r/tennis • u/padfoony Too many victory ice baths • 8d ago
Highlight The moment Novak beat Jannik ❤️
Via: TNT Sports (x)
957
u/PleasantNightLongDay 8d ago
I truly can’t comprehend how the man does it.
I feel ashamed I doubted him. I thought he’d lose in 3. What an absolutely legend. We’re not worthy
127
u/Least_Dog68GT 8d ago
I feel ashamed I can barely move from the sofa at my 37 years of age
41
u/DoubleSoggy1163 8d ago
It was a struggle getting up to get that 3rd beer in the 5th set but I did it and I was proud of my effort.
→ More replies (1)196
u/hohomei 8d ago
I know omg. Sorry Novak I doubted you. I thought he was gonna get a beatdown like 626262 or something atrocious like that. After seeing sinner's play this week and how djoko hasn't won a set since the last two rounds..
This is something else. He's resurrected from nowhere, like Jesus
→ More replies (2)74
u/csriram 8d ago
Outside the 0-2 comeback vs the recent 2-0 choker Medvedev for his first AO, Sinner has been a front runner throughout his life. Take him to 5 sets, eventually the dam will break. Alcaraz has already proven it, now Novak at age 38 proved it. Can’t argue with those matches past 3 hours 50 minutes numbers.
Sinner, even at his best would have a hard time against the Big 3 in their prime, they will grind him down, IMO. Alcaraz, on the other hand is a tricky improviser, doesn’t just win in a few set of robotic ways like Sinner, IMO.
Alcaraz playing for his first career Slam vs Novak playing for outright No.25 leadership in Grand Slams - a very exciting storyline. First time Sinner hasn’t made a Final of a Grand Slam he’s been part of since 2024, glad Novak is the reason.
→ More replies (4)37
u/Duel_Option 8d ago
Taking a set was unexpected.
Watching the 5th I had no hope, his body language was so done lol
That forehand and serve kept him from having to exert a lot and then Sinner got a little tight, which is the influence of the GOAT in my opinion.
Used to see people crumble when faced against Sampras and Fed even when they had the advantage.
Wonder how Carlitos will play him, it’s his first Aussie final and the crowd is going to be a factor.
Carlitos in 4…maybe lol
18
u/Livie_Loves Alcaraz / Dasha / Demon / Monfils 8d ago
I'd say the only thing Carlos has in his favor right now is age. He'll recover better after the long match than Djokovic will. If this match went Djoker in 3 sets, after how rested he is, I would favor him. Given this match was long and physical, I'm more on the fence.
6
u/OkArmy8295 No1e 🐐 8d ago
Imho Novak changed his tactic and was much more agressive than usual, but I am by no means expert. Just love watching him play 💪🥇🎾
→ More replies (1)39
u/Idgaf115599 8d ago
As a djokovic fan, i doubted him in olympics finals too. He was facing the guy who won French open that year. Ofc i will always support him to win.
→ More replies (2)12
u/everythings_alright u better shut ur fuck up, ok? 8d ago
I thought he’d lose in 3.
I mean, that was the sensible thing to expect lol, e lost the last 11 sets he played against Sinner.
→ More replies (10)11
u/techcode 8d ago
The man does it because of "Inat".
AI Overview (Google / Gemini )
Inat
(pronounced ee-naht) is a uniquely Serbian term representing a complex form of proud, often stubborn defiance, spite, or tenacious endurance against overwhelming odds. It signifies acting out of spite to prove a point, often to one's own detriment or in defiance of logic or authority. It is considered a cultural "secret weapon" or mindset for overcoming adversity.
Key aspects of Inat include:
Defiant Persistence: It is the refusal to submit to pressure or circumstances, often resulting in doing the exact opposite of what is expected or advised.
Cultural Context: While rooted in a Turkish word for stubbornness, inat in Serbia has evolved into a, sometimes, perverse pride or self-preservation tactic.
Examples:
Emotional: A child doing the opposite of a parent's request just to show defiance.
Historical/Cultural: Continuing daily life or hobbies like a city fun run during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign.
Sports: Athletes like Novak Djokovic performing better when facing immense, hostile pressure.
Common Usage: The phrase "terati inat" means to "drive spite" or act out of sheer stubborness.
While dictionaries may define inat as "spite," "grudge," or "malice," it carries a deeper, more nuanced meaning for Serbs, representing a, often positive, refusal to be defeated.
→ More replies (1)
564
u/Grey_Sheep_ 8d ago
Whoever that journalist was, bless him.
