Tennis League All Thread

[aoluain]

Totally @Daniel91 and it was great to see Croatia get to the final, like I said its
great to see other teams and players getting a taste of the limelight. Russia as
others mentioned were favourites from the start.

Cant believe Cilic cannot overcome his negative thoughts, surely he realises its
not all about hitting a ball?

Although he won two tournaments this year surely he would strive for more,
he has the skill surely he knows he needs to work on the mental side

[Trofo]

Cant believe Cilic cannot overcome his negative thoughts, surely he realises its
not all about hitting a ball?

Although he won two tournaments this year surely he would strive for more,
he has the skill surely he knows he needs to work on the mental side

Čilić is not a young player, he has 33 years. If he has not found his mental composure until now...well let's just say he does not have much time to do it

He is just a momentum player with great serve and strong ground strokes but there is no plan B to get him out on a day when those strikes are not hitting or when there is a player on the other side able to return his attacks few times in a row.   

He had a great career with the peak coming on US Open 2014, not many players can say that they won the Grand Slam in the era of big four. I believe only he and Wawrinka can boast with the fact that they took Grand Slam in the times when Djoković, Nadal, Federer and Muray were all on top of their careers. He was also finalist in AO and Wimbeldon, RG is only grand slam where he did not get to the final. He also has a silver medal from Olympic games in doubles with Dodig and Davis cup title, so all in all very rounded and full career and I am sure I have missed something.

[Daniel91]

Totally @Daniel91 and it was great to see Croatia get to the final, like I said its
great to see other teams and players getting a taste of the limelight. Russia as
others mentioned were favourites from the start.

Cant believe Cilic cannot overcome his negative thoughts, surely he realises its
not all about hitting a ball?

Although he won two tournaments this year surely he would strive for more,
he has the skill surely he knows he needs to work on the mental side

In fact, it's a miracle that Croatia managed to reach the finals since Cilic lost almost all his matches, and all the time we seemed to be playing with a player less 
It's not clear to anyone what happened to Cilic, probably not to him either.
From a tennis player who wins GS titles and the Davis Cup he has become a player who can’t beat anyone and loses matches he should have objectively won, from much worse players.
I feel sorry for him because he had the potential and talent to achieve a lot more in tennis but something happened to him and he lost his confidence.
With Cilic from 7-8 years ago, Croatia would now probably be the Davis Cup winner.
Croatia did not achieve this fantastic result thanks to Cilic, but to Gojo, and that is a fact. Cilic really contributed almost nothing to Croatia's entry into the finals, he lost all his key matches.

[babygun]

Čilić is not a young player, he has 33 years. If he has not found his mental composure until now...well let's just say he does not have much time to do it

He is just a momentum player with great serve and strong ground strokes but there is no plan B to get him out on a day when those strikes are not hitting or when there is a player on the other side able to return his attacks few times in a row.  

He had a great career with the peak coming on US Open 2014, not many players can say that they won the Grand Slam in the era of big four. I believe only he and Wawrinka can boast with the fact that they took Grand Slam in the times when Djoković, Nadal, Federer and Muray were all on top of their careers. He was also finalist in AO and Wimbeldon, RG is only grand slam where he did not get to the final. He also has a silver medal from Olympic games in doubles with Dodig and Davis cup title, so all in all very rounded and full career and I am sure I have missed something.

He has a nice career mainly because winning the title in US open 2014, but you would have imagined he could have won more grandslams after this win. He defeated Federer in straigth sets after all. Same applies in fact for Nishikori, he had a great run that year in the US open, but after that, he never reached further than the QF in any other grand slam.

[aoluain]

Totally @Daniel91 and it was great to see Croatia get to the final, like I said its
great to see other teams and players getting a taste of the limelight. Russia as
others mentioned were favourites from the start.

Cant believe Cilic cannot overcome his negative thoughts, surely he realises its
not all about hitting a ball?

Although he won two tournaments this year surely he would strive for more,
he has the skill surely he knows he needs to work on the mental side

In fact, it's a miracle that Croatia managed to reach the finals since Cilic lost almost all his matches, and all the time we seemed to be playing with a player less 
It's not clear to anyone what happened to Cilic, probably not to him either.
From a tennis player who wins GS titles and the Davis Cup he has become a player who can’t beat anyone and loses matches he should have objectively won, from much worse players.
I feel sorry for him because he had the potential and talent to achieve a lot more in tennis but something happened to him and he lost his confidence.
With Cilic from 7-8 years ago, Croatia would now probably be the Davis Cup winner.
Croatia did not achieve this fantastic result thanks to Cilic, but to Gojo, and that is a fact. Cilic really contributed almost nothing to Croatia's entry into the finals, he lost all his key matches.

