Novak Djokovic is only 19 years old, but after capturing the Sony Ericsson Open over Guillermo Canas this weekend, the tennis world may already be witnessing the sport’s next young star.

A top-10 player heading into the tournament, Djokovic will be ranked seventh in the world following this victory. The youngest player in ATP history ever to win the tournament, Djokovic won every set he played in Miami and only lost one serve in 59 games. Canas, who had recently returned to the tour this fall after a doping suspension, was fresh off his elimination of Roger Federer last Tuesday. It was his second consecutive victory over the world’s No. 1 player, but against the Serbian born Djokovic, all his weapons were useless. Gracefully moving across the court like a crafty veteran, he dominated Canas with versatile shots and a strong serve, the same formula that trounced top players such as Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray before him.

Although premature, this recent surge that began with a loss at the final in Indian Wells to Nadal, and his victory in Miami over Federer’s new nemesis Canas, have caused some bandwagon hoppers to label him the next “Roger” or at least the heir apparent to him. All of this, however, may be a bit premature, considering Djokovic has never even won a grand slam title, something Federer has done 10 times, nor defeated the Swiss star once in a match. 

In addition to this, Djokovic still carries what most young players have trouble keeping in check – his emotions. On Sunday versus Canas, he threw his racket twice after losing points and would even hit his arm and talk to himself on bad swings. These types of lapses against a player such as Federer can lead to a quick execution, a consequence Djokovic hopes to avoid if he is to achieve the heights of his potential.

As part of the next breed of young talent vying for the throne, the Serbian wonder was appreciative and understanding of the opportunity ahead, but wasn’t shy in putting a humorous angle on the task of knocking off tennis’ equivalent to Tiger Woods.

"I think it's a great thing for tennis to see Rafael Nadal, Murray and myself playing so well and bringing something so new into tennis,” he said after the match. “I think you all had enough of Federer winning every tournament, so it's good.”

Now 25-4 this ATP season and with momentum on his side, Djokovic looks to the Grand Slam season ahead and hopes to elevate his game and his name into the upper echelons of the sport. That mission will begin in June at the French Open in Roland Garros, where he lost in the quarterfinals last year.

“Clay is one of my favorite surfaces, that's for sure,” Djokovic told reporters. “I can play a lot of different styles of the game, which gives me a lot of advantage, so I hope I'll do well.”

So do tennis fans searching for parity.