"I suspect he?s beginning to understand that it will be him against Roger and the 20,000 other people in Arthur Ashe stadium."

Ironically, it may be something that spurs him on to try and win. Seems to have worked for him against Andy. (Allez, Rogi!)

(Both Andy and the Djoker seem to have been living and dying by the PR sword these past couple of days.)

Ironic also that Sr. Perez-Barbadillo seems to be having such stunning success with Rafa -- watch him gently deflect the press on questions he doesn't want to answer! -- and such an anarchic circus on his hands with the Djoker. Priorities based on client ranking becoming a little too obvious there, Sr. P-B? Nationalistic loyalty issues? Not terribly concerned about the probability of imminent implosion? Or just a little overscheduled, perhaps?

In any event - thanks for making it interesting.

He tried to back peddle but it was too late. The damage has been done. It's hard to think what he can do now to undo the harm of those remarks which came close on the heels of a number of unfortunate comments he has come out with over the last 8th months. How quickly the mighty can fall.

He had huge support at the outset but, egged on by his parents and the passionately nationalistic Serb communities around the world, his ego and ambition got the better of him.

Now he has a huge mountain to climb if he is to win back public affection. While we can admire his tennis skills, we dont have to like the person he has become. It all seems to stem back to those impersonations. Audiences loved them and, from the number of hits on YouTube, so did hundreds of thousands of other people. However I imagine a lot of players, including those on the receiving end of the take-offs, were not amused at the new boy on the block getting cheap laughs in this way.

I blame the people around him, including his agent and PR team, for not guiding and advising him better. The contrast between how he responded to being in the limelight and how Nadal conducts himself is painfully evident.

He will remain a hero to the Serbs but it remains to be seen how having the tide of public opinion against him will affect his playing. On balance i suspect it will, sadly, ultimately have a negative effect and prevent him from fulfilling the huge potential that he clearly has.

Mara2: I agree with you that he might just harness the crowd hostility to spur himself on. I was postulating this possibility last night after the match elsewhere on this site.

Cheryl: This was a brave piece but wait for the backlash your comments will provoke. I hope TennisTalk will supress the hate mail emanating from the fanatical sector of his fan base.

I blam his paents for giving him this massive ego and letting him say whatever he wants. Has he not seen how many fans Rog and Rafa have and why?? Because they are both gentlemen - has he not heard every single commentator talk about how great Rog and Rafa are for the sport?? At the mo hes becoming the anti rog/rafa and nobody likes it. I try to like the guy I really do, but his parents really bring out his worst (seems like every time they are around he acts like a tosser).

gud article cheryl and i agree with it.

the thing with andy and nole is that they are oth very similar, the diff is that andy comes across as a pretty nice guyand gets on well with the likes of roger etc and has a great respect for other players. djok seems 2 lack this niceness and respect. hopfully itll come one day.

"I blame the people around him, including his agent and PR team, for not guiding and advising him better. The contrast between how he responded to being in the limelight and how Nadal conducts himself is painfully evident."

But that's what's so amusing, Ed.
They have the SAME PRESS REP.

Evidently one client is getting more - or better - attention and advice than the other.

If I were the Djoker's parents, I'd be more focused on *that* than trying to pump up my son to the press myself.

And/or, to be fair, it could also be that one client is *taking* the advice and the other is tuning it out.

That would also seem to be arguably in character.

