 31 Jul 2013, 6:11 pm

Djoko's dad told a Serbian paper after the rain delay in the 2012 French Final that the only way Nadal could beat Djokovic or the only way he was beating him was because of Tony coaching Nadal from the stands... His dad and mom have both said nasty things about Federer from nearly the start....

I witnessed his dad and I think they were cousins (but nearly his whole box) jeer and taunt Stepanek at the 2011 Cinci tournament. I sat right behind the box and it reminded me of fans who taunt the opposing pitchers in American baseball.. Between every point and sometimes during they were loudly making stupid remarks towards Stepanek... IT got so bad that Ushers or officials visited them 3 times and only after the 3rd time did they cool it.......... I don't blame Federer one bit when he told them to "be quiet" knowing that this is the type of thing they do.......... The family is trash as far as I'm concerned, but Djokovic seems to have risen above it... good for him.

by HM Murdock Wed 31 Jul 2013, 6:35 pm

I think much of those comments are true.

Federer was a bit cold toward Novak but I think he has warmed noticeably in the last year or so. I thought his comments after the WTF last year were very gracious ("you're the best").

As for Nadal, well it would be odd if they continued being buddy buddy when Novak emerged as his biggest rival. But again, Nadal is always very gracious in his public comments.

I like the respect between the Murrays and Djokovics though. Judy has congratulated Novak a number of times and the Djokovics made a point of giving Judy a hug after Andy won Wimbledon.

In a similar way, I've seen footage of Nadal's family giving Federer a congratulatory hug after he beat Rafa at WTF 2010.

It's funny how that top 4 seems to divide into Federer&Nadal and Murray&Djokovic in so many ways.

by socal1976 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 6:38 pm

lags72 wrote:I guess most of us have been embarrassed by our parents at one stage or another. But it rarely becomes worldwide news in the way that it does with high profile figures from sport or entertainment.

Mind you, the comments by Srdjan as reported here are pretty mild compared to the sort of accusations levelled at Federer by socal ........

Srdjan, I think is a closet 606v2 fan and reads my illuminating exposes on the 9 time Nike/Edberg Award winner, one can not help it when they are right.

That being said I think Srdjan should just be quiet, there is no point to stirring the hornet's nest he hurts his own son's PR more than he damages Fed or Nadal. But the fact that Roger waded into controversy as early as 06 to call Novak a joke and a faker basically not an allegation as he announced said fact to the whole world. It ended up that the kid really did have serious respiratory and allergy problems so in my mind that doesn't cast Roger in the best light either.

That being said, my reaction is that mom and dad should just shut up and enjoy the gravy train.

by socal1976 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 6:46 pm

banbrotam wrote:Look whilst I'm not a big fan or Novak's Dad (nor a fan of posters who appear to question the class of Novak, but think Roger has no weakness's in this area) he has a point. Not certain it helps Novak though!!

In the past Roger made great PR from being gushing about the likes of Roddick and Davydenko, who strangely enough he was beating all the time, but had little positive to say about Andy and Novak

It's clear to anyone with a neutral brain, who follows the sport all the time - that Roger had an issue with the fact they saw him as just another player to be beaten, rather than bleating on about how wonderful he was

Roger had spells of lacking grace, that were quite astonishing - thankfully in the past couple of years the graceful good guy has returned

Great post banbro, I mean are we surprised that after Monte Carlo 08, or earlier on when Roger called Novak a faker and a joke that Novak's parents wouldn't like the guy. Still it would be wiser if they just shut up, they are only making it harder for Novak with this type of behavior. I am not a big fan of their's either although I do find some of Srdjan's backstory of borrowing money from a loan shark to finance his career. But it would be nice if he could stop interjecting himself into the limelight.

by Guest Wed 31 Jul 2013, 7:00 pm

time please wrote:mmmm - I'm a great admirer of Judy Murray but I think her sons' careers are a little more orchestrated than you seem to suggest banbro.

