Can Djokovic become one of the best ever?

By Mark Hodgson

The ATP tennis season comes to an end in London this week at the ATP World Tour Finals and it got me thinking about the season just gone. There is only one name that springs to mind - Novak Djokovic. The world number one has had an exceptional season, winning three of the four majors, winning a record-breaking five ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments and earning an unprecedented amount of prize money. But one question still remains: Can Novak Djokovic become of the best players ever?

This is not to say that he hasn’t already achieved great things in the game of tennis. This year he became only the sixth male tennis player to win three slams in one season. And just by becoming world number one he has played himself into tennis history. But ultimately, players will be judged on how many majors they win in their careers and Djokovic has some way to go to be up there with the best.

The Serbian has won four slams to date, and would have to win four more to move into the top ten, alongside players such as Andre Agassi and Jimmy Connors. To move into the top five he would have to win seven more titles, taking him level with Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver. So the real question is how many more grand slams can he win? And I think the answer is quite a lot if he can keep showing the sort of form he has shown this season. After all, he has only lost one grand slam match all season. And he has showed if he gets ahead in a match he usually wins, only losing once after taking the first set.

And there is a lot going for Djokovic which suggests he could win many more major titles. He is only 24. This is younger than both Nadal and Federer, so he has a good five or six years ahead of him, meaning there’s plenty of time to win tournaments. Equally, so far he has managed to keep himself relatively fit during his career. This will surely give him an advantage over his rivals. Nadal has had trouble with his knees during his career and this has impacted on his game. It has been affecting him since 2007 and forced him to miss Wimbledon in 2009. Similarly, Roger Federer isn’t getting any younger and he surely won’t be able to carry on playing at the top level for many more years. He seems to have already slipped behind the top three slightly. His recent Swiss Indoors title was the first tournament he has won in 10 months. Although, in the few games Djokovic has lost this season, injury has been a factor in most. This could be due to playing so many games, a knock from winning so many matches.

Physically, Djokovic has the attributes to be one of the best players ever and to win many more majors. The only obstacles are mental. He admitted himself that the reason for his improvement is him being more aggressive and taking a different approach to finals and semi-finals. This change has worked amazingly for Djokovic. If he can continue to maintain his current mind set, I think, he is destined to be one of the best ever.

Mark Hodgson is a Sports Journalism student at the University of Sunderland and reads news on Spark fm. He's a big Middlesbrough FC fan and enjoys writing, especially about sport. You can follow him on Twitter @mrmarkhodgson.

[Photo(s) credit: AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI]

VANtage Point: Seriously, WTF?

Hey out there in DtL land! It’s Van, with the final VP of the year: I couldn’t let the ATP World Tour Finals go on without saying something about it. The field here could actually be more level than it has been in recent seasons, making for a potentially more exciting tournament. Anyway, if you don’t mind, I’m going to get right into things, first with…

 

A Look Back: This is usually where I reflect back upon the last tournament I previewed. Since that was the U.S. Open of 1884, it seems, why not do something a little more recent, like last year’s WTF? Roger Federer ran roughshod over the field then, only losing one set on the way to his fifth career year-end championship. Three of his victims were the players ranked above him: Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. It’s funny to think what a difference a year makes! But enough of the past, let’s get more into …

 

This Week’s Spotlight: The ATP World Tour Finals brings together the crème de la crème of men’s pro tennis, all together under one roof—specifically that of the O2 Arena in London. The players are divided into groups to go at it round-robin style. Group A includes Djokovic, Murray, David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych. Group B is made up of Nadal, Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mardy Fish. Speaking of the players, though, here’s…

 

The Players to Watch: This is a very intriguing tournament, especially considering where the players are at this point in the year. Djokovic’s season has been unreal, but he has really struggled with injury lately. Can he find the form he’s had all year? Nadal has been out for a few weeks, but is he rested enough? Federer’s coming in to the event on a 12-match winning streak, but has he faced the best of the best? I’d say really keep an eye on those guys, plus two who I think are the most dangerous out there: Berdych and Tsonga, who’ve both been on a tear. They should have a good shot at …

 

The Final Four: Murray over Nadal and Federer over Berdych. Then it’s time for the main event …

 

And the Winner Is…: Murray over Federer, giving the Scotsman the biggest title of his career.

