A statue for Djokovic

Jan 10, 2017, 4:39:35 PM

A statue for Djokovic
A first tournament played, a first title won in Doha right under Andy Murray’s nose and an imitation of his coach Boris Becker : the year 2017 couldn’t possibly start better for Novak Djokovic.

A first tournament played, a first title won in Doha right under Andy Murray’s nose : the year 2017 couldn’t possibly start better for Novak Djokovic, who earned the first spot of our ranking in front of a happy Roger Federer, and an Alexander Zverev who is asserting himself on the tennis courts and the dance floors.

 

1- Novak Djokovic (+4).

 

After winning the the final of the Doha tournament against Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic stayed after the match to pose alongside the statues of the previous winners of the competition, as tradition requires.

 

 

The Serb notably had a good laugh watching his coach Boris Becker’s « portrait », which didn’t really look similar to the original. Take a good look, Madame Tussauds !

 

 

In Qatar, Djoko was cheered on by some Bayern Munich players, who were on a training camp close by. 

 

 

 

His good performances were also watched from the distance by his son…

 

 

As well as Kyrgios, who couldn’t help but criticize him after one of his mood swings, who, according to the Australian, should have been penalized…

 

 

The games are officially launched in this 2017 season !

 

2- Roger Federer (-1).

 

Roger Federer looks very happy to be back on the circuit. He seems to be having a lot of fun.

 

 

His duo formed with his fellow countrywoman Bencic during the Hopman Cup was a good opportunity for him to make his comeback in a competition while having fun.

 

 

And when it’s time to play to the gallery, you can always count on the Swiss.

 

 

Welcome back, Roger.

 

3- Alexander Zverev (NE).

 

He’s the one which could change a lot of things this season on the ATP circuit : Alexander Zverev, on of the young generation’s most flagrant talent, also made his return during the Hopman Cop.

 

 

The German seemed to enjoy playing alongside his fellow countrywoman Andrea Petkovic.

 

 

A functioning duo, on and outside the courts, like during this New Year’s eve ceremony.

 

 

 

4- Serena Williams (+5).

 

In the women’s circuit, the headliner remains Serena Williams, who has just made her engagement with Alexis Ohanian official, with this picture as a proof. 

 

 

On her Instagram account, the American nevertheless blurred the huge diamond which she has been offered for the occasion. Here is the original picture.

 

 

Which makes us happy, especially because it’s also the ex-world number 1’s return to the competition.

 

 

For one last season ?

 

5- Agnieszka Radwanska (NE).

 

On the WTA circuit, among the favorites for the major titles, we will also find the elegant Aga Radwanska this season.

 

 

The Pole who, once she’s on a tennis court, carries on hitting incredibly spectacular shots.

 

 

 

Promising for the upcoming season.

 

6- Karolina Pliskova (NE).

 

Another outsider : Karolina Pliskova, who’s won one of the first tournaments of the year in Brisbane, defeating Alizé Cornet in the final.

 

 

 

Smiiiiiiiiiiile !

 

 

7- Ana Ivanovic (+1).

 

One we won’t get to see anymore on the circuit is the very recently retired Ana Ivanovic. One week has passed and we’re already missing her.

 

 

 

 

A picture taken with her presumed gynecologist has sparked yet another rumor on her supposed pregnancy.

 

 

As they say : « More to follow »…

 

8- Eugenie Bouchard (-5).

 

The Canadian Eugenie Bouchard, on her side, should remain one of the biggest attractions of the season on the women’s circuit. She remains as popular as ever.

 

 

 

Including among the younger fans ! 

 

 

9- Grigor Dimitrov (NE).

 

Also very popular, Dimitrov has won the Brisbane tournament, putting an end to a drought which lasted almost 1000 days, without winning a single title.

 

 

The Bulgarian is delighted, and we can understand why.

 

 

One who’s also happy of « Baby Fed »’s comeback is Nick Kyrgios, who’s never the last when it comes to commenting on his sport’s news.

 

 

10- Jack Sock (NE).

 

One of the entertainers of this start of the new season on the men’s circuit was Jack Sock, who looked at ease in all circumstances. Holding a koala…

 

 

To have fun with the linesmen

 

 

 

Or to compare his musical tastes with his buddy Richard Gasquet.

 

 

Jack, a good guy.

 

11- Richard Gasquet (NE).

 

Speaking of which, Gasquet deserves to feature in this week’s ranking. For his title won at the Hopman Cup, alongside Mladenovic.

 

 

And mainly for his game, which remains as marvelous as ever.

 

 

12- Roberto Bautista Agut (NE).

 

Another contender this week is Roberto Bautista Agut, at ease in the kitchen cooking pizza…

 

 

…but also racquet in hand, winning the Chennai tournament, after defeating the Russian Medvedev in the final.

 

 

13- Kei Nishikori (NE).

 

Tennis and cooking skills, season finale : Nishikori, on his side, seems to enjoy barbecues a whole lot more than pizzas.

 

 

 

The Japanese started the season with a lost final in Brisbane, against Dimitrov.

 

14- Horacio Zeballos (NE).

 

Meanwhile, Zeballos was already happy to be here, and made the most of his presence on the circuit. Defeated by Djoko, he didn’t forget the essential after the match : the selfie with the master ! 

 

 

 

15- Andy Murray (-9).

 

But the master, for now, remains Andy Murray, even if he lost against Djoko in the final in Doha.

 

 

The Scot is eternal. We could almost mistake him for Charlton Heston, the hero of the film Ben Hur, which was released in…1959.

 

 

Outs : 

 

Kyrgios, Sharapova, Kerber, Tsonga, Fognini, Azarenka, Berdych, Wozniacki

 

By Régis Delanöe