Djokovic to Carry Serbia?
At 23 years of age, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic has become the youngest ever player to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam events. This weekend, Djokovic will represent Serbia in a thrilling Davis Cup encounter with Croatia.
Spotted at the age of 8 by former Yugoslavian player Jelena Gencic, Djokovic began his international career at the age of 14. It was not until 6 years later, however, that the Serb made a real impact on international tennis.
In 2007, Djokovic reached the semi-finals in the French Open and in Wimbledon, losing to Spanish clay specialist Rafael Nadal in both competitions. Djokovic had beaten Nadal earlier in the year at the Miami Masters tournament, a tournament he went on to win.
Later in that same year, the Serb played his first Grand Slam final in the U.S. Open at a mere 20 years of age, losing to then World No. 1 Roger Federer.
In early 2008, Djokovic won his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open, beating Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer in three straight sets on his way to the final. The win is Djokovic’s greatest achievement to date.
Having been ranked as World No. 3 at the end of the 2007, 2008 and 2009 seasons, Djokovic moved up one place in the rakings after Nadal failed to defend his Australian open title in January.
Djokovic is known in particular for his powerful, flatly hit first serve, and usually hits his second serve wide on the court. His baseline forehand shot, usually hit with a strong topspin, is another of his assets as a player. It allows him to press his opponents to their bassline.
Djokovic also uses an effective backhanded drop shot, which usually comes as a surprise to his opponents, as his regular backhands are hit double-handed.
When completed successfully, Djokovic’s drop sends his opponent running across the court and puts Djokovic in a good position for a winning volley by the net.
Serbia, with Djokovic as a key player, faces Croatia in a thrilling second round tie in the Davis Cup, between July 9th and 11th. Serbia defeated the United States in the first round of this year’s Cup.
Djokovic, who became the youngest ever player to represent Serbia at 19 years of age, defeated John Isner when the match standing was 2-1 for Serbia. Withstanding a total of 24 aces from the American, Djokovic persevered and helped his country into the second round of the Cup for the first time in its history.
It was long uncertain that Djokovic would represent Serbia in this year's Cup. Before forming its own team, separate to Montenegro in 2007, a young Djokovic was approached by the British Tennis Lawn Association, who asked if he wished to join Great Britain’s team. Djokovic, then ranked No. 63 in the world, gave the offer serious thought before turning it down. Passing on his chance to play alongside Andy Murray on the British team. Djokovic cited his Serbian heritage as the reason for wanting to play on Serbia's team.
“I am Serbian, I am proud of being a Serbian, I didn’t want to spoil that just because another country had better conditions,” he told The London Times in 2009.
“If I had played for Great Britain, of course I would have played exactly as I do for my country but deep inside, I would never have felt that I belonged. I was the one who took the decision," said Djokovic.
Djokovic will have plenty of opportunities to justify his decision in the Cup’s second round. Prior to this year, his country had never progressed from the first round in the Davis Cup.
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