If someone had told me a year ago after Djokovic’s loss to Nadal in the US Open final that he would come back and win the title next year, I would have been thrilled. If you had told me that he would win three out of the four grand slams, I would have thought you were unrealistically optimistic (I mean, have you watched my Nole?). And if you had told me that not only would he win three slams, but would be 64-2 for the season and 6-0 over Nadal in finals, I would want to know what you were smoking.

This has been an unbelievable year for Djokovic. As a fan, watching Nole this year has been a mixture of pure joy and dread. I mean, this cannot last…can it? Being a Djokovic fan had been all about highs and lows and unnecessary drama. And there has been a whole lot of amazing highs this year. So just how bad will the lows be? Or has Novak finally learned to manage himself and matured enough that there may be dips, but no more heartbreaking lows?

Of course, it is not just Djokovic who has a say in whether he wins or loses. The guys on the other side of the net will have a say too. Do not let that scoreline from the final fool you; Nadal battled hard and made Novak beat him. Rafa figured out how to beat Federer in finals. There is no doubt that he will come back next year ready to fight.

But for now, let’s just enjoy the great ride that this year has been before it’s over. It’s been fun to watch you this year, Novak. And no matter what happens in the future, no one can take away what you have accomplished in 2011.

(Pic via Getty Images)