In honor of the 2012 Australian Open Champion and his Ridiculous Marathon Match

Let's face it, this match was one for the ages. It's one of the greatest sports performances in the history of history. If you're making a box set of phenomenal tennis matches, you put in this match as the main event book ended by the US open semi final match where Novak vanquished Federer and the US Open 2011 final where Novak pummeled Nadal and ripped the US open trophy from Nadal's hands.

A day after this match was played I am just sitting and soaking it in. Like the 2011 US open final, it was tiring to watch so I can only imagine what it would have been like to play. The constant emotional ups and downs from watching at the edge of your seat takes a toll on you as well. One second you're cheering for a Nole or Nadal winner, break of serve, missed shot, etc. The next second you're lamenting one.

This Grand Slam win silences stupid critics that said that Novak's 2011 season was just a fluke. It's 2012 people. Novak is still ripping the cover off the ball and laying to waste the rest of the ATP roster. This match cements Novak Djokovic as an all time great and in the conversation as one of the greatest ever. As if it was necessary, because I think his 2011 said it all.

Novak has proven once again that he's transcended sports, celebrity and also proven that he is:

The Legend Killer
The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla
The King of Sting
The Demolition Man
The Serbian Bull
The Unstoppable Titan of Terror
The Bull Killer
The Superb Serb
The King of Kings
The People's Champion
The Warrior of the Wasteland
The King Cobra
The Real Deal
The most dominant Athlete in Professional Sports
The cerebral assassin
The backhand heard 'round the world
The Djoker's Wild
The Biggest Icon in professional Tennis and Professional Sports period

Others agree:
Associate Press

canberratimes.com

foxnews.com

chicagotribune.com

hindustantimes.com

Nole has conquered the World

After a long layoff from blogging I am at an obvious point to finally add my two cents in if you will. Novak Djokovic has just finished the US Open in stunning fashion and has put away any doubts in people's minds that he is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a legitimate runner for any event in the future.

That's putting it lightly. He has obliterated the competition with such ferocity that he has left the likes of Nadal and Federer in the dust. I am of course speaking of current on-court ability. Not withstanding that epic match he had with Federer in the semis. There's no need for me to regurgitate the accomplishments he has achieved this season but it's absolutely astounding and difficult to appreciate as a whole especially if you haven't been following it match by match, tourney by tourney. He's won just about everything. The only two things he's entered and hasn't won in is the French of course, and he gave away the Cincy title to Murray. More like donated.

That's not to say he's the greatest of all time. Well, depends how you measure that. Do you measure it in terms of the number of Grand Slams he's won in total. That does seem like a very legitimate means of measurement. However that is flawed in it's own ways. There's too many factors to consider. Federer amassed most of his 16 when he was head and shoulders above his competition, in his prime, in his younger days. Also, a good point was made that perhaps he can't be considered the greatest if there's a man out there he can't beat in Rafael Nadal. Rafael Nadal in his own right has 10 Grand Salamis, dominated Federer but now only recently has had that same argument with someone out there he can't at the moment beat.

So to be fair, with respect to guys like Laver, McEnroe, Lendl etc. If we were to literally go back in time and take abduct each of the great players in their prime, have them go out there and play each other in a tournament and everything being equal, I think most of us can agree that Federer, Nadal and Djokovic would be tops, followed very closely by the likes of Sampras and Agassi. It's a different game today. Different equipment. Better racquets, more physically fit people due to sports science and research.

So the question, is Novak Djokovic one of the greatest players of all time? Well i don't think you can discount him given the fact that he's beaten Rafa now 6 times in a row, all in high pressure finals. 10-1 against Federer and Rafa this season. How do you do something like that and not be considered one of the best ever?

I guess the reason I ask, and the reason a lot of Djokovic supporterss ask this question is that he still doesn't seem to be getting the respect he deserves. Fed and Nads fans disrespect him at every turn. He's arrogant, or he's not in the same class, or he doesn't have as many Slams, (...yet). More proof of this comes when he plays, the crowd rarely cheers for him. And if they do, it's usually when he's not playing Federer or Nadal. Proof of course comes from the obvious one-sided crowd support in the last 2 Grand Slam finals he's won where at the moment he recieves the coveted trophies the crowd cheers noticeably louder for the loser, Rafael Nadal.

