Wimbledon 2011: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal Ceding Dominance to Novak Djokovic?

Novak Djokovic's recent surge in form has led many pundits to proclaim that the Serbian is finally breaking the duopoly that his more illustrious compatriots, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, have firmly gripped for the last few years.

The Djoker, as he is popularly known, was pretty true to his nickname before the start of this season. Always the crowd favorite for his uncanny renditions of Maria Sharapova's raucous grunts and Rafael Nadal's wedgie-pickings, Djokovic was recognized for his antics rather than his tennis.

Even today, if you search for "Novak Djokovic" on YouTube, the first auto-search result that pops up is "Novak Djokovic Imitations".

It's not that Djokovic ever played a mediocre brand of tennis. He was always known for his powerful, aggressive baseline play and lethal backhand. What killed it for the 6'2" Serb was his fitness and his susceptibility to injury.

As his retirements became more frequent, Djokovic began to appear more and more frustrated with his game and no matter what he did, the Serb could just not reach the pedestal that Federer and Nadal occupied. 

All of that came to an end last December after a haircut. Well, possibly more.

Novak Djokovic helped Serbia win the Davis Cup over France and everyone in the Serbian team celebrated by shaving their heads. That razor probably made something click for Djokovic. Things became clearer (excuse the pun!) as he embarked on a mission to rejuvenate his career. 

Even Djokovic's dietitian had a sudden epiphany and decided that the Serb was allergic to gluten.

The pizzas and pastas were off the menu and the Djoker was reincarnated—a fitter, healthier and stronger man who meant business. Run, Batman!

Djokovic embarked upon a spectacular run in the 2011 season and came close to breaking John McEnroe's record 42-0 start to a season. This included winning the second Slam of his career in the Australian Open and going on to beat World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in four finals, something he had never achieved before. Two of those wins were on Nadal's favorite clay.

Djokovic also beat Roger Federer thrice and was the hot favorite entering the French Open.

The Serb was one victory away from equaling McEnroe's record and grabbing the World No. 1 spot when everything came crashing down in the semifinal at Roland Garros.

Roger Federer showed why he is... Roger Federer... and finally made Djokovic taste his first defeat of the season, in possibly the cruelest of repercussions.

Djokovic's confidence should have been flying high when he squared off against the Swiss, having beaten him thrice this year already. But Federer never really let Djokovic into the match and powered away from the start.

A minor lapse in concentration from the 16-time Grand Slam champion allowed Djokovic back in the game in the third set. But Roger Federer wasn't about to let his hard work go to waste that easy, like Djokovic had done.

Federer took the match in four sets and gave Djokovic a lesson in pure resolve after being given only an outsider's shot at winning the encounter. The way Federer blanked out all the psychological gremlins in his head and performed at, historically, his least favorite Slam should serve as a vital lesson for Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal has also stared down the barrel on many an occasion, but sheer grit and determination have allowed the Majorcan to claw his way back into the match and win it.

Winning from winning positions is easy. It's when you find yourself in the deep end of the pool that the true test of purpose, determination and fortitude comes up.

You could say that the 24-year-old, two-time Grand Slam winner is still learning and is at the cusp of a glorious career. But Rafael Nadal, just one year older to Djokovic, has already won ten majors and is starting to be considered one of the greatest players of all-time.

So, to answer the premise—no, Novak Djokovic still has some way to go before he can be considered along the same lines as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Federer, admittedly, isn't getting any younger and is more susceptible to ceding dominance to the Serb. But his performance at Roland Garros is a true depiction of the popular catch-phrase and aptly titled James Bond movie, Die Another Day.

I wouldn't be surprised if Rafael Nadal directed that movie.

Djokovic has plenty of potential, which is visible from his performance so far this year. But he's still got quite a task at hand if he wants to stand any chance at toppling his two illustrious compatriots in the future.