Novak Djokovic is a big hero in his hometown of Belgrade, Serbia, and was treated like a rock star upon his return Monday. I'm just nuts about this kid ands the breath of fresh air he brings to tennis. When you can hold your nerve and win such a big title so young (he's 19), the sky is the limit.
Reporters asked Djokovic how he succeeded in defeating Guillermo Canas in the final of the Sony Ericcson Open on Sunday after Canas had upset top-ranjked Roger Federer twice within a two-week period.
"I cannot now give any advices or tips to Roger," Djokovic said with a smile. "It would be not so nice, you know. He's No. 1 and probably the best player ever in the history of this sport."
Djokovic, a Serb, and Scotsman Andy Murray, both 19, have been touted as future Grand Slam champions.
"Two young players, it's always nice," Djokovic said. "I think it's a great thing for tennis to see Rafael Nadal, Murray and myself playing so well and bringing something so new into tennis. "I think you all had enough of Federer winning every tournament, so it's good."
Despite his two bizarre losses to Canas, Federer is still the man at the top of the heap. On Monday, he began his 166th consecutive week at No. 1, a record, and leads by such a wide margin he's almost certain to remain on top through Wimbledon. He has won the past three major events and needs four more Grand Slam titles to equal Pete Sampras' record of 14.
But I think Novak will be a factor this year. And more than his beautiful game, he is like Federer in that he is a gentleman. Look (below) at how he greeted Canas at the net after beating him: