2008 saw 21-year-old Novak Djokovic break into the top-10 of the ATP rankings. However, he had yet to win a grand slam. The change that he heralded in 2008 by winning his first major propelled him towards the path of lasting success.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal would go on to have one of the seasons of his lifetime as he won the French Open, Wimbledon, and an Olympic medal, along with other notable successes. Thus, their meeting in 2008 would prove monumental for Novak, as he looked to build a successful career.
Djokovic’s commanding win over Nadal at Indian Wells
Entering the 2008 Indian Wells event as the 3rd seed, Novak Djokovic ended up in the semifinals along with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Mardy Fish. All the tell-tale signs of a trio of superlative tennis players were on display in California.
Novak drew Nadal and quickly came to the realisation that he was about to face a stern test. As the March heat belted down on both players and cast a dim shadow over one half of the hard court, Novak Djokovic would go on to display precise power-hitting and top-class mental toughness as he wore down a muscular and fit Nadal.
A number of breaks were won by Novak, and his defensive capabilities brought about numerous unforced errors from a frustrated Nadal. The first set was sealed quickly, and the second proved no less swifter. A determined Djokovic would go on to seal the match 6-3, 6-2 in 1 hour and 28 minutes. He served 8 aces in total, compared to 2 from Nadal. No double faults and an 81% first serve points won would ensure his progress to the final. Overall, Djokovic converted 4 out of his 7 break points and won 60% of the overall points in the match.
“I played well and smart tactically wise. I knew I had to be aggressive, which I did. The turning point was that break at 4-3 in the opener. I played at a high level, and my serve worked like a charm.”, Djokovic said.
Nadal’s defeat fuels Djokovic’s ambitions
As world no.3 in 2008, Novak Djokovic would lag behind Federer and Nadal in the rankings, as well as in grand slam successes. The hunger and knowledge that his peers were, at that moment, surging ahead of him in majors, fueled Novak Djokovic’s desire to better his game and improve in order to achieve bigger successes.
“People consider me one of the world’s best players. That’s why I have to stay focused. I’m also thinking about becoming world no. 1. It’s getting closer, but I do not want to go too fast and make some errors in that process. I must be consistent and play more finals,” he said.
The Serbian would go on to win the Italian Open and the Shangai Open in 2008. He went on to reach ten finals and won five titles in 2009, won a Davis Cup crown and reached the US Open finals in 2010, before he eventually became world no.1 in 2011, which was one of the greatest seasons in history(3 grand slams, 5 ATP Masters titles and a record $12 million prize money won).
What are your opinions on Novak Djokovic’s early success in 2008 against Nadal? How did it enable the Serbian to achieve his goal of becoming world no.1? Let us know in the comments section below.