Parents are only pushy if the child is not in their eyes being what they can be. It seemed Andy wanted to be a tennis player given he was quite a decent footballer. He had the choice and made it. For me Judy keeps him motivated and focused. Judy is a big influence, but not as big many like to believe.

by kingraf Wed 31 Jul 2013, 7:02 pm

I don't think Srdjan would hug Nadal if for all the KitKats in the world. Its funny how Nadal-Federer's friendship was in many ways built around their rivalry, while Djokovic and Nadal's friendship has been pretty much stalled by it. Srdjan strikes me as one of those "My son is Superman" dads. Mind you, No1e has given him great reason for that.

Just find this comment funny: "Nadal was his best friend while
he was winning. When things
changed, they were no longer
friends. This is not sport. This is
what Novak has in him, but
others don't."

when you can find this gem of a comment on the net: 'Sometimes, I have dinner with Andy or Rafa; *but
the reality is none of us can be real mates while
we are fighting for history*. But one day, when
we've all retired, I look forward to sitting down
over a beer with them all, and their families, and
remember what we went through"

by TRuffin Wed 31 Jul 2013, 7:13 pm

socal1976 wrote:
banbrotam wrote:Look whilst I'm not a big fan or Novak's Dad (nor a fan of posters who appear to question the class of Novak, but think Roger has no weakness's in this area) he has a point. Not certain it helps Novak though!!

In the past Roger made great PR from being gushing about the likes of Roddick and Davydenko, who strangely enough he was beating all the time, but had little positive to say about Andy and Novak

It's clear to anyone with a neutral brain, who follows the sport all the time - that Roger had an issue with the fact they saw him as just another player to be beaten, rather than bleating on about how wonderful he was

Roger had spells of lacking grace, that were quite astonishing - thankfully in the past couple of years the graceful good guy has returned

Great post banbro, I mean are we surprised that after Monte Carlo 08, or earlier on when Roger called Novak a faker and a joke that Novak's parents wouldn't like the guy. Still it would be wiser if they just shut up, they are only making it harder for Novak with this type of behavior. I am not a big fan of their's either although I do find some of Srdjan's backstory of borrowing money from a loan shark to finance his career. But it would be nice if he could stop interjecting himself into the limelight.

I seriously doubt that Roger called Djokovic a "joke"...show us that quote.........and the parents had already started in with Federer with "king is dead" stuff before Monte Carlo 08 and with the box behaviour... it works both ways but I know for sure who has behaved in the overall more classy way between Federer and the parents-- and it's Federer. Federer was incredibly gracious to Djokovic at he WTF this year and speaks highly of him all the time now--- yet Djokovic's father is still stirring the pot. Let bygones be bygones.

by Danny_1982 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 7:57 pm

time please wrote:mmmm - I'm a great admirer of Judy Murray but I think her sons' careers are a little more orchestrated than you seem to suggest banbro.

They asked both Andy and his mom about this in the recent BBC documentary. His Mom said she encouraged them both to play sports, but didn't push either of them into tennis. Both Andy and Jamie played lots of other sports. Andy was a very promising footballer and Jamie an excellent golfer.

They made the decisions on which one they were going to try, both chose tennis because they preferred it. Although Andy initially was edging towards football before changing his mind. So it seems the Murray family were chilled. Not that it makes any difference. I couldn't give a rats ass if she was pushy or not.

by Guest Wed 31 Jul 2013, 8:14 pm

To be fair to Roger at least Socal isnt his dad! (At least we hope not). To be fair to the Murrays too, Judy probably did push him quite a bit as he was growing up, a gritty Scottish former pro. However its been clear for at least 6 years or more that Murray runs his own show, as does Novak, people are pushed into their careers a lot in life even subconsciously.
Ive always felt Rogers had a fair bit of arrogance in him, at least in his tennis side and not necessarily in a bad way. He seems pretty chill in his private life, but theres always been this underlying, swaggery "im better" attitude about him when he dons the tennis gear. He didnt want his crown taken away soo its no surprise he didnt like Novak who had the match before that postal one, cleaned him out 3-0 at the Aussie.

by socal1976 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 8:15 pm

TRuffin wrote:
socal1976 wrote:
banbrotam wrote:Look whilst I'm not a big fan or Novak's Dad (nor a fan of posters who appear to question the class of Novak, but think Roger has no weakness's in this area) he has a point. Not certain it helps Novak though!!