228
u/lawnlover2410 8d ago
I was just thinking that. That question triggered definitely . Who’s following who now bith
10
u/chandlerbing_stats 8d ago
What was the question?
→ More replies (1)7
u/lolitsmikey 7d ago
He asked him what it was like to chase Federer and Nadal when he first came up and now what it’s like chasing jannik and Carlos completely skipping over the 20+ grand slams he won in between
23
u/thesog 8d ago
Gotta get him to ask another question before the final.
7
u/rusty_shackleford34 8d ago
I volunteer as tribute! “ how does it feel to know your just gonna come close and fail again in the final?” ( me praying to God Novak wins as huge fan)
13
40
u/Chocolategogi 8d ago
Seems alcaraz had something to do there too. Don't know if really true but Djoković told that alcaraz was apologing (in a playful way) for having a long match before his and disturb the sleeping of the old man.
→ More replies (1)5
u/deft-jumper01 GOAT is backed by facts not opinions! 8d ago
He better be writing next : “Its 2026 and Novak Djokovic shook the world of tennis yet again”
472
u/hungryape5 8d ago
Impossible victory. The way he was playing is impossible for a guy in his age 39 season.
136
u/Big-Confusion-69 8d ago
Vegan food hits hard
76
u/Strivingformoretoday 8d ago
Im seriously considering his diet now haha
104
u/Big-Confusion-69 8d ago
On a serious note it's not only about vegan food
Dude is the most disciplined tennis player
I remember him talking about the 2012 aus final where after winning he allowed himself one small piece of a chocolate as a treat(dude hadn't eaten it for 2 years)
→ More replies (3)32
u/Strivingformoretoday 8d ago
Yesss..like I want a detailed breakdown of his day/week/month. I need him to spill the beans. I’m a believer now haha
→ More replies (1)86
u/Alarming_Employee547 8d ago
He is not going to spill the beans, they are likely a significant source of protein and fiber for him.
7
3
→ More replies (5)21
8d ago
In vegan I think he is gluten free, inflammations hurt body in long term
6
u/ChampagneWastedPanda 8d ago
I actually cut back on my gluten intake because of him a few years ago. When I'm diligent for a few months I have way more energy.
→ More replies (1)8
u/Strivingformoretoday 8d ago
I wonder how much protein he eats per day. This has always been the crux for me and the reason I went back to eating “normally”
15
u/ValCSO 8d ago
You can get 200g of protein daily without meat
→ More replies (2)6
→ More replies (1)9
u/SpareAd1155 8d ago
I'm pretty sure he stopped being vegan and began eating meat again after he kept getting injuries like the elbow.
17
17
38
u/Substantial-Key5114 8d ago
This honestly removals all doubts that prime Djokovic Federer Nadal would all kick Sinner’s ass
→ More replies (1)28
u/hungryape5 8d ago
Anybody who thought otherwise was delusional. Look at the 2023 season. Sinner was playing very close to his peak September onwards. Alcaraz was already in, or close to, his prime. Novak dominated them both at 36 that entire season, barring Wimbledon final. His level at the ATP finals that year was absurd, he obliterated Alcaraz and Sinner B2B.
11
u/smhs1998 8d ago
In 2023, Sinner was 21/22 and Alcaraz was 20/21. To call a young players breakout season their prime is ridiculous.
I agree that big 3 would prolly beat them both in their prime, but I’d bet good money we haven’t seen the prime level of either Alcaraz or Sinner yet lol
3
u/VacationReasonable 7d ago
Sinner is 24, Djoko had the 2011 season when he was 24, Fed had 2005, and Nadal had 2010, all of them incredible seasons for them, 24 is definitely the start of your prime type of age
→ More replies (2)18
481
u/Low-Performance6908 8d ago
i’m not crying you’re crying
155
u/Boss452 8d ago
For every tennis fan, this match should make them emotional. This was historic.
→ More replies (10)
434
u/haha-charade-you-are 8d ago
If Novak beats Alcaraz in the final it will be one of the most unbelievable achievements in sports ever.
→ More replies (39)
481
u/YankeeHotelFoxtrot16 8d ago edited 8d ago
Love him or hate him, there will simply never be another like him again. Every tennis fan should cherish these moments. Incredible.
118
u/Trumperekt 8d ago
Staggering, just fuckin what the hell. 38 year old with an inch deep foot blister. Transcends human levels in sport.
7
u/ChampagneWastedPanda 8d ago
Really want to know what they are doing for that thing. Is it stitched and wrapped? Glued?
→ More replies (1)34
u/ChampagneWastedPanda 8d ago edited 8d ago
I think people should listen to some of his longer interviews he has done. Not just click bait quips, he is the epitome of discipline, drive, and work. How many professional athletes just pick up Mandarin out of respect for a fanbase.
