US Open 2011 Review - Novak continues his formidable run

THERE was a time last year when I questioned seriously the potential of Novak Djokovic.  The Serbian always looked unconvincing, and was simply no match for the runaway heavyweights in the men’s tennis game; Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.  However, he hasn’t just equalled them; he’s surpassed them with a year in tennis that is unlikely to ever be repeated again.

SUPREME: Nadal has had to play no.2 to Djokovic this year

     Djokovic beat Nadal in Monday’s US Open final at Flushing Meadows in New York.  The final grand slam of the year was won in a marathon contest by the Serb, who is now surely targeting a Grand Slam clean-sweep.  This year, he has won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, alongside seven major titles on the ATP circuit.  Incredibly, he has only lost two out of 64 matches he has played in this year, and one of them was an injury pull-out against Andy Murray last month.  He has hit a purple patch which I don’t think anyone expected him to pull out.  Djokovic won the match against Nadal 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 in a match which was incredible from the very first point.  Lasting four hours long, both gave it absolutely everything.  However, like at SW19 in the summer, it was Djokovic who won the key points when it was required.  His year has been phenomenal and if he doesn’t walk away with the big sporting awards at the Laureus awards, alongside Overseas Personality of the Year at the BBC ceremony before Christmas, it will be an injustice.  His resolve in coming back from two sets down to overcome Federer in the semi-finals left the Swiss ace shell-shocked.  Djokovic just has a game at the moment which can’t be matched and Nadal can vouch for that; having lost in five finals this year to his rival.  We might just be witnessing the latest domination for men’s tennis.

     As for Andy Murray, it was another case of so near, yet so far.  Affected by significant weather delays in the second week, he looked tired and weak throughout against Nadal and lost in the semi-finals to the Spaniard for the third successive Grand Slam.  Although his form on the ATP tour has been a bit patchier than in recent seasons, the Scot has had an excellent Grand Slam year and should be rightfully proud of his achievements.  One final (in Australia) and three semi-final appearances is his best yet and he is getting closer.  A bit more luck, consistency in the big points in these tight matches and the ability to keep his game together if something goes wrong is what Murray needs.  He is edging ever closer to Federer now and although I still believe the dream of winning Wimbledon will only ever be a dream, I believe he has the ability to raise his game up a notch to match the talent and supreme abilities of Nadal and Djokovic.

SHOCK: Sam Stosur joined the list of maiden Grand Slam winners

     In the women’s game, there were more upsets than you would receive on a typical FA Cup third round weekend.  Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, Venus Williams (through injury) and Maria Sharapova all departed before the end of the first week, whilst defending champion, Kim Clistjers had to pull out through injury.  In the final, it was the ninth seed Sam Stosur who overcame Serena Williams in straight sets.  The Australian, who seems to save her best form for the French Open earlier in the year, produced a stunning performance to blow Serena away.  It is her maiden Grand Slam triumph, adding to Kvitova success at Wimbledon and Li Na at Roland Garros as first-time winners.  With seven different ladies finalists, no-one seems to want a dominating presence like Djokovic.  Sadly, Stosur’s performance was overshadowed by a verbal abuse in the final from the temperamental Serena.  Facing break point in the second set, Stosur won the crucial point after Serena had shouted ‘Come on!’ before the point was over.  It was judged to be an illegal distraction and a furious confrontation began between Williams and chair umpire, Eva Asderaki.  Some of the taunts included;

”You’re a hater.”     

“You’re out of control.”

“You’re unattractive inside.”

     Her behaviour was disgraceful; there is no excuse for it – simple as that.

     There are still the major WTA and ATP tour finals to come in November, but another tennis Grand Slam year is over and this year simply belongs to one person; Novak Djokovic.