 

So long for 2011: Catch you more next season!

 

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone? Follow him on Twitter @ttanyone and Facebook here.

[Photo(s) credit: ATP]

And that's a wrap!

Let me 'splain.

As anyone can see I haven't exactly been keeping up-to-date on the final stretch of the ATP World Tour. However, I did see how Roger Federer wrapped up an impressive fall season that saw him lose only two matches since the U.S. Open and win his fifth season-ending championship at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals defeating top baller Rafael Nadal 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. At this point in his long career Fed doesn't usually need confidence-boosting wins but this one against this baller would be the exception. He'll take it.

Like I said, though, I know I haven't been keeping a focused eye in between the lines but rather on my real life happenings. And I still am. So this will be my last post of the year.

I'd like to thank all of the readers out there for continuing to support Down the Line! and for coming back even when I need to take these required breaks. It's a pleasure to write for you guys and I hope you know how much I enjoy it.

Have an awesome holiday season and a Happy New Year! See you in 2011!!

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Doing it dapper, London-style

London is the place to be at the moment, with the engagement heard 'round the world between Prince William + Kate Middleton and, of course, next week's ATP World Tour Finals. Okay, so maybe the newlyweds and that ginormous blue-sapphire engagement ring ice rink will still be hogging all of the attention (and then some) when the first ball is served at the O2 Arena, but we tennis fans can still shower the boys with some love. I mean, look - they got all gussied up and stuff for us (and Prime Minister David Cameron!)

After reviewing the pics from today's media call with the boys, I made a number of very important observations:

1) Bring on the beard, Nole. Just make me drool damn it.

2) Big Berd is a beauty. Still can't find a bad pic of him.

3) Speaking of Berdy, extra style points to the Czech and (gasp!) Muzz for rocking the brown footwear with their suits and bucking the black trend. It's smart, uses contrast to add pop and helps them stand out from the rest.

4) Dear A-Rod: You balding. Bad. Deal, for the love of GAWD (are you listening Rafa?)

More images of the boys doing dapper after the jump - click the headline, y'all.

PHOTO OP: "How's this for more leg?"

Let's give a big congrats to Robin Soderling. No, not for giving his best spread eagle or getting bounced from the quarterfinals of Stockholm by Florian Mayer.

The towering Swede received his official acceptance into the ATP Art School after clinching the fifth spot at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Sadly, Sod's self-portrait moment wasn't captured on video (yet) but here's a shot of his masterpiece:

His portrait along with those created by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will be displayed at the La Galleria Pall Mall in London from November 8-18 and will be auctioned online for charity through barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/ArtofTennis.

If it was up to me I would've picked that uber-sexy pose from the top pic for his portrait. But I guess that's why it's not. Drats.

[Photo(s): Getty Images, ATP World Tour]

Taking it to the limit

Jurgen Melzer is having a career year already.

The Austrian can claim a semifinal appearance at Roland Garros and fourth rounders at Wimbledon and the US Open as proof. He also reached a career-high No. 12 in the ATP World Tour rankings on the backs of those Grand Slam efforts and put himself within striking distance of the eighth spot for the Barclays ATP World Tour Final. So no one in their right mind would blame the 29-year old for taking it easy during the fall and quietly setting off on a well-earned vacay.

But today Melz made it known that he's ready to mix it up with the big boys in London when he upset World No. 1 Rafael Nadal 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the third round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, the first time this year the 9-time Grand Slammer has failed to reach the quarterfinals. The veteran was the aggressor dictating with flat, penetrating shots and keeping the Spaniard on the defense throughout. Rafa was admittedly not at his best after contesting his third consecutive tourney but the Austrian should be given full credit for closing him out especially after having lost their three previous matches in straights.

Afterward he sounded like a man on a certain mission:

To be honest, I could live with that, having busy days in London. But it's a long way there. I'm in the quarter-finals. I have a good chance to reach the semis. I'm almost 900 points off the eighth player. This is a very long way. If it somehow happens, I'll be there, I'll be happy, and I'll be hopefully performing well.

Melz isn't ready to call it a wrap just yet. And with the way he's playing, why should he?

