Despite his undoubted talent, it is fair to say that Novak Djokovic is not adored by tennis fans in the same manner as, say, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. Of course, the Serb has his devout fans and fully deserves them, but, on the whole, it is more a case of the tennis world acknowledging Djokovic’s brilliance rather than outright adoration. However, there are few players more respected than Djokovic in the modern game. He has earned that through grit, determination and sheer class.

In a way, last month’s victory at Wimbledon – Djokovic’s first Grand Slam victory in over two years – will have been among the sweetest of his storied career. Not only did he overcome a raft of niggling, yet obstructive, injuries, but there were also the first seeds of doubt sewn about his ability to compete at the top again.

Pundits wrong on Nadal and Federer in the past

Of course, pundits have often looked foolish in writing off tennis players down the years, with both Federer and Nadal being on the receiving end of premature ‘obituaries’. But, while the legendary pair were often viewed as on a downward spiral (one that never came) due to the ravages of time, with Djokovic there was a more frustration that he had somehow lost it: Sometimes due to switching trainers, other times by seemingly rushing back from injury too quickly.

One must remember that unlike, for example, Andy Murray, Djokovic has competed at most Grand Slams over the last year and a half (he has missed just one, the 2017 US Open). However, the problem is that the Serb didn’t really perform, making it past the quarters just once since the 2016 French Open, although injury did play a role in those disappointments.

Epic semi-final showed Djokovic’s steel

Most top sports stars will testify to the fact that battling injury is only part of the problem, confidence, rhythm and other influences also have an impact on a player’s success. If you want to learn about Djokovic’s mentality, you must not think about him holding the Wimbledon trophy aloft, but consider instead what was on his mind when 15-40 down on his serve at 4-4 in the 5^th set against Nadal in the semi. Those moments mark a true champion.

But, make no mistake about it, Djokovic is back with at the very top of the sport. The epic five-set semi-final win over Nadal at Wimbledon pushed him to the limit. But it also allowed the ‘old’ Djokovic to shine through, barely breaking into a sweat as he dispatched Kevin Anderson in straight sets 24 hours after finishing off the Spaniard.

Serb now favourite for US Open

Djokovic’s return to the elite end of tennis is evidenced in the latest US Open odds from 888sport, which put the steely Serb as the 11/4 favourite to win his third title at Flushing Meadows. Federer and Nadal (both 7/2) are, of course, close behind, but it shows that the odds-setters believe Djokovic is taking his rightful place among the world’s best.

Despite the doom and gloom over his career over the past 18 months, it would surprise nobody if Djokovic climbs back to the world number one spot. Indeed, few would bat an eyelid if 2019 became a dominant year like those in 2011 and 2015 when he had a three Slam haul. Coming back from such a low ebb, might make it all the more satisfying for one of the all-time greats.