The French Open Draw: How crucial is it for Novak Djokovic?

How ironic is it that Novak Djokovic has fallen to No.4 ranking at a time when he is playing some of the most spectacular tennis, arguably his best tennis post maiden Grand Slam win?

His game has improved lately by leaps and bounds, a barrage of topspin groundies strung together with immaculate serves and some delicate touches at the net are a common sight now from Djokovic’s racquet.

It’s a rejuvenated Nole now with confidence oozing and a farcry from the hapless figure falling prey to the demon called ‘’poor fitness’’ that we have got used to seeing for months and the betterment clearly gets reflected in his recent performances.

After a Monte-Carlo final where he shoved clay supremo Rafael Nadal to the 3^rd set, an equally enthralling Rome finale and especially after a most heart-throbbing Madrid semi that included four hours of superlative tennis, it must be conceded that every tennis enthusiast did feel a bit disappointed for him.

With 3 match points, 37 winners to Rafa’s 31, 43 unforced errors to Rafa’s 50, 6 aces to Rafa’s 3, there’s not an iota of doubt that he has been way too close…perhaps the closest to toppling the numero uno ranked player.

Yet he had to submit in the face of tremendous opposition called Rafael Nadal for the third consecutive time on this particular surface this season, two of which have been Masters 1000 finals.

So does Rafa continue to be the only stumbling block for Djokovic’s success…a Djokovic that can even clobber Federer on clay with his continued array of shots? Has the imposing figure of Rafael Nadal on the other side of the net become too much for Novak to handle? Or is it that Rafa’s incredible amalgamation of mental stamina and physical strength continues to be insuperable for Novak?

So how much crucial now would the French Open draw prove to be for the World No.4 player? Does it indicate that if he is pitted in Roger’s half of the draw he would be successful in making his first ever non-hardcourt Grand Slam final appearance simply by averting the colossal danger called Rafael Nadal?

Draws, sure are as unpredictable as the toss of a coin and nobody knows for certain what awaits for Nole in his half. Also the fact that Roger Federer has produced a stellar performance in downing none other than Nadal on clay at Madrid would perhaps not help his cause much.

But the fact that he has succeeded in subduing Federer this season on the red dirt and has repeatedly pushed Rafa to the brink might just tilt the balance in favour of the Serb and help him squeeze through if the No.2 and No.4 are to meet in the semis.

We can only wait till 22^nd May when the French Open draws will be announced to get a sneak peek into what awaits Novak’s fate and till then the ardent and most optimistic Nole fans can only keep on hoping that this time their hero can manage to break the tradition of facing the uncompromising Spaniard in the semis unlike the last two years.