More proof comes in terms of advertisements for events, where either Nadal or Federer get the larger posters, their images in the forefront of ads, or Novak gets excluded all-together. That's is slowly going away but is still very prevalent. Are people somehow forgetting who the real world number one is? No, they are just disrespectful and choose not to acknowledge the state of tennis today. A man that obliterated Rafael Nadal. 6 straight wins, capped off by winning the US OPEN with a 6-1 4th set. He didn't just win ok? He made everyone's hero, the tennis machine, the Spanish Bull, Tennis' coverboy, tap-out in martial arts terms.

The best thing about this is Novak's personality which has been described by his detractors as cocky.  He's a confident man, fun loving, good spirited, has a great sense of humour, and isn't afraid to promote himself. Tennis needs this man. He's not just promoting himself every time he's doing the Today Show or the Conan O'brien Show. He's promoting Tennis as a sport. In contrast, the likes of Nadal, and to a greater extent Federer are boring in personality. That's not their fault. I'm not saying that at all. But it's a breath of fresh air to see someone with some fire and some real exciting personality at the pinnacle of professional tennis. He loves the cameras, he loves twitter, facebook, doing interviews with major television shows. He's not shy to voice his opinion. He's giving tennis the boost it needs in the greater sports market. Drawing much needed attention to it and making people sit up and listen. Hey, there's this sport out there that phenomenal, and it's not boring, it's in fact extremely exciting. But just as importantly, at the same time he's respectful to his fellow players.

Novak could have easily returned some spiteful comments towards Federer after that semis match where Federer commented on Novak's upbringing, his lucky shot and such. Not to mention his condescending, obviously arrogant finger wag after the semis at Roland Garros. But Nole took the high route. Kept things politically correct I am guessing out of respect for Federer. Really now, in all honesty who is the more cocky and arrogant one? Especially in this situation. To his credit, lets not blow that out of proportion. It's not like Federer called him a blatantly derogatory name. My point is, from what we've seen so far from his comments, Novak Djokovic has been very professional when asked about the likes of Federer and Nadal. He's been a classy champion. So why then is he cocky? Cause he beats his chest sometimes on the court, yells out at his players box in excitement after succeeding on the court? How is this different that Nadal's "come on!!" or "Vamos!!" or his knee up, fist pump that he does? I don't see a difference. I also have no problems with it.

Go ahead, celebrate. Get excited. Anyone who does this, any player not just the top guys. You hit an amazing shot, or break a person 4 times in a row. Hoot and hollar, bring some excitement to this game. This isn't golf where everything is drowned out in a layers upon layers of manners and etiquette. We're not at church or a place of holy worship. This isn't a funeral. Sure you should keep quiet between points for obvious concentration reasons. But damn it, this is an exciting sport. Do what you feel.

So he's won non stop. And every time he plays he shows his spectacular skills. I can't wait to see what Novak Djokovic is going to do next. He's entertaining the heck out of me and I think the rest of the world is finally starting to take notice. About time, he's only won 64 matches this season... and it's not even over yet.  What else does he have to do to earn your respect?

Nadal is down, Djoker cruises again, Ivan Dodig is a giant killer

It's Ivan Dodig, remember it

I was able to catch most of the Nadal match but I missed the beginning since I thought the rainout was still on and was watching Sharapova dismatle her 2nd round opponent, what'sherface. I gotta say, I'm really having a blast watching all this tennis. Just wish this rain would go away so i can actually see the matches i wanna see.

Nadal gets served!!!
First I wanna say that Ivan Dodig is my new hero and whatever happens from here on out, he's a giant killer and a prince among men. Nadal seemed to have lost his intimidation factor and Dodig seemed to never believe it was impossible to beat him. He kept chugging along and toppled the capris wearing, wedgie picking wonder. You're welcome says Djoker. Nadal drops a steamer and hopefully more players start to jump on this formula for beating the wedgie wonder.


Djoker Advances

After coming out rusty, and I mean real rusty, Djoker gathered himself and took out Davy. I mean Davydenko is no pushover but Djoker looked rustier than the tinman before Dorothy. Luckily he didn't look as rusty as Rafa. Then, Djoker dismisses Marin Cilic. Cilic hung in tough for the first set but, like he often does Djokovic stepped on the accelerator for the second set and tore him a new one. His serve seemed smooth, his shots seem deep and powerful, and he's got his big hooking forehand going a little. Just looks like Federer is standing in his way out of the major seeds. I don't wanna count my chickens before they hatch though.


