Novak Djokovic: Win at French Open Would Place Serbian Among All-Time Greats

Novak Djovokic hasn't tasted defeat in a grand slam event in almost a year. In fact, the run has been so good on the sport's biggest stage that Djokovic's last grand slam loss came to Roger Federer in the semifinals of the 2011 French Open.

Almost a year later, a win back at Roland Garros would likely cement Djokovic's place among the sport's all-time great players. 

Djokovic will enter the 2012 French Open on a 21-match win streak at grand slams, including titles at Wimbledon and the US and Australian Opens.

A win at Roland Garros on June 10—the scheduled day for the men's finals—completes the career grand slam for Djokovic, which would make him just the eighth player in men's history to accomplish the feat.

It would also make Djokovic the current title holder of all four grand slam tournaments, which no tennis player has done since Rod Laver in 1969. 

Adding another grand slam title would also give Djokovic six during his decorated—but far from completed—professional career.

However, taking home his first win at the French Open is far from a gimme. In fact, becoming the last man standing at Roland Garros would arguably be Djokovic's most impressive grand slam victory to date. 

Of course, that's mostly due to the man he'd likely have to beat: Rafael Nadal. 

Nadal has a 45-1 career record at the French Open, and he's looking to become the all-time record holder with seven titles at Roland Garros. Robin Soderling, the only man who has ever beaten Nadal at this tournament, isn't even participating at the 2012 French Open. 

Nadal enters the tournament as a heavy favorite.

Nadal has also beat Djokovic in two straight finals at clay-court tournaments, which includes the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters this year.

Djokovic will have his hands full if he reaches the final, but even that isn't a given on the clay court of Roland Garros.

The French Open draw places Federer in his bracket, which means Djokovic would have to average his last grand slam loss to Federer in the semifinals before even getting to the untouchable Nadal. 

Beating Federer in the semis and then having to beat the king of Roland Garros in the finals would be back-to-back wins for the record books. 

If Djokovic can pull the feat off over the next 10 or so days, his name should become immortalized among the sport's all-time greats.

He would then accomplish what both Nadal and Federer couldn't. Obtaining four straight grand slam titles and knocking off Nadal at a tournament in which he has taken complete control would be fine additions to a resume that some already consider one of the best ever. 

Regardless of what happens this week, Djokovic will be considered with Nadal and Federer as this generation's best players. But completing what so few have on June 10 would ensure that Djokovic's name is always considered among the sport's very best.