The ‘Djoker’ smashes an Ace!

Murukesh Krishnan

“It’s definitely my favourite Grand Slam...It’s an incredible feeling winning this trophy once more...I love this court!”

Novak Djokovic proved it yet again why he is considered as one of the finest tennis players of modern era. Having won six Grand Slams- Australian Open titles in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, the Wimbledon Championships of 2011 and the 2011 US Open, he proves his mettle time and again in the world circuit. Now, he is the sole record holder to have got a hat-trick of Australian Open titles. What’s significant is that he achieved this feat in consecutive years, for otherwise another great, Andre Agassi, had won it on four different occasions.

This year’s match was already anticipated by tennis fanatics across the world, to be fiercely competed match. And it did leave up to the reputation and how!

The match that lasted close to four hours saw some fantastic serves, some tremendous volleys and some splendid aces. Both the players, Andy Murray of Great Britain and Novak (who is from Serbia) got on each other’s nerves. They fought tooth and nail to out-do the other, giving the spectators in the arena and millions of television viewers across the globe, a treat to their eyes. Many would have preferred a Federer-Djokovic clash but nevertheless, this gripping encounter gave them a true value for their money and time.

Like every year, this year too, the final was played in the Rod Laver Arena, which is the ‘centre court’ of the Australian Open. It is named after the great Sir Rod Laver, a legendary player from Australia. This arena has had the heritage to have brought amateur players, an international recognition. Roger Federer won his first ever Grand Slam at the Australian Open and so did Maria Sharapova.

Since the time Novak emerged five years back, he has checked the dominance of the then two most formidable players, Federer and Rafael Nadal, in the tennis circuit. The most interesting aspect of his achievements is his ‘never say die’ attitude. He never gives up. When he is pinned down to the wall, he comes back from behind and turns the table in his favour. That’s what separates him from the others.

He’s agile, he’s accurate. In the present circuit, there’s no match to his forehand. His backhand is equally deadly. The way he hits shots from unprecedented angles always draw awe and appreciation. Even in this year’s Aus Open finals, he came back from a set down to beat an equally motivated Murray 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Receiving his trophy from Agassi himself, he looked a happy man- a man confident of his game, matured as a player, giving a clear signal to his rivals that he is here to stay.

No wonder he is the numero uno of men’s tennis today!