Cheryl, brave article. For the most part, I've liked Nole, his game and fighting spirit. His younger brothers displayed it as they cheered him on to beat Tsonga at the AO although some didn't like it, saw it as agreesive. I didn't mind it but than I wanted Nole to win. These discussions remind me of something: the behaviour of a very small group of fans of Serb players at the AO the last few years, very disturbing because I like the men and women Serb players for how far they've come. Few years ago, these fans started to clash with others. Last year (07), I was wacthing Ilia (another Serb player I like) play Hass from a very good seat - except it was close to Ilia's fanatic fans. Ilia was losing and a few times when Hass tossed the ball to serve, one in the group would wistle and the rest gigled. A small, insignificant group of some of the best players in the world giving a very bad name to others. These days, there is a very heavy police presence the first few days at AO because of the clashes, nothing like the days when I went as a student (like the joke that global flying has become). After Haas won, I went to watch Chela and Jarko at another ct. Alas, I chose an unfortunate seat again. 3 guys in Argentine colours would cat call to Jarko and tell him to go home as he was receiving serve. What is it with some people? I recall many years ago it was the Swedish fans who started going to the Adelaide hard court warm up tourn in swedish colours and flags to cheer their players, than others followed and continued to the AO. All done in great and pure fun and was a joy to watch and laugh at. It still continues but there are few who spoil it for others. Guys, if you're reading this, I plan to go to AO in 09, please don't show up with your trouble-causing attitude and leave the rest of us to enjoy the tennis!

I should clarify that it's not Nole's recent outbust that reminds me of the fanatic fans. Someone mentioned about losing supporters and that just reminded me of those fans. Not sure I'd call them genuine serb fans because I consider myself quite a big fan of the serb players and find their behaviour insulting to me. Same goes for Chela's fans, couldn't believe it. The serb players were interviewed after the clashes and said they were very disappointed but that didn't seem to get through to the fanatics.

well summed up, guys. It always intrigues me what is really at the deeper core of fanatism - and this cuts across all spheres, not just sport. The reactions, of Nole, his parents, his camp and his fans say more about them than the so-called issues, in this case, the perception of Roddick's jabs at his physical condition. the sad, sad thing that this is always clearer to the on-looker and the targets than those dishing out those actions. Always, at the heart of it all is a feeling of being 'less than', hence the need to react in ways that compensate for that. you see it in sport, politics, business, religion, human relationships, family. Sports particularly brings out the primal, tribal instincts in us, and mashed with the dynamics above, can bring out the worst in human nature. I am guilty myself of being a keep rafa supporter but nothing is ever do or die. Nole and camp should really get some perspective. hopefully that will help tame what comes out of their mouths and body language.

Very cool article, Cheryl. Keep them coming!

Cheryl, you wrote: "Are you telling me that the same person who mocks Nadal and his compulsive tics can?t see the humor in what Roddick said?"

Are you saying that you cannot differentiate between employing light-hearted, entertaining impersonations (which were REQUESTED by the interviewer last year),
and subtly yet vindictively implying that one indulges in gamesmanship by 'faking' injuries, thus calling into question the player's integrity?

I saw absolutely no humour in what Roddick had to say. His remarks about SARS and bird flu were tasteless, and what most people aren't aware of is that Roddick after beating Gonzalez said ON-COURT to the SAME CROWD that "My next opponent is carrying about 16 injuries at the moment." RODDICK is the one who deliberately incited the crowd (hence all the calling-out during Novak's service motion).

Djokovic did not "deliberately" incite the crowd. It is obvious to me that, from the reckless way he made his comments, that he was caught in the moment and this resulted in a spontaneous outburst. He didn't even implicate the crowd! I think his intention was to convey how personally he took Roddick's comments, but being emotionally and physically drained (due to all the pressure he is under, as he himself said) it came out in such a way that the crowd turned on him.

Are you telling me that if you were in Novak's shoes, you would simply be able to shrug off Roddick's 'jokes'? As stated, he would be calling into question your integrity as a sportman, and it seems to me that there is malicious intent behind his words - almost as if he wanted the crowd to get on Djokovic's back during the match so that he (Roddick) would have an easier time of it.

And finally, of course, there are those who actually side with Roddick on this issue, and think that Djokovic is a 'faker'. I will let his words speak for themselves. If you do not believe him, someone who is ALWAYS so painstakingly HONEST and candid, then I conclude that you are only determined to hate him.