In the past Roger made great PR from being gushing about the likes of Roddick and Davydenko, who strangely enough he was beating all the time, but had little positive to say about Andy and Novak

It's clear to anyone with a neutral brain, who follows the sport all the time - that Roger had an issue with the fact they saw him as just another player to be beaten, rather than bleating on about how wonderful he was

Roger had spells of lacking grace, that were quite astonishing - thankfully in the past couple of years the graceful good guy has returned

Great post banbro, I mean are we surprised that after Monte Carlo 08, or earlier on when Roger called Novak a faker and a joke that Novak's parents wouldn't like the guy. Still it would be wiser if they just shut up, they are only making it harder for Novak with this type of behavior. I am not a big fan of their's either although I do find some of Srdjan's backstory of borrowing money from a loan shark to finance his career. But it would be nice if he could stop interjecting himself into the limelight.

I seriously doubt that Roger called Djokovic a "joke"...show us that quote.........and the parents had already started in with Federer with "king is dead" stuff before Monte Carlo 08 and with the box behaviour... it works both ways but I know for sure who has behaved in the overall more classy way between Federer and the parents-- and it's Federer. Federer was incredibly gracious to Djokovic at he WTF this year and speaks highly of him all the time now--- yet Djokovic's father is still stirring the pot. Let bygones be bygones.

Federer first called out Novak because of Davis Cup match I believe in 06 or 07 for calling the trainer and then winning the match against Stan, long before the king is dead comments. I will look for the quote but am busy at work, it is pretty much common knowledge, when I find it I will post it for you but I can't promise hunting very hard. This was long, long before the king is dead comments.

by Guest Wed 31 Jul 2013, 8:15 pm

To be clear, I dont think his tennis attitude is necessarily bad, but those who dont like him as much do often cite this as a reason, its also one of the reasons hes as good as he is

by socal1976 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 8:21 pm

Federer admitted yesterday that his opinion of Djokovic hit a new low in 2006 when Switzerland and Serbia met in the Davis Cup.

Djokovic beat Stanislas Wawrinka in five sets, but he infuriated Federer for his regular summoning of the trainer.

The Swiss great dismissed the Serb as a 'joke', claiming Djokovic was abusing the rules.

Federer once also criticised Djokovic's parents at Monte Carlo, claiming their support of their son was too enthusiastic.

But six years on from the infamous Davis Cup clash, Federer insists that the pair now enjoy a cordial relationship. "I was just upset at him calling the trainer out for no obvious reason against my buddy, Stan, in a five setter," said Federer, who reached a record 32nd Grand Slam semi-final yesterday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win over Mikhail Youzhny.

"That was it. We had a quick chat about it in Madrid after that, and things are cool since a long time between me and him. I've always respected him.

"Have I gone out for dinner with him? No. But we have had many meetings at the players council, and then now with the Grand Slams. He's been nice to work with.
"We've met on several occasions because of other things together. I have no issues with him, and I hope you believe me."

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/262004/ive-buried-hatchet-djokovic-says.html

So we see that the crown prince of class called an upcoming player a joke in 06 long before the king is dead comments, Roger picked this fight and then got his panties in a twirl when for once somebody had the temerity to actually fight back.

by banbrotam Wed 31 Jul 2013, 9:42 pm

socal1976 wrote:"I was just upset at him calling the trainer out for no obvious reason against my buddy, Stan"

This is the priceless hypocritical guff I love about Roger Laugh

Was this the same Roger who was busy telling all and sundry, after a Davis Cup defeat that "I played well enough in doubles, but Stanislas not so much,” picard

