Novak Djokovic Remains Confident—Nathan’s Notice
By: Nathan M. Cuny
Djokovic is all the rave—optimists think Djokovic can win his first major title of the year at the Australian Open while pessimists state that he’s too worn out to even make an impact. The facts lean either way. Djokovic had a shoulder injury which could unexpectedly flare up yet at the same time has rested since the three day exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. The biggest current weight upon Djokovic’s shoulders is the pressure to perform on the same par as he did in 2011. Performing on the level that wins seven consecutive titles from the seasons open, with a 43-0 starting match record, three Grand Slams, and ten total titles by the season’s end Djokovic has a lot to live up to. With nearly a month and a half of rest and relaxation perhaps Djokovic has rested himself enough to begin 2012 as amazingly as he started 2011.
Novak Djokovic is not the first player to play at such phenomenal levels. Veteran super-players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both know how playing at such heights inevitably comes to a halt. Regarding the matter Nadal stated, “Seriously, I lose because I am playing against the best player of the moment, the best player of the world tomorrow, and I am the second. And when you play against these players and they are playing unbelievable, the normal thing is lose. My experience says this level is not forever. Even for me when I was last year winning three Grand Slams, my level of last year is not forever. Probably the level of Novak of today is not forever.”
Djokovic still at the top of the tennis charts feels much differently about his future prospects, believing confidently he can and will go further. When recently interviewed Djokovic stated, ““It’s going to be very difficult to repeat what I have done. But look, I’ve done it once. Why not twice? Why not staying optimistic and positive about the whole season?” Even so questions have been raised whether he will be able to perform against Federer who found his stride at the 2011 season’s end. Additionally, Nadal’s new racket and work on his technique—although not his saving grace—adds to the questionability of Djokovic repeating another finals win at the Australian Open this year.
Djokovic is on the opposite side of the draw this year to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the Australian Open. This is the first time since 2005 that Federer and Nadal have been on the same half of a Grand Slam draw. Andy Murray has been placed on the same side of the draw as Djokovic making a likely semifinals clash between the two. Djokovic won’t have to face either Federer or Nadal unless he makes it the Australian Open finals. With the confidence Djokovic has built with every trophy since the 2011 season he is likely to play on the same high confidence level that carried him to the 2011 Australian Open finals.
Topics: Australian Open, Novak Djokovic
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