The streak may be over, but Novak Djokovic's 43 match unbeaten run was the perfect way to level out the ATP competition. It seemed like the Serb was forever destined to be stuck at number three, watching from the sidelines as one of sports' greatest rivalries was played out. We had become so accustomed to seeing a two man show that the charge of Novak was a welcome surprise. It would be wrong to say that no-one expected it, but to expect it to come in the form of 41 straight wins in 2011 is another thing.
Djokovic's ability this year to simply take apart both Federer and Nadal has not only been a benefit for himself but also the rest of men's tour. Andy Murray looks to have jumped on the form bandwagon by making the semi finals with an injured ankle, a phenomenal effort. Soderling hasn't quite dismantled his opponents at Roland Garros like the two men above him yet he looked much more in control compared to his post-Brisbane performances.
There is that lingering thought at the back of everyone's head that asks where the tipping point will be for Federer, when exactly will he start to lose his focus to the point where he won't be able to take it anymore? I've heard people say things from the end of this year through to five years away. It might seem like a cruel question at times. The man has won sixteen Grand Slams and has shown no signs of slipping out of the top three on his own accord. But because of his dominance and staying ability since 2003, the question will inevitably arise.
Djokovic has made that thought perhaps go away for a while and replaced it with a more exciting prospect: When will the world numbers 3, 4 and 5 (and perhaps more below) mount a serious challenge to Nadal. Djokovic, of course, has already proven he can and is arguably the best player on the planet at present. If the other two could find that extra step, then we will finally reach the next era of men's tennis.
But these are dangerous times. The grass court season is now upon us in the lead-up to Wimbledon. Djokovic has pulled out of Queens with Murray likely to follow - not the ideal lead up. Federer is returning to what is by far his best surface and has now dished out the last two defeats to Djokovic. Nadal has benefited greatly in the recent years from a ridiculously slow Wimbledon grass, almost acting like a fluffy green clay at times. All signs are showing that there is potential here for yet another Nadal/Federer final. If Djokovic wants to show that he really wants to be the number one, then it's time to bring that amazing 2011 game to Britain.
The Serb has never won an ATP grass court tournament in his life, with just two finals (08 l. in 2 to Nadal at Queens, 09 l. in 3 to Haas at Halle) of his 38 being played there. Should he crumble at Wimbledon, and Murray, Soderling, Berdych, Roddick and crew fail to fill his void, then Nadal and Federer reclaim their spotlight. I'm not at any point trying to say that this is a terrible thing for the game. These two men have created one of the greatest rivalries in history and the longer it goes on, the greater their legend becomes.
We still wait for the next era to begin...
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