If you watched the final and didn't notice the seemingly endless ball bouncing Novak does before each serve, then you aren't watching. The question is, why?
Novak could train himself out of it. There must be an element of
stress on everyone, including himself, when he does the extended ball
bouncing. The umpire knows he'll get flak for letting him go past time
and will also be hit with flak for inserting himself into the match for
calling him on it. Novak has to worry about getting a warning as well so it raises his tension. Maybe that's the purpose.
The
opponent might be annoyed over it as well, causing anxiety. Maybe if it
was to get in the head of an opponent then it's an understandable ploy
but not good sportsmanship.
I think it's more about
an OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) routine. It's one thing to grab
your rear regularly or line up your drinks like Rafa, that's on his own
time. This directly impacts play.
Other Bad Habits
While we're on the subject of habits that could go, I'd suggest to never hit a ball after the point ends since it cost him a tournament. Either underhand toss the ball or drop them in place and let the ball kids do their job.
Skip the racket abuse altogether. Add a wire cutter in the bag so he can just methodically cut the strings out of the offending frame while on changeover rather than smashing it and torquing his arm and getting fined.
All of these habits have been costly to him.
