Djokovic Year in Review, Nadal Comeback News & Training | Three Ep. 145

Novak Djokovic recently finished an incredible year, reaching all four major finals and winning three of them. What were the highlights? How does it compare with other great Novak efforts? Join Gill, Amy, and Joel as they dig into these questions, all on the latest edition of "Three -- The Tennis Show." This episode also provides an update on Rafael Nadal's return to action.
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Three is a show about Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. These competitively dominant tennis icons have been a lifeline to millions of fans around the world. We look to tell their stories through discussions of tennis history, tactics, psychology, technique and more.
California-based Joel Drucker has been writing about tennis for nearly 40 years, his work appearing in such outlets as Tennis Channel, Tennis.com, Racquet and a host of general interest media, including the New York Times, HBO, CBS, Cigar Aficionado, Men's Journal and People Magazine. Author of the book, "Jimmy Connors Saved My Life," Joel is also a historian-at-large for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Amy Lundy is a reporter whose work has been featured on ESPN, CNN and The Golf Channel. She is Director of Films at The Tennis Congress.
Gill Gross is the host of Monday Match Analysis. His weekly KZbin show, which analyzes ATP matches and news, has amassed over 5,000 subscribers.
Music: Big Bird's Date Night by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: www.twinmusicom...

[@EetsBack]

I’m really glad that you covered so much of Djokovic’s year. No matter what the ATP says, he is the player of the year.

[@markonikolic2243]

Novak is the undisputed GOAT. Can't wait for next season.

[@TopEveryThing-yi3py]

True There is not even a debate left to do

[@tpconferidomarasigan]

Totally agree

[@matthewdsouza8891]

Always be a debate. Can't compare era's. Having said that, Pistol Pete is the greatest.

[@sonicmoj1]

Novak is insane. He plays a dead rubber as if it's a GS final. Last year he won the first two matches of ATP finals and could have coasted and lost against Meddy in the third match but he went 3+hrs just to show Meddy that he can still beat him and sent a message. That is what you can't teach to an athlete. His drive -- you can't turn this guy off in certain situations. Crazy!

[@ngocnguyen-nt8bp]

He sure is…the goat was on fire in 2023. The revenge tour is now completed. Can’t waif for 2024 season to start!!! Idemo!!!!👍👏🔥💪🇷🇸

[@Summon256]

@@ngocnguyen-nt8bp Well not yet, for 2023 and how it unfolded - yes! But it won't be 100% completed until he wins Wimbledon and Olympic Gold back-to-back next year, which fingers crossed he will, but my point is there is still some unfinished bussiness left and things to prove even after everything he has achieved this year alone! Here's hoping for another multi-slam season (likely final one though) with olympic gold in Paris to boot! Everything else including title in Monte-Carlo for triole golden masters is secondary!…

[@Summon256]

@@ngocnguyen-nt8bp Not expecting him to end next year as #1 though, i will welcome it if he somehow manages it, but i'm not banking on it, just like i'm not banking on him winning all 4 majors, that is crazy for his age, this year will likely go down in history as the closest he has ever been in doing it (since he was only one set away in Wimbledon final, yes nobody knows what would have happened at the USO and whether he would be able to do what he did during NA august-september swing, but that's beyond the point...), i don't think he will come close in 2024 i totally expect quarter or semi-final defeat at the french open next year and something similar at the USO too, but i do think however that he is more than capable of winning AO-Wimb combo next year again! If he wins 2 slams, any 1 masters and the olympics title even with 4 titles in a season like that i will consider it a great year for Novak! And at that point he will only be 1 title behind Federer with 102 titles and will obviously pull ahead in 2025...

[@ngocnguyen-nt8bp]

@@Summon256if he wins Australian open ,Wimbledon , Olympic gold plus one or two masters next year that would be an amazing season in my book. To duplicate what he had achieved this year is very unlikely.

[@Xunxunism]

What is the most amazing about Novak Djokovic is he won all the matches that come with a revenge element.

