Serbian tennis star and current World No. 2 Novak Djokovic (nicknamed the Joker, because of his similar-sounding surname, comedic personality and underachieving big-tournament play) has started the 2011 season better than any other men”s player in nearly 30 years.
On his way to winning seven consecutive tournaments (including the Australian Open), Djokovic has amassed a 37-0 record to start 2011 and trails the all-time men”s streak, established by American John McEnroe in 1984, by only five matches.
The 23-year-old Serbian has won events in six countries (Australia, United Arab Emirates, USA, Serbia, Spain and Italy) on two surfaces (hardcourt and clay) and beaten his best contemporaries (including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray).
Djokovic”s overall winning streak actually stands at 39 matches, dating back to December when his two victories helped Serbia win the 2010 Davis Cup. The all-time Open Era men”s winning streak is 46 in a row by Argentine Guillermo Vilas in 1977.
Djokovic”s run really came out of nowhere.
Prior to 2011, the Serbian had a really good regular tour record but had only earned one Grand Slam (2008 Australian Open), hurt by a reputation of being a slight head case and a streaky server.
People would talk about this Joker and say he was doing himself wrong because he would make deep Grand Slam runs but couldn”t play well enough to get past both Federer and Nadal.
Little did we know the Davis Cup final wins would be the start of a remarkable run.
In the grand scheme, 2010 had been another disappointing year for Djokovic, who could only muster one Grand Slam finals appearance (a U.S. Open final loss to Nadal).
But then he carried his countrymen to capture Serbia”s first Davis Cup. The momentum continued after the yearend hiatus, and he controlled the first Grand Slam of 2011, dropping only one set at the Australian Open.
Djokovic dominated the rest of the early hardcourt season, winning events in Dubai (U.A.E.), Indian Wells and Miami. Shockingly to most, Djokovic played even better during the pre-French Open clay court season, losing just three sets in three events.
During 2011, Djokovic passed Federer to earn the No. 2 spot in the world rankings, dropped only nine sets in his first seven tournaments (all victories) and dismantled Nadal in four tournament finals, including twice on clay.
Next up for Djokovic is the French Open, which begins Sunday (his birthday). In order to top McEnroe”s record start, Djokovic would have to win in the semifinals – something he”s failed at in two attempts.
In fact, the French Open has been the most difficult for Djokovic. While he”s made the final four twice, Djokovic has also been knocked out of the tournament early, including a third-round exit in 2009.
The Serbian should avoid an early-round collapse by drawing confidence from his recently unbeatable play on clay. Making it to the semifinals should be a breeze.
Djokovic will most likely have beaten any potential semifinals opponent, so he should be primed to make his first French Open final, where he”ll most likely face Nadal.
No player has ever beaten Nadal in the French Open final, but if anybody could do it at the 2011 tournament, it”s this Joker, backhand smoker, midday stroker. If Djokovic were to pull it off, he would tie Vilas”s all-time winning streak mark.
Nadal is the favorite, but the Joker has a real chance. In addition to those two clear frontrunners, look for Murray to be a dark-horse contender.
Continuing the French Open preview, let”s shift briefly to the women”s singles tournament, which is wide open now that Serena and Venus Williams won”t be playing.
Australian Samantha Stosur should be considered the favorite. She was the runner-up last year and has had a consistent clay court career.
Russian Maria Sharapova, who just beat Stosur in a final in Italy, has a good chance to secure her fourth Grand Slam title (which would complete an improbable career Grand Slam, giving her exactly one win in each of the four majors).
Belgian Kim Clijsters could be the dark horse. Though she”s missed the past few months with injury, the woman who won the last two Grand Slams has proven an ability to win despite long layovers.
The French Open starts Sunday: watch and enjoy.
Jeremy Walsh is a staff reporter for Lake County Publishing. He can be reached at 263-5636 ext. 37 or jwalsh@record-bee.com.
