Men from Mars, Women from Venus, but Is Novak Djokovic from Freakin' Krypton?

That Novak Djokovic has defied the expectations of even his most ardent fans would be putting it mildly. I mean the guy is unbeaten in six months on the ATP Tour, something that would be an aberration (of the good kind, of course) in any sport, let alone something as grueling as tennis.

So here are the facts: 1) He is currently 39-0 (37-0 in 2011), putting him within touching distance of Guillermo Vilas (46 in a row) and Ivan Lendl (44 in a row) atop the all-time list of ATP streaks in the Open era; 2) He has claimed seven ATP titles this year already, including one Grand Slam and four Masters Series 1000 tournaments; 3) He has beaten Roger Federer thrice and world No. 1 Rafael Nadal four times this season (a feat unparalleled on the ATP Tour); 4) He is also on course to eclipse the best start ever to an ATP season (42 in a row), currently in possession of one John McEnroe of 1984; and 5) He has become the first man on the ATP Tour to beat Rafael Nadal twice in two consecutive meetings on the Spaniard’s favored clay surface.

Some Nadal and Federer fans have been so taken aback that they have immediately raised the libelous specter of a doping accusation against the current world No. 2. However, in this slideshow I have decided to take a more fantasy-led approach to the sudden rise of Novak Djokovic as the premier competitor on the ATP Tour.

So in honor of one of the most storied super-hero movie seasons this year . . . here is a look at possible alter-egos (from both the Marvel and DC-verse) for the lean, mean, Serbian machine.

Novak: A Serbian Webslinger

Having fun while things get serious . . .

Spider-Man, one of the all-time super-hero greats, who makes up for his small stature with magnified strength, speed, and a sublime sense of humor for good measure.

Djokovic is certainly the one who is in possession of one the greatest senses of humor on the ATP Tour with his on-court impersonations, but also with off-court commercial appearances and party antics.

In terms of magnified strength, he has improved upon his stamina to no end looking fitter and fresher even after a long match.

But Spidey’s a web-slinger.

In the realm of the tennis court, Djokovic has been weaving webs of his own with an array of shots, making his opponents' side of the court seem bigger.

For villains, we could have Rafael Nadal make a guest appearance as the dreaded Dr. Octopus, since he attacks from all angles and turn defense into offense in an instant.

Novak: The Dark Knight of Belgrade

Dark Serbian Knight rising?

Taking his enemies on in their lair and emerging from the shadows is the Batman’s specialty. The dark knight has several technologically advanced gadgets which he uses to his advantage.

In Djokovic’s case, he has emerged from under the radar since the start of the year when all the talk was about whether Roger Federer could overtake Rafael Nadal to become world No. 1 again. He has also pummeled Rafael Nadal in straight sets in their two meetings on the Spaniard’s favored clay surface, and the only frontier that probably remains for him is to register a victory on grass against Federer and Nadal.

His oversized HEAD racquet and the racquet-maker’s penchant for technological advancements also fit the caped crusader's style.

His shirt sponsor, Sergio Tachini, has even continued with his garb of white by day, and dark by night.

For villains, Djokovic’s biggest enemy in this case could be himself: the Djoker. This is fitting because historically been prone to resorting to humor as an emotional safeguard.

Novak: Post-Soviet Ironman

Novak has certainly lived up to tennis' definition as he is on a 39-match winning run.

Djokovic has also captured the aura of a man in the prime of his health, by digging himself out of his persistent allergy and stamina problems.

In this case, Djokovic’s staff of coach and medical advisor could be compared to Pepper Potts and War Machine for supporting him when he takes on his opponents.

Novak: The Baltic Flash

Quickest man on the ATP Tour?

Who else would you bet on retrieving that un-gettable ball towards the opposite far corner of the court, or that drop shot so close to the net?

He certainly does seem to be the quickest and most agile player on the current ATP Tour. Not only is he fleet of foot, Djokovic has proven a quick thinker while maintaining that warp speed in the match.

Novak: The Last Son of Krypton

Djokovic has been nothing short of Super . . .

Novak Djokovic could be compared to the greatest super-hero of them all: The Man of Steel. He has shown an iron will by never saying die. He has also bulldozed lesser opponents by presenting them with bagels and breadsticks on their plate, underlining the dominant force of his game.

He has been invincible, becoming Nadal's kryptonite on clay. Djokovic’s two-handed backhand and uncompromising forehand are the equivalent of Superman’s heat-vision and freeze-breath, making opponents wilt and stop stunned in their tracks.

If he were to put a big ‘S’ in the middle of his shirt, it could stand not only for his super abilities, but also for his home country Serbia.

For villainous purposes, Roger Federer could serve as Lex Luthor, highlighting the Swiss great’s on-court intelligence and uncanny ability to outthink his opponents in the heat of the battle.

Andy Murray could also make a guest appearance as Doomsday, as he nearly took out the Super Serb in Rome, being only two points from victory at one point in the third set.

So Which One Is It?

Take your pick dear reader . . .

Tell me, dear reader, which superhero does Djokovic’s current run personify? Is it everybody’s favorite Web-Slinger, the Dark Knight of Gotham, the Ironman, the Fast & Furious Flash, or the Man of Steel himself?