
Standing as the title favorites, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic failed to reach the Masters 1000 semi-final, leaving the young guns in the title chase.
Returning to action this week, Rafa and Novak made a winning start in Barcelona and Belgrade, hoping to chase the title and bounce back after early losses. Speaking about them, Novak said that he and Rafa still want to play on a high level and challenge the upcoming youngsters. One loss here and there doesn't mean much, and Novak is sure they will bounce back and stay competitive for a few more years.
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"We probably made a lot of people think that we can play perfect tennis every single week for the rest of our lives, but that's not possible. I don't think there is anything strange; it's just a bad week. If our opponents have a very good day, they can beat us; simple as that. I think Rafa, myself and Roger have been very successful and dominant in the past 15 years or more. You have a new generation of tennis players coming up, and we have to adapt ourselves.
We have to understand how to improve, get better, and adjust our game to this new group of players who are challenging us for the world's top spots and the world's biggest trophies. I'm not too concerned, especially when it comes to Rafa on clay. I don't think one or two matches or two weeks will change the way he plays on clay or for the upcoming tournaments.
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But obviously, it's interesting for our sport to see us losing to some new players, making things a bit more interesting for tennis fans. Obviously, we don't want to lose; I think we both want to keep that level of performance and quality of tennis high for as long as we possibly can," Novak Djokovic said.
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- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!
mandoist09-11-2026 - "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?
mandoist09-11-2026 - Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026








