Novak Djokovic begins his quest to make another little piece of history when he takes on Nikolay Davydenko in the second round of the Montreal Masters.
Djokovic could become the first man ever to win five Masters 1000 titles in a season if he triumphs this week. The Serb has virtually swept the board so far, picking up Indian Wells, Miami, Rome and Madrid in an unprecedented display of dominance.
He last won the Rogers Cup in 2007, announcing himself as a genuine threat for the big titles by beating Andy Roddick, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer back-to-back. It would be a fitting symbolism if he triumphs again this week, confirming his ascension to the top spot.
It will be interesting to see how determined Djokovic is this week. The big prize awaits in a few weeks time at Flushing Meadows, will he be prepared to give it everything over the next week to the possible detriment of his chances in New York ? The good news for Serbian fans is that Djokovic has been sounding hungry for success in his pre-tournament press conferences and his fitness is better than ever.
"I have recharged my batteries, and I am ready for the upcoming couple of months," he said. And he insisted that although he's now number one, nothing will change.
"I try not to change anything in particular, I've tried to keep the things very simple the way I have practiced and the way I have approached my tennis career in general up to the moment where I was No. 1," Djokovic explained.
Davydenko enjoyed a routine win over Italy's Flavio Cipolla yesterday and he will be hoping to roll back the years today. Djokovic leads 3-2 on the head-to-head but he definitely could have been given an easier opponent than the former world number three.
All of Djokovic's past wins over the Russian came at the ATP World Finals. It will be another hard fought baseline scrap but you really can't see Djokovic in his current mood going out early.