Petkovic

Andrea Petkovic advances again against the Wimby Champ Kvitova. Could we be in store for a championship Petkovic dance? I hope so. So far my prediction is holding.

Early Rogers Cup Coverage

So it's the second day now and I got some news to report already. Andy Murry is out thanks to Kevin Anderson of South Africa. Some of my favourites in the WTA side are out, some have moved on. Djokovic has a tough draw, facing Davydenko first, and if he were to proceed, he could face Del Potro and Federerererer.


Andy Murray is a munson.

If you don't know what a munson is, I suggest you watch the movie Kingpin starring Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray. The number 4th ranked player in the world who won Roger's cup last year by beating Roger Federer get toasted by Kevin Anderson. With all respect to Anderson, how do you expect to beat the top guys and win a major if you can't get past the early stages of a masters event? Hopefully he bounces back or he's going to start more rioting in London.

Andrea Petkovic

Rebecca Marino, Out

Canadian hopeful, Marino was ousted by Ekaterina Makarova. It was a good match to watch cause it was so close. It's unfortunate for the home crowd as one of their best hopes to win, or at least get deep into the tourney is ousted on the first round. She didn't seem too comfortable with her return game but neither did Makarova. I guess Marino was the first to flinch.

Petkovic curbs Eugenie Bouchard
Which means we get to see the Andrea Petkovic dance! Wooo! She looked focus, her serve looked sharp and had a lot of kick. She's one of my favourites for this tournament and she is due for a win.

Djoker is scheduled to play 2nite at Approx. 7pm. Go Nole!

Us Open predictions

So the last Grand Slam is coming up after a warm up in Canada and I just wanted to chime in with some of my thoughts. It's easy to say who the favourites are going to be and I'm sure you've read a million times that it's Djoko with Fed and Nads close behind. But why?

Djokovic
Sure Djoko is in top shape and has been destroying people but I am wondering if he can keep up such an emotional high. I obviously hope he does. I mean I hope he goes into the US open and demolishes the field and hoists another trophy. After getting both his lifelong dreams, it almost seems too easy to have a let down so I think the job will be a much tougher one now. Especially now that he's the one in everyone's cross hairs.

Federererererererer

I don't understand this argument that Fed is a bad matchup for Novak, and Nadal is a bad matchup for Fed and Novak is a bad matchup for Nadal. This is a break in that chain. And it's the fact that Fed IS NOT a bad matchup for Novak. Yes he beat him once in at Roland Garros and stopped his streak but I wonder why people so quickly forget the amount of times Novak beat him in a row between the semi's at the 2010 US open and Roland Garros. At best i think it's a tight matchup. At worst, if Novak is completely off form like he was at RG, than you would give that argument to Fed. Or would you? Anyone off their form is a bad match up for anyone. It's a blanket statement. If you watched his matches against Federer before RG, Novak was beating him quite convincingly.

Nadal
He's been beaten 5 times in finals by Novak and when someone is cornered and beaten like this they are going to react by lashing out. This is when he's the most dangerous. He's pissed off by Novak, pissed off by the question being asked about declines in his game and it's bull. He's beaten everyone on the planet but Novak and he's going to give him one hell of a ride this time if they meet again in the final. He made way too many mistakes at Wimbledon. It'd be difficult to picture this happening again.

Murray

I don't think he's got the stones to hang with the big three. Federer maybe but Nadal squashes him like a big each time and Novak is too sharp at the moment. Eventhough he gave Nole a hell of a ride at Miami's semis. He's got some powerful groundstrokes, a good serve and a good return game. He's got all the tools he needs to win against these guys but he doesn't seem to be able to turn up his intensity. The only type of intensity he generates is his getting pissed off and swearing but he can't translate it to what he does in his game. Until we see the fire in his eyes, he's not going to be winning any slams. But he's not far off at all. He's really close and needs to bring it.



Delpo
I haven't seen anything to give me any indication that's he's returned to the same form that he had when he won the US Open. None at all. He's been hurt and i think the Davis Cup has gotten him lit up a bit with confidence so maybe we will see it in NY. I don't know with his injuries if he can sustain a high level of play against the big 3 who will make him run all over the place.