Q. ?We can be surprised by your way of playing. One day you?re limping, the other you are not limping. So can you understand that??
Novak Djokovic: ?No, I can?t understand that. The thing is you don?t understand that in the middle of the match, you are trying to get yourself the best as possible. It doesn't mean that if I'm inviting a doctor to the court or physio that I'm dying, you know?
I?m having a problem, with the ankle, okay. I felt the pain in that certain moment, and I just want to make sure everything is all right. That?s all.
I mean, and then the big story comes out of it, and then suddenly I?m a bad guy, you know.?

I think they are BOTH spoiled brat whiny babies. I think Andy egged him and the crowd on. But Novak invited it by being so quick to make fun of other players as in MY FAVORITE, NADAL.

Cheryl,

you are one of the most biased "analysts" when it comes to Djokovic. I've been reading your articles and noticed the pattern of using every single opportunity to advertise against Novak. Poort attitude, I feel sorry for you. You should learn how to be more objective. Hey, how do you learn to be impartial? You try to learn about different cultures, habits and you try not to look at everything through the sterile anglo-saxon prism. You try to learn to differentiate between silly impersonations and integrity attacks. You try to learn that showing emotions is not the sign of weakness. You try to learn that coordinated (powerful) media campaign against one 21 year old talented player and his family is absolutely unfair and unacceptable. You try to learn many other things, so start ASAP, I'm patient and eager to give you a better mark for your articles.

Inanimate OBJECTS are OBJECTIVE. Not people. Posmatrac, you must be a kitchen device then. Maybe a tiny fridge, a shiny pink mixer, a dirty knife?

You should try to become a person. Start ASAP.

I like the start of this article; i was definitely thinking the same thing while watching it live: that it was one of "THOSE" moments. And the point about the agent is right on.

To further the discussion, I think there is a difference between Djoker doing impersonations and Roddick "joking" in his interviews. Djokovic's injury timeouts have been a sensitive subject for a long, long time and everyone--including Roddick--knows that. A few mannerisms that Nadal and Sharapova do on the court are harmless matters.

Furthermore, who cares whether or not Roddick was "joking" or not? His comments were out of bounds regardless of whether or not he was being serious. If he was serious, then they were out of bounds for obvious reasons. If he was "joking," then he was making light of an out-of-bounds topic.

Also if you watch his press conference, he was clearly NOT joking around when he said that Djokovic either has 16 injuries or "is the most courageous guy of all time."

IMO they are both at fault in my opinion, and Roddick cannot be let off the hook. Both are punks. Since Roddick has been a huge punk for much longer--and should have lost to Gulbis until he started resorting to intimidation tactics--I am glad his comments backfired on him.

This is the problem with some people who access this website. The moment someone has a different opinion to theirs about their hero, they are either biased or have a poor attitude. Those making these conclusions are of course not in any way biased in their judgement: they are completely impartial, perfect analysists and have a full understanding of other cultures and habits. That is why we live in a perfect world and get along so well!

AR's retort whether in jest or not was designed to be provocative and falls fairly and squarely outside the boundaries of 'fair-play': a concept which appears to have fallen of fashion with many of the players in the cut-throat world of professional tennis.

Those players who still subscribe to and abide by the unwritten rules of good sportsmanship command far more respect from us - regardless of where our allegiance lies.

ND and RN may share the same agent but Nadal has the inimitable uncle Toni, who's never far away, guiding him. Djokovic has his parents. You only have to study their faces during and at the end of matches to see where the fault lies.

mara2: to go back to your earlier post, you have a point. The % of Nadal's pot yields more than that of his other client. But I stand by my theory it is the influence of Toni Nadal which makes the difference.

tenstar no one is stopping you from sharing your opinios..but do you personally know the players you speak about?..why cant we dicuss about a match or something instead of drawing character-sketches..for instance when you called federer arrogant it absolutely was not related to what was being discussed..and you provoke people to come up and call you and others like you biased...wht do you know about federer to call him arrogant.?ok..fine you called him once..tht was enough..ive seen you calling him tht many times..and thts ridiculous..you end up hurting those who support him..have we said anything wrong about your fav player..he's not perfect..let me tell you tht just incase you dont know.. same goes with those calling djokovic all sorts of things..wht do we know about him? maybe his problems were genuine..and wht he said with respect to andy's jokes was wht he felt..he was injured..and i think people should be a little more sensitive towards him..

