Djokovic the man to beat, again, at Melbourne Park
MELBOURNE - Gary Lineker’s celebrated quote that soccer is a simple game that
“the Germans always win” might well be adapted to tennis and the inescapable dominance of Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
For a tournament that has been thrown into some doubt by bushfire smoke in the leadup, a record-extending eighth Grand Slam title for the defending champion Serbian would hardly be a breath of fresh air for many fans at Melbourne Park.
Some might prefer the romance of a Roger Federer triumph in the twilight of his career or for one of the younger generation finally to break through and end the stranglehold of the ‘Big Three’, who have divided the last 12 Grand Slam titles between them.
Djokovic is unlikely to care a jot for those sentiments, and if the bookmakers are to be believed, is set to crush them ruthlessly.
The 32-year-old may never feel the affections of the crowd savored by Federer and Spaniard Rafa Nadal but his record of 16 Grand Slam titles is proof that tennis is no popularity contest.
That was never more clear than in last year’s final when he routed Nadal 6-3 6-2 6-3 with a devastating display that left the Mallorcan and the Rod Laver
Arena terraces stunned.
For Djokovic, Melbourne Park is more than just a tennis center parked on the banks of a murky river.
Over the years, it has become something of a temple for the Serb who has spoken of feeling touched by the “divine” when in full flight on the blue hardcourts.
Across the river are Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens, where Djokovic climbs a favorite fig tree and communes with nature in peace.
Djokovic has generally kept his buildups quiet before easing into his work at the Australian Open but he has been front and center in the new season, leading Serbia to victory over Spain in the inaugural ATP Cup final on Sunday.
His inspired 6-2 7-6(4) win over world number one Nadal was a snapshot of the pair’s recent rivalry as he coolly produced all the answers when tested by the all-action Spaniard.