Wherever you’re fishing in the world, there comes a point when the days get longer, the sun shines a little more, and the water in your favorite fishing hole gets warmer. Once water temperatures reach a certain point and the light begins the penetrate it, large and smallmouth spring bass start getting active–and it’s not […]
The post 10 Best Spring Bass Lures appeared first on Wide Open Spaces.
Read More
To obtain excellent-quality, tack-sharp nature images, I pose two scenarios: Wildlife: Is the animal still or moving? How big in…
The post Critically Sharp Captures appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.
Read More
During the 2023 Bassmaster Classic, Jeff Gustafson was the one angler who found fish, got on them, and stayed with them for a wire-to-wire finish tight right up to the end. In addition to the Bassmaster Classic, Gussy also took on the Tennessee River system out of Knoxville this year. The Canadian Bass Pro, who […]
The post Everything Jeff Gustafson Used To Win the 2023 Bassmaster Classic appeared first on Wide Open Spaces.
Read More
Politics aside, I think we can all agree: If we don’t care for the wild spaces that we hunt, fish, and recreate on, we’re screwed. While hunting and fishing licenses contribute greatly to this cause, the small action of trying to leave trails, rivers, and other wild places as good as you found them (or […]
The post The Ultimate Guide to Leave No Trace Principles for Earth Day appeared first on Wide Open Spaces.
Read More
The Serb was disappointed with his play on Friday in Banja Luka, but believes that his best tennis is coming.By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, April 21, 2023
To anyone who watched Novak Djokovic‘s two matches at Banja Luka this week, it’s clear that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is operating well below his peak level. Today’s loss to compatriot Dusan Lajovic was proof of that, but it doesn’t mean that the Serb is in big trouble when it comes to hitting his peak at Roland-Garros.
There were actually some good signs this week.
First, Djokovic took off the compression sleeve that he was wearing to protect his elbow and said that he feels good in that regard. Second, he got two matches under his belt. Whether they were up to snuff by his lofty standards or not, there is real value in that for the World No.1.
He is disappointed in his play, but is experienced and knows that time is on his side. There are five weeks until Roland-Garros starts, and two Masters 1000 events at Madrid and Rome in between. He’ll have time to put the pieces together.
It could be rust after a long-layoff or the elbow could be a genuine concern. Worrying times for Novak fans https://t.co/4LlryVeZty
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) April 21, 2023
“I had my chances, but I didn’t take them,” he said of his effort on Friday in Banja Luka, according to Tennis Majors. “I played quite passively, with many mistakes and that resulted in the defeat.
“I was way below my desired level. I can’t win against opponents who are so solid on this surface with this game. I didn’t even feel good physically on the court: I felt slow, with sluggish legs; I missed a lot of balls and was totally out of [position]. At times I played well, but well below my level.”
It’s not ideal, but it is fairly normal to see Djokovic struggle in his first few outings on clay. In the past we’ve seen him find his game at Rome and carry that form over to Roland-Garros. Barring any unforeseen injuries, why should we suspect that this season would be any different?
With Nadal struggling to get fit, Djokovic knows he has a good opportunity to claim a third title in Paris, and a 23rd major. It’s reasonable to think he was playing it safe in Banja Luka, being careful not to hit out too much so that his elbow continues to recover. Or that he simply hasn’t gained comfort timing the ball and his footwork on the clay.
But let’s not make the mistake of thinking that he isn’t one of the best clay-court players of his generation and the man to beat at Roland-Garros if Nadal isn't at full fitness.
#Djokovic: I hope to be ready for Roland Garros. Last few years I would start slowly on clay as well, only to start playing better.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 21, 2023
Read More
Featuring unique content plus the best stories from OEL and special offers on outdoor equipment and supplies.