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2012-02-12/8856.php

Note, that it was all about him, i.e. he played OK so that was alright

Is this what you call been a "buddy"? Laugh

Could you imagine the reaction if Novak or Andy did the same to their team-mates Run

by **JuliusHMarx** Wed 31 Jul 2013, 9:52 pm

You mean like when Murray said of the rest of the GB team "It's not a huge amount of progress if I win my matches and then we come into this level again and go straight back down" There's a confidence builder for you Wink

by TRuffin Wed 31 Jul 2013, 10:26 pm

socal1976 wrote:
TRuffin wrote:
socal1976 wrote:
banbrotam wrote:Look whilst I'm not a big fan or Novak's Dad (nor a fan of posters who appear to question the class of Novak, but think Roger has no weakness's in this area) he has a point. Not certain it helps Novak though!!

In the past Roger made great PR from being gushing about the likes of Roddick and Davydenko, who strangely enough he was beating all the time, but had little positive to say about Andy and Novak

It's clear to anyone with a neutral brain, who follows the sport all the time - that Roger had an issue with the fact they saw him as just another player to be beaten, rather than bleating on about how wonderful he was

Roger had spells of lacking grace, that were quite astonishing - thankfully in the past couple of years the graceful good guy has returned

Great post banbro, I mean are we surprised that after Monte Carlo 08, or earlier on when Roger called Novak a faker and a joke that Novak's parents wouldn't like the guy. Still it would be wiser if they just shut up, they are only making it harder for Novak with this type of behavior. I am not a big fan of their's either although I do find some of Srdjan's backstory of borrowing money from a loan shark to finance his career. But it would be nice if he could stop interjecting himself into the limelight.

I seriously doubt that Roger called Djokovic a "joke"...show us that quote.........and the parents had already started in with Federer with "king is dead" stuff before Monte Carlo 08 and with the box behaviour... it works both ways but I know for sure who has behaved in the overall more classy way between Federer and the parents-- and it's Federer. Federer was incredibly gracious to Djokovic at he WTF this year and speaks highly of him all the time now--- yet Djokovic's father is still stirring the pot. Let bygones be bygones.

Federer first called out Novak because of Davis Cup match I believe in 06 or 07 for calling the trainer and then winning the match against Stan, long before the king is dead comments. I will look for the quote but am busy at work, it is pretty much common knowledge, when I find it I will post it for you but I can't promise hunting very hard. This was long, long before the king is dead comments.

I see your article where the writer gives Federers exact quote about the Davis Cup stuff, but where's what Federer said about Djokovic being a "joke" the writer says he said that but there is no quote... Of course writers never take poetic license or things out of context..........please, you guys are way too into this nonsense... I see Federer talking about not liking some past behavior and then talking about how they have made up and moved on.............but you guys just can't move on...

by socal1976 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 10:42 pm

TRuffin wrote:
socal1976 wrote:
TRuffin wrote:
socal1976 wrote:
banbrotam wrote:Look whilst I'm not a big fan or Novak's Dad (nor a fan of posters who appear to question the class of Novak, but think Roger has no weakness's in this area) he has a point. Not certain it helps Novak though!!

In the past Roger made great PR from being gushing about the likes of Roddick and Davydenko, who strangely enough he was beating all the time, but had little positive to say about Andy and Novak

It's clear to anyone with a neutral brain, who follows the sport all the time - that Roger had an issue with the fact they saw him as just another player to be beaten, rather than bleating on about how wonderful he was

Roger had spells of lacking grace, that were quite astonishing - thankfully in the past couple of years the graceful good guy has returned

Great post banbro, I mean are we surprised that after Monte Carlo 08, or earlier on when Roger called Novak a faker and a joke that Novak's parents wouldn't like the guy. Still it would be wiser if they just shut up, they are only making it harder for Novak with this type of behavior. I am not a big fan of their's either although I do find some of Srdjan's backstory of borrowing money from a loan shark to finance his career. But it would be nice if he could stop interjecting himself into the limelight.

