Home > Tennis > Only a matter of time before Novak Djokovic overtakes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Only a matter of time before Novak Djokovic overtakes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
The Serb has steadily closed the gap between the world's top two, and having beaten both men more than once, could 2008 be the year he takes the No.1 slot?
by Abe Battjes on 14 April 2008
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Last season was something of a breakthrough year for Serbia’s top-ranked male player, Novak Djokovic.
Even though he had slowly progressed through the rankings earlier on, Djokovic made it loud and clear in 2007 that he was going to be a force to be reckoned with. But some Tennis fans are wondering if he has what it takes to top the rankings and dethrone Roger Federer as the world's brest player.
Some viewed the Serb whiz-kid's semi-final run in Paris as a fluke and even though he backed it up with a runner-up finish at the US Open, there were still a lot of doubters.
But he started 2008 impressively and won his first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open. He has improved in Major appearances and it would be extremely hard for anyone to doubt that he will achieve further Slam successes.
He started 2007 ranked No.16 in the world, but claimed five tour series events. With a raft of semi-final and final finishes, he finished the year 13 places higher than he had started the season.
Sceptics may claim that Djokovic can’t split the top two of Federer and Rafael Nadal. But already this season he has shown that the top two men aren’t as big a threat as they once were. He even defeated Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in straight sets.
Last season Djokovic beat Federer in Montreal 7-6 in the first and third sets. And in 2007 the Swiss master had a great season, capturing three Slams, so Djokovic is just as strong.
He currently sits fewer than 2,000 points behind Federer and even fewer behind Spanish maestro Nadal. Don’t underestimate the young Serb. It’s possible that Djokovic could finish the season as the new No.1 of world tennis.
Comments (11)
by connor harper on April 14, 2008
Pretty much what I said aswel mate, everything is going steady and good for you whiz-kid
on April 15, 2008 on April 15, 2008
No kidding?! Federer is 26 going on 27. It's pretty obvious to about everyone that Djokovic is eventually going to take over the number 1 spot someday. Also, you're still a moron for the Williams sisters beating Federer/Sampras article, and you've already pissed away any credibility as a sports writer you might have had.
by Moody Palubon on April 15, 2008
I think he has all the potentials to overtake the number 1 spot in the world.But before anything else he has to change his attitude in court.Most of the great tennis players were cool minded.
by drunkGrizzly urushorrobillis on April 15, 2008
Yes, it's gonna happen sooner or later maybe even this year! I always liked the way that djoko was playing those mind games with fed by saying "he's beatable". A lot of people are saying that it is unfair cause it puts an extra pressure on fed when he plays djoko but again a lot of people don't know the fact that fed was the one who drew the first blood by saying "he's a joke" for djoko when novak was 17 or 18 years old.... Funny, he couldn't knew that he was saying that to his future main contender LOL
Lately we saw how roger fed stumbled(worst since 2000).It really hurts especially to those who idolized his game.But im sure Roger will be back in tune sooner.I like to him vs Rafa swinging their rackets comes French Open.I pray that his new found coach will help him achieve his goal-winning the french open.Ty from Moody of Dumaguete City,Philippines.
----- But before anything else he has to change his attitude in court.Most of the great tennis players were cool minded. ------ Really? What about mcenroe and connors? Or even young agassi?
by janhavi pande on April 15, 2008
i think people ought to give fed a break..he can't always be at hs very best..but that dosen't mean he won't return ti power...now as far as djokovic is concerned ,he has got a very powerful game but seeing his attitude i don't know how consistent he is going to be even if he does get to the number 1 spot sooner or later...
by rosita abrew on April 18, 2008
Novak Djokovic has shown incredible skill, tenacity and a maturity that beyond his tender twenty-year old age. Having beaten the world nos. 1 and 2 in tennis, it is only a matter of time that he finds the perfect overall game on the tennis court to close the gap by the year's end. He has shown an all-round adaptibility to all types of court surfaces and his record proves he has achieved remarkable performances on grass, hard court or clay. So watch my word - this young man is going to win million more fans to his ever-growing world of fans. Vamos! Nole!
on April 22, 2008 on April 22, 2008
omg u think that weirdo can be number 1 no way roger will stay number one but i would want rafa if somthing does happen to roger in the ranking but i will bounce back so roger and rafa all the way!
by Anastas Jaigarov on May 02, 2008
no comment
on June 02, 2008 on June 02, 2008
LOL @ rosita; Nole has, if anything, LOST fans because he's a huge coward.
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