After squeaking through a fourth-set tiebreak to beat Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, Novak Djokovic petulantly addressed the New York crowd.
On Tuesday, Roddick made fun of the Serbian's medical self-evaluation, which is starting to sound like Bill Belichick's weekly assessment of Tom Brady the last few seasons. (Probable.) Reading the American's transcript, I laughed out loud... Vintage Roddick.
But Djokovic apparently took serious offense and, post-match with Michael Barkann, fired back Roddick's line about his "16 injuries." Barkann tried to mitigate the 21-year-old's message, but the world number three continued on, insulting the crowd.
Now I am not particularly a Roddick fan. And there's been times I really didn't like his attitude. But I have always given him props for his sense of humor. And intelligence. Even after his semifinal dismantling in Australian Open 2007 (Roger Federer beat him 6-4, 6-0, 6-2), the top American displayed grace in sarcasm.
And in addressing the Serbian's spate of injuries, Roddick was FUN-NY. Anyone who knows Roddick's shirt-sleeve shrug and shimmy of his philanthropy wrist band knows his propensity for lampooning all, even himself.
James Thurber said, "The wit makes fun of other persons; the satirist makes fun of the world; the humorist makes fun of himself."
Roddick takes it to all three levels. Djokovic, on the other hand -- barely a one-trick pony.
A year ago in Flushing Meadows, Djokovic endeared himself to the U.S. Open crowd through his post-match imitations of players, including Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal.
Thursday evening he alienated the crowd. Even when they started to boo, he continued to whinge.
Back in 2007, Djokovic's charades were amusing for a round or two. Though not original material. Many of the ATP and WTA players imitate each other to entertain crowds at charity and exhibition events. It's a natural extension of watching the game. I've seen so much Safin that I reflexively mimic part of his forehand swing when taking a swig from my water bottle. (Yes, I know that's odd. It's also messy.)
Tour veteran Jonas Bjorkman is widely considered the master of imitations. It's something the soon-to-be retired Swede has done with class. His jocularity is affectionate* and the camaraderie is reflected in his long term of service on the ATP Players Council.
In contrast, Djokovic's send-ups are retrospectively looking mean-spirited.
Up until now, I have been trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. But there is a shade of bitterness in his actions. For example, his chest-thumping is not the hearty joy of a Marcos Baghdatis, rather a jeering, chin-jutting arrogance. It's both a preening and an isolating gesture, the latter when directed toward his family.
During that match, Djokovic at times looked dispirited. I suspect part of the reason was that the crowd warmed to the perpetual hustle of his Spanish opponent. They were backing Robredo over the course of those long five sets. The Spaniard kept his performance to athletic display and the fans roared.
Djokovic craves attention and crowd support. I believe he was playing a sympathy angle. I'm not saying he is 100% healthy, but his post-match attempts at self-effacement fell flat.
Reflecting on the tournament so far, I would say the Serbians (including the also dramatic and oft-injured Jelena Jankovic) are prone more than David Duchovny.
Jankovic would probably laugh.
In the latest era of players, there hasn't been a clearcut villain, man or woman. There have been nefarious incidents, but not a consistent foe. Some would cite Lleyton Hewitt -- in 2006, GQ placed him tenth on their most hated athlete list -- but I've found him to be likably scrappy, cocky, and yes, occasionally surly. He's had some definite missteps, but mostly I'd call him pugnacious rather than contemptible.
Besides, becoming a family man has mellowed him. And has he ever had a showdown like this?
No matter what spin is now put on Djokovic's immediate on-court reaction, the crowd won't easily forget. They're good at remembering...
Across the net from The Djoker in the semifinals stands world number two Roger Federer.
In the Opening Night parade of past champions, the defending champion -- who has won it four years running -- got the biggest applause. Though Swiss, he is a native son.
Who is not in his past intimidating form. He's a flawed hero. In the fourth round, Igor Andreev pushed him to five grueling sets, just over three-and-a-half hours. But Fed's reaction at the conclusion showed the public how much he wants to make it five in a row and claim the last Grand Slam of the year.
In his post-match interviews, You're Still The One by Orleans plays over the speakers. This is in acknowledgement of the struggles the former world number one has had all year.
Which began with his semifinal loss at the Australian Open to... Novak Djokovic.
It would be even better if Fed busts out his all-black get up again. He'd make a classic Batman.
I'd say I'm more athlete than fan. I hope I can say that all my life.
After Marat Safin, is there anyone else?
Some of my other favorite athletes include: Dmitry Tursunov, Kim Clijsters, Roger Federer, Tedy Bruschi, Cory Schlesinger, Brian McBride, Lynn Hill & Dean Potter.
I truly appreciate any advice or criticism. Thank you.
