Australian Open 2012: Novak Djokovic Playing Best Tennis of Career

We figured there was no way Novak Djokovic could play better than he did in his record-setting 2011.

We figured wrong.

To start 2012, Djokovic has breezed through the first four rounds of the Australian Open, losing one set out of 13 and knocking off sizzling Aussie hero Lleyton Hewitt in four sets.

Granted, Djokovic hasn't played against a ranked opponent, but it's the manner in which he's winning that is impressive. He's not only winning, he's become so dominant that he's transformed into a video game character, almost too precise and consistent to be human.

Let's not forget, Djokovic was playing the same Lleyton Hewitt who upset rising star Milos Raonic. Hewitt not only upset Raonic, he looked like the better player...if only for a match. It was the kind of match that can make players like Hewitt so dangerous on their home turf, capable of beating even their most talented opponents.

Said Djokovic after the match, via ESPN:

"

It's obviously the first match that I've been tested. It was against the player that I expected to be tested.

Lleyton was playing in front of his crowd. Obviously, he loves competing against the top guys on the big stage, and he proved it again.

"

But that momentum, which showed itself briefly in the third set against Djokovic, vanished before long. After losing the third set, 4-6, Djokovic dominated in the fourth set, 6-3, to advance to the quarterfinals. He did so with a near-flawless game that can destroy opponents in so many ways.

Wrote Courtney Walsh of the Australian:

"

This was a battle between the prototype baseliners of two different generations. Hewitt regularly tore opponents apart with his outstanding returning, brilliant movement and undeniable tenacity a decade ago.

Djokovic possesses the same - questions about his tenacity were dispelled last season - and so much more. He bludgeons winners from both sides in general play more than Hewitt ever could. Even in the set he lost, he hit twice as many as the Australian.

"

Djokovic stunned the world during his 41-match winning streak last season. He beat Rafael Nadal, the former No. 1 player in the world, a whopping six times. He won the last two Grand Slams of the year, Wimbledon and the US Open.

But he's not done yet, folks. It's still early, but when all is said and done, Djokovic has the ability to be called one of the greatest of all time. He has the skills and mental game to be virtually unstoppable. He still has competition from Nadal, Roger Federer and possibly the emerging Andy Murray, but they are almost an afterthought at this point.

Nadal and Federer an afterthought?

Yes, Djokovic is that good right now.