[@guruk]

Expected a 2 slam year considering what happened in 2022. But didnt expect that THE GOAT would channelize that BS to propel himself to win 3 GS + 2 masters + tour finals at 36 yrs. 👏

[@danmalic6688]

8.3K subscribers only....i cannot get over it. With thousands of "serious" players and fans around the world, who speak at least modest english, who would like and need to improve their tennis skills, there is so much to learn from this site with simple, to the point gold nuggets given by three of you. I am in my eighties and have been blessed to have seen all the great ones from Sedgman, McKay, Drobny to the Big Three. How much better a tennis player, I would have been had there been a program such as yours available. But, all I can say is THANK YOU for teaching me how to enjoy more this great sport . I started with a plywood racket and a rubber ball in 1946 and my love of tennis has not subsided. If anything it has increased thanks to your easy to understand comments, which, I repeat, would have helped me to play and enjoy tennis even more during my lifetime. Thanks and greetings from Serbia.......incidentally I was so happy when Gill mentioned, that there are a lot of people in Serbia following your program.🎾

[@scottsmith6602]

I agree. I download every upload. I enjoy these talks so very much

[@tracystevenpeal5005]

I agree with Gil’s point that great champions, already at the top of the mountain, will find any slight (real or imagined) as motivation. As an ultimate competitor, Novak (like all older champions in every sport), remain competitive for the intrinsic love of sport, winning and the daily tinkering in the lab

[@KhaledEzzeldin-pl9ee]

In my opinion the improvements of Novak in terms of serve, volley and forehand could have not happened at an earlier age It is the cumulative experience across the years that helps getting this kind of additional improvement in an easier fashion It will be interesting what can he add next year

[@sciagurrato1831]

Gil is completely convincing in his argument on Novak’s straight win in all three major wins and the year end final. Gil’s interpretation of the nuance of Rafa’s statement is, imho, also likely to be prescient.

[@tasaneewantanakul8382]

We're so proud of our champions novak Djokovic👑❤

[@enigmaparadox987]

A poem for Djokovic fans: 2023: Year of Reckoning Just one short year ago, the corrupt governments Barred you from play, Melbourne and New York Conjured outrageous rules to keep you out. But like a lion in wait, you let your tennis shout. 2022 became fuel for your fire Your motivation and desire to prove the naysayers wrong 2023 became your year of revenge, the season your song They accused you of feigning injury yet again But you held your chin up, you played through the pain You triumphed in Melbourne, Paris twice and New York. Let’s not forget you conquered Adelaide, Cinci and Torino on your fork. You devoured the competition time and time again. Your fight, your spirit, your resilience never waned. Novak, congrats champ, your tennis is sublime! All the haters can say is that passion is your crime You keep defying logic, age, the young gen and time Putting your stamp on history, you keep extending your prime The establishment, the media always lie in wait, with their bait, To tear you down, to sully your rep, to alter your fate They say you’ll never be like Rafa or Fed Good riddance, let’s put that quip to bed. No matter how hard the critics beguile, lie and whine You always have an answer or a backhand down the line Tennis media will try to disrupt you and undermine But your tennis talks louder, your personality outshines Crowds will continue to snarl and cry, “Go away!” But you keep showing up, saying, “I’m here to stay!” They will try to throw you in the muck and grime But when you fall, you always get up and climb In many ways you stand alone Marching to your own beat and tone Your tennis is phenomenal, you rarely leave the zone Novak the record breaker, your weeks at No. 1 have grown. It’s an honour to be your fan, can I call you a friend? 2023 was the Year of Reckoning, so many foes to fend. But you did it with class, blood, sweat and tears, 3 Slams, 7 titles, 12 tournies, you erased those fears That you’re too old, too tired, a thorn in their side You play with focus, fire, for country and pride You help lower ranked players, a heart of gold, Never veering from your principles, they can’t be sold. Novak you’re not perfect, but your imperfections make you real Your tennis is inspiring, you’re genuine, and you feel Loved by family, friends and Nolefam by your side Never shying from the truth, we’re always along for the ride.

[@ngocnguyen-nt8bp]

Well done!!! Love it!!!👏👍

[@guruk]

👏

[@jms3261]

Wow!!! Well done. Thanks for sharing

[@Futhi.Johnson]

Wow...I'm moved 👍👍👍

[@godisIdj]

Wow you should write your own book of poems. I'm sure if Djokovic read this, he would put it on a frame and hang it in his living room. Superbly done!!!!

[@vertbeke7977]

Novak is a great champion !! ❤😮

[@earlyates2350]

Tennis is normally the only topic of concern. But I have to say, 52yr old Amy Lundy is absolutely Beautiful!

[@jugoslavnamljidjiu9021]

She is really beutifull ❤

[@kendaddi5857]

Honestly all these talks about Djokovic are just semantics and exercise in vocabulary . He is simply the greatest achiever in tennis of our time. No one comes close to him in achievements. They may be as good as him in skills but fortunately for him he just keeps on winning. It’s the divine factor. No explanation for it. It will take at least 10 years bf we can see another player to compare with Djokovic in terms of achievements in tennis.

[@JB-im5kt]

I’m on board with Gil with his comment about Nadal downplaying his return. I do think it’s to depressurize the expectations. Obviously, Nadal is playing to win but the expectations seem lower this comeback. There’s Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sinner and Meddy all in top form with Rune on the rise with Becker. Going to be a great year of tennis and it’ll be interesting to see how Nadal does.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

nadal is hrt/lng damaged from the pointy; he even says so in his presscon after his IW loss, he was not allowed to say it plainly, but he certainly made his explanation...on point...the foot/ab tear/ hip issues are nothing but cover stories, hes lost a lot of muscle on his arms/legs recently as he cant work out/practice etc like he used to, hes just too damaged.

[@marlenebuls9535]

It is wise of Nadal to downplay things - the young guns will be formidable opponents- all have improved during his absence as has Novak. Things will be difficult for Rafa...

[@matthewdsouza8891]

Always a frisson of excitement when you guys drop a new episode. The in frequency of Three makes it extra special. Happy Christmas to all three of you and thanks for another great year of podcasting. Looking forward to 2024, when hopefully not just Novak, but also Rafa is doing big things in the sport.

[@TuningintotheOne4BLN]

2023 - The year THREE had the BEST vidz and a new set of dynamics - Amy did a podcast from the car, Joel did a new background and Gill revamped the studio! Great stuff as always. For me, Wimby-22, AO-23, RG-23 & Cincy-23, USO-23 + ATP SF & F re-established Novak's motivation & mental fitness to a new level AND reached yet another zenith of GOAT-ness - he beat down Carlos & Yannick in the year-end ATP finals. Amy-tapping Nole's motivation. Joel - loved the 13-ounce racket reference as a Borg Donnay Fiberglass/wood guy. Gill - I think you reached a new level of your own in 2023! Thanx Gill, Joel & Amy. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & wishing you THREE an epic, flowing & wonderously Joyous 2024!!!! 2024 will give us even more! Cheers, Milan p.s. Looking forward to Rafa's phoenix renessaince against Nole, Meddy, Carlitos & Yanick in '24 as well. Really looking fofward to a GREAT '24 full of more!

[@JackBurton3963]

Djokovic’s post match celebration in the AO12 Final would have annoyed Nadal. It was one of the best celebrations of all time and then Djokovic does a watered down version in the Cincinnati Final against Alcaraz. That was a massive compliment to Alcaraz.

[@shobhitkapur1]

Great show, as always. Though I was surprised there was no comment on Djokovic revealing in his 60minutes interview about noticing his opponents across the net, how much they are sweating, how they are communicating with their teams etc. to get more insights.

[@jokelot5221]

Gaining muscle and the pace is the key for Novak. Fitness was the issue throught the season on occasions. Right now, Novak is training hard to gain fitness as well and take it up a notch. Imagine what kind of a monster he could become if he can get back to his 2015 fitness and be this complete mentally and phisically as well. His 2011 weight is here. His power will only increase even more as he builds his legs with his fitness training and keeps that upper body muscle balanced as he did this year. Oh boy, i cant wait to see what we get from Goatkovic in 2024. And the motivation will not be lacking either.

[@alientube1984]

But can you actually bring your 37 year old body to match the fitness of a 25 year old??? I would like to believe so but even thought Novak doesn't believe in limits body would eventually give in... Or would it...🙄

[@jokelot5221]

​@@alientube1984 Anything is possible in life. There is a guy called Devon Larratt in armwrestling, look it up. Maybe you heard of him, great armwrestler. He is actually stronger at 48 than ne was in his twenties or thirties. Waranted, they do take drugs in that sport, but all of them do, so its an even playing ground. And he recently underwent this stem cell threatment and healed up his injuries. Old age prevents sportsman to perform at the top of their physical abilities because of wear and tear, accumulated injuries. But if one can preserve his body, and heal up properly like Novak did, then yes its absolutelly possible to reach similar levels of fitness as when he was younger. He is 36, not exactly an "old man" so its possible. Its all about wear and tear. You have 25 year olds with older bodies than Novak. Depends on one takes cake of the body.

[@colethomas903]

@allientube1984 exactly

[@rasikhalabbee]

@@colethomas903 Can a 36 yr old win all big titles after wimby tho,humiiating best 20 yr old in history in atp finals? If someone told u after wimby,he wins all events after wimby he plays,alcaraz 0,u would call him a hater, also u had nole had not top 3 fav in french this year

[@colethomas903]

@rasikhalabbee stop obsessing over me I was wrong I’m not a hater or perfect u can ask Amy or many other people I don’t hate Novak it’s you that disrespect me 24-7 and can’t get a life

[@christinetenley1768]

Such unique observations in this episode of your podcast. 2023 was a tremendous year on so many levels…for me mental strength (and this skill translates to all professions) stood out and great to hear your impressions for us mere mortals on the outside. Happy holidays!

[@draoicht22]

I'm.notveven a seasoned tennis fan but it's pretty clear than NOVAK is the GOAT.Besides being the greater Champion, he's surpassed the other 2 in every way

[@andrewkwchew]

Novak finding little things to fuel his motivation is what Zlatan Ibrahimovic refers to as "triggers" in his interview with Piers Morgan

[@amorris3185]

Go ahead and enjoy Federer! He can use some sympathy and support right now since its all about Novac right now! Roger thought he had it in the bag, SURPRISE!

[@stjepannikolic5418]

I remember watching video where players are watching tournament draws and hoping to avoid Novak so that they can stay longer in the tournament.. With regards to Alcaraz, he is good player, but immature due to his young age. Unfortunately media put lots of pressure on him which he couldn't handle.

[@ZacharyShahan]

When was that? Never heard of that.

[@colethomas903]

@stkepannikolic5418 LMAO your 😂

[@ramkrishnamurthy4319]

Was surprised such a popular reporter, Jon Wertheim in 60 minutes, didn't now how Djokovic trains for his mental strength? If he had done little bit more research, its pretty much out there as to all the rituals Djokovic does. Wondering now about how he criticized him during the vaccination saga, maybe he wasn't fully informed of those circumstances either

[@goldwolf8517]

Djokovic hold all the records in tennis and federer and nadal not one single😢 only federer hold the record for the most 500s title😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@saki369420]

And Rafa for most RG titles

[@drtash21]

Fed still has most consecutive weeks at no. 1 and currently most WM titles.

[@fedjabogdanovic]

Great show!!

[@edwardkakaire7362]

Amazing analysis as always.. very much enjoyed it! Thanks team. 🎾

[@ramkrishnamurthy4319]

Year end review of Djokovic, without mentioning the goat debate. Even Jon Wertheim declared him as GOAT.

[@danmalic6688]

that is a dead topic......old news

[@D_LEGEND]

There are too many good players around for Rafa to get back to old ways.... let's see

[@katerinadicamella]

I love THREE❤!!

[@aurei7775]

There are many art of war tricks that can be utilized no matter what the circumstance is if it's a major war or if it is a silly competition, real subtle tricks that no one sees or knows about because they're subtle & not flashy. I.e I've always said to myself if I ever played against a hungry young player in anything I would try to prolong the match as much as possible so their caffeien high or w/e is out & they eventually get mentally drained or impatient.

[@anundyingfire]

I think we see how Rafa goes. But I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even get to the end of the year.

[@Smileater]

I’m a Novak fan but I wouldn’t discard a 22 GS champion just because.

[@Boimli]

@@Smileater It's not just because, his body is older than his years. He will retire at RG 2024 imo.

[@anundyingfire]

@@Boimli I have had the same thoughts too. I just don't see really any other conclusion. people thinking he's going to win more slams are insane. he won't even get to another final.

[@paulacostescu1041]

Thanks for the show! Happy holidays!

[@sppecials606]

Rafa carefully choses Brisbane knowing that Djokovic will not play that tournament since he will probably direct his efforts to defend points from Adelaide. It's not likely Novak will play both those tournaments.

[@colethomas903]

@sppecials606 Djokovic is playing United cup

[@sppecials606]

@@colethomas903 he really does?! Wow didn't know that, thanks for reminding me, so they eventual meet!

[@colethomas903]

@sppecials606 Rafa and Djokovic can’t play each other til AO could be R1

[@sppecials606]

@@colethomas903 I hope they meet!

[@colethomas903]

@sppecials606 I expect they have to meet early because Rafa won’t make quarterfinals semis F The farthest I see Rafa going is R4 at best case scenario worst case scenario he’s out R1 or R2

[@goldwolf8517]

Djokovic is THE GOAT😢. I still cry every night in my bed with my pinky pan ties and with my new boyfriend John

[@danmalic6688]

good for you.....

[@allaz.9071]

Idemo Nole! God bless you Champ!❤💯

[@vertbeke7977]

Go Nole !! ❤😮

[@madhukiranattivilli2321]

Where’s this 60 minutes interview? I could get only a 5 mins and a 12 mins videos of his interview on KZbin! Does someone have the link please❓

[@enigmaparadox987]

Ha ha. Gill copies Rafa with his intimidation pre-match rituals. Gotta love it!

[@goldwolf8517]

I always thought nadal is THE GOAT, but now i reconize he is only a claycourter😭😭😭😭😭

[@LeoF30]

😂😂😂😂😂lol

[@vekpavlovic5892]

Welcome back (MIA) and your wrong he's more than a clay courter beats most just hasn't got the other big 3s measure overall on the other surfaces, especially Novak but the last 3years Nadal has been shit outside of clay

[@borisnahalka3027]

I really think that this is going to be Rafa's last year on tour, and maybe/probably not the complete one. movement is an issue, backhand wing seems to be weak, he will get his butt kicked by young guns, and I don't think we will ever see Nadal vs Djokovic match unless it comes in the round 2 or something like that, which would be anticlimactic. all we cane hope for is to see him play a good tennis and compete as he always does. that would be good enough for me.

[@matthewdsouza8891]

My hope is that Rafa stays fit and we don't see him wincing, hobbling and his wife looking crestfallen. Many see it as his last Yr, which I don't like because everyone is like, "could this be Rafa's last match on Chatrier or wherever" Every tournament becomes a big goodbye, which I find a distraction and probably draining for him.

[@unknownplayer3124]

Why you don't talk abut davis cup semi final, which he lost. Sinner played the match of his life there.

[@yanair2091]

Because Davis Cup is de facto the least important event in professional tennis.

[@gurvijaygill328]

First to comment !! Happy holidays my favorite tennis podcasters (if thats a word ) haha 🎉

[@buitho439]

2nd comment, 😅😅😅

[@vegasdoug]

@@buitho439 3rd comment, 😥😥😥

[@anneryan2563]

I would be very surprised in Rafa wins anything this year. Cant see him beating any of the top 5 on any surface.

[@colethomas903]

We talking about practice 😂 I believe it when it’s in a match

[@borisnahalka3027]

about Novak - My sense tells me that AO is going to be crucial for his 2024 season. If he doesn't win it, he is not going to win any (majors). If he does, all options are on the table.

[@move3spaces246]

His hunger for AO will be lower though. If he wins FO he has 4 wins at every slams. If he wins wimby he has most wimbies tied, and US will be most US tied. So essentially he has a lot more to play for at the other slams so don’t be surprised if he wins 2 of those 3

[@davesufci1929]

​​@@move3spaces246I bought tickets for quarterfinal AO night session ... and both male semifinal matches AO 2024.... I dare anybody to stop tennis god Djokovič before!!!!!

[@colethomas903]

@borisnahalka3027 I agree 100% with you

[@move3spaces246]

@@davesufci1929 i hope Novak wins!!💪

[@davesufci1929]

@@move3spaces246 yes!!!!!!!!

[@EetsBack]

1st observation-Joel Drucker is now rucker. Amy Lundy and Gill Gross are no name. Strange.

[@rusty935]

this comment makes 0 sense

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@jillgreenaway9688]

And a mental technique - - -

[@colethomas903]

Then everyone pick Djokovic at Wimbledon pre tournament and pre final I had djokovic pre tournament but pre final I swap because of form I saw

[@rasikhalabbee]

And u had alcaraz pre tourney in french and us,what happened?u had nole 4th fav in rg pre fav

[@colethomas903]

@rasikhalabee get a life clown grow up and act your age u act like your god and your Angel but nobody is perfect and prediction nobody is right 100% of the time

[@jasminafuehrer]

When I saw Nadal jumping around on 60minutes with Nole and him explaining it how was that for him ,that reminded me on of the film with J.C.van Damme when he’s preparing for his final fight and he hears something is banging on the locker room walls,he goes to check and sees his openent banging the concret with his leg like it’s a big boxing Matratze..That would creep me out man!!!!is that how strong your mindset must be. And the second what I want to say I don’t believe that Nadal is coming because he wants to oh poor man end his career or he don’t knows what would be?!He will fight like he use to,just wait and see (I don’t believe him that he is not sure)But anyway thanks about this coverage because I don’t think Novak does not become enough recognition yet,,and this ATP awards were predicilous..

[@amorris3185]

Novac is entitle to loose a match once in a while! we all know he can'tvwin every match! So what just because sinner beat him in the Davis cup does not take away anything from Novac! Sinner has a long way to go to catch up to Novac! Novac can afforf to to loose a match or two!

[@Alex-eu3wd]

The old guy is such a bum. Always just being a contrarian. Really needs to fix his attitude. Also seems to be a major Djokovic hater for no apparent reason.

[@pablobracco9856]

I am sick of this topic

[@4lugan]

Gross: you are wrong. Novak has been challenged . Sinner almost beat him in 2022 Wimbledon. Plus ALcaraz didn’t beat Novak at Wimbledon ‘s 2023 final. Novak was arrogant, vain and egotistical. Look into Novak’s face and mannerisms after he won the first set, he was indeed whimsical and arrogant. Everything went south after that, because he didn’t put enough effort and was arrogant.

[@danmalic6688]

get over it

[@gurvijaygill328]

Novak the weak era bully is maybe a GOAT but Fed is my favorite. Bring it on Nole fanbois

[@guruk]

I understand ur pain. Nolefans have opened Fedal distress rehab camp. i will share further details soon. Pls join 🙏

[@gurvijaygill328]

@@guruk looks like you have already done a few rehab sessions there haha , get me a discount please haha

[@move3spaces246]

Fedal fans brains exploding! Great to see🥳

[@gurvijaygill328]

Come on fanbois you have been pretty well behaved so far , not expecting that from ya brutes 😁

[@jokelot5221]

You got that pretty accurate bud, Novak is the GOAT yes, and he is a bully of your weak champ mr 40:15 and Weakdal. So thats probably why there arent to much backlash from the Goatkovic fans i guess 🤣🤣. Keep coping 👍🖕🤣🤣