My OperaNovak Djokovic Could Secure 10 Majors
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 8:15:43 PM
Yes, it’s a post about Novak Djokovic. He’s everywhere just now, and some would argue he deserves to be after what many have described as the most impressive year ever on tour. But the recent events involving Serena Williams in the US Open final have had me thinking how spoiled the ATP Tour have been over the past 10 years to have genuinely inspirational number one’s who are fantastic ambassadors for the sport. Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have stood as pillars of all that is great about sport, and in their own unique ways have shown the kind of traits that make them genuine sporting idols.
Federer has been at the top for so long we almost take it for granted that we have one of the finest sportsmen of all time at the pinnacle of the game. He has played the game in such an effortlessly brilliant way that no one could hope to replicate his style (although Grigor Dimitrov is trying his best) and his off court persona matches up to his on court performances. Roger Federer as an individual emanates class with just a touch of arrogance, traits which have brought him a record haul of grand slam titles and universal acclaim. He is the definition of a tennis genius, and the way he plays the game makes him a character who people are inspired by rather than one they feel they can emulate. He has won just about every major event in men’s tennis, but you can’t help but wonder just how many more titles he would have if it were not for one man.
Rafael Nadal, in my opinion, has always been the exact opposite of Federer. He undoubtedly has a great deal of talent, but what differentiates him from almost every other player on the tour is that he squeezes every last bit of talent in his body through his incredible work ethic and his insatiable desire to win. Nadal is a testament to persistence, perspiration and practice. He, and his game, are a result of countless hours chasing down every ball and learning how to stay in a point from almost anywhere in the court. And, like Federer, his off court manner marries up to his on court style. Consistently humble and respectful of opponents you never get the impression Nadal is completely confident going in to any match. He has earned the right to be a little over confident, maybe even arrogant, but he accepts both victory and defeat with the humility you rarely see from professional athletes. Following his US Open defeat to Novak Djokovic, Nadal managed to sum up his attitude to his sport and his life in two simple sentences.
“Six straight losses, for sure that’s painful,” he said. “But I’m going to work every day until that changes. [You must] accept the challenge and work.”
Two great champions have led the game for so long it’s still strange to see Djokovic sitting at the top of the tree. So what kind of champion will he be? Currently, he’s a mix of Nadal’s dogged determination on the court and Federer’s attitude off court. The fighting qualities he has acquired during matches have gotten him wins he just wouldn’t have picked up in the past, and the results have bred an incredible self belief. He’s charismatic and media friendly, so he has the potential to be a fantastic champion and a great ambassador for the sport. The concern is that he lets all the adulation and media attention turn his head.
Djokovic can win a lot more slams. Federer will slip out of contention in the next couple of years and he has a great record against Nadal. Should Andy Murray find it within himself to have a Djokovic style transformation that could be an interesting match up for the future, but as much as I’d like to see it I don’t truly believe it will happen. Outside of those 3 you have Del Potro’s huge game but his fitness will always be a concern over the 2 long weeks of a slam. The younger guys could have the potential to trouble him in the future, but I don’t see anyone being close to good enough in the next couple of years so the door really is wide open for him to pick up at least another 5 or 6 majors. You have to say he’s also the favourite to pick up an Olympic gold in London next year given his result at Wimbledon this season.
The World Tour Finals have to be Nadal’s priority for the last part of the year. A Nadal victory over Djokovic at the year end championships could completely change the dynamic of the 2012 season. It would put that seed of doubt in Djokovic’s mind and would give Nadal that little bit of confidence he has been missing this year. The real plus point of Novak’s ascent to the top is that from the dying embers of the Federer/Nadal rivalry comes another which as just as intensely entertaining and could last another 5 or 6 years. Personally I can’t wait until the final Masters events and the Tour Finals to see just what we can expect next year from these great champions.
Source: http://www.atptennisworld.co.uk
Federer has been at the top for so long we almost take it for granted that we have one of the finest sportsmen of all time at the pinnacle of the game. He has played the game in such an effortlessly brilliant way that no one could hope to replicate his style (although Grigor Dimitrov is trying his best) and his off court persona matches up to his on court performances. Roger Federer as an individual emanates class with just a touch of arrogance, traits which have brought him a record haul of grand slam titles and universal acclaim. He is the definition of a tennis genius, and the way he plays the game makes him a character who people are inspired by rather than one they feel they can emulate. He has won just about every major event in men’s tennis, but you can’t help but wonder just how many more titles he would have if it were not for one man.
Rafael Nadal, in my opinion, has always been the exact opposite of Federer. He undoubtedly has a great deal of talent, but what differentiates him from almost every other player on the tour is that he squeezes every last bit of talent in his body through his incredible work ethic and his insatiable desire to win. Nadal is a testament to persistence, perspiration and practice. He, and his game, are a result of countless hours chasing down every ball and learning how to stay in a point from almost anywhere in the court. And, like Federer, his off court manner marries up to his on court style. Consistently humble and respectful of opponents you never get the impression Nadal is completely confident going in to any match. He has earned the right to be a little over confident, maybe even arrogant, but he accepts both victory and defeat with the humility you rarely see from professional athletes. Following his US Open defeat to Novak Djokovic, Nadal managed to sum up his attitude to his sport and his life in two simple sentences.
“Six straight losses, for sure that’s painful,” he said. “But I’m going to work every day until that changes. [You must] accept the challenge and work.”
Two great champions have led the game for so long it’s still strange to see Djokovic sitting at the top of the tree. So what kind of champion will he be? Currently, he’s a mix of Nadal’s dogged determination on the court and Federer’s attitude off court. The fighting qualities he has acquired during matches have gotten him wins he just wouldn’t have picked up in the past, and the results have bred an incredible self belief. He’s charismatic and media friendly, so he has the potential to be a fantastic champion and a great ambassador for the sport. The concern is that he lets all the adulation and media attention turn his head.
Djokovic can win a lot more slams. Federer will slip out of contention in the next couple of years and he has a great record against Nadal. Should Andy Murray find it within himself to have a Djokovic style transformation that could be an interesting match up for the future, but as much as I’d like to see it I don’t truly believe it will happen. Outside of those 3 you have Del Potro’s huge game but his fitness will always be a concern over the 2 long weeks of a slam. The younger guys could have the potential to trouble him in the future, but I don’t see anyone being close to good enough in the next couple of years so the door really is wide open for him to pick up at least another 5 or 6 majors. You have to say he’s also the favourite to pick up an Olympic gold in London next year given his result at Wimbledon this season.
The World Tour Finals have to be Nadal’s priority for the last part of the year. A Nadal victory over Djokovic at the year end championships could completely change the dynamic of the 2012 season. It would put that seed of doubt in Djokovic’s mind and would give Nadal that little bit of confidence he has been missing this year. The real plus point of Novak’s ascent to the top is that from the dying embers of the Federer/Nadal rivalry comes another which as just as intensely entertaining and could last another 5 or 6 years. Personally I can’t wait until the final Masters events and the Tour Finals to see just what we can expect next year from these great champions.
Source: http://www.atptennisworld.co.uk