Dont forget the doubles Mektic and Pavic they had a say in some matches, they could
be relied on to bring home a won. Without Gojo and the doubles Croatia would not have
made it to the final.

Haybe/hopefully Gojo can gain some momentum from this, carry it into 2022 and
climb the ranks into top 100.

[cryptofrka]

Čilić is not a young player, he has 33 years. If he has not found his mental composure until now...well let's just say he does not have much time to do it

He is just a momentum player with great serve and strong ground strokes but there is no plan B to get him out on a day when those strikes are not hitting or when there is a player on the other side able to return his attacks few times in a row.   

He had a great career with the peak coming on US Open 2014, not many players can say that they won the Grand Slam in the era of big four. I believe only he and Wawrinka can boast with the fact that they took Grand Slam in the times when Djoković, Nadal, Federer and Muray were all on top of their careers. He was also finalist in AO and Wimbeldon, RG is only grand slam where he did not get to the final. He also has a silver medal from Olympic games in doubles with Dodig and Davis cup title, so all in all very rounded and full career and I am sure I have missed something.

Yep, I fully agree with this. Čilić had a great career, especially because at the end of the day he is not a world class talent like the other guys who took Grand Slams in the mentioned period. You mentioned Wawrinka and forgot Del Potro - in my opinion one of the most talented players in my 20+ years of watching tennis.

The reason I'm mentioning him now is because I watched live the Davis cup final where Čilić had 2-0 in sets. Čilić was playing great, really did, but when Del Potro got into his zone he was literally untouchable. Čilić did everything to win, he still played at the top of the game, but the difference was so clear to see.

So - all in all - congratulations to Čilić for maintaining his high level of performance throughout the years and for winning a lot of trophies in the most competitive tennis era in history.

[Trofo]

You mentioned Wawrinka and forgot Del Potro - in my opinion one of the most talented players in my 20+ years of watching tennis.

The reason I'm mentioning him now is because I watched live the Davis cup final where Čilić had 2-0 in sets. Čilić was playing great, really did, but when Del Potro got into his zone he was literally untouchable. Čilić did everything to win, he still played at the top of the game, but the difference was so clear to see.

Damn, how did I manage to forget Del Potro, one of my favorite players as well, loads of talent, great ground strokes with immense weight behind his balls but unfortunately always some problems with his wrists.

Of course I watched that Davis cup and I remember it perfectly, one of my biggest betting wins ever. As I said before, Čilić is very predictable and once somebody starts returning his attacks he is finished, looks worse and worse and misses more and more shots. Took Delpo to win in 3rd set, when the tides was starting to turn and got great odds.

[aoluain]

Guys Its been on the sports news all day today, The Australian Open are sticking
to their guns and saying everyone competing has to be COVID vaccinated. We know
how Djokovic was very outspoken about his anti-vaccine thinking, well he is listed as
headlining the event.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal headline the entry list for the 2022 Australian Open,
it was revealed by tournament organisers on Wednesday.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/australian-open-2022-field-released

Has he changed his tune? Has he foregone his previous stance in order to play?

[Yaunfitda]

Guys Its been on the sports news all day today, The Australian Open are sticking
to their guns and saying everyone competing has to be COVID vaccinated. We know
how Djokovic was very outspoken about his anti-vaccine thinking, well he is listed as
headlining the event.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal headline the entry list for the 2022 Australian Open,
it was revealed by tournament organisers on Wednesday.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/australian-open-2022-field-released

Has he changed his tune? Has he foregone his previous stance in order to play?

The question is, did Novak Djokovic take the jab or not? If yes then good for him, but at least he should show proof for tennis media so that we are 100% sure of that and not that the Australian organizers has just given the top seed a favor here because it will not be fair for the other players.

And I'm sure that we are not going to ridicule Djokovic for changing his stance about not taking the vaccine, on the contrary we are going to appreciate what he has done, follow the safety protocols because majority of us has had vaccines.

[Kemarit]

Guys Its been on the sports news all day today, The Australian Open are sticking
to their guns and saying everyone competing has to be COVID vaccinated. We know
how Djokovic was very outspoken about his anti-vaccine thinking, well he is listed as
headlining the event.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal headline the entry list for the 2022 Australian Open,
it was revealed by tournament organisers on Wednesday.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/australian-open-2022-field-released

Has he changed his tune? Has he foregone his previous stance in order to play?

The question is, did Novak Djokovic take the jab or not? If yes then good for him, but at least he should show proof for tennis media so that we are 100% sure of that and not that the Australian organizers has just given the top seed a favor here because it will not be fair for the other players.

