[DigitalOne]

Originally Posted by fhdowntheline

I expected Federer to do it, instead of having the melodrama of a retirement ceremony at the Laver cup.

On that note, there is a new documentary on Amazon Prime called "Federer : Twelve Final Days" recounting the days between his retirement announcement and the Laver cup. A lot of good background footage of the three giants sharing the locker room during the Laver cup and some poignant moments that will make all Federer fans teary-eyed. Good watch for all tennis fans to relive one of the greatest rivalries yet tremendous respect for each other .

[fhdowntheline]

Originally Posted by DigitalOne

On that note, there is a new documentary on Amazon Prime called "Federer : Twelve Final Days" recounting the days between his retirement announcement and the Laver cup.

Yes, I watched it. I am therefore a bit intrigued at how/ why it was all so " staged" if you will. He talks a lot about stress etc. Didn't look very convincing to me frankly. They were all almost in a state of mourning from how it looked like. Yes , you can shed a few tears etc- but you are quitting at a "beyond legit age" in tennis terms, you haven't been at your best a couple of years before, so whats there to feel so sad. Somehow it smacked of brand promotion than an individuals thoughts and feelings. I may be judging a bit too harshly because Fed has been my personal favorite in these last 15 years . He is almost unmatchable in the aesthetic beauty of his playing style and overall fortitude.

[Mik]

Maybe the last time ever, it's Djokovic vs Nadal.
Djokovic leads 30-29 and I dare say, is a favourite on clay for the first time.
Jio Cinema in case you wanna catch it.

[Ananthang]

What a comeback in the second set by Rafa and some volley/ judgement was vintage Rafa, but out classed by Djoker. If Djoker continues to play like, he will pick an Olympic Gold this time.

[bijims]

Originally Posted by Ananthang

What a comeback in the second set by Rafa and some volley/ judgement was vintage Rafa, but out classed by Djoker. If Djoker continues to play like, he will pick an Olympic Gold this time.

The missing piece of gold in Djokovic's long list of championships, the Olympic Gold, he did get a Bronze way back in 2008 if I remember correctly. If he wins the gold he will complete his Career Golden Slam.Only four players have ever done it: Steffi Graf (1988), Andre Agassi (1999), Nadal (2010) and Serena Williams (2012)

[Mik]

The GOAT won't be denied.
He has shown again why he has been able to separate himself from his greatest peers. The first set was dead even with Alcaraz looking more likely to bag it, but in the second set Djoker ramped up his serve and his levels to insurmountable levels and got the better of Alcaraz.
A slower clay surface can be one of the reasons why he turned things around so quickly from Wimbledon, but one thing is for sure. He is not done. Not by a long shot.

[dailydriver]

What a contest this proved to be. Alcarez fought tooth and nail till the end but today belonged to Djoker. The winning moment was too emotional - the feat being achieved in the service of his nation is something that must have moved him a lot.

It is how it is but I do wonder if the result could have been varied had it been a five setter, like in the Grand slams. That both the sets went to the tiebreakers is testament to how close the match was. Best wishes to Alcarez, but huge congratulations to the GOAT.

[libranof1987]

Originally Posted by dailydriver

but today belonged to Djoker

And thus, he achieves the elusive Career Golden Slam.

Only the 5th individual (man or woman) to win so. The first four are Steffi Graff, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.

[fhdowntheline]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

And thus, he achieves the elusive Career Golden Slam.

Only the 5th individual (man or woman) to win so. The first four are Steffi Graff, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.

Steffi is always special because she is a calendar year Golden Slam winner (Jan-Dec)

[ex-innova-guy]

Alcaraz and Djokovic getting knocked out early in the US Open was certainly shocking.

Another trivia:

[NomadSK]

And it's the end of the Golden era, finally the bull will hang up his boots at the end of this season. Replacement would be difficult to get and might take ages!!

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, will retire from tennis at the end of this season.

The 38-year-old will make his final appearance for Spain at November’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.

In a video message released on Thursday, Nadal said: "I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis.

"The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially.

"I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."

Link

[ex-innova-guy]

What a legend! Thank you Rafa for everything.

I feel it was high time that he announced this. As a Rafa fan, it was painful to watch him not play at his very best. The King of Clay had been pushing his body for a long time now, and it’s surprising that he lasted so long with his style of play.

If one is interested to know more about him, do read RAFA: MY STORY.

https://youtu.be/hueKBUWBbiA?si=VA3IHw1JVziMawW4

https://youtu.be/rh03JjIe41o?si=m4LSu80AECz_rxw3

https://youtu.be/Lo99dKbRMsQ?si=Br8sjc0pgkrItYtp

[ABHI_1512]

This picture below sums up everything actually and shows how much Rafa meant to Tennis.



The golden generation of tennis is all but gone except for Djokovic now. It is incredible for Rafa to have achieved so much in his career despite being injured and getting under the surgical knives so many times, over the years. It is because of his resilience and perseverance which kind of also marked his career, that he became the legend that he is. To have won fourteen titles of a single grand slam is an astounding feat. I doubt if anyone can match that up anytime soon. What a player, to have graced the courts of tennis. Salute.

P.S- The picture above is taken from Twitter and copyright stays with the original owner.

[ex-innova-guy]

Originally Posted by ABHI_1512

It is because of his resilience and perseverance which kind of also marked his career, that he became the legend that he is. To have won fourteen titles of a single grand slam is an astounding feat.

The above quote at his favorite tournament, the French Open, sums up his entire career.

Tennis World's Tribute to Rafa










Source