I rest my case.

tenstar: Go back to Cheryl's piece 'The Sore Throat'. It makes fascinating reading in the light of what has happened since. She knows her stuff and is a v.g. journalist - I love her style of writing and insights.

BTW, which of you lot was it who took me to task for referring to Andy's winning shots?

ed: you?re right, fascinating. My comment wasn't in defence of Cheryl's content but her right to opinion/interpretation. It was in response to posmatrac's interesting points raised but not elaborated upon and sidelined by attack on the writer. This is not to attack posmatrac, who I was hoping would return to provide insights into their culture to understand Nole's actions.
The threads suggest that many feel both were at fault. Nole's problem is his history of retiring which influences people's opinions when it comes to calling the trainer. The post match comments...well, they didn't help. Roddick, as RD points out, is a punk who played on the Robredo match incident, which subsequently backfired. But both appear to have realised their mistakes, whatever they were. One apologised, the other?well, it was a joke?

To all of you, tennis 'experts', live him alone, if you don't have anything else to do but the telling the ugly stories, Novak is our king and you can say whatever you want, but he's the best and he'll stay like that, so you can just hate him, nothing else, he does not care about your stupid comments, NOVAK FOREVER!!!

STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER!!!
And! no! drugs! Gordana!

If Andy had not choked, he would have beaten Djokovic. Andy lost 2 sets, won one and was about to win a second one and he choked. They were pretty well even. Next time I am sure Andy will whip him easily.

Will you post on Roger's big win?

HA ha!

Nadi , 9/6/08 12:58 PM: Yes, I would not have said what Djoke said to the NY crowd. I would have handled it privately. That would be the grown up thing to do.
tenstar , 9/7/08 2:01 PM -- my my, what a little temper tantrum, very mature.

Sorry, I misidentified who my comments were intended for, should have gone to: indigo , 9/6/08 2:10 PM
gordana , 9/9/08 3:20 PM

Nole was absolutely right. Shame on Roddick for such a classelss attack on his personality. Robredo "THE cry baby" too. Gosh...

will . i think novak is right some how
roddick went too far in his joking

Truth is stranger than fiction, Djoko retiring for "fatigue" against Roddick at their next meeting, the AO!

I am quite certain Djokovic was suffering from heat exhaustion and probably should thrown in the towel earlier than he did. I suspect he struggled to continue as long as he did because he knew the world would be sniggering if he retired from this match. Roddick was aware of what was going on (and through Djokovic's mind) because he looked genuinely concerned while Nole was getting treatment and must have realised the dilemma Nole was in - i.e. forcing himself to continue at the risk of collapsing for fear of the ridicule a retirement would provoke after their US Open spat about his health.

Federer made a point though when he said something along the lines of 'if you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen'. The trouble is he has cried wolf so often his motives for retiring will always be called into question.

^um...actually Roger didnt say that about Djokovic but about those who abuse the facility of medical time-outs.It wasnt really against Novak. I dont remember his exact words but he was asked the question on general terms .

Hi ed, totally agree with you. I remember that comment by Fed, he was quoted as saying "... if you're not fit enough, just get out of here". Think there's a lot read into med times outs though. Gonzo was reported in one article as having admitted to calling the trainer in Rn 1 to break Hewitt's momentum in the 5th. In another article, he denied having that motive. I can't imagine he'd say a thing like that!

