No one can deny that Novak Djokovic’s 37-match win streak is terribly impressive. He’s rolled over the world’s number one player, Rafael Nadal in four straight finals, twice on hard courts and twice on clay. All signs point to Djokovic marching into Paris and leaving as the conquering hero. Only one problem – it’s not going to happen. The best of five sets will sink Djokovic at the French.
The joke will be on Djoker at the 2011 French Open. Never mind that Sports illustrated is crowing that: ''Novak Djokovic is the most dominant athlete in the world right now.'' The reality is that the best of five sets on the slow red clay of Roland Garros is infinitely more demanding than the best of three affairs where Djokovic has been using Nadal as a punching bag.
Djokovic has markedly improved his fitness. His cockiness and confidence is certainly at an all-time high – but this isn’t his year at the French. His top-heavy spring schedule is about to catch up with him and he doesn’t even know it yet.
If Djokovic gets to the final, his tank will be sputtering on empty. Nadal on the other hand is looking for payback. Just like he took it to Robin Soderling in the 2010 final – Nadal knows that beating Novak on the grand stage will temporarily beat back all the chatter surrounding who people are already calling the new Number One. Also, it remains to be seen if Djokovic has what it takes to outclass Federer on clay.
Besides, did you listen to that silly primal screaming the Djoker unleashed after he beat Nadal in Rome? Try and act like you’ve been there before. It’s hard to imagine what the lad might do if he actually beat Nadal in a grand slam final. It will eventually happen, but not at this year's French.