And I'm sure that we are not going to ridicule Djokovic for changing his stance about not taking the vaccine, on the contrary we are going to appreciate what he has done, follow the safety protocols because majority of us has had vaccines.

It will totally back fire on the organisers will simply give Djokovic a free pass on their Australian Open.

Just because he is one of the main attractions of the game doesn't mean he is above the law? But yes, I agree that we fans as much as we hate or love Djokovic, will totally appreciate having the vaccine not just because we wants to compete, but that is the norm today. How many those who have died who said that vaccine is no help? And in the last minute totally regret their decision not getting it because they are going to die?

[babygun]

The question is, did Novak Djokovic take the jab or not? If yes then good for him, but at least he should show proof for tennis media so that we are 100% sure of that and not that the Australian organizers has just given the top seed a favor here because it will not be fair for the other players.

And I'm sure that we are not going to ridicule Djokovic for changing his stance about not taking the vaccine, on the contrary we are going to appreciate what he has done, follow the safety protocols because majority of us has had vaccines.

Nobody is above the law, even not Djokovic. So if the Australian Open asks that all players will be vaccinated, than all players will be vaccinated, no exceptions at all. There are already multiple news media that have confirmed that Djokovic will participate so he has taken the vaccine shot.

[Juggy777]

The question is, did Novak Djokovic take the jab or not? If yes then good for him, but at least he should show proof for tennis media so that we are 100% sure of that and not that the Australian organizers has just given the top seed a favor here because it will not be fair for the other players.

And I'm sure that we are not going to ridicule Djokovic for changing his stance about not taking the vaccine, on the contrary we are going to appreciate what he has done, follow the safety protocols because majority of us has had vaccines.

Nobody is above the law, even not Djokovic. So if the Australian Open asks that all players will be vaccinated, than all players will be vaccinated, no exceptions at all. There are already multiple news media that have confirmed that Djokovic will participate so he has taken the vaccine shot.

@babygun until Djokovic says he’s vaccinated I would believe he isn’t, and he hasn’t confirmed if he’ll be playing so it’s a mystery for now. Furthermore media outlets are reporting that he may get special privilege despite not being vaccinated, but for now this is just purely speculative hence we’ll have to wait for the official word on this.

[Jating]

The question is, did Novak Djokovic take the jab or not? If yes then good for him, but at least he should show proof for tennis media so that we are 100% sure of that and not that the Australian organizers has just given the top seed a favor here because it will not be fair for the other players.

And I'm sure that we are not going to ridicule Djokovic for changing his stance about not taking the vaccine, on the contrary we are going to appreciate what he has done, follow the safety protocols because majority of us has had vaccines.

Nobody is above the law, even not Djokovic. So if the Australian Open asks that all players will be vaccinated, than all players will be vaccinated, no exceptions at all. There are already multiple news media that have confirmed that Djokovic will participate so he has taken the vaccine shot.

@babygun until Djokovic says he’s vaccinated I would believe he isn’t, and he hasn’t confirmed if he’ll be playing so it’s a mystery for now. Furthermore media outlets are reporting that he may get special privilege despite not being vaccinated, but for now this is just purely speculative hence we’ll have to wait for the official word on this.

True, Djokovic should at least confirmed that he will play because he has taken the vaccine already.

I can't find any reports though that he has taken the jab, so still, there is some questions about him specially his beliefs about the corona virus and the vaccine itself. I still remember him, insisting "freedom of choice", cry in the media. So maybe he has been vaccinated or not or just simply refused to answer this question.

[Yaunfitda]

The question is, did Novak Djokovic take the jab or not? If yes then good for him, but at least he should show proof for tennis media so that we are 100% sure of that and not that the Australian organizers has just given the top seed a favor here because it will not be fair for the other players.

And I'm sure that we are not going to ridicule Djokovic for changing his stance about not taking the vaccine, on the contrary we are going to appreciate what he has done, follow the safety protocols because majority of us has had vaccines.

Nobody is above the law, even not Djokovic. So if the Australian Open asks that all players will be vaccinated, than all players will be vaccinated, no exceptions at all. There are already multiple news media that have confirmed that Djokovic will participate so he has taken the vaccine shot.

I know but I'm just laying down the scenarios here because Djokovic has insisted in the past that he won't get the vaccine for whatever reasons.

And then he suddenly chance his mind because of AO? Yes AO organizers are asking all players including Djokovic to be vaccinated in order to participate but can Djokovic says that he did take the vaccine already and that is OK for the organizers? So hopefully he can go the public and make an official announcement, just saying.

