: Novak Djokovic's "Sophomore Season"

Novak Djokovic is only 20 years old, but he looks a bit older than that and has already won his first Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open. Now, he's been officially introduced to the mainstream American audience as a result of his recent appearance on the Jay Leno show. However, it's been a bit of a bumpy road on the tennis courts since The Australian Open, i.e. Djokovic retired because of illness in a February Davis Cup match, he was upset by Gilles Simon in Marseille and then lost to Andy Roddick in Dubai. Djokovic has been on the ATP Tour for a few years, but 2007 seemed like his real "debut" because he reached the semis of the French Open and Wimbledon and the finals at the

U.S. Open while also beating Roger Federer during the summer tournament swing. Therefore, in many respects 2008 is Djokovic's "sophomore season." Djokovic has the talent and game to challenge for future Grand Slam titles. However, his ability to deal with the pressures and popularity that come with being a Grand Slam champion will be critical to his future success. It's much easier to hit freely and confidently when you have nothing to lose as a "challenger." For Djokovic to maintain his winning ways this spring, he will need to deal with the pressures of being a champion. As Billie Jean King told 2008 Australian Open champion, Maria Sharapova, "pressure is a privilege."

Posted by TC at 08:23 PM || Comments (0)

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March 14, 2008

Novak Djokovic's "Sophomore Season"

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