Novak Djokovic's Australian Open Win over Rafael Nadal Could Ruin Tennis

Novak Djokovic’s epic victory in the 2012 Australian Open has ended a recent competitive boom in men’s tennis. Tennis fans hoping for a Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal renaissance must now accept Djokovic’s undisputed dominance. Get ready for a bland reprise of the Ivan Lendl years.

The New Ivan Lendl

Czech Republic native Ivan Lendl resembled Novak Djokovic. Lendl was also tall and slender with a long, angular face and butch haircut. He usually wore white shirts and large wristbands. He overpowered his opponents from the baseline with a big forehand.

Like Djokovic, Lendl struggled to harness his tennis talent in his early 20s, losing to more flamboyant champions like Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors. His psyche was often questioned as he lost six of seven Grand Slam finals.

Then suddenly, at age 25, Lendl destroyed John McEnroe in the 1985 U.S. Open Final. It was a seismic shift in tennis in which Lendl would go on and capture seven Grand Slam championships over the next four years and effectively end McEnroe’s run at the top.

Unfortunately, Lendl was unappreciated. His lack of personality and robotic professionalism was boring to much of the tennis world. He did not possess McEnroe’s fiery temperament or his artistic tennis touch. Sports Illustrated featured him on its cover with the title The Champion That Nobody Cares About, after he won the 1986 U.S. Open.

Djokovic has now rudely slammed the door on Rafael Nadal’s reign. Though still emotional, he has harnessed his energy into greater poise with big points.

However, many tennis fans still view Djokovic as negatively brash. He often glares at his opponents after great shots. He thumps his chest and screams. His latest antic, immediately following his win against Nadal, was to rip off his shirt and manically howl at his entourage.

Tennis fans might be most irritated watching Djokovic slay two champions who have combined for 26 Grand Slam titles. Even after his tight battle with Nadal, there is a sense that this will only make Djokovic better. His talent is undeniable; Now he has proven his mental resolve and champion’s heart.

Djokovic is poised to sweep away his rivals. Like Lendl and  Pete Sampras, Djokovic’s domination and demeanor could unfairly be perceived as boring to tennis.

Rafael’s Reign in Final Jeopardy

In 1985, few tennis observers realized McEnroe’s prime was over. Likewise, Rafael Nadal’s window may have closed. He continues to dominate Roger Federer in big matches, but has fits with Djokovic’s counter-aggressive returns. Djokovic is perfectly suited to thwart Nadal’s speed and heavy topspin by overpowering and pinning him behind the baseline. Djokovic’s game also translates well on clay, and will likely be the favorite to capture this final Grand Slam piece.

Nadal is a gritty champion and will not relent in trying to return to glory. Clearly, it will require the next four months of the clay court season to help fortify his confidence. He must defend his favorite red surface at Roland Garros to renew his rivalry with Djokovic. If not, we might have seen the last of Nadal’s Grand Slam wins.

Who can stop the Djoker?

Maybe Rafael Nadal will regroup at Roland Garros and carry his momentum into Wimbledon.

Roger Federer may have one great encore left in his final act.

Will Andy Murray put it all together and make the leap forward?

Perhaps there is still time for Juan Martin del Potro to flash his form that won the 2009 U.S. Open.

Somebody else is preparing to be the next great tennis champion, but when? Djokovic is poised to blast through his competition for the next few years.

Will tennis fans enjoy the ride, or will they grow tired of his growing legend? Not everyone will be happy about it. Just ask Ivan Lendl.