During the autumn swing of 2016, as Djokovic and Murray kept all the good stuff for themselves, all thought that the upcoming season might reduce itself to a single major encounter having the Briton and the Serb as key players. But, them it came the Australian Open with its stunning outcomes having Federer and Nadal in the spotlights. For Murray and Djokovic this fact is nothing but bad news as their dominance will be put under question in 2017.
For a while now, Novak Djokovic who did so great in killing the competition throughout the previous seasons, has been under the weather in terms of tennis quality and results.
Despite a decent start in January when he ousted Murray for the title in Doha, Djokovic lacked the same inspiration at the Australian Open being defeated by Denis Istomin in the early stages.
Djokovic took some time for himself
The upcoming ATP event where Djokovic is set to compete is Indian Wells subsequently followed by Miami. In the past, those 2 Masters 1000 events worked as the perfect catalyst for the Serb champion. Last year, Djokovic won both tournaments at the end of some extraordinary displays of high-quality tennis. At Indian Wells, he dismantled Milos Raonic in straight sets 6-2 6-0. Miami followed a similar path as Kei Nishikori had no chance whatsoever as Djokovic sealed the deal in 2 symmetrical sets 6-3 6-3.
An American hardcourt swing is definitely a place where Djokovic always found out some great deal of inspiration. This year the picture might be slightly different. Both Federer and Nadal are making their way back to the top of the ranking, and from what they already put in at the Australian Open, the men's professional circuit will be spoiled with more than a decent game of tennis.
Djokovic has a huge burden to bear
The firs six months of 2016 where nothing but a Djokovic's affair as the Serb won almost anything. Bearing that in mind, in 2017 that amazing run might turn against him as he is forced to defend that oversized harvest of points. In Melbourne, he failed to do so thus allowing Murray to consolidate his fragile lead.
In 2016, Murray did not play so well at Indian Wells or Miami, so the pressure remains on Djokovic's side.