London. So close yet, well, you know the rest.

[Photo(s): Getty]

VIDEO VAULT: Djokovic, Agassi, Henin and Nadal

Click here to watch video

Novak Djokovic became the third baller, after Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer, to enroll in the ATP Art School after qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He got his chance to roll around in paint (literally) and create his self-portrait to be auctioned off for charity. Nole's so lucky I wasn't on set and that the paint wasn't edible.

Click here to watch video

Here we go again. Following in the footsteps of Roger Federer + Andy Murray, Andre Agassi throws his hat in the trick shot ring with this promo spot for HEAD. I guess AA could hit the net post from the baseline. But from the stands? *scratches HEAD*

Click here to watch video

I know I'm a little late on this one but I had to post about it. Justine Henin has been known (at least around these here parts) to channel her inner Madonna so it should come as no surprise to see her live the dream and put on her own version of the Blonde Ambition Tour on Belgian TV show Cap 48. Either that or she's stuck in 1990 wearing the same get up. Believe me, it happens (see your local shopping mall.) Thanks Josh!

Click here to watch video

Rafael Nadal is featured in a new Spanish promo spot for insurance sponsor Mapfre. The World No. 1 is asked to answer questions about his personal interests and not about his life as a baller. It's filled with fun facts and funner faces - see pic. (via NadalNews)

ATP art school

Click here to view the video

To celebrate their entry into the Elite Eight for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals each baller who qualifies will use his racquet-slugging skills to create a self-portrait showcasing one of his signature moves.

The ballers will hit paint covered tennis balls against a large, blank canvas with a stencil of the sig-shot placed over it to create these one-of-a-kind, autographed pieces. Once they're all completed the portraits will be publicly displayed and auctioned off for charity.

Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer are the first two ballers to qualify for the WTF and had the opportunity to create their self-portraits. Here are the results and a bit of what they had to say about the experience:

"Making the artwork was fun and something I've never done before. It's a great way to celebrate the World Tour Finals coming back to London. It was a little bit of a challenge to put the balls on the silhouette! Of course this is the least we can do for charity and for those who need it the most. It's very important that people in our position help those who really need help. I'd like to thank everyone for the support they give us." - Rafa

"It was great fun being invited to create my self portrait and I'm excited to see how the finished piece looks. Raising money for charity is always a great thing so already I would like to thank people who will buy these pictures and it's going to be for a good cause. I'm happy I can help a bit. I am very happy as it is the ninth consecutive year I have qualified for the year-end event. I have played in a lot of different venues during my career and I can say they staged a fantastic event at The O2 last year. I look forward to returning there in November and finishing the season strong." - Fed

The Rafa sig-shot is perfection. But I have to question their choice for the Swiss. How about a forehand shot or, better, a tweener? I mean, it's been ALL the rage of him recently. This one? Not so much. It's more Pete Sampras to me.

[Via: barclaysatpworldtourfinals]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: DELPO

I never beat him on hard court or indoors. He's very fast. He plays like PlayStation. He runs down everything.

- Juan Martin del Potro on the game of WTF champ Nikolay Davydenko.

ROFL. Okay - that is SCARY fast.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

Kolya downs Delpo for WTF title, becomes first Russian to win year-end trophy

Nikolay Davydenko earned the biggest title of his career defeating Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 to win the year-end Barclays ATP World Tour Final trophy in London, the Russian EVAH to do so.

It was a career week for the 28-year old who was at his workmanlike best gutting out tough matches against this year's major title holders including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Delpo today. His only loss came in his opening round robin match at the hands of Novak Djokovic. He earned $1,510,000 for his efforts this week and will replace Andy Roddick at No.6 in the rankings.

"I was [looking at the trophy], until 2008, [there are] so many names there, like Djokovic, Federer, everyone, [Pete] Sampras,” said Davydenko, who was contesting his fifth straight year-end championship. “In 2009, [it says] Davydenko forever on this trophy. I think it's amazing. [In the] history of the [Finals], for my name to be there is something amazing for me."

Huge props to Kolya - what an incredibly impressive effort for the consistently underrated Russian. Could he - dare I say - pull an "Andre Agassi" and hit hyperdrive in the second half of his career (sans the meth + mullets of course)? Clearly he's a hard worker so if he stays healthy and keeps the motivation it's not completely out of the question.


