Australian Open: Grand Slam looms for Djokovic

Omnisports

January 31, 2016 7:01 AM

Is 2016 the year world number one Novak Djokovic claims the calendar Grand Slam?

___4628039___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4628039___2016___1___31___18___novakdjokovic-cropped_yw3tyi62ffdp19vhv9vtw4la1

Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) and Don Budge (1938) are the only men to have achieved the feat of winning all four majors in the same year.

But if the Australian Open is anything to go by, Djokovic could well etch his name in history before the year's done.

Djokovic opened the 2016 major season with a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title on Sunday.

The 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7-3) win added an 11th slam to his already-bulging cabinet, while consigning good friend Andy Murray to a fifth runner-up trophy at Melbourne Park.

But what is scariest is the fact Djokovic – who has reached five slam finals in a row, winning four – was not required to get out of third gear for most parts – taking nothing away from his scintillating two sets against Roger Federer in the final four.

Djokovic survived an almighty scare against Gilles Simon, tallying an uncharacteristic 100 unforced errors in a thrilling five-setter in the fourth round, while Kei Nishikori was not without his chances in the quarters, yet the former was so far ahead of the field his patches of inconsistency went unpunished.

Talk of a Grand Slam, though, is nothing new when it comes to Djokovic.

The 28-year-old, who was won 10 of the past 21 slams, got his hands on the Australian and US Opens last year, as well as Wimbledon.

Djokovic's calendar bid came unstuck at the ever-elusive French Open, upstaged by Stan Wawrinka in the decider.

He is a three-time finalist at Roland Garros without success.

But with Murray's best not good enough once again, 34-year-old Federer another year older and Rafael Nadal seemingly on his last legs, 2016 could be the year for Djokovic.

Omnisports

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!