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Monday 12 September, 2011

Rise of Djokovic - A blessing in disguise for Federer fans

There is no denying that it was heartbreak time for Federer fans like me after his 2nd successive five-set US Open semi-final loss. That too after the great champion was leading Djokovic two sets to love. But then, most of the fans take heart from the fact that Federer lost to someone who has had an incredible year 2011 with a 62-2 win-loss record coming to US Open.

While fans of both Nadal and Federer might find it difficult to accept the rise of Djokovic (who till the end of 2010 was not perceived as a threat to either of them) as a `super player' and his dominance over the former World No.1s who shared a record 24+ grand slams between them in the last seven to eight years, Federer fans can still come to terms with Djokovic defeating their hero if the latter defeats Nadal in a Grand Slam final.   

The reason, Nadal with 10 Grand Slams in his kitty and with age on his side is a major contender to outlast Federer as the GOAT (Greatest Tennis Player of All Time).   

From a rivalry point of view or shall we call it `trivalry' (Djokovic, Federer & Nadal), while Nadal proved to be the `nemesis' of Federer, the former has one turning out in the form of Djokovic.   Although Djokovic trails the Spaniard 16-12 in their all-time series, Djokovic’s 5-0 record this year includes a finals win at Wimbledon and hard court Masters Series victories in Miami and Indian Wells, California, where he rallied from a set down against Nadal both times. The other two wins came on Clay at Rome and Madrid against of the Masters Series.   

Djokovic now gets a chance to avenge his four-set loss to Nadal in last year’s US Open final. On current form and with more than 180% win percentage (Djokovic leads Nadal 9-5) on hard courts, Djokovic is the clear favorite to win US Open 2011at Flushing Meadows.

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