Novak Djokovic: What Djoker Must Do to Win 2012 French Open

Coming into Roland Garros and the 2012 French Open this past weekend, Novak Djokovic knew what he needed to do to complete the career grand slam. The Serb hasn't lost in a Grand Slam match since the semifinals of the same tournament in 2011 when he fell to Roger Federer.

Since then, Djoker, as he is commonly referred to by fans, has captured titles at the All England Club, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. If he plans to become the 8th man ever to capture the career grand slam, the world's top ranked player must find a way to improve his skills on clay. 

Rafael Nadal, the King of the clay court, has lost just once—yes, you read that correctly. Once in his career at the French Open. That's good enough for a career record of 45-1 at Roland Garros. 

Not to say that Nadal is unbeatable, but that is about as close to it as you are going to find in tennis today. That is all without even mentioning the fact that Rafa has defeated Djoker twice already this year, with wins at the Monte Carlo Masters Open and the Rome Masters Open—both of those matches having taken place on clay. 

In order for Djokovic to win the ever-elusive French Open title, he will more than likely have to get past Nadal to be hoisting the trophy on June 10.

The way the draw is setup, Djoker, 25, will eventually come face to face with the man who has given him so many problems in the past year and the King of clay himself: Rafael Nadal. 

The final that almost seems inevitable, barring any upsets of historic proportions, may have higher stakes than any of their other previous matchups before. Previously, the two have played 32 matches, with Nadal holding a slight edge at 18-14. This time around, if match No.33 is to happen in the French Open final, Djokovic would be playing to accomplish something that has not happened in 43 years.

Rod Laver was the last player to win four consecutive Grand Slams, in 1969. 

Ultimately, what will play a large part in determining whether or not Djoker can win his first French Open title is his ability to win on clay, while also searching for answers to get past Nadal anyway he can. 

Djoker has displayed the ability to win on clay before, but what will happen on the sport's biggest stage, with a worldwide audience watching and history on the line?

Well, the answer to that question will have to wait until June 10.