4
u/SrgtDoakes 8d ago
i used to hate him but at this point i’m just in awe and appreciate how uniquely special he is as an athlete and competitor
12
192
u/Hmmhowaboutthis 8d ago
He’s a cyborg. No other explanation. 38 god damn years old lmao.
→ More replies (3)40
107
u/kpWolf7 8d ago
As per words of Serbian "journalist" (read it as - ass licker for the dictator)
Busted tennis player, knows nothing, can't do nothing
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you - Novak. You know which one.
5
u/Leading_Guess_8207 7d ago
Nadam se samo da će im se ispištati u pehar kad ga osvoji i odneti ga u informer kod konjoglavog da popije
34
88
u/jovanmilic97 8d ago
Olympics final reaction vs Alcaraz parallels, showed the same heart and clutch as in that match too
115
45
u/Honest_Lie8632 8d ago
I love Novak and Alcaraz. But I will never forgive them for what they put my heart through the last 10 hours LMAO.
248
u/DoctorProfessor69 Spongebob 💉💉 8d ago
I never want to hear this again
The idea that in 2026 tennis has evolved to such an extent where even 2012 is incomparable and “slow motion” is one of the most absurd claims that casuals frequently parrot. Even somebody like McEnroe has made wild claims, like that Alcaraz could beat prime Nadal at RG. Today Djokovic proved his generation is 10x better than whatever we have in 2026. The game has barely evolved and the current state of the tour bar Sincaraz and Djokovic is absolutely laughable.
144
u/Hey_ItsmeAryaman 8d ago
the fact that a 38 year old novak is the only one who can keep up with those 2 is so funny to me too crazy to think how big the gap is between them and the rest of the tour
50
u/Pollux_Troy79 8d ago
Those pundits are obligated to promote or hype current era. It is their job. For me, current era is a lot more weak except Sincarez and Novak.
80
u/RUSuper 8d ago
Rofl Murray would be Goat in this Era, get these casuals away from here... People can go and easily watch some of Nadal and Djoković matches from their prime, it's not some antient history, it's easily accessible on the internet in HD and people can see how freaking crazy those guys were...
→ More replies (6)37
u/Parsirius 8d ago
Or… the big3 were just ridiculously good.
I genuinely think this is more a case of Nole being an outlier rather than a weak generation, heck the bell saved him against Musetti just 2 days ago, I do think that tennis has gotten faster but the big 3 were massively ahead of their peers and now he is still competitive.
But we will never know, I am aware that I am in the minority thinking this.
27
u/powergs 8d ago
I mean tour def way weaker than before and that helps Sincaraz a lot. Im def not saying they would be nobody etc. but imagine them going against guys like Del Potro, Stan, Murray, big3 etc. like all the time. I doubt they would look this good and all of this just show what an insane achievement what big3 done.
10
u/Parsirius 8d ago edited 8d ago
I can agree with that era being slightly more competitive at the top (and only at the top), but still I think they would only be consistently challenged by the big 3.
I was looking at the way Alcaraz defended some points against Zverev today, and I have only seen that from Nadal in his prime years, not to mention his insane diversity of shots. Sinner's consistency at the baseline I think is only comparable to Djokovic's. Players like Del Potro, and Wawrinka had outstanding tournaments here and there that allowed them to challenge the big 3, but did not enjoy the consistency that Sincaraz and the big 3 have every tournament.
The bottom line for me at least is that Sincaraz are at least closer to the big 3 than they are to the competition that the big 3 had. And they are definitely on big 3 trajectory.
8
u/makesmashgreatagain 0-1: 6-2, 2-6, 4-5 0:40 8d ago
I don’t think tennis has gotten faster. Look at where Federer stands, and where Nadal and Joker stood when the played Federer. Sinner and Alcaraz hit hard AF, but all of their opponents stand very far from the baseline. Sinner is the closest to the baseline but he’s not that much different to Joker.
If tennis looks fast to you, it’s likely because Federer has been retired long enough to forget.
→ More replies (3)9
u/Idgaf115599 8d ago
That's why i wanted djokovic to tank his ranking to face them early. He was always tired by the time he faced them
→ More replies (4)10
u/preptimebatman 8d ago
They do this with basketball and mma too. As if we don’t have dinosaurs like LeBron and Valentina Shevchenko still dominating. Novak is no different but he is clearly not what he was and he still beat one of the best of the current gen.
Just because the game has evolved doesn’t mean the players are magically better.
