5 reasons why 2017 could see the revival of the ‘Fedal’ rivalry

#3 Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s recent form

Djokovic lost against Denis Istomin in the Australian Open this year

The world order of tennis has undoubtedly changed in the absence of Federer and Nadal. However, things haven’t really gone to plan for the two players who were widely being tipped to take over, i.e. Djokovic and Murray.

Though Djokovic started 2016 in typical fashion by claiming the Australian Open and the French Open titles, the Serbian has looked less than his invincible self since Wimbledon last year. This point was further emphasised when Denis Istomin outlasted Djokovic at this year’s Australian Open.

Murray, on the other hand, did exceptionally well to claim Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal last year and also claim the world no. 1 ranking in the process; but he too was in for a rude shock at the first slam of 2017.

In a way, Federer and Nadal’s return to the top level could not be better timed for the game of tennis itself.

There are essentially only two ways things can pan out from here on: either both Murray and Djokovic will be back to their best sooner rather than later and set up a showdown between the original ‘big four’, or, Federer and Nadal will roll back the years and renew their hostilities once again.