There is probably no other player that has caused as many headlines in 2020 than Novak Djokovic. From his Australian Open win and French Open final loss, to his Adriatic tour during the middle of the pandemic an well as his shocking default in the US OPEN.. Love him or what you will, there is no denying that he creates interest in the sport we love.
The Rise of the Joker
He was born 22 May 1987 in Serbia and has 2 male siblings.. both who are professional Tennis players. He speaks 5 languages, and is a resident of Monte Carlo.
He begin playing Tennis at just 4 years old and at 6 years old he was spotted by a talent scout who said that he was the most talented prospect since Monica Seles. At the age of 12 he moved to Germany to a training academy and spent 4 years there. At 14 years old he began his international career winning many European singles and doubles competitions. His best junior result at a Grand Slam was a semi final appearance.
In 2003, the Joker turned pro and worked his way through Challenger and Future tournaments. He made his first Grand Slam appearance in the 2005 Australian Open where he lost to Marat Safin ( who went onto win the tournament).. Interestingly he beat one of his future nemesis’s ” Stan the Man” in qualifying.
2006 saw him win his first ATP title and reach 40 in the ATP rankings and by the end of the year he had won another 2 titles and was inside the top 20. In 2007 he won his first masters title and got inside the top 10 in the rankings.. while also reaching his first Grand Slam Semi Final where he lost to the King of Clay at the French Open. He won his first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in 2007.
In 2011 he really hit his stride and won 3 Grand Slams and hit the number 1 ranking. Since 2011 he has consistently been a top performer and has now amassed 17 Grand Slam Titles.
2020
This year has seen the Joker win the Australian Open, as well as reach the final of the French Open championship. He has maintained the number 1 ranking throughout and is now second only to Federer in the race of total weeks ranked number 1. He is definitely trying to break that record and has strategically chosen tournaments at the end of this year where he can pick up additional ranking points to make him uncatchable. The only way he will not finish the year as number 1 would be if Nadal decided to play Sofia tournament in November and also a number of results go the way of Nadal.
It’s clear this year has been unprecedented… and although Joker has faced his fair share of controversy and challenges, he has still maintained the number 1 ranking and an exquisite level of play.
What next ?
Will anyone catch him in 2021?
Will he reach Nadal and Federer in 2021?
Can he keep up his phenomenal standard of fitness and play?
Time will tell, but you can be sure that his desire is as strong as ever and while he is playing, we can all appreciate the competitiveness he brings to the game.