Novak Djokovic: The Challenge Ahead

At Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic killed the doubt. Nonbelievers had to turn into believers. Waverers had to stop and wave acknowledgment. His supporters had to pay an even higher tribute.

That's how convincing Djokovic's Wimbledon whipping of Rafael Nadal was.

Let's face it: No one is setting a higher example in the sports world these days than Novak Djokovic. Perhaps his only equal is the great Marta, the Brazilian soccer queen. Lindsey Vonn is doing a good job, also.

The fact that Djokovic even lets others play him anymore should be cause for much gratefulness on the part of the other ATP competitors. The question has to be asked of his opponents: Do you really want to do this [play Novak Djokovic]?

Kidding aside, Djokovic is 51-1 in 2011. That's insane. And now he has two majors this year. The 14 wins it took to capture the Australian and Wimbledon crowns substantiate all of his other winning in this season. Djokovic is as real as the sun in August.

On center court during the Final, Djokovic's sledgehammer forehands were even more angular than Nadal's, his court coverage physically and calculatingly better, and Djokovic forced Nadal into the most critical unforced errors.

During the match Djokovic kept pointing to his head when he won a big point, indicating that he was smarter than Nadal, the dethroned former number one player. Djokovic was right. He was more keen. But he also had more shot dexterity and just plain drive than Nadal.

It is no secret that over the past year or so Novak Djokovic has dedicated himself maniacally to fitness. His result in this regard is the key to all that he accomplishes.

He makes all racket wielders he plays against do his bidding because he corrals balls faster than they do. And, as Richard Williams likes to discuss, Novak makes the right play on those balls once he gets to them.

But going further: What's next for Djokovic after the “honey” of Wimbledon?

Nadal is not going away. He still had that snarl on his face throughout Djokovic's victory ceremony. Nadal can't wait for the future. The rematch.

So Djokovic has to keep a snarl of his own. Or a scowl. Whatever “mean-face” he wants. Djokovic can review still pictures of NBA players for a selection.

In any case, Novak Djokovic must assuredly maintain his edge, like 10-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal has done heretofore.

Agreed that Djokovic is having one of the all-time great years. However, the ascription that Novak Djokovic is an all-time great player cannot yet be placed on him. Three majors won is not sufficient for such ascribing to be done.

The challenge is to maintain excellence. This is not so easy. Ask Jordan, Gretzky or Jeter. They know it's not. They will tell you so.

Does Novak Djokovic want to be great? Or will he succumb to the maddening modernistic mojo of moderation when it comes to championships? Time will tell. Not a soul on this planet knows the answer to this question because this is Djokovic's first great year.

Nevertheless, Djokovic has a darn good start toward hall-of-fame greatness. This year he has exhibited motivation and moxie. Plus, a record of 51-1—that'll do. Novak just needs about three more very good years after this one, and about four or five more majors.

Unlike the floundering WTA diva Maria Sharapova, who is 24 years of age, Djokovic, also 24 years old, is showing prime strength and unlimited potential. The big Belgrade bomber has foregrounded his fitness, finesse, force, faculty and fight, turning himself into a veritable tennis playing machine.

This is the thing that allows one to expect “mo better” achievements ahead from Djokovic. That is, it is logical to expect future extra-ordinariness from him because of his new found, rock-hard professionalism, his consistent concentration, and his stick-to-it-iveness.

Djokovic's single-minded approach to get him to his current position of number one in the world is the equivalent of what Babe Ruth did after his “terrible” 1922 season.

Ruth, in Bunyanesque fashion, chopped all of that farm wood to get faultlessly fit at 201 pounds on opening day in 1923. Thus, Ruth, minus the famous “stomach” of 1922, hit .393 in 1923, stole 17 bases that year, and in 1923 had what some call his best all-around season.

For a tennis player, Novak Djokovic's present weight of 176 pounds at 6'2” is perfect running-racket swinging weight, just as the weight of Ruth (who also was 6'2”) at 201 pounds was perfect for him as a baseball power hitter back then. Two different sports, two different ideal weights.

Of course, Djokovic is not the all-century figure Ruth was, but he is doing Ruthian-like things, and more importantly, he has successfully practised Ruthian tactics and strategy. To wit, a relentless purposefulness.

Additionally, Djokovic has that Ruthian swagger after he whacks a winner.

With all of his learned assets, Djokovic seems indeed quite equal to conquering the many forthcoming tennis challenges which await him.