[aoluain]

I think Djokovic has put himself in a strange position regarding this whole vaccination,
qualified to play thing. IMO the organisers are 100% right to request players to be vaccinated,
and the players have a duty of care towards their peers and staff of any organisation to
remain healthy.

I think he realises that he isnt going to be able to play without the jab, hes probably fighting
it though. If he gets it he wont talk and he will be under pressure from the media to make a
comment, its interesting to see what happens next.

[babygun]

@babygun until Djokovic says he’s vaccinated I would believe he isn’t, and he hasn’t confirmed if he’ll be playing so it’s a mystery for now. Furthermore media outlets are reporting that he may get special privilege despite not being vaccinated, but for now this is just purely speculative hence we’ll have to wait for the official word on this.

True, Djokovic should at least confirmed that he will play because he has taken the vaccine already.

I can't find any reports though that he has taken the jab, so still, there is some questions about him specially his beliefs about the corona virus and the vaccine itself. I still remember him, insisting "freedom of choice", cry in the media. So maybe he has been vaccinated or not or just simply refused to answer this question.

Yeah you guys are also right. Until Djokovic reveals it himself, we (and the media) can only speculate whether he has taken the vaccine shot or not.
On a side note, S. Williams is still injured and will thus not participate in the upcoming Australian Open.

[Kemarit]

I think Djokovic has put himself in a strange position regarding this whole vaccination,
qualified to play thing. IMO the organisers are 100% right to request players to be vaccinated,
and the players have a duty of care towards their peers and staff of any organisation to
remain healthy.

I think he realises that he isnt going to be able to play without the jab, hes probably fighting
it though. If he gets it he wont talk and he will be under pressure from the media to make a
comment, its interesting to see what happens next.

But it's better to reveal if he really took the jab isn't it? So that there will be no ounce of suspicions on his case and instead of being alienated by other players because of his belief about the vaccine and the covid-19 virus, he will be accepted.

So everything will work on his favor him and hopefully it is true that he really take the 2 doses of vaccine to be on the safe side amongst his peers. So yes, it's going to be interesting what Djokovic will say to the media before the start of the Australian Open next year.

[Daniel91]

@babygun until Djokovic says he’s vaccinated I would believe he isn’t, and he hasn’t confirmed if he’ll be playing so it’s a mystery for now. Furthermore media outlets are reporting that he may get special privilege despite not being vaccinated, but for now this is just purely speculative hence we’ll have to wait for the official word on this.

True, Djokovic should at least confirmed that he will play because he has taken the vaccine already.

I can't find any reports though that he has taken the jab, so still, there is some questions about him specially his beliefs about the corona virus and the vaccine itself. I still remember him, insisting "freedom of choice", cry in the media. So maybe he has been vaccinated or not or just simply refused to answer this question.

Yeah you guys are also right. Until Djokovic reveals it himself, we (and the media) can only speculate whether he has taken the vaccine shot or not.
On a side note, S. Williams is still injured and will thus not participate in the upcoming Australian Open.

Djokovic now has a choice, to remain consistent and credible and refuse vaccination, or to trample on his words and perform in Australia out of a desire not to miss the opportunity to win a record number of GS titles.
Which will be more important to him?
Great sporting achievement or remain principled in his attitude about vaccination?
I think I recently read an interview with his father that Djokovic will not give up his beliefs under pressure which might mean that he will not get vaccinated after all.
In any case, we will soon find out what Djokovic decided and whether tennis fame is more important to him or whether he will remain principled in his position on vaccination.

[aoluain]

Thats the thing!

His principals on COVID-19 vaccination, his passion for Tennis and his pursuit of
more Grand Slams, are potentially coming to a breaking point. IMO his principals
on the vaccine out weigh everything else because in order to play he has to be vaccinated.

Indeed according to his father he will stick to his principals.

In theory if this new COVID strain takes more of a hold more and more tournaments
may require all players to be vaccinated which will increase the pressure on Djokovic

[Kemarit]

Thats the thing!

His principals on COVID-19 vaccination, his passion for Tennis and his pursuit of
more Grand Slams, are potentially coming to a breaking point. IMO his principals
on the vaccine out weigh everything else because in order to play he has to be vaccinated.

Indeed according to his father he will stick to his principals.

In theory if this new COVID strain takes more of a hold more and more tournaments
may require all players to be vaccinated which will increase the pressure on Djokovic

So in theory then he won't be entering the Australian Open as he will be sticking on his principle?

But the organizers are saying otherwise, and as far we know, they've confirmed it already that Djokovic will be entering next year.

So we really don't know who is telling the truth but the decision is still on Djokovic whether to pursue another Grand Slam and take the jab or not.