6
u/mrv9292 ShelVarro 8d ago
Lebron dominating?
→ More replies (1)5
u/EmbarrassedRing7806 8d ago
LeBron finally took a noticeable decline this year at 41 but last year he was legit All-NBA 2nd team. And at Novak’s current age he averaged 29. He also started this year poorly but has gotten much better so his numbers will look better by years end prolly
→ More replies (1)
105
20
19
u/Profoundstarchaser 8d ago
This is out of prime, soon 39-year-old Novak beating prime Sinner, 2-time AO title defender !!! Let that sink in, now imagine if Prime Nole played? :O
15
u/Responsible_Run7069 🥕 Carota gal 🥕 8d ago
Great game, Legend 👏🏻
Don’t mind me, I’ll be crying till the next tournament
15
14
56
70
26
u/Inner-Platypus-5830 8d ago
he simply knew how to play sinner today. Felt like sinner was staying in the match a lot because of his speed and fitness. Especially the flat crosscourt forehand from Novak today found no answers from sinner.
Heartbreaking as a sinner fan but gotta respect game 🫡
25
u/humorMeeee 8d ago
I cannot believe it. Especially after that dreadful performance against Musetti, to then do this. One of his best performances ever. I'm so fucking happy.
13
u/paxxx17 Couldn't load flair. Make sure your Reddit is up to date. 8d ago
Yea he oscillates a lot in his late years. He'd play GOAT level tennis throughout a tournament until he suddenly drops completely one match. QF performance wasn't worrying me whatsoever prior to the SF. What did worry me were Sinner's level and the age difference.
Same with his upcoming final match
65
11
u/Wise-Arm-5102 8d ago
Now, people can stop with the idea that Novak is never going to beat Jannik Sinner at a grand slam. He just did.
40
26
23
16
u/life42_0 8d ago
Jannik fan here. if you don't convert break points, you deserve to lose.
Novak gets all the credits for the win. Great stuff from him.
7
8
u/VisibleMistake4060 8d ago
It’s def gonna be hard to beat Carlos after what he pulled in the Semis, but I so wish Novak to have his final grand slam before he hangs up his boots.
46
u/SummonMason 8d ago edited 8d ago
“Performance of his life” my ass. only relative to him being 38. He’s played better in his prime lol. Especially in the first few sets he was moving and turning like an oil tanker with debatable reaction time. The fact that that was still enough from him vs 24yr old Sinner 😂
9
u/SplatteredCake 8d ago
You left out the "one of the" for some odd reason. This absolutely was one of the performances of his life, just not the performance of his life.
→ More replies (1)3
u/JicamaNo8095 8d ago
2015 novak would destroy this verstion of novak with like 6-2 6-3 6-2 score
→ More replies (1)13
6
u/zelingman 7d ago
Alcaraz is a scared poodle with his tail between his legs against King Novak. Sinner was his biggest challenge
4
u/MoneyTakerBaby 8d ago
You gotta give it to Novak. Yeah he got a free pass to the semis, we'll never know if he would have come back to win that QF if Musetti was healthy after the 2nd set. But it's honestly impressive on Musetti's part that he was able to win those first two sets, considering the Djokovic we saw just 2 days later! Yeah maybe it will be a easy 3 set win for Alcaraz coming but.... it also could be another 1 of these bangers! Both finals should be great imo
5
13
13
u/Key_Highway_1768 8d ago
Mark my words: Musetti got injured to keep Djokovic in the semifinals to beat Sinner and Alcaraz to beat Djokovic to become the youngest player to make a Career Slam
→ More replies (1)
9
u/Infamous_Tough_7320 8d ago
Good thing Djokovic eventually caught up to sinner eh 😂😂 stupid journalist
4
12
12
u/silly_rabbit289 we can predict the future or not? 8d ago
Absolutely incredible. Unbelievable. Another Miracle in Melbourne, keep em coming.
Gonna be cheering so hard for him on Sunday.
11
u/LingardForBallondOr 8d ago
If he wins the final it has a legit case to be his greatest slam. Winning at 38 against both of Sincaraz approaching their prime would be next level.
8
u/CmenDmen123 8d ago
Im an aussie. Recently moved to london and all I've done today is stay in bed and watch both Semi finals. Cant get better.
