Djokovic (24) - Nadal (22) - Federer (20)

[lazzadesilva]

As much as I like current champions, I also like future champions to break down the doors of the current ones and make life difficult for them to retain their positions. Makes tennis far more interesting for an occasional watcher like me than watching a player who is always odds on to win the tournament.

[K]

Luck may be a big factor now.


I thought Djokovic's US Open draw turned out to be gobsmackingly soft: Muller, Zapata, Dere, Gojo, Fritz, Shelton, Medvedev.

Never even heard of the first four, and you'd take the QF & SF oppo any day.


But the opposite could happen. Especially with all the injuries (i.e. dangerous players with low rankings). e.g. imagine at Wimbledon you get Kyrgios and some big-hitter like Raonic first two rounds, and then have to get through Alcaraz and Sinner at the pointy end. It could happen.

[K]

It's "only" Indian Wells, but Djokovic was beaten 64 36 63 by 123rd-ranked lucky loser (replacement for injured player) Luca Nardi.

Nardi became the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic in a grand slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing No.122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.

[Jezza]

^ Could be signs of Djokovic declining, and the new generation are taking over.

[K]

Djokovic:

“I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad.”

“I made some really terrible unforced errors. Just quite defensive tennis, and not much on the ball in the third, and that’s it.”

[Presti35]

C'mon Rafa you've got 2 more French titles left in you.

[K]

Nadal (on Twitter):
“These are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise. Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me.
“And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today.”

[Donny]

What a warrior !!

His record at the French Open is quite unbelievable.

[Jezza]

De Minaur defeated Nadal in straight sets in the 2nd Round of the Barcelona Open.

At least Nadal got through the tournament unscathed. I want to see him play at RG, which might potentially be his final tournament.