Med vs Zverev Fued Erupts

 The rivalry begins.

Australia Open to Djokovic for 2023 - Considers Banning Russians - Sports Minister

Australian Open

At some point, countries that ban athletes based on bad policy should have their events taken from them.  

Punishing Russian citizens for the actions of their country is bad policy.

Med a Novak Fanboy?

 Rafa is not Amused

Glib Journalists on the Russian Ban

 Tennis.com 

From a safe place and distance, Western journalists and politicians virtue signal and glibly demand that Russian players criticize their government risking prison or worse.

Russian Players Banned from Wimbledon - Medvedev

 This is bizarre.  Why blame individuals for the actions of a dictator. 

Banned

Novak back at #1 after Medvedev Loss at Indian Wells

 Novak #1

Indian Wells Draw

 Novak in Draw in same half as Nadal and Medvedev

Medvedev disappointed by the crowds at the AO

It would be better for him if he were more stoic but that doesn't fit the pattern nowadays where fist pumps and emotional outbursts are probably part of the seminar they get from their PR managers to gain notoriety. They can't all be Borg, but I think it would help if they'd try to channel him. As for the crowds, I've been in NY for the day crowds that are reasonably well behaved, but it seems that the night crowds are less contained. I imagine that the partisanship of the AO crowds have the added perception that Medvedev sides with Novak and that would offend their sense of servility to the mandates. 

 

Med needs to channel Novak for dealing with hostile crowds if he can't go with the Borg approach. As for bad crowds, I think screaming when a player serves should get you banned from the stadium.

Mac stirs the pot. Novak is #1 even if Med wins AO

 Mac on AO

Medvedev credits thinking like the DJoker to win his match Today

 Med credits DJoker

Cam Takes down Med

 Indian Wells

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

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

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.