Novak Djokovic: 3 Reasons Djoker Will Tank in 2012
Djoker won’t be smiling.
Novak Djokovic is currently ranked the No. 1 tennis player in the world, but that won’t last. The Serbinator’s phenomenal run will end in 2012. Here are three reasons why:
3. French Open Foreshadowing
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Two sets into his fourth-round match against Andreas Seppi, Djokovic found himself on the verge of elimination. While he managed to battle back for the win, Djokovic suffered the scare against a player that had never advanced past the third round in any other Grand Slam. Greg Garber of ESPN reported that Djokovic said after the near-letdown:
"He was a better player for first two sets, definitely. I was very fortunate to come through to this match. I was fighting. Look, you know, I think it's just a bad day for my game, for my rhythm in general. But, look, I won. I'm in the quarterfinals. That's what matters the most.
"
If Seppi nearly knocked him out, Djokovic is in danger.
2. Rafa Is Back
After stringing together an overwhelming seven-match winning streak against Rafael Nadal, the Spaniard has won two straight against Djokovic. Rafa’s game is officially back and so is his confidence. That isn’t what Djokovic needs at all as he fumbles with his own.
While Djoker is struggling to defeat the likes of Seppi, Nadal has yet to lose a set in the French Open. Rafa is back and better than ever. It’s only a matter of time before he leapfrogs Djokovic in the world rankings.
1. One-Year Wonder
Before 2011, Djokovic never won a single major outside of the Australian Open. Despite Nadal’s reputation as a one-surface wonder, he has two Wimbledon victories—more than Djokovic—and he also won just as many U.S. Opens as the Serbian. And despite his age, Roger Federer must still be considered a major threat at his two favorite Grand Slams as well.
Djokovic simply doesn’t have the results outside of one fabulous season to expect him to continue his display of dominance.
David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.
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