(Photo(s): Getty)

QUOTE OF THE DAY: KOLYA

All my family, everybody who supports me, wait for this moment, when I can beat Federer. I was thinking it coming maybe 2010 or '11. But in 2009, end of the season, it's good feeling.

- Nikolay Davydenko on defeating Roger Federer 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

LOL - "2010 or '11?" Anyway, it took 13 tries but the underrated Kolya finally pulled it off. And after beating Rafa earlier in the week and making his second straight final here the Russian must be feeling pretty good.

Congrats!

(Photo(s): Reuters)

PHOTO OP: Rafa takes a lickin'

Rafael Nadal needed treatment on his lower back during his 7-6(5), 6-3 defeat at the hands Novak Djokovic at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals today. It was the Spaniard's third straight defeat this week, third straight to the Nole dating back to Cincinnati and fourth consecutive loss overall. I can see why he looks in pain.

But it sure seems like the Serb has the right remedy for Rafa's sitch - talk about "having his back." Uber-YUM.


(Photos: Getty, AP)

PHOTO OP: Talk to the hand 'cause...

"...this Swede ain't listening, y'all."

Robin Soderling entered the Barclays World Tour Final as a replacement to an injured Andy Roddick in the B Group and has made GREAT on his opportunity.

He disposed of Rafael Nadal on Monday and today he ended Novak Djokovic's 11-match win streak with a 7-6 (5), 6-1 decision. He becomes the first baller to reach the semifinal stage at the prestigious tourney and the only one not to lose a set. Gah!


The Roland Garros finalist played a tactically brilliant match pummeling Nole's usually lethal backhand side and then going after his weaker forehand. The Serb's slice strategy seemed suspect, giving Sod the time to set up his attacking shots. Seriously, why would you send over slice after slice when your DHBH is one of the best, if not the best, in the world? Plus, it forced the defending champ out of his rhythm which infected the rest of his game like a virus. The final set saw an uber-confident Sod take it full force to his ever-increasingly fatigued and frustrated opponent.

We all know the Swede isn't the most liked baller in the locker room or with fans and he seems to relish that role, playing this week as if he has something to prove on an indoor surface he should excel on. Sod also seems to be walking around with a carefree, nothing-to-lose attitude since he wasn't supposed to play anyway.

And you know what? That makes him the most dangerous of 'em all.

(Photos: Getty)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Who's your number one now?

"Fingers don't lie."

Roger Federer capped off an extraordinary year at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals today securing the year-end No.1 ranking for fifth time after defeating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in their round robin match. After Rafael Nadal lost to Robin Soderling yesterday, Fed only needed to win one more match to achieve the feat and he made no mistake today.

“It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1,” said the Swiss. “It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.”

Fed becomes the only baller besides Ivan Lendl to have held, lost, and then regained the top spot back. He also joins Jimmy Connors + Pete Sampras as the only ones to have finished the year at the top at least five times.

The Swiss maestro can now add the ATP World Tour Champion title to his other incredible achievements this year including the completion of a Career Grand Slam by winning his first Roland Garros crown, breaking the all-time major wins record by grabbing his 15th Slam at Wimbledon and reaching the final of all four Slams this year. Fed also married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in April and the couple gave birth to twin mangoes Myla Rose + Charlene Riva in July.

He'll get his chance for revenge when he meets U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro in the final RR match. The Argentine defeated Fed in the final at Flushing Meadows to capture his maiden major.

Well, I guess the big story of the tourney is dead in the water. BUT, the matches have been really good and the energy in the O2 Arena has been great so I'm thinking there's exciting stuff yet to come.

UPDATE: Here's the actual year-end No.1 trophy being presented to Fed today. Much better than a finger. And, like a DtL commenter hysterically said a few weeks back, "Looks like his taking being the ambassador of Lindt quite seriously." No kidding. ROFL


(Photo: Getty, AP)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Nole + Kolya bask in the afterglow, share shirtless MOMA

"Was it good for you, bro?"

