Nick has nothing left to prove - talking early retirement

 No, you could say that he's proven himself quite clearly.  As for early retirement, that's a matter of opinion.

Adios Nick until next year - "I have nothing left to prove."

Emma - 1st Billion Dollar British Sports Star?

 Billion Dollar Emma

 First she has to win another major.   This is a hope and may happen, but it's time for her to get to work.

 

 

Novak Djokovic 339+ weeks at #1

I'd like to see Novak finish at least a record 350 weeks for an even number. Then of course there is the Graf record 377 weeks that some mention to downplay Novak's record in the men's category. Maybe he needs to aim for 378, oh why not go for 400.

What Medvedev has to do to get to year end #1

 Year end #1 - what Med has to do to take it from Novak

PTPA membership now at 80%

A good thing for tennis.

PTPA continues growth and will challenge ATP Control

Novak has Heart - "He Really Has a Good Heart," Thiem

 

Novak proves human to many at U.S. Open - When Novak Cried

My view of that moment was that he was frustrated by his body simply not being there as expected leaving him without hope. If you've ever faced such a moment, like when age catches up to you, it can be very hard to accept and feels like betrayal. Real or not, that's what I saw.

 

Disclosure:  I am a tennis fan foremost, and feel that Novak has earned more respect and better treatment than he gets.  Thus, I am a Novak fan.

 

 

 

Thiem - there are three GOATS

 Thiem

 

Nova wins 27 out of 28 matches in historic run for a Calendar Year Grand Slam. Some claim it was a choke.

It's easy for a side line spectator to call falling just short a choke when they have no knowledge of the difficulty involved in this goal.  

Suggestions Novak Choked Absurd

Perspective on the Med win over Novak

 

This tweet from Zemek says it quite well.  Novak had a rough day after a superb year.  Losses happen.

Consider this as well.

If you've ever been jammed into an immediate follow up match by a tournament director while your opponent is rested, you know the issue.  I've had it happen to me twice in my youth.  In Novak's case, it is apparent that previous long matches took their toll that made full recovery in the time available very unlikely.

He was spent at the beginning. His legs looked dead. He tried various changes such as taking the net to make up for it, but to no avail. It wasn't going to be his day. 

 This happens to the best and has over the history of the sport. What I'm amazed at is the level of visceral hatred for Novak and the gloating that he lost. His playing record still indicates that he's one of the best ever and no matter the chatter, he's at least the equal of the other members of the Big 3. 

The Calendar year Grand Slam is a unique measure for men's tennis among many metrics and maybe it's meant to be so rare that only two men will hold it. It allows Laver to stand alone for his two CYGS making his lower numbers in other categories less reliable indicators. We know he was prevented from slam competition during much of his prime when he turned pro as were many other big names. Here is another take on what Med did. ATP Article. 

 I think all of the strategy available to Novak wouldn't have made up for lethargy.  He was below par and not admitting that means you weren't watching.

Novak isn't done for sure.   I expect him to win more events and more slams.   

Should Novak Retire if He wins Tonight?

Yes, a win tonight would confirm his position as the GOAT to many if not most tennis fans.  There are reasons to continue forward.  First, Novak doesn't seem motivated by money but for the records and the challenge to be the best.   Walking away now would always leave him and the rest of us wondering what could have been   

Second, to achieve this Grand Slam would give him more power within tennis to help shape the direction of the ATP and other aspects of player representation.  He cares about this based on his past efforts for player representation.

Third, you don't get this far without having a drive within you to keep pushing forward.  It's not like Sampras where he seemed finished and then came back to prove himself, and then retired when he did.  Novak is still at the very top and hasn't been displaced.  I suspect he'll wait for that time.

Finally,  I don't think he'll retire post win, nor do I think he should. Always finish the job. One slam past Fed and Rafa isn't absolute. Rafa is like a movie character that always comes back to life. Don't turn your back on him when he's on the ground face down. It means nothing.

Big 3 era is over

 It appears so.

Big 3 Over in Tennis

Novak Winning Record in Top 10 Men's Tennis

He's covering every category that anti-Novak GOAT deniers might try to use. They may not be any left except most popular, best hair, or biggest abs. His overall winning records stand alone. If he takes the final and wins the Calendar year Grand Slam, it's over unless Fed or Rafa can get back out there and extend their runs, not likely. Meanwhile, Nole has some years left to extend his run.