A new world order as they say

As this is my initial blog I would like to start with the story of why I am writing this in the first place.

High atop the ATP world ranks, perched on the mountain of elite level tennis, one man alone looks down on the rest. Novak Djokovic has done what no man before him has been able to do. But it wasn't easy. It took years upon years. But in 2011, he has demolished Nadal and Federer and ended the duopoly of Federer-Nadal tennis that has existed the last 7 years. Has he ushered in a new golden era of tennis? Obviously, only time can tell.


The last such era in my memory started back in the late 1980's when men's tennis was at it's most exciting peak. With names like Becker, McEnroe still lingering around a bit, new faces emerged. Names like Sampras, Change, Agassi, Muster. Tennis was fun to watch. Eventually, Sampras and Agassi imposed their dominance but there was always variety, always a question of what if? Always an opportunity for someone different to win, to claim a prize and to bring a higher level of excitement. As Sampras got older, guys like Kafelnikov, Coria, Roddick, Hewitt, Kuerten, Safin, kept it interesting and exciting. But then came the dominance of Federer who everyone hailed as the new King. And he was dominant to say the least. He demolished everyone around him and turned the game of tennis into a predictable, one man, one sided freak show.

They changed the ATP tour into the Roger Federer experience. With the first rounds of tourneys as the warm up band, and Federer hoisting another trophy as the main event. For a time, it was great to see such style, such grace on the court. Then it got boring. It got predictable. The same thing happened over and over again and along came Rafael Nadal to uproot Federer and usurp his #1 ranking and take away some of his trophies. But instead of there being fun and excitement for fans, a glimmer of hope, the one man sideshow turned into a boring duet. Tournament after tournament, year after year they bored us, and put us to sleep. If you were a betting man, you probably could have made some easy coin betting on the surest thing in sports. Federer or Nadal winning. Everyone else on the tour were standing around thinking, wtf?

But behind the shadows lurked a man who was sick of it. Sick of it all. There were a few cracks in the impenetrable wall of the Fedal show. All someone needed to do was have the stones, the audacity to look tennis history in the face, and slap it's bitter taste out of everyone's mouth. Someone stood up and said enough is enough. You're being greedy now. Let this stagnating sport which once was this display of athleticism, precision and competition have life again. Some of those who have stopped watching completely started to take notice. Something good was happening to the sport that they once loved. Maybe they could start watching it again. Maybe it will be exciting, thrilling, and not a predictable drag every year. Maybe, this abomination called the Federer/Nadal Duopoly could come to an end?

Well that man's name is Novak Djokovic. Legend killer. Orc Slayer. The unstoppable titan of terror. Currently the new world #1 ranked tennis player. Winner of 3 grand slams. In possession of one of the greatest winning streaks in history, and best starts to a season ever. But how could this all be?

He was the odd man out for years. The third wheel. Right on the cusp, looking in, but never ever invited into the big show. Winning one of the two grand slams during this nightmare that didn't have the name Nadal/Federer on it in 2008. We all had to endure 3 more years of the nightmare before something clicked. He finally figured it out. The only man in the world to figure it out. No more bullying from these two. He was not to be intimidated any longer.He was going to be doing the intimidating. He was going to hit the bigger forehands, the ironclad two handed backhands. Be the aggressor. Serve right to their weaker shots, get back every would-be winner, crush their spirits. Make them ask the questions.

He wasn't boring. He wasn't predictable. He wasn't your conventional John Cena type, cookie cutter hero like Federer or Nadal. He's a bit cocky, a bit defiant, he had a bit of fun in him, and a bit of fire. He had a chip on his shoulder and who could blame him? But all at the same time humble, with graciousness, and gratitude. He's the anti-Federer, the anti-Nadal. The antidote this poisoned sport needed. He beat his chest, pumped his fists, bounced the ball as many times as he wanted to before a serve. "So what?" he said. My name isn't Roger, or Rafael, so what? They're humans just like me.

He started steamrolling the competition. Taking out Federer in the 2010 US Open. Then again in the 2011 Australian Open Semis. Taking his second grand slam easily as he showed off his rekindled serve, and his big booming, hooking forehand. "Wait till Nadal gets a hold of him" - they said. So Djoker kept playing. Kept winning. Took a masters series, again beating Federer. "Wait till Nadal gets back, he's going to be shown the meaning of pain" - they said again.