I seriously doubt that Roger called Djokovic a "joke"...show us that quote.........and the parents had already started in with Federer with "king is dead" stuff before Monte Carlo 08 and with the box behaviour... it works both ways but I know for sure who has behaved in the overall more classy way between Federer and the parents-- and it's Federer. Federer was incredibly gracious to Djokovic at he WTF this year and speaks highly of him all the time now--- yet Djokovic's father is still stirring the pot. Let bygones be bygones.

Federer first called out Novak because of Davis Cup match I believe in 06 or 07 for calling the trainer and then winning the match against Stan, long before the king is dead comments. I will look for the quote but am busy at work, it is pretty much common knowledge, when I find it I will post it for you but I can't promise hunting very hard. This was long, long before the king is dead comments.

I see your article where the writer gives Federers exact quote about the Davis Cup stuff, but where's what Federer said about Djokovic being a "joke" the writer says he said that but there is no quote... Of course writers never take poetic license or things out of context..........please, you guys are way too into this nonsense... I see Federer talking about not liking some past behavior and then talking about how they have made up and moved on.............but you guys just can't move on...

Ruffin the author puts joke in quotes, if you think this tennis writer from Decca in Bangladesh has an anti-Federer bias and can not be trusted well then I suggest you question his veracity. You are smart enough to know that when they do that, they are taking his exact words. It is not me who can't move on, you challenged me to provide you a quote where fed called Djokovic a joke, I did, there is the word joke, and guess what it is in quotation marks and attributed to Federer. You should at least admit that your previous post in which you doubt this incident ever happened is now factually incorrect, it did happen, and it was widely reported and basically common knowledge. The guy is not a good sport, no amount of Nike sportsmanship awards will make me think otherwise as I have seen enough evidence of said fact.

by socal1976 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 10:45 pm

banbrotam wrote:
socal1976 wrote:"I was just upset at him calling the trainer out for no obvious reason against my buddy, Stan"

This is the priceless hypocritical guff I love about Roger

Was this the same Roger who was busy telling all and sundry, after a Davis Cup defeat that "I played well enough in doubles, but Stanislas not so much,”

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2012-02-12/8856.php

Note, that it was all about him, i.e. he played OK so that was alright

Is this what you call been a "buddy"?

Could you imagine the reaction if Novak or Andy did the same to their team-mates

Exactly, banbro, some of Federer's interviews are jaw dropping in their arrogance and denigration of others but he never gets called on it. My favorite Federer Nike/Edberg award winning moment was this year at Indian Wells where he demanded in a match against Wawrinka that he be allowed to challenge a ball two shots ago, he was really standing up for his buddy stan there.

by **JuliusHMarx** Wed 31 Jul 2013, 10:59 pm

Of course he gets called on it - it's in the press whenever it happens.
Every player is the same and has their good moments and bad moments on court. What about good guy Ferrer hitting the ball at a crying baby in the crowd to get it to shut up?
Fact is, if someone doesn't like a player, they'll cherry pick the bad bits, and if they like a player, they ignore them and go on about the good stuff.
If you want balance, you have to take it all into account in a disinterested manner - something no-one on this board can do, because none of us are disinterested.
That's why all the self-righteousness that gets posted makes me smile.

by Henman Bill Thu 01 Aug 2013, 3:06 am

Rubbish from Djoko Snr, for instance Nadal suffered all those defeats in a row and really took it on the chin.

by socal1976 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 4:14 am

Henman Bill wrote:Rubbish from Djoko Snr, for instance Nadal suffered all those defeats in a row and really took it on the chin.

Agreed, Rafa was a gracious gentleman and Srdjan is acting like a real jerk.

by time please Thu 01 Aug 2013, 9:42 am

Gosh - a lot of 'panties in a twirl' on here! Cool

But they don't seem to be the Fed fans' bloomers!

by barrystar Thu 01 Aug 2013, 3:46 pm

On the whole, I think tennis is extremely lucky to have those four players at the top of the game - none of them are perfect, let alone perfect all the time.