Thanks for the article link you sent in the other blog - can't remember which one now. Enjoyed it! I emailed you a few written on the Rafa-Fed hegemony, no doubt more to come as the journos pile them our way!
Let us know when you've cleared the emails pls. I prefer the B-boiler free zone :)

Here we go again, "media darling" rearing her ugly head again...just swalow it, the guy did not like you, he had good taste in women only!

janhavi: Roger's remarks were made immediately after Nole's AO retirement. He may not have mentioned him by name but it doesn't require too much imagination to work out to whom he was referring.

Roger very specifically talked about Nole and his retirement. "It's not like it hasn't happened before" is what he said.

I think that after his AO experience he will be more prudent in giving public statements, something that can also be learnt from Rafa Nadal.

Those remarks were made because he was asked about medical time-outs specifically.He was talking with reference to what used to happen to him when he was kid ..how, many a times medical time outs would cause him to think too much.How it stopped once he started playing on Centre courts .He then added the sentence you 're talking about .But he also sai,d sometimes something really unfortunate happens so its a tough call.
About Novak-He said that sentence CM quoted in his on-court interview.In his presser he said Novak looked tired or something but he didnt know what the exact problem was.He also gave Andy some credit and said Andy was playing very well and that he pushed Novak to the limits.
Thats what I remember.But I'm sure thats pretty much what the whole thing was.

I'd rather have Roger the way he is than make those so called 'prudent' remarks though. lol...

If only you are right posmatrac...

Totally agree with you Cheryl (and ed271137), Fed definitely did speak about Novak specifically. You can't always blame the pressers for asking, they don't control his tonogue and replies for him.

"It's not like it hasn't happened before" was specifically directed at Nole, despite how some people insist on interpreting it.

"It's happened before," added the three-time Australian Open champion. "It's not the guy that's never given up in his career. He gave up against me in Monaco last year because of a sore throat so those are kind of things you wonder about."
Does this sound like a general stament from Fed about the general problem of medical time outs and retirements?

remi,

remark acknowledged, I should have said "I want to believe that after his AO experience ... ". I can understand that Nole provoked him with his childish statements few times earlier but he has toned it down since, he has matured and learnt the lesson, no good reason for Fed's hostile statements.

thats the on-court interview you're talking about.Not the presser.Besides,the issue has been beaten to death before.Some agree , some dont.Nothing wrong with the statements as far as I am concerned.

if it's been beaten to death and you're tired of it feel free to get loss!

ROFL

I have no issue with what Roger said, it was a fair statement and no different to what other people have been saying about Novak and his retirements. Perhaps next time he will think twice about it. It is an issue. I have no problem with what Andy said at USO, it was a joke and it was a pretty funny one. Then I have no problem with what Novak said, he was entitled to stand up for himself. I don't see why it is such a big drama, it is just people saying what they think. How boring would it be if they all spoke politely, modestly, and uncontroversially without saying what they really think. Nobody would read their interviews. It would suck.

They're trading verbal volleys as though they were of the same age. Wanna know how to react to a childish statement coming out from a kid? Steffi Graf's reaction to Martina Hingis in Wimby 1996.

Steffi reacted by destroying Martina?

Nah, the verbal reaction. She just said, "Martina should know better than that, and she probably will." Hingis was insinuating that Graf was faking a case of dry cough.

Thanks for the info. I loved martina's tennis but her mouth is dirty and the fight she had with serena was classic.

lol i know. She did have a pretty big mouth, but she was an artist. The best artist from Switzerland until Federer arrived.

when she came back everyone is so different but she still managed to beat Sharapova a couple of times. But I saw her match against Clijters and her first serves were attacked like it was a second serve. Oh well. Funny that Serena and Venus still virtually owns everyone right now even when they are not playing their best tennis.

I really miss Kim Clijsters. She was my favorite female player ever. :(

cherylmurray, you're peace of art, started with Nole, has finished with Kim Clijsters, no comment at all, life it's not so easy for you..