At last they met in the final at Indian Wells. Down one set they said, "we told you so". We told you Nadal would teach him a lesson. But no. Enough is enough and it's time for a change. Djokovic looked the monster right in the eyes and stabbed him in the heart. Beating him down. "Well that was a fluke" -they said. But Nole persisted. Reached another final in Miami and there, awaiting him again was the beast. The wedgie picker with a scowl on it's face, but the story ended the same. "Djokovic is the luckiest SOB out there, wait till they get on clay, then he'll get his" -they said.

On clay now, in the animal's habitat. In his natural environment where no man dears to tread. Surely now, Nadal will exert his dominance. His will over free men. Surely now this is where the puck stops. In Madrid, this is where the Djoke ends. But no, again Nole comes out on top. Stunning Nadal in straight sets. Hitting that big serve, frustrating Nadal with his pinball paddle-like backhands. The monster was killed in his own cave. "But the surface on that clay was fast" -they said. "It was way higher above sea level, the air was thinner so the ball was faster"- they said. "Wait till they get to real clay" -they said.

In Italy they duel once again. This time on slower clay, this time at a lower climate with the air thicker, the surface slower. The true habitat of the beast. Again, like beating a dead horse. Novak destroys Rafa. Beat him like a rented mule. Beat him like a child beating some crappy pinata, filled with too much cheap candy. Surely now the masses will agree. Surely now the masses will let Novak in. Consider him the best, consider him elite, worthy of their praises, their cheers. No. They said no. He is not the King. He is not the fabled one. He's a one slam wonder. A same slam wonder. He doesn't have it. He's just been lucky. "Wait till they play each other in a best of five" -they said.

Roland Garros. And like a hot knife through butter, Novak cuts down the competition. But something odd happened. Something unexpected. The hunter became the hunted. Faced with an old foe in Federer, Novak stumbled, faultered, and fell. Great season, Djoker. Nice run pal, but now it's over. We'll show you how it's done from here on out, son. Time to come back down to reality. Time for the main eventers to take over again. The same old tune. The same old story reared it's ugly head again. Nadal and Federer tuned up their band. The same song was played.

But the story continued. Will Novak be able to recover from defeat? Will he be able to gather himself mentally? A true test to his skills, talent and mental fortitude. This time to the grandest stage of them all. Where the king of kings win. The king of kings are crowned. The biggest test of all, the biggest battlefield of them all. Wimbledon. The all England club. The all boys club. Again, the usual suspects start chopping the trees down. Going through the competition like a hot knife through some sort of shitty, smelly butter. Of the big three kings, old man Federer is the first to fall. Dropping a 2 set lead and getting pummeled by JWT in the final 3 sets. Some rejoiced. Setting up another meeting. Another kick at the can for Novak. It was time for him to show his mettle. Time for him to show his quality. Time for Novak Djokovic to take on Rafael Nadal on Nadal's last stronghold of power. In a slam final. There will be no excuses for surface advantages. No excuses of best of three sets versus best out of five. All down to skill, athleticism, mental and testicular fortitude. Winner take all.

At first it was tight, they go serve for serve. But Nadal is the first to faulter and Nole pounces. Serving out the first set for 6-4. No biggie right? It's just one set. Set number 2 starts and Djokovic is hitting all the corners and lines. Nole jumped out to a 2 sets to love lead. Pummeling Nadal. Forcing him from side to side with laser-like precision. Rattling his cage and getting back every big shot Rafa throws at him. Surely, it's over now we thought. The spelling is on the wall. Nadal fans said no. This is why they play best of five sets. Nadal will overcome, he's get a foothold in and will tear through like he usually does. It's too easy it seems, up 2 sets to 0. Nole loses a bit of focus. But when a man like Nadal who unflappable, untouchable, and according to Nadal fans, is invincible starts punching his racket. Grimacing. Looking like the beaten dog that he has been in the past several months then it appears not to be. Like an owner giving his dog one last bone before he puts him down, Nole drops the third set before putting him out of his misery in the fourth. breaking his serve twice.

Like beating a dead horse again. This time though, being crowned the King of Kings. The 2011 Wimbledon Grand Slam Champion. The superb Serb. What do they say? He'll never have as many Grand Slam victories as Fedal but for today, for the present and for the first time in 7 years he is the best player on the planet. Without question?

Surely, now they will believe... Right?