Novak Loses, Captures Dark Hearts Everywhere

Novak Djokovic couldn't hang after Roger Federer broke serve in the vital third set today, and Federer goes on to face the winner of Nadal-Murray Sunday in the finals. Djokovic won a few gutsy points in the fourth set, but Federer pulled out his boom stick and dominated.

Still, Djokovic was able to bolster his role as the heel of men's tennis with a fun exchange with the crowd during a vital Federer break point. A fan shouted during Djokovic's serve, Roger won the point. Djokovic looked capable of murder. On another point, the fans cheered the tick of the two-hour mark in the match. Djokovic lost, and facetiously thanked the fans for their tact.

Following his rap battle with Andy Roddick this week, Djokovic has really placed himself as the new villain, a new school Lleyton Hewitt. But he's more compelling. He has a sarcastic, sardonic edge, showing no effort to cow to the established pecking order or etiquette. And he has a Federer-style game -- not as potent, of course, but similar.

Nadal hasn't been able to grab mainstream consciousness as a rival to Federer. Rafa comes off more like a challenger (even as the world #1) than a usurper. If Djokovic improves enough to keep challenging the top pair, he can grab the valuable mantle of Most Hated Player. He has the tools (a whiner's streak, black hair, a sharp wit). He just needs to execute.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.