I think much of the criticism of Federer is a reaction against some of the over-fawning press he gets and I understand that but think that some criticisms get a bit OTT in the name of restoring balance. For the record, as a firm Fed fan I think he can be a sore loser, but on court he hardly ever lets the halo slip, which for me as a tennis fan is the most important arena to maintain good behaviour in.

I've always maintained that Djoko is a gracious presence on Court, and that Nadal is gracious after a match but not gracious in play. Murray is overall probably the least polished of all four, but he comes across as a pretty thoughtful and sensitive guy. I think we'll see improvements in his 'polish' and on Court behaviour now he's got Lendl in his corner and two slams in his ass pocket.

by Danny_1982 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 4:35 pm

Barry - I agree with that. I think the top guys are fine in their conduct personally. Even when the halo occasionally slips, great stuff! It's what I want to see.

Roger shouting be quiet at the Djokovic camp or saying to Murray "you f*****g stopped", Rafa barging Rosol, Novak making enemies in the US crowd, Murray's toilet mouth at times... It all adds to it.

I think overall they are very well behaved. Sure, they try and get at each other from time to time with the things they say or do, but so what? This is elite top level sport and they should be looking for any tiny mental advantage they can. I wish there was more animosity between them if anything.

In terms of Federer, he is an unbelievable ambassador for the sport. Probably the best the sport has ever had.

by lags72 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 4:40 pm

That's a pretty neat balanced summary of the top four barrystar.

In truth, no high-achieving champion can truly be a 'good' loser, and your point about Fed sometimes (ie post-match) coming across as sore is well made. By contrast, his on-court behaviour has, as you say, very rarely fallen short of what one expects from a top pro and this of course is reflected in the number of times his own fellow pros have chosen to vote for him in the fair play awards. Likewise the fans favourite award.

You are right to say that Rafa is hardly ever less than gracious in interviews and off-court generally, but on those occasions when things are not going to plan he will happily resort to gamesmanship and questionable tactics, as we have so often seen. And I suspect this rankles with a number of players.

Novak and Andy are pretty well-behaved all-round, and if anything have made a conscious effort to enhance their image in recent years - although even they are from perfect of course, and nor should we reasonably expect them (or indeed any other pro) to be so. We are fortunate to have all these guys around in our time.

by carrieg4 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 4:47 pm

Also agree with barrystar. None are perfect but none are demons either. All are great tennis players which is the important thing.

by break_in_the_fifth Thu 01 Aug 2013, 7:25 pm

I agree with Barry that on court behaviour is the most important as that shows what you really are so to speak.

@socal Do you think that the only criteria for the sportsmanship awards is interviews?

Either way it's odd that it always goes to some top player and not some unheard of person. The whole thing seems kind of pointless to me and not a reflection of anything. You'd think the other players would get bored of voting for Fed if anything.

by **JuliusHMarx** Thu 01 Aug 2013, 7:34 pm

Oddly, bitf, before Fed came along it rarely, went to the world No. 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATP_World_Tour_Awards#Stefan_Edberg_Sportsmanship_Award

by socal1976 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 7:36 pm

break_in_the_fifth wrote:I agree with Barry that on court behaviour is the most important as that shows what you really are so to speak.

@socal Do you think that the only criteria for the sportsmanship awards is interviews?

Either way it's odd that it always goes to some top player and not some unheard of person. The whole thing seems kind of pointless to me and not a reflection of anything. You'd think the other players would get bored of voting for Fed if anything.

