The Djoker Effect

Novak Djokovic, better known as the 'Djoker' makes people laugh with his wonderful imitation skills and also his opponents cry with his wonderful tennis skills.

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2011

2011 has been an amazing year for him. He has won three Grand Slams singles titles - The Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open with his only Grand Slam blemish coming in the French Open Semi - Finals where he lost to the eventual runner up - Roger Federer. At the end of the US Open 2011, he enjoys a 64-2 win-loss record this year (his other loss coming against Andy Murray in the finals of the Cincinnati Masters) and considering the kind of form that he is in, it can only improve with a few more tournaments still to be played. John McEnroe had an 82-3 win-loss record is 1984, Roger Federer is next with an 81-4 record in 2005.

If you had to select a part of 2011 which was his best, it would be extremely tough. He has been dominating his opponents all year thus far. He won 43 consecutive matches (41 in the beginning of the 2011 season) until his winning streak was snapped by Roger Federer at Roland Garros.

The Tennis Trivalry

For a long time, there was the Federer-Nadal rivalry that existed. It will definitely go down in tennis history as one of the greatest rivalries the sport has seen. Now, with Djokovic playing so well, there is a tennis trivalry that exists among Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. It is an extremely interesting scenario that is currently prevailing. Even though each player has the game to beat the other two, the triangle very much exists. On current form, Federer has the best game to beat Djokovic, Nadal has the best game to beat Federer and Djokovic has the best game to beat Nadal. This scenario has injected new energy into the Sport and it is turning out to be infectious. As with the case of any sport, the more the competition, the better and more engrossing it is for the spectator.

The True Sportsman

Novak Djokovic is an amazing personality off the court as well. He imitates the playing styles of many players to perfection, but his imitation of Maria Sharapova takes the cake. He is very popular amongst his fellow players and spectators alike. He is a true sportsman who would applaud a good shot from his opponent irrespective of the state of the game (applauding a Roger Federer forehand winner whilst serving at 3-4 in the final set in the Semi finals of the US Open, 2011 is a prime example of that). It is a rare sight these days with competitive spirits of players reaching new heights. His persona exudes positive energy and is a kind of player whom you would just love watching.

US Open Magic

It was third time lucky for Novak Djokovic in US Open finals. He had lost his first US Open final to Roger Federer in 2007 and his second US Open final to Rafael Nadal in 2010. This year, he beat both of them in consecutive matches to lift the crown and deservedly so.

Djokovic was two match points down in the Semi finals against Roger Federer (who was serving up 5-3; 40-15 in the final set). He saved the first one with an amazing forehand return winner, a shot which will never be forgotten by anyone who watched the game, purely for the circumstances under which the shot was played. He saved the next one too, and eventually beat Federer.

The final against Rafael Nadal was an epic. It was a 250 minute thriller. Both players were handing out punches and counter punches point after point and game after game. In the midst of this high energy encounter, there were quite a few rallies that lasted more than 20 shots. Such was the quality of tennis on offer.

Novak Djokovic was in control for most parts of the match. His game looked disturbed only in the third set tie breaker when fatigue crept in, but he soon regained control by winning the fourth set 6-1. He beat Nadal 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-1. He was the favourite going into the tournament and he lived up to the billing.

Novak Djokovic is clearly hitting the peak of his career. He has definitely worked on his fitness in the last one year and it shows in his performances. How long will the winning streak and his form last? Only time will tell. Until then, let us celebrate a true sportsman and enjoy the best he has to offer to the sport.