Novak Djokovic + Nikolay Davydenko shared a shirtless, and most likely sweaty, MOMA moment at the net after their opening round robin match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The Serb continued his winning ways edging out Kolya 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 and earning his 11th straight win. It was a match full of long, intense rallies but Nole's confidence pushed him past the finish line as the Russian offered up errors in the crucial moments of the final set.

Afterwards the pair met at the net and exchanged shirts to commemorate their battle - and to entertain us of course. I mean, how could you not be? *licks chops*





UPDATE: Looks like the MOMA didn't do much for A-Rod who was sitting in the audience. Damn you Brooklyn.


(Photos: Getty)

PHOTO OP: Throwing in the towel (with Body Bonus!)

"Blech."

Well, not quite.

But Rafael Nadal's quest to snatch the year-end No.1 ranking from Roger Federer took a hit today in London.

The 6-time Grand Slammer was sidetracked momentarily losing his opening round robin match in the 'B' Group to Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-4 and racking up his second consecutive loss to the Swede. Sod inflicted Rafa's lone loss at Roland Garros in the fourth round this year, and add to this their overwhelming LURVE for each other and you've got our first bit of WTF drama.

The Spaniard can still make the semifinals and retake the top ranking but his margin for error is THAT much slimmer now.

I know you're probably feeling down RAFANATICS so here's a little Body Bonus to ease your pain. It did wonders for me:


(Photos: Getty)

PHOTO OP: Masterpiece theater

Anyone else thinking this Barclays ATP World Tour Final will be theater of the highest order (read: EPIC?)

Here's how the boys have been grouped:

Group A
Roger Federer (SUI)
Andy Murray (GBR)
Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)
Fernando Verdasco (ESP)

Group B
Rafael Nadal (ESP)
Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Robin Soderling (SWE)

Of course the big story here is the down-to-the-wire showdown for the year-end top ranking (and the strangely titled ATP World Tour Champion honors) between Roger Federer + Rafael Nadal.

The Matador trails Fed by 945 points and could usurp the top spot in three ways (via ATP):

1. If Rafa is an undefeated champion at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (winning all-three round-robin matches, a semi-final and final) he will earn the maximum 1,500 points. If that happens, the Swiss would need to either win all three round-robin matches OR reach the final to beat out Rafa for the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title.

2. If Rafa goes 2-1 in round-robin play and wins the title he will earn 1,300 points. If that happens, Fed would need to either win two round-robin matches OR win one round-robin match and reach the final to beat out Rafa for the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title.

3. If Rafa goes 3-0 in round-robin play, wins his semi-final but loses the final he will earn 1,000 points. If that happens, Fed would need only to win one round-robin match to beat out the Spaniard for the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title.

Novak Djokovic will be a big obstacle in their way. He's been playing like the top baller for a few weeks now capturing Basel, the Paris Masters and defeating Fed + Rafa in consecutive weeks. Andy Murray is looking to put an exclamation point on his best year and remove some of the disappointment of going Slam-less this season.

Juan Martin del Potro hasn't been playing well since shocking Fed to capture his maiden major at Flushing Meadows so he'll be hungry for a strong end to his career season. Last year's finalist, Nikolay Davydenko, and first-timers Fernando Verdasco + Robin Soderling (who got in after and injuryed Andy Roddick pulled out) round out the elite eight.

Click here to visit the official site.

(image via Julian Finney/Getty Images, CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: Blow job

"Just put your lips together..."

Robin Soderling is three matches away from securing a second ATP World Tour title on his home turf (Bastad '09) and fifth overall after swiping aside Andreas Seppi 6-1, 6-3 in Stockholm.

The Roland Garros finalist will face Guillermo Garcia-Lopez for a spot in the final four.

Sod is also still in the running for a spot in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

According to the ATP:

Soderling is currently ninth in the year-to-date South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings and could add to his points tally by reaching the final or better in Stockholm this week. A runner-up finish would earn the Tibro native 35 points, while his first If Stockholm Open trophy would gift him 135 points – taking him to within 65 points of eighth-placed Fernando Verdasco.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick have already secured their spots.

Could Sod actually leap frog Nando in the next few weeks? Paris-Bercy will be a doozy and not just because it's Marat "SexGawd" Safin's final tourney EVAH.

*stocks up on kleenex*

(Photo: Getty)