The Djokovic Open

Yet again, we came across those two weeks when Novak Djokovic dominates the Rod Laver Arena. The stadium relentlessly vibrated with chants of “Nole, Nole” as he savoured his unprecedented 10th Australian Open and record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title.

Although his journey was met with trenches of boos and jeers, as he has won half of his Australian Open finals in straight sets, he makes it seem all so easy. Not even setbacks, such as being prohibited from defending his title the previous year due to his controversy regarding the Covid-19 vaccine and a three-centimetre torn hamstring, could hinder him from enlarging his collection of “The Happy Slam”.

As Djokovic found his way back to where he belongs, his seemingly unstoppable stream of tears perfectly encapsulated what it meant for him; despite doing it a previous 9 times. Not only has he cemented his greatness upon the world of tennis, this year’s trajectory left Stefanos Tsitsipas - a favourite to succeed the “big three” of tennis - a victim to the invincible combination of Djokovic and his racquet.

Only four when he began his upwards climb through war-torn Serbia, sixteen when he turned professional, now at age thirty five, as he approaches the inevitable end to his unparalleled glory, his fights against the wind imprint Novak Djokovic amongst the best to have ever stepped on the court.

22 Grand slam titles

NOTE: Content rating for books vary. Check suitable age recommendations before proceeding.

How can love be displayed? How can love be shown? Where can love originate from? Love can develop through a myriad of ways, and we’re going to be exploring these in terms of their representation in books, using 5 tropes. (+ examples of tropes in books!)

Enemies to Lovers

I thought we’d start with the classic knife against the throat scene, falling for your enemy, the one person you’re supposed to hate. Over the course of the books, once two enemies learn to overcome their differences and appreciate one another’s presence more. The ‘enemies’ part can vary in terms of how deep it is, and can involve anything from mild, harmless banter to lethal hostility. Sometimes, two characters in this trope may not be aware of their feelings for each other, and thus may display it through harmless rivalry or nonstop banter. Examples of books with this trope are:

Forced Proximity

The idea of involuntarily spending time with someone you supposedly cannot stand - this trope can fall under enemies to lovers. Forced proximity is when the two characters are 'in each other's faces', much to their dismay. They are obligated to spend time with each other, whether it’s for a mission, sharing a house, etc. , where they may need to work together. Through the countless hours they are forced to spend together, they can learn to appreciate one another’s presence more. They are able to push aside what irritates them in each other and work on their relationship - an entertaining trope enjoyed by many readers. Some books that show this trope are:

NOTE: Content rating for books vary. Check suitable age recommendations before proceeding.

Love Triangles

How do you know who to choose? Should you pick the first choice, because if you really loved the second then you would not still be in love with the first; or do you believe in “If you love two people at the same time, choose the second, because if you truly loved the first, you wouldn't have fallen for the second”? In the end only one of them will stay. Love triangles are tough, you do not want to make the wrong choice. Imagine picking the wrong personwould the right one take you back? In love triangles, 2 or more people are competing for the love of a single person. For their undivided, full attention. Some examples of enjoyable reads that include love triangles are:

Forbidden Love

Romeo and Juliet type of love. Love that can get you killed, in some fictional worlds. When two people are in love, but are forced apart due to their families, beliefs, distance, ec. The extent in which the love between the characters may be mild, such as parents not approving of who their child wants, or greater, such as Romeo and Juliet or Rose and Jack. Whether these forbidden loves last can vary greatly. Some last and some do not - they can face strenuous opposition, which would lead to a decrease in motivation, thus decreasing the probability that the relationship will last. Examples of the forbidden love trope are:

Grumpy Vs Sunshine

Romeo and Juliet. Love that can get you killed, in some fictional worlds. When two people are in love, but are forced apart due to their families, beliefs, distance, etc. The extent of disparity may be mild, such as parents not approving of who their child wants, or greater, such as Romeo and Juliet, or Rose and Jack. W Some loves last, and some do not - they can face strenuous opposition, which would lead to a decrease in motivation. Examples of the forbidden love trope are: