Will Djokovic Focus on Clay Next Year? | Mailbag

[@davesufci1929]

I wish western media would be So unbiased towards to Djokovič as big journalist Gill Gross. 🎉🎉🎉 All hail to big GROSS!

[@richmlvcable]

Novak's achievements are even more incredible given he is managing to do them in the face of constant negativity, unfair media bias and derision... 0:56

[@greenrighthand]

Ć

[@vukforest223]

@@greenrighthand🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@joshforde698]

Interesting to see how the story around Alcaraz has changed since Wimbledon, from "has he taken over from Djokovic" to "can he close the gap on Djokovic" in half a year.

[@黃日恆-l1n]

Personally I don’t think anything changed. The biggest difference now between Nole and his young competitors is consistency and the ability to control the ball, which appeared significantly on the indoor hardcourt. However, the gap is way much smaller on other circumstances (especially with Alcaraz). I don’t think Nole has an obvious lead to Alcaraz on clay. They have their own advantages and no one is guaranteed to beat the other on clay court.

[@mireafelder8194]

Alcaraz is still a 20 years old kid. You even realize Djokovic at Alcaraz current age didn't even win his first Grand Slam title yet?

[@iyesomiimomoh1091]

​@@黃日恆-l1n😮

[@SJ-di5zu]

Anyone with a level-head and objective analysis knew he never took over from Djokovic. Djokovic won AO and RG, then made the Wimbledon final where Alcaraz beat him. Slam count for 2023 was 2-1 in favor of Novak and he was still #1. We all knew Alcaraz needed to do more before becoming the dominant force.

[@IvanRandomDude]

Story changes as new informations appear? Shocker!

[@abishekramesh1430]

Hey Gill I think you’re maybe underrating 2015 djokovic a good amount. He dominated the tour and this was also the year Federer dominated the tour in the summer as well but Djokovic beat him in Wimbledon and us open finals back to back. He also played a prime Andy Murray as well. The only issue being that he beat up an out of form Nadal but I think outside of that it was the same competition the big 3 had faced for a while and he just elevated above everyone that year

[@marekwichniarek268]

Good points. Federer was insanly good in 2015 from Wimbledon to US Open. Murray was at his best/close to his best, Wawrinka was at his best in the French final.

[@fabiocaetanofigueiredo1353]

Plain and simple, the best tennis analysis one can find - every time

[@bomberoflamenco]

I enjoyed the year sooo much and learned a ton!!! I am sooooo grateful for your work and energy! I hope you will continue.

[@sorana6831]

You're doing a terrific job. Keep it going, and thanks a lot! Tennis would not be the same without our insights and fair comments.!

[@stefans8885]

Great video Gill! Thanks for the awesome content as always

[@AdaobiEbirim]

Our tennis community is small but Gill brings us all together.

[@shoaibimdad]

First comment, Gill gross is a legend of tennis expertise. Views are deep and analyzed to precision

[@malekat8539]

I can't take your comment seriously with your "first comment" tomfoolery

[@interestingvideos2963]

The gap between Joker and Alcaraz is widening, Djokovic has been learning how to play Alcaraz and the advantage has shifted his way. The more times he played someone the better he plays against them,.

[@alexhunter7978]

Too early to say. It'll be interesting to see if there is still a gap on grass and clay, as the problems for alcaraz remerged after wimbledon (FO it was probably alcarazs match if no cramp and Wimbledon very impressive). Hard court seems like djokovics GOAT level I think was always gonna be a bit to much for alcaraz eventually.

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

We'll see about that. Inevitably Alcaraz will get better and Đoković will decline at some point.

[@interestingvideos2963]

@@domagojhrgovic7419 When Tsitsipas and Zverev came they gave Joker a lot more trouble, now the gap is bigger in favour of Joker. Same might happen to Alkaraz and Sinner over the next two years. Lets see

[@alexhunter7978]

@@interestingvideos2963 I hope not. Tennis will be broken otherwise.

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

@@interestingvideos2963 Alcaraz beat Đoković in Wimbledon final. You can't give him any more trouble than that. And the boy is only 20, mentally strong and mature. He is a level above Zverev or Tsitsipas.

[@gabrielelazzati5871]

It's one of the best tennis analyses out there, well done Gill! In light of the last Davis Cup match played against Novak it's safe to say that Jannik's potential was underdeveloped until recently. It looks like Novak is pushing both Carlos and Jannik into the next level, similarly to what Roger had done in the past with Rafa and Novak. What has impressed me the most of Jannik was the mental fortitude that he has shown in the past few moths. I still think that phisically Jannik has a big margin of improvement while Carlos has reached already his full potential. 2024 could be the year where the nextgen, combined, will start beating constantly Novak specifically if he has to go through both of them in the same tournament, like at Wibledon this year.

[@craigtimmons6907]

So well earned GG! You’re the best Hope next year is better still

[@antonimorom]

Hey Gill, enjoy a lot your content! I was missing such deep tennis analysis on KZbin. Keep the good work! Greetings from Germany

[@zackmayo7219]

Aus welcher Ecke kommst Du? Herzliche Grüße

[@kevinle5460]

Thanks for the awesome content

[@黃日恆-l1n]

Hi Gill, Can you do a match analysis between Djokovic vs Sinner in the Davis cup? Another great battle between two of the best players in the world!

[@got2bjosh]

You mean the two matches where Sinner avenged his Turin loss by holding serve against the odds.

[@Jalleur14325]

Such a good match. I had to leave it half way through the 3rd. I came back and saw that the doubles was programmed, which made me suspicious that sinner had won but I didn't dare believe it until I saw it myself. I did sense though, that sinner would bring a formidable amount of determination. Perhaps that's what made the difference. That and the immense positivity from the Italian team. The Serbs seemed too wired.

[@got2bjosh]

@@Jalleur14325 The 3rd set was the best part! The 11th game at 5 all was insane. Down 0-40, after Sinner saved three match points, Nohope was SHOOK. Then he started clock running which only robbed his serve proper momentum. What followed were faults & return errors. For the first time in the set, Sinner held with ease. When You-Know-Who retires, it’ll be because the next gen pushed him out!

[@tonitomate9508]

Luv to watch all ur shows 👍 amazing and fair analysis of matches, big 3 Show always fantastic, mailbag always informative .. keep going 👌💪👍😊❤️

[@UltraInstinctGoku69]

Djokovic used to care way more about clay in the past,i mean he is the person who has the most clay wins against Nadal,but it feels like he is scared of injuries that can happen when playing on clay

[@Zumky45367]

YUP , DEFFINATELY HOMIE .

[@eldarmata8614]

At 35 (and this is just my opinion) I feel like I could get hurt more in hard court than in clay. I don’t know if this is true for everyone but for me I feel like hard court has been less forgiving to my knees than clay.

[@SJ-di5zu]

Huh? He’s won 2 RG titles in the last three years, compared to only 1 in the first 15 years of his career. Djokovic focuses on clay, he just happens to be out of form for Monte Carlo most years. This year was the same; he played fine by Rome, lost to Rune, then won RG

[@MrRoshwan]

Good stuff. Keep going 💪

[@Whatreally123]

It is incredible that we are having a debate on whether fit and young players can pose a lasting challenge to a 37 year old. Such is the incredible talent, fitness and domination of the GOAT.

[@alexjohnson8259]

happy thanksgiving gill

[@Lee-kn4fy]

Hey Gill I’m relatively new to watching tennis and am still tryna learn everyday about the game. I love rewatching old matches to see the difference in generations. Could you make 3 matches that you love (for whatever reason) for me to rewatch. Ps love the channel.

[@GillGross]

Sampras-Agassi US Open 2001 Ferrer-Murray Miami 2013 Verdasco-Nadal AO 2009

[@marekwichniarek268]

You can add Djokovic-Wawrinka 2013AO

[@lawdogwales5921]

Djokovic-Nadal AO 2019

[@SJ-di5zu]

@@GillGrossSo glad you included Verdasco-Nadal. That’s my favorite match in all of tennis.

[@Jalleur14325]

Gill we are going to need a breakdown of those sinner novak davis cup finals. Sinner is befoming a mental giant. I am in awe of his technical and tactical progress but most of all his calmness under pressue. Its amazing. MMA?

[@milankostic5401]

Djokovic, as he have 71 Big titles, next year might focus to beat Federer + Murray Big titles counter They are together 54+20, so just 3 Big titles away... As there are not so near nor much direct records left to break, sounds like a good and funny achivement for the next year

[@punns643]

You do realise that in the 2000s the big titles weren't as important as now Also there is more big title tournaments as of 2010

[@milankostic5401]

@@punns643 Slams are not everything to Djokovic, he would be fine with 3/4 particular titles for the next season, i can tell you that If you give Djokovic: 1 Slam + Monte Carlo + Olympic Gold + 2 some small ones, he would take that right now immediately That would be 25 Slams, 3x Golden Masters, Olympic Gold... matching Federer + Murray at Big Titles (just for giggles 🤡 ), matching Federer at collective titles number (for more giggles 🤡) Joke aside, year is good for him as soon as he win 1 Slam, anyway 😉

[@UltraInstinctGoku69]

​@@punns643wydm there werent big titles? Are you stupid? There were 4 grand slams and 9 masters 1000

[@milankostic5401]

​@@UltraInstinctGoku69 I also dont quite know what s/he is talking about year 2010 There were since year 1990 - 9 ATP 1000s, 1 ATP Finals and 4 Slams. Series just get renamed/relocated/displaced... several times. 14 Big titles every year or 15 during Olympic year, is a regular thing. There were just less Big tournaments during or because COVID pandemic 🤪 Djokovic dont plan to win nor even to play all 15 Big tournaments next year, thats for sure ... He is not decade younger than he is... about half to play and then of these about half to win is a good enough for 36/37 years old champ. That sounds realistic, but if more than this happens, that would be just a bonus.

[@stanleykwan7759]

@@punns643 Still, Federer has played 9 more slams, 11 more masters and 1 more ATP finals than Djokovic has. And the 9 masters system was introduced in 1990.

[@tonylapid792]

THANKS GILL FOR YOUR UNBIASED COMMENTARIES! IT'S GREAT TO HEAR YOUR STYLE OF REPORTING!😅😂😊

[@makingmoneywithmj7752]

A so-so season gets him to 25 slams 42 masters & 100+ titles. I can live with that.

[@kemarioregan5631]

You called it Gill. Wimbledon loss to Carlos reignited the 🔥

[@williammayer1721]

You Jill and that Albanian guy are the best tennis commentators I’ve watched.

[@glennswart1487]

It's a pleasure to watch and I trust your judgement so I'll be watching for years to come.

[@margaretvoigts4708]

Thanks Giil... being 'REAL' goes a long way...

[@rasikhalabbee]

Djokovic was banned 2 of the masters in us ,still finished the year with almost 2500 points difference with alcaraz,

[@punns643]

Carlos didn't play the AO!

[@aryankaushik93]

​@@punns643novak didn't play madrid, toronto and shanghai either

[@michaelklos8089]

​@@aryankaushik93that actually probably helped him to maintain momentum, he was a lot more fresh for the slams and the end of the season. Great season though, thoroughly deserved the top spot.

[@tijgertjekonijnwordopgegeten]

​@@aryankaushik93That is true, but if Novak had played all those tournaments he would probably have been too tired to win the ATP finals and end up with a similar amount of points.

[@radieschen79]

@@aryankaushik93 Novak could have played them all if he wanted, still didn't.

[@FullOnK1]

Don't be surprised if Djokovic wins 0 slams next year. Don't be surprised if the arm is the big problem for him next year. If he would produce his injury records and detailed treatment plans it would be a lot less of a surprise.

[@cityremade]

I am not up to date on tennis twitter anymore as I am fed up with changes going on there. Posts on KZbin would help.

[@KEKEC25]

Gil, I tried giving a chance to other tennis pundits on KZbin and you’re by far the best I’ve seen.. I don’t watch anyone else when it comes to tennis. Keep doing what you’re doing

[@got2bjosh]

The 2023 Davis Cup Finals has been riveting! Really excellent play & lots of surprises each day. Italy & Australia earned their places in the final. Sinner was an absolute beast against Novid beating him twice in one day to avenge his loss in Torino. 0-40 down in both singles & doubles, but still Sinner held. You won't Break My Serve! USA leads with 32 titles wins & all roads lead back to Harvard.

[@buzzfunk]

Love your channel. Although the comments sometimes get out of hand, esp. When its about Novak. But thats ok. ;)

[@diosrelish6924]

Yes Novak will focus on clay season simply because of 3 main reasons: 1- if he wins Monte Carlo he will achieve a triple career golden Masters . 2- if he wins the FO he will achieve a quadruple career Grand Slams . 3- Olympic Medal .

[@ZlatniPlast]

Montecarlo maybe....RG no, cause it would drain him for OGames...Nadal will win RG with such an ease, public will be shocked.

[@SJ-di5zu]

22:00 I definitely don’t think Djokovic’s 2021 is in the conversation with 2011, 2015, or 2023. 2021 was a great season of course, being one match from the calendar slam and all, and I’m actually very high on his level at RG2021 specifically, mostly against Nadal though, as he did go down 2 sets against Tsitsipas and Musetti. What holds 2021 back? Well for one, he literally did not win a Masters until Paris, which was his only one that year. Also, his losses to Zverev at ATP Finals and ESPECIALLY the Olympics (where he led 6-1 3-1 I believe), which felt a bit like chokes and were very costly. 2021 Zverev was very good, but the type of player that the best version of Djokovic should be handling consistently; I wouldn’t say 2021 Zverev was any better than 2023 Alcaraz or late-season Sinner by any means. And finally, but perhaps most importantly, he didn’t have that many dominant performances overall. At Wimbledon 2021, he had an incredibly weak draw. At AO and RG, he dropped a lot of sets on his way to the title, although again his performances against Medvedev and Nadal were great. And then he struggled hard at the USO before finally losing in straights to Medvedev. I can’t help but think 2023, 2011, and 2015 Djokovic were far stronger. I also would take first half of 2016 Djokovic and second half of 2018-first half of 2019 Djokovic over 2021.

[@marekwichniarek268]

Good points. And January 2016 was his peak.

[@SJ-di5zu]

@@marekwichniarek268Yeah early 2016 was probably my pick for the best version of Novak at first, but he did have some weirdly poor matches in that stretch. 100 unforced errors against Simon at AO comes to mind, also the loss to Vesely at Monte Carlo. But then again, he won Indian Wells and Miami back to back, only dropping one set total, and put up crazy performances against Nadal and Federer in the early season.

[@marekwichniarek268]

​@@SJ-di5zu I think that those 2 matches (against Rafa in Doha and against Roger in Melbourne) were sth like the highlight/coronation of Novak's incredible form and domination from 2015 season. Especially those 2 sets against Roger in AO semis, I remember, people on Twitter were reacting like - after all these battles between the Big 3 in their prime - that's the level never seen before, nobody ever played like that. Obviously it's very similar to Rafa's words about Novak after Doha final but, let's be honest, as great and unbelievable offensively Novak was in that final, Rafa wasn't close to his best, at all. And many shorter and weaker balls from Rafa gave Novak big opportunities to hit hard and with a great level of confidence that he can do everything on that day. It was much more difficult against Roger in Melbourne, Novak was many times in a deep defence, and played just next level tennis. Doesn't matter if only for 2 sets it was like that, and doesn't matter that he struggled terribly against Simon 2 rounds before. With Novak it's almost never a smooth sailing at the slam, especially 4th rounds have been very difficult many times, even with Novak at his best (2015 Wimbledon, 2016 AO, 2013 AO, 2021 RG) - but, especially in Melbourne, he almost always peaks at the semis/final, when it really counts. So I don't count these little/larger struggles on the way - the biggest matches count. Another candidate for the performance of his life is 2019AO final, against much, much better Rafa than in Doha 3 years earlier. Also defeat to Vesely in MC doesn't mean anything, he was just too tired after sunshine double and I guess after many years in a row playing at the highest level all big tournaments. Anyway, it's 0:2 h2h against Vesely now and I was happy that someone eliminated him this year at the slam when he was on Novak's path😂 Generally, I don't pay much attention if any player has struggles on his way to the final stages of the slams, the same in Wawrinka's case at 2016 USO and Nadal's case at 2020 RG (he wasn't playing great at all before the final). Only final stages of the slams really count, Obviously, sometimes a player in great form can be eliminated by another great player in the earlier stages of the tournament, Novak and Stan did it to each other back to back in epic battles at AO in 2013 and 2014. Concluding, I prefer to focus on real peaks rather than meaningless downs on the way, I guess Novak was probably never as satisfied with his level of tennis as for these first 50 minutes against Roger in Melbourne in 2016.

[@got2bjosh]

54:21 Serena was the same way. Sharapova ran her Red mouth on American tv bragging about beating her twice in '04 & Serena never ever let it happen again. Soft power at work. In '07 & '12 Serena dismissed critics & locker room shade by coming back & winning against the odds. "I'm not the one."

[@SteveAnnacone]

Good stuff Gill-agree with this 100%. Djokovic still dominant. Sinner and Alcaraz are just a couple of the challengers. I would watch to see if Djokovic starts to lose to quite a few more of the "challengers"-Rune, Medvedev, Zverev, Rublev, Tsitsipas and then there is Shelton (who will be a force), Ruud, and a reinvigorated Dimitrov, a potential successful return from Nadal, along with many more. Anyway, Djokovic is amazing and we will just have to wait and see what happens. Should be exciting! Thanks Gill!

[@pot_kivach160]

he will. He is always focused on clay, grass and hardcourt. 😊

[@radieschen79]

Alcaraz beat "He" on grass at an age when "He" didn't even win his first Grand Slam yet. 😊

[@Bard_Land]

Olympics is definitely Djokovic's No.1 goal, but you know he really wants to equal Federer's record 8 titles at Wimbledon.

[@SrinivasRao-vd4ki]

And also US Open to equal the record of 5 titles being jointly held by Connors, Sampras and Federer

[@morganwu767]

AO and Wimbledon have been “easiest” prep for him now bt/ slams. With Olympics would be a crazy summer once again tho

[@Jalleur14325]

Yes and I think he will also enjoy grabbing RG as it was Rafa's house for so many years and Rafa has been making carping comments since the pandemic

[@SJ-di5zu]

Yeah if I was Djokovic, I’d want that Wimbledon title bad. If he was to win it, he could have a case for being the GOAT on grass. Many would still argue for Federer; it could go either way, but with 8 titles and a 3-1 H2H, Djokovic would at LEAST be competitive in the grass GOAT discussion.

[@ZlatniPlast]

​@@SJ-di5zuSampras is grass goat, he just didn't last very long. But he won 6 Wimbledons in 7 years, thats just grass goat stuff...

[@juldee]

I believe the ELO rating and UTR score are highest for Djokovic.

[@SM-fc3mh]

Why haven't you commented on the Davis Cup?

[@issahatake90]

What is your early 2024 Grand Slams prediction.?

[@Joseph.Ghobrial]

Do you think that Nadal could make an impact next year and do you think shelton can prove himself as a top player.

[@jacobschmidt2709]

No and no.

[@SJ-di5zu]

@@jacobschmidt2709I can tell Djokovic fanboys wouldn’t like those two questions 😂

[@jacobschmidt2709]

@SJ-di5zu Do you seriously think a scrub like Shelton even compares to Alcaraz and Sinner? Djokovic annilated the poor guy in the US Open semis. Ben has a long way to go from making an impact. As great as Nadal was, a 38 year-old battered Rafa that has been out of the game for a year is not winning any big titles. Him skipping his beloved RG and saying that 2024 will probably be his last year is very telling. He may sneak a few 250s and 500s, but that is about it.

[@christianlusetti837]

This is the first time I've heard the term "Sunshine Double" in reference to the Miami & IW events. i've only heard it in the past when referencing title victories at both events. Is this a new trend or always been used to reference the events in tandem regardless of winning them? 🤔

[@colethomas903]

@christianlusetti837 yes it always been this way

[@TheSentinel909]

I'd argue Nadals best season is 2009 honestly - AO level was beastmode, rest of the season not far back

[@eldarmata8614]

2010 was Nadals best season, and probably one of the best seasons for any tennis player ever. 2009 he was a beast too.

[@zy9662]

Incredible that Federer at 35 was at the very peak of his racquet skills

[@SJ-di5zu]

He only won one slam in 2009 and had a bunch of injury issues, including torn abs during hard court season and knee issues during late clay season that caused him to miss Wimbledon. 2009 is a great “what if” season for Rafa; maybe could’ve been a 3 GS year for him had he been healthy, but it is what it is. I agree his AO run was glorious in 2009, with the semi against Verdasco being my personal GOAT match. Also had a great Indian Wells run, and a great pre-RG clay season.

[@TheSentinel909]

You're totally right actually - the 2009 AO run was so impressive it actually distracted me from the rest of the year....2010 might be a better candidate then@@SJ-di5zu

[@CW-rx2js]

Agreed

[@sebastianozampieri6941]

Sinner has been inside the top 8 Elo ranking even when he was outside ATP top ten. Similarly, Nick in Wimbledon was Elo rated much higher than his ATP ranking. ATM Sinner is N.2 in the world for ELO ranking, which was built after all his recent wins against top ELO players. The only thing that Elo misses to capture is mental strength in big matches. Winning against Novak in the RR can be a bit easier than beating him in the final

[@anielloliguori6312]

I think Sinner is his biggest threat! Why? His consistent power & the fact that he moves almost as good as Novak, he is also getting better & stronger! He takes time away from Novak with his big hitting! Sinner has it over Alcaraz. Think against Sinner so far his serve has been excellent! It has to be, since he knows Sinner will step in with his massive forehand! & take control of the rally! In the two matches in the ATP finals the first match Sinner served better and stayed with Novak adding more pressure to Novak until he got his chance to break! In the final he didn't serve well and made to many unforced errors! In Davis Cup Sinner made lots of unforced errors, however he hit lots of winners!

[@joshheinink]

Djokovic needs to tie 8wimbledon 5usopen at least

[@andrewhimes1923]

It’s a fair question but I’m a believer that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. In 2023, Novak played 12 tournaments and won 7 of them securing his 8th YE #1 and Grand Slams 22, 23 and 24. I think 2024 will be another year of dominance with the only X factor being the Olympics but I think he’ll enter Australia healthier than he was last year when he pulled a hammy. Otherwise, this guy is dialed in and in absolute peak form. With his level of play and ever improving serve and forehand, I would expect Novak to be dominant through the 2025 season which is when Federer started slowing down and eventually had to retire due to injuries. This is where it will get interesting because I really believe Novak is redefining what’s possible beyond age 35. Remember, Novak isn’t just in great shape, he’s a vegan and he’s always emphasized Gumby-like flexibility and I think that’s where we could see Novak still competitive at at age 39 or 40 which shouldn’t be possible with young athletes like Alcaraz and Sinner player at ridiculous levels but here we are. At age 36, he had 17 top 10 wins and the best season percentage wise on tour at .8888 with a record of 56-7. He’s in extraordinary physical condition and just doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. He brings a cerebral approach to the game with his ability to problem solve in real time along with having every conceivable shot in his tool box imaginable!

[@boxerboy860]

Novak plays with so much margin for error people say he’s boring but I don’t see it that way. He will rally with you until he has a comfortable step in shot down the line or a great backhand I feel this is his IQ and the reason for a lot less unforced errors in big matches I love his game!

[@novakgoatovic]

i think so... but man I was hoping he could win WIMBLEDON....Best slam. It will be tough to win them all for sure.

[@brendandennis5868]

On 11 Oct Craig Tiley announced Rafa would play the AO. Has anything changed since then? He said on breakfast tv "We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back. He’s been off for most of the year and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we’re really excited about, the champion of 2022. That’s awesome"

[@SJ-di5zu]

Rafa specifically said he hasn’t made any plans yet and isn’t sure if he’ll be back, but said he appreciated the vote of confidence from the AO. Tournament directors do this all the time. They try to get people excited by saying Nadal is coming even though he hasn’t confirmed it. David Ferrer did the same at Barcelona this year, claiming that Rafa specifically said he’d be back for Barcelona, and we saw how that went.

[@al1976-v7m]

You could form a tennis ball with your two eyebrows.

[@soonaikyap4395]

Will olympic on clay court?

[@Max_Cherry]

I agree that these top athletes pick their own battles for motivation. However I disagree that it’s as strategic as you make it out to be. Firstly, it is an entirely subjective test to figure out why Novak or other top athletes react strongly to disrespect. So my view on this can easily be picked apart! I don’t agree that they are approaching these emotional reactions as strategically as you are. I think you are projecting your great analytical strength on to them. In my view, their reaction to perceived disrespect is intrinsic to who they are. Novak is an emotional player and picking these fights with the crowd has always been a part of his personality (see US Open 08) prior to him knowing it would make him play better. For example the Norrie incident, he was properly annoyed. It was unreasonable and most people would brush it off but Novak cannot.

[@tonylapid792]

SORRY GIL GROSSbout, about the WRONG SPELLING ON YOUR FAMILY NAME...SORRY AGAIN... THAT IS INEXCUSABLE!! WELL MY EXCUSE...I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN 82 TO BE EXACT ON 2 DECEMBER 😅😊😂

[@PaliXistoCornelsen]

Should team Nadal reach out to team Djokovic for training/rehabilitation pointers? I know that sounds crazy but shouldn’t all athletes learn from Novak on this subject? Just think it’d be a sort of beautiful thing for djokovic’s people to help Nadal get better and ready, you know… for the sport!

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

Davis Cup has lost it's prestige. There is no fan atmosphere in this format.

[@Jalleur14325]

It seemed to me like a football match. Tacky! Also why no women?

[@matangox]

If Novak wins the 2024 AO, he would pass Margaret Court and probably settle the GS race with Nadal once and for all, because he would lead him by 3 GS titles. If that is the case, I think he would rather win the Olympic gold than the French Open, as crazy as that sounds. Realistically this the last Olympics he would be favoured to win, if Nadal doesn't find a great form and win the FO. The big issue is that he isn't as dominant in the best of 3 format as he is in the best of 5. Another issue is also the pressure factor. Novak never won gold (he does own a bronze medal in singles though) and he knows this is likely his last opportunity, which put him under immense pressure, the type of pressure he probably never felt with the possible exception of the US Open final vs Medvedev where the calendar year GS was at stake. I'm a Djokovic fan, but I have to say that the pressure might be too much and the most likely scenario is him not winning the gold medal. I hope I'm wrong. As for he question when did the big 3 peak, I would say Djokovic in 2015 (if not 2011), Nadal in 2010 and Federer I think 2006. I don't agree with Gil about Nadal's 2013 season. I think 2010 was much more impressive. As for Djokovic, 2011 was great, but the season didn't end well and he had 3 below average (for his standards) seasons. In 2015 he separated himself from the big 3 and never looked back with the exception of the injury period from the second half of 2016 until winning Wimbledon in 2018 if I'm not mistaken.

[@colethomas903]

@matangox Djokovic isn’t the favorite for Olympics he’s one of the favorites

[@pbalajiusaf]

Batman has no powers Gill! I'd reference X-Men the most to describe Djoker. He was always a mutant but the mutant genes needed to be triggered by an event. His mutant powers got triggered in 2011 and he's been untouchable since

[@success2089]

Djokovic strokes have got better now compared to 2015. His movement has obviously slowed down due to age now. So, the strokes have compensatad him well for the movement

[@Zumky45367]

COMPARED TO 2015 / FIRST PART OF 2016 , NO FREEKING WAY MY BUDDY . COMPARED TO 2011 , MAYBE ..... COMPARED TO 2014 , THAT'S FOR SURE ! .....

[@tijgertjekonijnwordopgegeten]

​@@Zumky45367His serve and forehand are definitely the best they've been right now.

[@Gizo02]

I actually think that another Us Open title would be better for Djokovic’s legacy than another RG or Wimbledon title. I think a 5th US Open, tying Connors, Sampras and Federer would be a nice achievement, and sort of fitting given his hard court prowess.

[@Jalleur14325]

no, because Wimbledon matters more, not only to Novak but to almost all players. It is where tennis began.

[@CW-rx2js]

​@@Jalleur14325tennis began in France. Do some research 😂

[@tonylapid792]

GIL GROS TKS SO MUCH, YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY FARE REGARDING NOVAK & ALL OTHER OPPONENTS! I'M SURE, IT WOULD NOT BE AN EXAGGERATION THAT NOLE HAS MILLIONS & MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS, COMPARED TO HATERS ( ABOUT 1 THOUSAND)?????😊😂

[@radieschen79]

Why are you shouting that much? Check your Capital letters. Typical toxic Novak fanboys behaviour.

[@Braselton21]

I don't think people will ever truly appreciate just how good Novak was in 2015/16.

[@CW-rx2js]

Federer : 2006/07 Nadal: 2009/10 Djokovic: 2011, followed by 2015

[@cjsreprise]

I thought Kyrigos' comments were telling. He said (paraphrasing) seeing Novak play he realised how he never had a chance at Wimbledon. Compared to Alcaraz who said he has a lot of work to do to catch Novak. Think that almost defeatist attitude shows maybe why he hasn't reached the heights his talent could. Like you allude to, he just doesn't care enough.

[@cjsreprise]

@radieschen79 Dude, I was clearly talking about Kyrigos not having the same mentality as Alcaraz. Carlos said he has a lot of work to do in the off season showing he means business. Nick just doesn't have that mentality to always get better.

[@radieschen79]

@@cjsreprise My reply to you seems to be vanished. 🤷‍♂

[@sonnysantino7849]

Are you related to Martin Scorsese?😂😂

[@marekwichniarek268]

Completely don't agree on Nadal's 2013. 2010 was much better, at least his peak performances. Plus 2009 AO. And Novak's peak was in January 2016.

[@subbbbfocus]

waking up saturday morning and listening to GG - priceless! keep it going Gill

[@danmalic6688]

ce[ebrating my daughter in law birthday with cake and serbian coffee while listening to you, certainly beats looking out of the window at typical belgrade drab fall afternoon incidentally, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@vukforest223]

Gill Gross and Interinteri are only objective news about tennis that I know

[@tennislove954]

2021 and 2023 novak got the advantage of injured nadal , fedrer and young players , 2011 is his peak ( nadal started the year with injury) why novak plays better when nadal gets injured ? , may be the mental pressure of the rivalry

[@aleksandarurosevic6206]

I think Federer played his best tennis in 2015 even if he did not won much because of Djokovic. But he flew on the court especailly in Wimbledon and USO, looked like unbeatable until he met Novak in the finals. I can also say that Federer plays better when Novak gets injured. He won his three last slams with injured Djokovic.

[@shawnberry9335]

Novak should LIMIT his Clay tournaments in Spring 2024: December 25 2023, January 1, 8, 15, 22: Australian Open, including preparations January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26: 5 weeks off tour March 4, 11: Indian Wells March 18, 25: Miami April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: 5 weeks off tour (No Monte Carlo, no Madrid) May 6, 13: Italian Open May 20, 27, June 3: French Open June 10, 17: 2 weeks off tour June 24, July 1, 8: Wimbledon July 15: 1 week off tour July 22, 29: Olympic Games August 5: 1 week off tour August 12: Cincinnati August 19, 26, September 2: US Open September 9: Davis Cup (may decline) September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21: 6 weeks off tour October 28: Paris November 4: 1 week off tour November 11: ATP Finals

[@UltraInstinctGoku69]

Nole should play Shanghai and Montecarlo,he needs that record

[@colethomas903]

@shawnberry9335 First of all Djokovic is playing United Cup before AO 2 I be shock if djokovic Skip Dubai + MC I say this the MC depends more on if he play IW/Miami I do agree he will most likely not play Madrid I don’t think he play Cincy and I agree with the rest

[@Jalleur14325]

Agree Gill about Novak being focussed on the olympics. Andy Murray is known worldwide more for his Gold medals at the Olympics than his slams.

[@bakimc4722]

No1e 😃

[@larvancioramos9748]

Dont thank ME, im a NO1E fan 😎

[@masons_sports]

Hi gill it is mason jenna's (your girlfreind) cousin saying hi and how are you

[@GillGross]

Hi Mason!!!!

[@sanjaybabar6072]

I think Novak has build more muscles in last year or so and that could be the reason he is hitting big. In ATP finals he was hitting bigger than Alcaraz and sinner sometimes

[@lawdogwales5921]

All the time, not just sometimes.

[@calvin26ang]

his goal is olympics and french open

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

To me Nadal was a better player netween 2017-2022 than he was between 2008-2013. If he could have connected his best qualities from both eras, it would have been peak Nadal.

[@SJ-di5zu]

Definitely not imo. His movement in 2008-2013 was far more important than his slight tactical adjustments in 2017-22. The difference is in 2008-13, he still had that monster forehand to create offense from the baseline, but he also was easily the best athlete in tennis. In 2017-22 he improved his serve a bit, but lost the athleticism.

[@ZlatniPlast]

​@@SJ-di5zu2010 was Nadal's best serve year

[@CW-rx2js]

Both Alcaraz and Sinner have got the better of djokovic now...next year they'll beat him consistently

[@al_ns4930]

Hehe... unfortunately Novak hooked up on Olympics with no reason..OI is not big title in tennis history until Nadal won !! OI is intruder in way of thinkig and planning things in week to week sport as tennis is

[@juldee]

Very interesting insight into Novak’s mind. “ I took it personally “. It might be the secret sauce to him being a killer on court.

[@Pedant_Patrol]

Djokovic's biggest advantage is that he is Novax.

[@naomihayden5749]

No, he will be amining towards revenge for the Wimbledon. No one makes the Joker 😢 and gets away with it 😂😂😂😂

[@rublo1]

Gill, too much Djokovic content, way too much. I know you think we like it but no, it’s just that noles fan base is huge and they dominate the comments. Begging you to look after the rest of your loyal followers and at least split your coverage 50/50 between this grandpa and a generational talent like alcaraz if you must focus on a few . And I’m not a hater but as much as I admire him we are TIRED

[@brunoalves3736]

2013 Nadal 😮‍💨🐐

[@Stormmover]

In 2017 Novak was out. Thats why Federer peeked.

[@radieschen79]

You Djokofans are simply such toxic fans, it's incredible. No other than your Djoko hero counts.

[@Stormmover]

@@radieschen79 came from fedal 😂

[@marekwichniarek268]

@@radieschen79 But that's a complete truth. 2017 and 2005/2006 Fedrerer was lucky to not meet pime Djoker.

[@milankostic5401]

@radieschen79 Federer didnt played that year neither versus Djokovic nor Murray. 🤪Made a sudden comeback again in 2017 and exactly when competition became weak GOAT of weak eras, 2017 was his best season ever since 2007 😂Dancing from a weak to the weak, like a prima ballerina Nadal was also near "great" that year too (4 Big titles, 3 at clay), played one match vs Djokovic at clay in Madrid and that is all, again no match versus Murray. All in all, tremendous season for ignorant Fedal fans Everybody dance now! Show me a pirouette, baby 💃

[@radieschen79]

​@@milankostic5401 Novak will soon be gone for good, and all of us Alcaraz and Sinner fans will dance on forever. And everybody dance now! Show me a pirouette, baby 💃

[@nunomartins4265]

no he wont

[@michaelwang6751]

Second view second comment

[@davesufci1929]

Should Novak sacrifice grass season?

