Djokovic vs Nadal: Djokovic Approaching Legendary Status After Historic Victory

After claiming his third straight Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic is quickly transcending from elite to legendary.

Djokovic fended off Rafael Nadal in a grueling Australian Open final that lasted a record-breaking 5 hours and 53 minutes. It was his seventh straight victory over Nadal—all coming in tournament finals—and the fifth Grand Slam singles title of his career.

What It Means

With the victory, Djokovic joins Nadal, Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer as the only men to win three straight Grand Slam titles in the Open Era.

It was only fitting that Djokovic completed the feat at Melbourne, as he won in Rod Laver Arena and the legend himself presented Djoker with the trophy.

Djokovic is now tied with Laver and John Newcombe with five Grand Slam singles titles, 12th most in the Open Era. If he continues his dominance in 2012, he can tie or surpass legends such as Boris Becker (6), John McEnroe (7), Ivan Lendl (8), Andre Agassi (8) and Jimmy Connors (8).

What's Next

Djokovic can complete the career Grand Slam at the 2012 French Open, which will run from May 27 to June 10.

Djokovic has had troubles on the clay court at Roland Garros, failing to move past the quarterfinals in 2009 and 2010. Last year, he advanced to the semifinals, but he was taken out by Roger Federer in four sets.

If he can reach the finals this year, he'll likely have to go through Nadal to claim his first French Open title. Rafa, the unquestioned king in Paris, is 9-2 all-time against Djokovic on clay.

However, those nine victories came before Djoker started this rampage. Now, he has Nadal's number on any surface, at any location. During his current seven match win streak, Djokovic has beaten the Spaniard once on grass, twice on clay and four times on hard courts.

He doesn't have the all-time edge, but right now, Djokovic is Nadal's daddy.

I'm expecting another showdown between the two at the French Open, and another Grand Slam title for Djokovic.

If he overcomes his French Open demons, he will hold all four Grand Slam titles, cementing his status as a tennis legend.