We all heard Novak Djokovic's emotional words after winning his second Wimbledon title.
He also told Roger, "Thanks for letting me win".
Now, thanks to some "inside information", we can now reveal the true story behind this surprising and mysterious statement.
As one may recall, after losing the 4th set, Novak Djokovic headed off the court for a toilet break. What he didn't know is that not long after, Roger followed him to the toilet.
Now when Novak went, he did his business, but when he left the toilet stall to wash his hands, he stared at himself in the mirror and shouted out, "You mug, you're going to frickin lose another final!". Now unbeknownst to Nole, Roger was still in the toilet stall, and couldn't help overhearing Nole's rant. Nole went on to say things like, "How can I lose to the old man in 5 sets? He's more than 6 years past his peak according to MTF! I'm the product of a strong era! I have a gluten-free diet, I hired Boom Boom Becker to help my grass game, and I'm the best returner in the game! I'm getting married! What kind of honeymoon will I have if I lose? How can I let my baby watch the tape? It's all so depressing! I was ahead 5-2, I had championship point! I'm such a choker", and Nole burst into tears.
Now Roger, being a family man, compassionate, magnanimous, and a sucker for a sob story, came out of his stall, and walked up behind Nole and put his arm around him in a consoling gesture, and said, "Look Nole, we've had our differences in the past, and maybe I've said some harsh things at times when you or your family deserved them, but I can clearly see now how much you care about the match and the sport. As I told Andy, I was sure he was going to win at least one of these. Now I'm going to tell you, You're going to win another..."
Nole, not quite believing his ears, blubbered and stuttered, "What? How? When?" Roger responded, "No worries, let me handle it. Look, it's clearly all on my racquet, as you probably know. We've given the crowd a great show, and that's what I care about most. I have 7 of these trophies already. Mirka can't find more room for another anyway. She's going to bug me about needing a bigger house, again, more trophies, more kids, trust me, it never ends. Besides, I can always win next year. How many times do you get married right after Wimbledon? Consider this a wedding present for you and Jelena and show the tape to your baby."
All Nole could say was, "I can't believe it. How can I thank you?". Roger answered, "Well, after you win, just be sure to tell the crowd how honored you are to play me, how great a player I am, and what I mean to the sport, you know, stuff like that, don't hold back." Nole said, "That's it?" Roger nodded but added, "Of course, the next time we meet in a slam, you might try taking it easy on the old man. It clearly won't be on my racquet forever you know." "Oh, also, make sure you take a Medical Timeout and act the part. But don't leave the court. Let the crowd see you suffer as the trainer treats you. Then, gradually recover and fight your way past it. The crowd will love it and worship you even more for struggling through the pain, just ask Rafa", Roger winked.
Finally as they were being called back, Roger said, "Oh, I almost forgot. Let me give you these as well." Roger pulled out two small shiny steel balls, and handed them to Nole, "just a man-to-man reminder of what you should always have. Remember them on your wedding night and Jelena won't be disappointed."
And the rest you know.
Respectfully,
masterclass
He also told Roger, "Thanks for letting me win".
Now, thanks to some "inside information", we can now reveal the true story behind this surprising and mysterious statement.
As one may recall, after losing the 4th set, Novak Djokovic headed off the court for a toilet break. What he didn't know is that not long after, Roger followed him to the toilet.
Now when Novak went, he did his business, but when he left the toilet stall to wash his hands, he stared at himself in the mirror and shouted out, "You mug, you're going to frickin lose another final!". Now unbeknownst to Nole, Roger was still in the toilet stall, and couldn't help overhearing Nole's rant. Nole went on to say things like, "How can I lose to the old man in 5 sets? He's more than 6 years past his peak according to MTF! I'm the product of a strong era! I have a gluten-free diet, I hired Boom Boom Becker to help my grass game, and I'm the best returner in the game! I'm getting married! What kind of honeymoon will I have if I lose? How can I let my baby watch the tape? It's all so depressing! I was ahead 5-2, I had championship point! I'm such a choker", and Nole burst into tears.
Now Roger, being a family man, compassionate, magnanimous, and a sucker for a sob story, came out of his stall, and walked up behind Nole and put his arm around him in a consoling gesture, and said, "Look Nole, we've had our differences in the past, and maybe I've said some harsh things at times when you or your family deserved them, but I can clearly see now how much you care about the match and the sport. As I told Andy, I was sure he was going to win at least one of these. Now I'm going to tell you, You're going to win another..."
Nole, not quite believing his ears, blubbered and stuttered, "What? How? When?" Roger responded, "No worries, let me handle it. Look, it's clearly all on my racquet, as you probably know. We've given the crowd a great show, and that's what I care about most. I have 7 of these trophies already. Mirka can't find more room for another anyway. She's going to bug me about needing a bigger house, again, more trophies, more kids, trust me, it never ends. Besides, I can always win next year. How many times do you get married right after Wimbledon? Consider this a wedding present for you and Jelena and show the tape to your baby."
All Nole could say was, "I can't believe it. How can I thank you?". Roger answered, "Well, after you win, just be sure to tell the crowd how honored you are to play me, how great a player I am, and what I mean to the sport, you know, stuff like that, don't hold back." Nole said, "That's it?" Roger nodded but added, "Of course, the next time we meet in a slam, you might try taking it easy on the old man. It clearly won't be on my racquet forever you know." "Oh, also, make sure you take a Medical Timeout and act the part. But don't leave the court. Let the crowd see you suffer as the trainer treats you. Then, gradually recover and fight your way past it. The crowd will love it and worship you even more for struggling through the pain, just ask Rafa", Roger winked.
Finally as they were being called back, Roger said, "Oh, I almost forgot. Let me give you these as well." Roger pulled out two small shiny steel balls, and handed them to Nole, "just a man-to-man reminder of what you should always have. Remember them on your wedding night and Jelena won't be disappointed."
And the rest you know.
Respectfully,
masterclass