All-conquering Djokovic aims high

The Serbian won his ninth title of the season late on Sunday night with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 win over American Mardy Fish in the Montreal Masters, improving his incredible match record to 53-1.

“I am human, I can definitely assure you of that,” said Djokovic afterwards.

“I’ve been playing incredible tennis this year,” added the Serb, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon and became the first to capture five Masters Series events in a single season.

“I’m aware of the fantastic year that I’ve had and a great streak but I’m not thinking how many matches will I lose? I’m thinking how many matches will I win?”

While Djokovic has hovered near the top of the rankings for several years, finishing No 3 in the world the last four seasons, his transformation into the sport’s dominant force has been both sudden and surprising.

In one of the most impressive tennis seasons on record, Djokovic’s one and only loss was at the hands of Roger Federer in the French Open semi-final.

Despite his sensational record this season, his rivals know he can be beaten.

“He plays incredible tennis but he’s not an alien,” said Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, after retiring with a sore arm in his Montreal semi-final against Djokovic. “He doesn’t hit harder, he doesn’t hit the ball earlier. But he’s always there.

“He does not have the best return on the Tour. But on every return, he returns well, and he’s always there. So what does it is his consistency, and he has no weaknesses.”

Djokovic points to a new diet as a big part of his success but according to most observers the real difference in his game appears to be his attitude and mental toughness. The 24-year-old seems more willing to gut out close contests and do what it takes to win.

“Every knock he’s answered ten-fold this year,” said Fish. “It’s been incredibly impressive.

“To win Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back is incredible. Then the two clay court events, I mean, no one thought that that could be possible. He did it with straight sets both times. Pretty incredible.”

The question heading into the US Open is can anyone stop the Serb, who has an unblemished 29-0 record on the hardcourts this season.

“I will be probably one of the favorites,” said Djokovic. “This is nothing different from what I have experienced in Grand Slams in last couple of years. Being one of the top players, you always have these expectations.

“My approach will not be different that’s for sure for this Grand Slam. I will try to win every match I play on, not change any routine that I have.

“There is plenty of motivation and desire to continue on and play well and win matches and win tournaments.”

Fish, the sixth seed at the Rogers Cup, was the only player to win a set against Djokovic last week.

The American has now lost all seven career meetings with Djokovic, but gave the top seed a battle with his mix of baseline and attacking play.

“I put myself in a lot of positions to have chances,” Fish said. “I just didn’t execute on the big points. “If you try to forget who you’re playing against, you’re just playing another player, maybe you can figure out a way to get a break or two there.

“There’s a reason why [Djokovic] has won so many matches this year. He’s got to be leading the tour in break points saved, I’m sure, among other things. Those are huge.”