NEW YORK _ Perhaps it comes as a surprise to men's tennis followers that Novak Djokovic has cut to the front of the line in his duels with the sport's two most celebrated players. He has a winning record, head-to-head, against both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Nadal is the current world No. 1, Federer is No. 2, but Djokovic entered this year's U.S. Open as the slight betting favorite, which is not the same as being the fan favorite. For Djokovic's afternoon 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Portugal's Joao Sousa on Monday, sending Djokovic into the Open quarterfinals, Arthur Ashe Stadium was far from full _ unlike the scene at the two most recent Nadal and Federer afternoon matches.
Djokovic understands. "I mean, I just feel these guys have been role models and examples on and off the court. For me, as well," Djokovic said.
Essentially, Nadal is the heartthrob in the public's mind. Federer is the really cool guy. Djokovic? A terrific tennis player; he has proved to be on the Nadal-Federer level. Yet there still doesn't appear to be quite the same room for him in the fans' hearts.
Back in form after February wrist surgery to win his 13th Grand Slam event at Wimbledon in July, Djokovic is closing in on Federer, who has a record 20 major titles, and Nadal, with 17. More to the point, Djokovic has a 27-25 career record against Nadal and a 24-22 mark against Federer.
Also, he is the youngest of the trio _ 31 _ while Nadal is 32 and Federer 37. Time is on his side.
"At the beginning of my career," Djokovic said, "I probably wasn't seeing things that I'm seeing now, in terms of being in an era with these guys. Now I'm grateful that I was, that I still am, in the era with these guys, that I get a chance to witness their greatness as well, their rivalry _ Nadal and Federer _ which is the biggest rivalry, one of the biggest of all time.
"And, at the same time to be competing against them on such a big stage every year for a long time."
Against Sousa, the No. 29 seed on Monday, and playing in the Ashe Stadium oven on another hot, humid day, Djokovic again demonstrated how a superior player is at his best at the most opportune moments _ just when the other fellow is losing his grip.
Sousa was serving at 3-5 in the first set when Djokovic pressured him into two errors and a double fault to win the set. Sousa was serving at 4-5 in the second when Djokovic forced him into four consecutive forehand errors to win that set. The two were on serve at 4-3 in the third when Djokovic's passing shot brought him to break point, which he converted with an overhead to 5-3. And he immediately served out the match.
With Federer likely to play Djokovic on Wednesday, Sousa said, "Of course, I'm going to enjoy in the sofa of my house."
