A Grand Slump

Novak Djokovic secured a career Grand Slam at last year’s French Open, earning his fourth consecutive major singles title and his sixth in eight tries. The historic feat left even the most jaded pundits wondering if the 29-year-old Serb would lose another Grand Slam tournament in the near future. But as this year’s French Open approaches, those same critics and legions of fans are wondering if Djokovic, after a lengthy malaise, will ever win another Grand Slam tournament. How far the mighty hath fallen.

- Peter Bodo

Since his landmark win, Djokovic has come up short at every major. He has lost to Sam Querrey (third round, Wimbledon), Stan Wawrinka (final, US Open) and—after surrendering the No. 1 ranking to Andy Murray—to ATP No. 117 Denis Istomin (second round, Australian Open). The most recent loss may have cut deepest, although you might not have known that from the equanimous way Djokovic described it to reporters immediately afterward. Denying any lack of intensity on his part, he claimed, “It’s one of these days when you don’t feel that great on the court, don’t have much rhythm, and the player you’re playing against is feeling the ball very well. So, you know, that’s sport.”

Nothing to see here folks; just move along.