It would be hard to blame Novak Djokovic for not exactly being thrilled, as he began his ascension to tennis’ upper reaches, about having to deal with a couple of all-time greats such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“At the beginning,” Djokovic said, “I was not glad to be part of their era.”
That eventually changed. He rose to the challenge.
“Later on, I realized that in life, everything happens for a reason. You’re put in this position with a purpose, a purpose to learn and to grow and to evolve,” Djokovic continued. “Fortunately for me, I realized that I need to get stronger, and that I need to accept the fact that I’m competing with these two tremendous champions.”
Djokovic said this Sunday evening, after beating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open final to finally capture the trophy that had eluded him. With it, he completed a career Grand Slam, joining a group of seven other men, including Federer and Nadal. But Djokovic also now has done something neither Federer nor Nadal, for all of their accomplishments, ever managed: win four Grand Slam titles in a row, a feat last pulled off by Rod Laver in 1969.
Djokovic’s major trophy count is now up to 12, trailing only three men — Federer (who has 17), Nadal (14) and Pete Sampras (14).
Just as tennis rivalries of the past served to boost all parties — Sampras vs. Andre Agassi, say, or Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe — Djokovic credits his two key contemporaries (and Murray, too) with forcing him to figure out ways to get better.
That includes certain strokes, sure, but also changes to his diet and physical preparation.
Djokovic is the unquestioned No. 1 in the game right now, and at an age, 29, where more titles should be attainable.
“He’s the best player now,” said Marian Vajda, who co-coaches Djokovic with Boris Becker, “and [getting] the French will give him a boost.” AP
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