After the longest grand slam final in history, Djokovic not only defeated Nadal, but also silenced sceptics who said he was just a flash in the pan. Now they are asking if he will be the new force in men's tennis for the next five years. Is this a new era in world tennis as Djokovic displays his dominance? His five-hour 53min battle with Nadal at the Australian Open points to a new force in tennis set to last a generation, like Sampras, Lendal or McEnroe.
Commentators are seriously asking if Djokovic can be the first person since Rod Laver to win the full grand slam – all four majors in a calendar year. He has won all but the French Open, and considering he grew up on clay courts, this suggests that 2012 will be an exciting year for tennis fans.
Whatever happens in the distant future, Djokovic has two weeks off before going after the French Open. Will we be then treated to a slice of tennis history?