| 04 June 2011
Rafael Nadal ESP (1) vs. Andy Murray SCO (4)
Novak Djokovic SRB (2) vs. Roger Federer SUI (3)
Firstly a confession. I have not seen the rise and rise of Novak Djokovic this year, or much tennis for that matter, but I’m hearing plenty and grabbing newspaper articles to read whenever I can; even though it’s a little more difficult here in Spain. Unfortunately if it’s not Spain or Spanish, the press aren’t that interested.Sadly Internet avoidance tactics are also being used as I struggle in a vain attempt to curb my addiction, as my facebook ‘friends’ would clarify. So with the excuses over, let's get on to the man of the moment.
The Djokovic factor
Watching Djokovic today, as I manage to pick up the Semi-final in the second set, I am thinking: What’s all the fuss about this ‘new Djokovic’? He looks tired and as long-faced as he appeared most of the previous year.
That is, until I see him lose the second set.
He starts to exude confidence, generates faster ball speed, there are more smiles, he appears quicker to move on (mentally), there are signs of real spirit and the desire to run on pure adrenalin. To coin the most annoying of grammatically incorrect phrases ‘He’s lovin’ it’.
It’s clear that deep down he’s tired. Utterly exhausted I imagine. After what he’s been achieving this year, who can be surprised? And with four days since his last match, I’m assuming he’s lost a little rhythm.
That, to me at least, appears to be the most plausible and justifiable explanation for his weary-looking posture.
However, I can’t help watching in total admiration as he digs deep and comes out fighting after going two sets to love down.
I am watching extended periods of utter dominance as he punishes Federer back and forth, especially from his forehand side.
I see he’s flattened off a little which accounts for the extra pace, but it’s gutsy and (mostly) accurate. You can sense the belief that he really is the best player in the world right now.
Djokovic goes on to win the third set 6-3 and is a little unfortunate to not take the fourth as Federer squeezes out a win 7-6(5). Djokovic would probably have taken the fifth with the momentum rolling in his favour, but it isn’t to be on this blustery day on the Phillipe Chatrier court. Federer takes the match 7-6(5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5).
After the other semi-final between Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, a match I had to prop myself up in my chair on several occasions, and down a couple of JDs to deaden my senses, Nadal referenced the Federer vs. Djokovic Semi and said: ‘It will be an exciting match between the best player of this moment and the best player of all-time’. He was dead right.And he could have added ‘much more exciting than the match you just watched with me and my self-abusing opponent Andy’.
In fact, on one occasion I saw Murray give himself such a torrent of verbal abuse, I can only describe it as: Unfit for children, sensitive adults, lip-readers and anyone else with a good sense of hearing.
I am beginning to wonder whether his matches should come with some kind of X-rated red labelled warning. I imagine Mary Whitehouse is turning in her grave.
Mind you, Murray and Nadal encounters have rarely, if ever, been dull. On the contrary it has been glued-to-the-seat entertainment on many of their previous meetings.
Hmmmm, maybe my expectations are too high? It’s been known.
But the current entertainer in town, and let me add to that inspirer and role model, is Djokovic.
He’s lean, super-fit, super confident and unbeaten this year. Well at least until today.
But what I want to get to is not just about Djokovic but what it is that makes the difference between a match being a ‘seat-gluer’ and a ‘drunk-propper-upper’?
Is it possible that a player’s reaction might be one of those most important factors?
Is it not true that a player must react in a manner that keeps his state in an optimal performance zone, and consequently entertain us, one of the key factors?
Of course, attributing Djokovic’s meteoric rise this year soley to his reaction during matches would be foolish, we know that simply isn’t true. But his ability to laugh off, or smile at an element of bad luck, or applaud brilliance from his opponent is a rudimentary factor, for him at least. Surely it helps him to stay focused, energised and gives him clarity for the next point; not mentioning his ability to engage the crowd which is helping him grow his fan base exponentially.
Pat Cash has said of Djokovic he has ‘the 1% factor’. I.e. he has increased everything in his game by one percent. An Australianism I believe.
But personally, I doubt it. It started with an attitude change.
And as a consequence other factors have followed.
His reaction to any given circumstance is changing and he is reaping the rewards right now. He no longer looks sorry for himself, or makes excuses about the heat or that he’s not feeling well.
He’s turned from the nearly man, to the really man. And people are viewing him differently. And I sense, assuming his desire continues, that this will only continue as long as his reaction to circumstances stay like they are now.Now, being a Brit, I only have one questions still lingering:
Can Andy Murray ever do the same?
And I sense, unfortunately, the answer is no. Unless, that is, he gets some intensive help in the area he really needs help with. Dare I mention a psychologist perhaps?
It is without doubt that Murray has the talent, the technique, the strength and fitness of a champion. But not the mentality. Mental skills training is not enough, I don’t believe he can will himself to win, but just perhaps someone who can tap into and influence his mindset, could make Murray the man of the moment. Maybe?
And finally….
The French Open Final: Federer vs. Nadal. I believe It’s impossible not to favour Nadal once more in the stadium and event that has become his second home. Even with Federer's excellent form against Djokovic I see him only taking one set, at most.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