Or not yelling into an opponents box, or complaining to his opponent directly to stop bouncing the ball on his service motion. Or how about demanding to speak to the tournament official when he is not allowed to be the first player in history to challenge a ball two shots ago. It is not just the interviews. Either way the guy is overral a hugely positive figure, but a good sport is a bridge too far for me.

by break_in_the_fifth Thu 01 Aug 2013, 10:41 pm

What about all the times he didn't do those things. Can't say the same about many other top players and their violation of existing rules such as time. I really don't believe you can look on court to discredit him though his thing with Murray at the Australian open this year was pretty shocking. I'd just stick to using his interviews as there are way more blemishes there especially with hindsight as his targets are more accomplished now than they were then.

by socal1976 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 11:02 pm

Yes, you are right about that Bo5 the interviews are always very juicy after a big loss. Again much of my animosity towards Fed is not really to the point that I dislike or even hate the man. I am Novak fan, and as such I just have too many painful defeats and memories at the hands of Roger to really every warm to him, but I will certainly miss him when he is gone, who then will I be outraged at, dimitrov? Who will I direct my diatribes against when the grand pomposity is out of the picture?

by socal1976 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 11:03 pm

JuliusHMarx wrote:Oddly, bitf, before Fed came along it rarely, went to the world No. 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATP_World_Tour_Awards#Stefan_Edberg_Sportsmanship_Award

That is before the evil Swoosh got a hold of the award.

by **JuliusHMarx** Thu 01 Aug 2013, 11:15 pm

socal1976 wrote:Yes, you are right about that Bo5 the interviews are always very juicy after a big loss. Again much of my animosity towards Fed is not really to the point that I dislike or even hate the man. I am Novak fan, and as such I just have too many painful defeats and memories at the hands of Roger to really every warm to him, but I will certainly miss him when he is gone, who then will I be outraged at, dimitrov? Who will I direct my diatribes against when the grand pomposity is out of the picture?

I'm sure there's lots of genuinely nice guys out there you can take an unrealistic dislike to Wink

by socal1976 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 11:34 pm

JuliusHMarx wrote:
socal1976 wrote:Yes, you are right about that Bo5 the interviews are always very juicy after a big loss. Again much of my animosity towards Fed is not really to the point that I dislike or even hate the man. I am Novak fan, and as such I just have too many painful defeats and memories at the hands of Roger to really every warm to him, but I will certainly miss him when he is gone, who then will I be outraged at, dimitrov? Who will I direct my diatribes against when the grand pomposity is out of the picture?

I'm sure there's lots of genuinely nice guys out there you can take an unrealistic dislike to

Yes but they have to win enough and gain cadre of adoring fans. I am thinking of hating dimitrov just because Fed fans like him, that way we can maintain stasis within our happy little community. But other than dating Sharapova and beating Novak at a master's he has not done anything to earn my animosity.

by **JuliusHMarx** Thu 01 Aug 2013, 11:44 pm

well, maybe you'll find that animosity isn't necessary for a good quality of life Smile

by socal1976 Thu 01 Aug 2013, 11:54 pm

No but it makes watching sports more fun especially in a gladiatorial event like tennis

by lags72 Fri 02 Aug 2013, 12:28 am

Oh I'm not so sure about that JHM.

I mean ....... most people find that they can lead a reasonably happy life without the need to target someone to actively dislike, but I think in socal's case it appears to be pretty much a pre-requisite. It helps if you don't actually know the individual personally, and have never even met them.

It's a bit of a worry that Dimitrov has not (thus far) been guilty of the horrendous and reprehensible misdemeanours that have self-evidently blighted the career of Federer, but there will surely be opportunities for him to follow in the footsteps of the great man.

As socal himself says, simply dating Masha just won't cut the mustard. So it's vital for Grigor to get involved in seriously controversial stuff, something so truly unpleasant that the world of professional tennis will be rocked to its very foundations.

How about he raises his profile overnight by asking some noisy spectators to - wait for it - "Be quiet" Shocked

by socal1976 Fri 02 Aug 2013, 12:51 am

Will someone please buy Grigor a cream colored, monogrammed leisure suit so I can hate him. As lags has pointed out one must do something exceptional my animosity is not given out freely.

by kingraf Fri 02 Aug 2013, 9:19 am

Didnt Grigor once abuse an official? Think that'd do it...

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