Djoker has the mindset, desire to top Roger's 17 Slams, but it might be a close time call

IT'S VERY EVIDENT that the World’s No.1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic, is exuding confidence both on and off the court. This can be ascribed to the fact that the Serb is at the helm of the men’s game. This year, Djokovic is enjoying one of the most successful seasons in the history of men’s tennis and in the process has posted some mind-boggling, unparalleled numbers on the tennis court. 

After reaching the finals of the recently concluded US Open, Djokovic, achieved a rare feat of appearing in all the four Grand Slam finals in a calendar year. And, if not for an inspired Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros, Djokovic, would have been the only player in the Open Era to have collected all the four Majors in one year. 

On to the Asian swing, the Serb native looks set to add his third Shanghai title this week. After comfortably cruising through the second round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, Djokovic was brimming with confidence and when asked about the possibility of eclipsing Roger Federer’s tally of 17 Slams, a highly motivated Djokovic told tennisnow.com, 

"Nothing is impossible. I have that kind of mindset. I know that it's still a long way to break his record. But people even mentioning and talking about it, obviously it flatters me. I'm honored to have such compliments. But, you know, it's one of the things that motivates me to keep going, of course. I love this sport. I feel like there are many more years in front of me.”

At the moment, Djokovic looks imperious and there is little to suggest that the purple patch is about to end any time soon. 
But moving on to the million-dollar question: Can Djokovic surpass Federer’s 17 Slams? 

Today, Djokovic is at his highest prowess, combined with a supreme level of fitness. In addition, the “Djoker” of men’s tennis is only 28 and has time on his side. Also, considering the gulf in the quality between Djokovic and the rest is obvious. 

As far as the Serb’s rivals go, world no.3 Federer might be consistently displaying his artistry, but has not cracked the Djokovic code in several attempts. And at 34, there is little that Federer can do to dent Djokovic’s confidence. 

Andy Murray, too, showed promise and could cause more than a scare, but the Scot has remained an enigma. Injuries, temperamental issues and inconsistency have taken the sheen off Murray’s game and it would take a monumental turnaround from the Brit to stop Djokovic’s quest. 

Then, there is Wawrinka. The Swiss No.2 has nailed Djokovic a couple of times in the past and can certainly hurt Djokovic with the best one-handed backhand in the game. That said, the mercurial world no. 4, too, can be inconsistent and has the tendency to exit the Slams, inexplicably early in the rounds. 

Djokovic’s long time rival, Rafael Nadal too is experiencing a beleaguered season. For long, the Spaniard was Djokovic’s biggest challenger, but his career too has been marred by injuries, owing to which Nadal’s game and ranking has dropped. Considering their recent-past exchanges, there’s no secret that the southpaw has struggled. 

Furthermore, much to Djokovic's delight, the next generation has shown little evidence of having the killer instinct and desire. Grigor Dimitrov, Nick Kygrios, David Goffin, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Borna Coric have all shown flashes of brilliance, but nothing to suggest that they will dethrone Djokovic off the top perch.  

Although, the French Open keeps eluding Djokovic, the three-time runner-up in Paris is certain to achieve the Holy Grail some day. And, his credentials in New York and SW19 only keeps getting better.  

Djokovic’s urge to keep improving further, will send a strong message to the men’s locker room.  The 2014 Shanghai semi-finalist made his intentions clear on tennisnow.com, by saying, 

“Hopefully if I'm able to sustain this level of dedication and level of performance, the way I play tennis, I think I have a good chance to compete for the trophy on any Grand Slam in the future. But, again, I'm at the peak of my abilities now. Just depends how far and how long I can go. I can't predict anything. But I've achieved a lot so far in my career. I feel like there is a lot more to come.”

At the moment, the world no.1 appears imperious to drive home the advantage. Age, form, fitness and the head-to-head edge is strongly in favor of Djokovic. However, Djokovic would do well to sneak into the past and discover that former legends started waning as they approached their 30s. From Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras to Federer and Nadal, we have seen the Slams drying up slowly but surely. 

History, surely may not be encouraging, but it would be a folly to doubt Djokovic’s mental strength and unflinching belief. In the past few years, Djokovic has fought adversities and adversaries to overcome many insurmountable odds. Today, Djokovic is demonstrating a brand of tennis, never seen before. At 14, Nadal may or may not equal Federer. But Djokovic at 10, looks nicely poised to edge Federer’s 17 and create his own place in the annals of tennis.

A repeat of 2015 in the coming year will be a crucial factor in this race, and if he manages three more during 2016, the Djoker will have closed in, having to win just four more during the next 3-4 years, a highly achievable task. Provided the Swiss Master doesn't play spoilsport and adds to his tally to make this contest more challenging!