Novak Djokovic sealed his fifth Grand Slam under the roof of Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, and at the same time underlined his name as the current world #1 in the tennis world. The pulsating final with Rafael Nadal is being considered one of, if not the best Grand Slam finals since Nadal’s epic match with Federer back in 2008 at Wimbledon. Even then, some are saying this marathon eclipsed that. The pendulum this Sunday swung both ways as each player took a grip of the tie at various moments throughout its near six hour spectacle, only for their opponent to spectacularly battle back.
The way Djokovic has won the tournament will fill him with enormous confidence for the rest of this year. He has defeated two exceedingly difficult challenges that Nadal, and formerly, Andy Murray, threw at him, having to last the whole five sets with both. He must now consider himself imperious, ready to take on whatever challenge that is thrown at him and succeed. The mental resilience he has acquired means he is prepared psychologically as well as physically for the heavy demands of Grand Slam tennis. This is further enforced in the manner he came back in the final set at Melbourne Park. Having looked on course to seal the contest in four sets having demolished and demoralised Nadal in the second and third, he eventually ended up being a break down in the decider and looked very much on the ropes. After the energy he had already expended, I think few expected him to find another burst of inspiration to claw it back and eventually claim the title. It was a gladiatorial effort and one which captivated viewers. This tougher mental strength Djokovic has obtained, which probably first came to fruition when he achieved his first Slam, is now what makes him a major player on the world stage. Beforehand, he was considered a choker, somebody, who although could last the distance physically, lacked the belief that they could achieve the title. That has now changed, and it is without certainty he will continue to add to his tally of major titles, with aspirations of reaching the heights of Nadal (with 10) and Federer (16) a genuine target.
Yet when you look back on the tournament, you must feel partially sorry for Andy Murray. He thought he had taken his chance in defeating Djokovic, but was subject to the same bouncebackability and never say die attitude that reared its head again in the final. The man is currently holding the nations tennis expectations on his shoulders and he probably would have already realised his dream of major success had he entered the scene at any other time than the modern era. He is desperate for a Grand Slam, and you can probably argue either the Australian or US Open’s are his best hopes, although ideally, to appease the dreams of many British sporting fanatics, victory on the grasses at Wimbledon would provide the sweetest of stories. His performance against Djokovic in the semi-final did provide hope that maybe he is closing the gap on the top three though, because beforehand he was clearly a level below them, but still a class act above everyone else below him in the rankings. It was as if he was stuck in a rut as world number four. In the past the Scot has proven he can beat the three players above him, though the momentous effort he usually exercises to do so, I believe is the reason for his then subsequent floundering in the next match (usually a Grand Slam final). Maybe now however, the tide is changing, and had he defeated Djokovic in Melbourne he would have been eyed up as a potential favourite.
But, to me he still has to win a Slam before he can be classed with the others. The game has not seen three such imperious players for some time, particularly with such contrasting styles. Many had thought the graceful looking Federer was on the wane, but some of his performances in Melbourne have reminded many not to write him off. Naturally, Nadal, with his bulging arm muscles is notoriously associated with the power game, whilst Djokovic just appears to be the ultimate Duracell bunny, with never-ending running. However, in the final, Djokovic appeared to combine all three attributes into his game, and was at times out-hitting Nadal, a feat so rarely witnessed. Whilst now, the game has evolved so much that players must play the best available shot to them. If one strikes one that is only an acceptable or possible option it is brutally punished by the likes of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and even Murray to an extent. Unless the best shot is played, it is considered a mistake and your chances on the point are usually extinguished rapidly. It is dog eat dog, and it is for that reason that the trio (and Murray) are all but always filling the semi-final slots of major championships.
If the entertainment of the past Australian fortnight is a sign to come of the quality we are going to expect amongst the tennis fraternity in 2012, then fans can rejoice, particularly as we will be treated to an Olympic tournament as well as the four Slams this year. As a Brit, it will be interesting to see if Murray does gain that elusive title, or whether the tremendous trio now take another step away from him. The sport of tennis is in a great shape, with the number of contenders gunning for women’s titles making them just as interesting to watch as the fantastic match-play we are witnessing amongst the men. However, with the run Djokovic is currently experiencing, it is going to take a special performance for someone to slow him down in his tracks. Roll on Roland Garros...
No comments:
Post a Comment