Hats off to Djokovic, the future of men's tennis

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- Novak Djokovic has a thing with hats. Sometimes he wears them when he plays, sometimes he doesn't and sometimes he takes them off during changeovers.

Novak Djokovic moves up to a career-best No. 7 after beating Guillermo Canas. (AP)

Djokovic said it depends on the sun and if it's shining in his eyes. His hair also plays a part with how it looks.

"Probably my hair has grown," Djokovic said of his thick, black hair. "I have like a nest now."

Djokovic, a Serbian native, is allowed to worry about his looks. He's trying to make an impression, especially since he's been on TV so much recently. That's what happens when you win.

Djokovic's hat quirks were on full display Sunday. He wore a white hat to start the match before taking it off in the third set and then putting it back on between points. Hey, whatever works.

Djokovic became the youngest player to win in Key Biscayne by beating Guillermo Canas 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the final. At 19 years, 10 months, he became the second teenager to win the tournament in its 23-year history, joining Andre Agassi, who beat Stefan Edberg in 1990 when Agassi was 19 years, 11 months.

Djokovic's youth only came out following his victory. After his forehand winner was crushed past Canas, Djokovic fell to the ground with a huge smile on his face.

He then shook hands with Canas and went running into the stands. Waiting there were his parents, Srdjan and Dijana, who engulfed their son in a hug. Djokovic wanted to share this moment with them.

Djokovic then returned to the court and threw his shirt and racket to the cheering crowd.

"It was a very emotional moment for me," said Djokovic, who won his first ATP Masters Series title. "I was even thinking of giving away my shoes and shorts and everything. But I knew television is here, so I'll keep that."

Something tells me this is the first of many accomplishments for Djokovic. He already reached the final at Indian Wells, where he lost to Rafael Nadal, and is now an ATP-best 24-5 on the season.

He entered this tournament ranked No. 10, but will move up to No. 7 with his showing here. Some are anointing Djokovic as the future of men's tennis and the heir to Roger Federer, and for good reason.

He has the game and physical abilities to be a great player, and it's only going to get better with more experience. He already succeeded this year where Federer failed in beating Canas, who owns two victories in consecutive tournaments over the best player in the world.