[@natabrito4355]

Novak win AO, lost in the final to alcarax in RG, novak win Wimb, win Olympics and lost early round in US Open

[@danmalic6688]

i'll take it, as for nole, i am not so sure🍀

[@OkieDoke-mo1co]

I'm sorry, but you're very boring Gill. Tennis could benefit from content creators like Coffee Break Tennis who manage to make the sport more engaging for viewers. Without a shift towards more entertaining content, tennis might remain predominantly followed by the elderly. Consider making your content at least mildly fun and interesting - it will be a start. Just some constructive criticism - food for thought. Cheers!

[@ATX_SuperDave]

If you’re not a Djokovic fan don’t bother listening. Gill’s mailbags are 90% about Djokovic and Djokovic is mentioned by Gill in 100% of his answers. Try having a no Djokovic questions mailbag sometime. Also, don’t go by how many likes a comment gets since your audience is much larger than the people that bother to comment or bother to like comments. Variety is the spice of life and your mailbags consistently lack Variety. Thumbs down.

[@sonicmoj1]

Bye Dave!

[@ATX_SuperDave]

@@sonicmoj1Glad to see you are leaving, bye! I do not suffer fools or traitors.

[@toddubow2599]

if Nadal returns to form he won't retire in '24 and we will witness a revived Rafa -Novak rivalry that will blow everyone away..

[@Whatreally123]

I would assume Novak would want to get another Wimbledon more than anything. And maybe the Olympic even though it's an extremely irrelevant stat imo.

[@jokelot5221]

So in the end Djokovic would want to break Weakdal's 14 FO titles record and clay masters record, and Fed Wimby, and most Us Opens which is closer of course, cause he is just that type of guy, and when you are so good you get bored, so what the heck 🤣🤣🤣. Fedaltards would be like: "Ok, im throwing myself off the cliff" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@punns643]

Novax couldn't be fed and Nadal in 2005 - 10

[@jugoslavnamljidjiu9021]

​@@punns643😂😂😂😂 cry harder hater

[@Zumky45367]

​​@@punns643He literally had a DISEASE back then he didn't know about , that's why he RETIRED from many MATCHES , and couldn't LAST as long as it NEEDED to ! ..... He FOUND out about that , with the Help of Igor Cetojevic , WHO told HIM that he was gluten intolerant ! ..... SO , WHEN HE FOUND THAT OUT , AND BECAME GLUTEN FREE , HE BOOTED STEROIDAL , AND FEDERER'S ASSES OUT ! .....

[@tijgertjekonijnwordopgegeten]

It is incredible how childish and petty you are.

[@interestingvideos2963]

Joker will have to play his tournament in Serbia, he has no choice. So he will be on Clay.

[@Zumky45367]

HE DOESN'T " HAVE " TO DO ANYTHING ! ..... HE REALLY WANTS TO PLAY IN SERBIA , THAT'S BECAUSE HE LOVES HIS COUNTRY SO MUCH . HE WILL PLAY , IF HE WANTS , THAT'S ALL I'M TRYING TO SAY , AND THE SERBIAN PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND , IF HE COULDN'T PLAY FOR WHATEVER REASON .

[@interestingvideos2963]

@@Zumky45367 Some meaning, he will play on clay,

[@colethomas903]

@interestingvideos2963 what tournament in Serbia is gone it’s non existence do your homework

[@Andres-qm1xx]

As i said an infinite amount of times, Carlos is vastly overrated. An almost 40 yo version of Nole beat Carlos in an extremely easy fashion. Carlos aint special, just a normal Spanish player who will be good on clay. Thats it. A Ferrer, a Verdasco, Almagro... Spanish tennis has a big problem they show their little short kids to play only on clay courts and when they grow up, the struggle and is too late to learn. In Serbija we dont make the same mistakes. We ve won multiple slams on HC ! Idemo Nole 🇷🇸

[@radieschen79]

Lol, Nole at Carlos' current age in 2007 didn't even win his first Grand Slam yet. Carlos already won 2 GS, 4 Masters titles, became the youngest World No.1 and YE No.1 in tennis history ever. Records Nole will never break. That's just facts, if you Nole fanboys like it or not.

[@Logan00710]

@@radieschen79 australian open 2008 novak has 20 years and 7 months of age you ignorant, ad he was a double master champions, so stop be ignorant

[@Andres-qm1xx]

@@radieschen79 thats a false myth, Nole at Carlos age won AO open multiple times already, which is btw the most prestigious major

[@radieschen79]

​@@Andres-qm1xx BS, Nole at Carlos current age didn't even win his first GS yet!!! Nole was born May 22 1987, exact same age as Carlos is right now!!! Nole only won his first GS at the AUS Open 2008, when he was already older than Alcaraz is right now!! Alcaraz already won 2 GS, 4 Masters titles, became the youngest World.No1 and YE No.1 in tennis history ever. Records Nole will never break, if you Nole fanboys like it or not.

[@SJ-di5zu]

@@Andres-qm1xxDjokovic didn’t even win his second SLAM until he was 24, so I can tell you’re full of shit 😂