by: Nathan M. Cuny
Imagine a 176 pound 6 foot 2 inch Serb pitted against a 188 pound 6 foot 1 inch Spaniard. Both nimble gorillas are armed with rackets ready to pound projectiles at bullet speeds towards the other. One, possibly the world’s greatest (which even the Serb has attested to) has lost his long held No.1 spot in defeat to this mighty Serb—the first man in seven years to take the position from either of two men. Now who is this man I am talking about?
Djokovic. The one and only new No. 1 Djokovic! The world of tennis better be ready for the ever-rising talents of this man, and Federer better move out of the way as the new rivalry is born between Nadal, and Djokovic. Within the last year Djokovic has won 10 titles, defeating Nadal six times. That’s quite impressive considering the only current player with such similar feats is Federer—but the days of his famous rivalry with Nadal are over.
How can Djokovic, who has finished out as No. 3 consecutively over the last four years suddenly (or at least it seems suddenly) rise to No. 1. I’ll tell you. Steroids! Just kidding, don’t take that seriously. Determination. He’s even said so himself, that every bit of his will is aimed on the win. Djokovic’s mental game is on, and seeing as tennis requires as much mental aptitude as physical, you could say that Djokovic is in Nadal’s head. With two more Master’s Titles up for grabs in Shanghai and Paris, plus the Barclays World Tour Finals in November, Djokovic better remain in Nadal’s head if he plans on finishing the 2011 year as No. 1.
Looking at the new No. 1 it’s fitting the new rivalry is born between Djokovic and Nadal who are nearer in age, compared to Federer. Federer, now in his thirties had his peak consecutive years as No. 1 between the ages of 23 and 26, roughly the current ages of Djokovic and Nadal. As age creeps in on Federer, who has nobly remained in the top rankings, it’s only fitting that his position as Nadal’s rival is overtaken by the younger opponent Djokovic.
It’s now 65 days and so many hours and minutes to the finals. Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer might be friendly off the court, but on the court it will be war. Federer has won the Barclays Finals four times over the last eight years, and even Djokovic took home the Barclays title once. This year Nadal has another shot at winning the finals which he has yet to accomplish. With so much at stake, and the new rivalry born, which of the top two tennis warriors, Djokovic or Nadal, will take home the goblet? Will Federer make a comeback, proving he’s still got it and isn’t growing too old for the game? Will we see the No. 4 player Murray pull a Djokovic, surprising us and his opponents during the next three title shots? All I can say is, if I had money, I’d put it on…that’s for you to decide.
(Author: Nathan M. Cuny)