The Djoker ain't joking anymore

Novak Djokovic, the man atop the ATP men’s rankings, may not have the supreme artistry of the Swiss Maestro, the power of the Mallorcan Matador, the booming serve of A-Rod or the returning abilities of the ginger-haired Scot but what he lacks in ability, he makes up for it with sheer determination and remarkable grit. It has taken a super-human effort from him to get to the top of the ATP men’s rankings on July 4^th, 2011. His feat is even more extraordinary considering the opponents he has vanquished to climb atop the rankings. On one side, there is Roger Federer, statistically proven to be the greatest player ever( 16 grand slam singles titles and counting) and on the other side, we have Rafael Nadal, the best player ever to step on the clay court and arguably the fittest player to have stepped on a tennis court.

Critics argued that Nole, as he is affectionately called, would crumble after ascending to the top of the rankings but he has gone from strength to strength, consolidating his position at the top of the men’s game. Djokovic has displayed amazing fortitude during tough matches and his never-say-die attitude has resulted in numerous come-from-behind victories in the recent past. In the Australian Open 2012, Novak Djokovic once again showed his indefatigable spirit by outlasting the fittest player on the tour, Rafael Nadal. His effort was even more commendable considering that he had won an equally grueling 5-setter against Andy Murray in the semis.

Djokovic’s entire tennis story has been backs to wall stuff. Fellow Serbians, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic, have been hailed in the press for the hardships and pain they endured in war-torn Yugoslavia and how they still managed to fulfill their dreams. Novak has never been talked about in such exalted terms but the greatest quality which has separated Nole from his compatriots has been the dedication and determination he has displayed in reaching the top pedestal and then staying there.

Novak Djokovic’s grand slam winning streak started at the Australian Open in 2008 and he has not looked back ever since. In 2008, all the pre-match talk was about the ‘Muhammad Ali’ lookalike Jo Wilfred Tsonga’s meteoric rise and how he had pummeled Nadal in the semis. Not many people gave Djokovic a chance against an in-form opponent and a partisan crowd. Djokovic showed his predatory instincts once again to claim his first grand slam after losing the opening set. In 2011, Djokovic went through a 43 match winning streak which is referred to as the Novak Djokovic tennis season. It was hailed by former great Pete Sampras as one of the greatest achievements in all sports while German sensation Boris Becker heralded it as the highest level of tennis he had ever seen.

Novak Djokovic’s performances have made every tennis fan sit up and take notice. He has signaled his intent by showing the tennis fraternity that he is not the funny impersonator anymore and is here for the long haul !