It may seem unbelievable, but a mere 15 years ago, Novak Djokovic, the tennis maestro who would go on to achieve incredible feats, was considered the court jester of the tour.
In the presence of Tennis monarchs like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who had already claimed Grand Slam titles, Djokovic was perceived as a talented underdog whose potential remained uncertain.
This might be an unsung fact, but during that period, while Federer was endorsing luxury watches and hosting esteemed guests from "Vogue," Djokovic was tasked with entertaining the crowd after his victories. Interviewers would prompt him to engage in comedic antics, such as pulling up his pants, jumping around, styling his hair, or even playfully imitating the likes of Maria Sharapova and Nadal. The audience would erupt in laughter at his playful gestures.
Ultimately, Djokovic embraced his true potential. He wasn't born into tennis royalty; he earned his place among them. Initially, he entertained the crowd and injected humor into the game, but he evolved and stopped poking fun at the sport and himself. As a result, people began to take him seriously.
However, during the Australian tournament, which he has come to embrace as his own, authorities decided to teach him a lesson regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. They subjected him to subpar accommodations, infested with cockroaches and housing asylum seekers. Can you even fathom the organizers of Wimbledon treating Federer in such a manner? Or the organizers of Roland Garros treating Nadal similarly?
Imagine the incredible fusion of Djokovic's humble beginnings and the constant sense of being targeted by others. This amalgamation provides insight into what he experiences when he stands on the brink of making history. It's one thing to secure yet another Grand Slam victory in Australia, but an entirely different level of pressure when reaching the final, knowing that a win would elevate him to the highest echelon of Grand Slam champions of all time.
In their previous encounter, at the 2021 US Open final, Djokovic faced a three-set defeat at the hands of Russian star Daniil Medvedev. It was a one-sided affair, with Djokovic appearing distant and disconnected from the match. The entire match could have been condensed into a brief TikTok clip.
Similarly, in the start of the current final against Casper Ruud, it seemed like a continuation of the same narrative. Djokovic found himself trailing 3-0 and had to rely on a tiebreaker in the first set. However, as he has done countless times before, Djokovic tapped into his extraordinary abilities, briefly soaring to a comfortable 7-1 lead. Yet, the ultimate outcome unfolded predictably, with Nole succumbing to a 6-7, 3-6, 5-7 defeat in the overall match.
Back in 2011, Djokovic embarked on his ascent to the pinnacle of the tennis world, clinching his first Grand Slam title. At that time, Federer had already amassed an impressive 16 titles, while Nadal had secured nine. Both Federer and Nadal had triumphed in all the Grand Slam tournaments, and they were still going strong in their careers.
However, something remarkable unfolded over the next twelve years—a period of unparalleled sporting dominance. Djokovic made a resolute choice: I will no longer experience defeat. Ever.
That was the turning point when Djokovic recognized the boundlessness of his talent and redefined the realms of his ambition. His goal extended beyond becoming the world's top-ranked tennis player; he aimed to surpass the two greatest players of his generation, who coincidentally shared the same era and tournaments. It was an almost inconceivable feat. Having accomplished such a monumental task, facing off against Ruud in the final felt akin to transitioning from playing in the NBA to competing against an opponent from a junior league.
In 2011, Djokovic concluded a remarkable year that will be remembered as a zenith of Tennis mastery, perhaps even in the entire sporting realm. Yet, four years later, he eclipsed that very season. As accolades begin to accumulate, he is hailed as the greatest serve-returning player in tennis history and the undisputed king on hard courts. However, critics argue that he lacks the inherent talent of Federer, the tenacity of Nadal, and the aesthetic finesse and grace displayed by both players.
Triumphing at Roland Garros encompasses far more than a mere fortnight of tennis. The unique playing surface, accompanied by scorching heat and the relentless fervor of the French spectators, transforms the tournament into an arduous odyssey, an enduring trial of strength.
For over a decade, Djokovic has embarked on an unyielding voyage that shows no signs of abating until a resolute consensus forms: Who is Novak Djokovic? The greatest Tennis player to ever grace a court.
And what lies ahead? In the upcoming month, Nole will grace the prestigious grounds of Wimbledon, where he will, with great humility, request Federer to kindly make space for him as Wimbledon's record winner. Thus far, Nole has seven wins, one shy of the Swiss legend.
Then, he will soar across the Atlantic to New York, ready to contend for the coveted honor of claiming all four Grand Slam titles in a single year. But amidst the anticipation, there will be a tremor in his hands. The pundits, who often approach his achievements with reservation, will opine that failure to secure the victory means he cannot be deemed the greatest of all time (for what are 23 titles compared to the aesthetics of Federer?).
In those moments, Djokovic will gaze within and tell himself: Is the sky is the limit, let's just raise the sky.