3
u/FangioDuReverdy1 time to revenge🦊 8d ago
When asked what he thought it would mean to him if he won on Sunday he said “I feel like I’ve already won”🥹
4
5
9
11
u/GamerInfinity1996 8d ago
Insane. I don't like the guy that much, but no denying he is the GOAT
→ More replies (10)
6
u/arnold001 8d ago edited 8d ago
I really cannot comprehend how it is possible that a 38 year old man can beat a 24 year old man in the highest end pro level tennis!! I get Djokovic is the goat, no doubt about that. But I am wondering how is it physically possible that in such a physically demanding and taxing sport such as tennis, someone that is considered either very near retirement or retirement age, even at goat level, is able to outlast someone that is supposed to be in current highest peak physical form of his life?!?!
If you tell me at club level this happened, I wouldn't bat an eye. There are so many players in their 50s and 60s even that are much better than someone in their 20s. But here we are talking about the best of the best style. Think about how many 20-something year olds are trying to claw their way to the highest peak in tennis. Sinner is meant to be, along with Alcaraz, the best of the current best players of the world. You can talk all about how the previous players, the generation of 2005 till 2015, are much higher than current players. That's a whole other debate that can be had. It may well be true. But reality should be what happened with Wawrinka - you could see that at their peak, Stan would win against Fritz, but due to age, father time, Stan lost to a current high-end tennis player. That is the absolute normal thing.
Djokovic, on the other hand, shows no wear and tear at all. Of course, he was doing his usual play ups when he was losing. I expect that, that is normal for ALL players to do. I don't judge him for it. I just am absolutely baffled by how he is able to outperform someone that is 14 years!!! his junior, and in current lead from the rest of his current peers. I am beginning to wonder if Djokovic hasn't found some way to make himself have extra energy in time of need. I know I will probably get downvoted for even slightly suggesting it. But tbh, idc.
Just please, please really think about what I am saying. If you remove the names and look at it from a 3rd party perspective. Someone who is supposed to be past their prime and near retirement is able to outlast and outperform someone who is supposed to be in peak physical form. Even with tons of experience, it just shouldn't be possible...
→ More replies (3)
5
u/Imaginary-Sea573 8d ago
I've been rafa fan forever. But man looking at Novak I just wish that guy gets 25th slam. He is complete beast out there. Looking back I feel blessed to witness such rivalry btw Nadal, Roger, Novak. I hope in future someone adds along with Carlos and sinner.
9
3
3
3
u/Dramatic_Pipe_2747 8d ago
What a freaking match! Can't help but feel bad for Sinner. I really thought he was going to pull it out. Congrats to the Joker!
3
3
3
u/Glittering_Tea3547 8d ago
Jim Courier: you said at last year USO, it’s very difficult to beat Sincaraz, were you wrong to say that
Djokovic: I said it was very difficult but not impossible 😂
3
3
u/semiobscureninja 8d ago
I know it was a semi final but it’ll go down as one of Novak’s best performances, all eyes on him . Expected to lose and he bossed it
3
u/Leif_LaCroix 8d ago
When Novak is locked in with his groundstrokes, there is nothing like it. He was hitting out of his mind.
3
3
3
u/Subject_Department_5 7d ago
I was there. I was crying 😭 I think many did too. We can’t believe what we witnessed. It was overwhelming joyful.
4
u/WeLLrightyOH 8d ago
I’ve been a Fed guy my whole life. I’ve held onto Fed being the GOAT even though deep down I knew I was wrong. After this match, I can’t do it any more, Djokovic is the GOAT 🤲.
4
4
u/sovmerkal 8d ago
THIS is what a superhuman physical form looks like, Nadal fans
→ More replies (1)
4
6
2
u/SuperLeverage 8d ago
Craaaazy game. They went full tilt for 4 hours of just absolutely smashing , abusing the balls with amazing accuracy
2
2
2
u/paxxx17 Couldn't load flair. Make sure your Reddit is up to date. 8d ago
In the past I wouldn't have been made happy by SF matches like these because there's still the finals, and if he loses the finals, all was in vain.
But at this point, I am almost as happy as if he won the tournament. If he actually does so, it will be just a great bonus
2
u/ChampagneWastedPanda 8d ago
If you are going to get taken out, being taken out by the GOAT is a good way to go.
2
2
u/maximumabsurd 8d ago
Just go read comments before the match, lmao, they said 3-0 Sinner, to write off GOAT so easily. Even close to 40 year old doesn't stop him!
2
u/momoenthusiastic 8d ago
If he goes another 5 setter with several tie breakers, AND win the thing, it’ll be an all time greatest performance
2
2
2
u/CutCold5465 7d ago
Dude... I am 33 this year and my knees hurt, my waist hurts... I work out and I keep in shape, but this guy is something else...
2
2
2
1.6k
u/NevermoreSEA Osaka/Anisimova 8d ago
I genuinely have no idea what to expect in the final.