The hegemony in men's tennis right now is fascinating. The Fedal show ruled the roost for 6 years. And when is the last time the same player finished #3 in the world for 4 consecutive years? never, I would guess.
What's fascinating about this time is that the Fedal hierarchy is being so badly shaken. It appeared that Djokovic would do that after 2008 and then Del Potro would do it after 2009. But various accidents and the tenacity of the top duo slowed that trajectory. But at this point I'd say the cracks in the palace wall are fatal.
For sure Federer has lost a step. He no longer possesses the speed or accuracy that was on display in, say, the 2005 Wimbledon final. Nevertheless, even a diminished Federer is still a fantastic player and a threat at any slam. But he is no longer the favourite, I would say, at any. Given the incredible depth at the top, he will need to martial all his resources and will, and probably get a few lucky breaks, if he is to rise to the top at a GS again.
Nadal is also in an unprecedented position. He's finally upended the reigning king, and it's taken absolutely the best of his talent, will, and body to do so. Undoubtedly he has a rare gift of mental tenacity, and his ability to think of himself in the underdog position puts him in absolutely the perfect mind frame for long term success. However, the Fedal wars have taken a toll on his body and his recurring injuries are worrisome. It appears he will not long enjoy the fruits of his labour (in felling Federer). I suspect he will be increasingly plagued by injury (unfortunately) and will have few opportunities to showcase his best work. If he can manage to stay healthy, I see no reason why he shouldn't grab a few more GS titles, he certainly has the game and mind for the task.
In addition to the injuries, Djokovic is a major impediment to more victories by Nadal. It seems Djokovic is a talent at least equal to Federer and Nadal although he is perhaps "one untimely born." His game has had to mature in what may be the fiercest crucible the game has ever known. So high has been the level required, to win a GS say, that anything short of absolute brilliance has come up short. This has been the frustration Djokovic and Murray have faced the last 4 years.
To his immense credit, Djokovic has solved the riddle. Slowly, patiently, his game has become refined. He has had to learn the unparalleled consistency of Nadal and Federer. Brilliance can come at any time, but consistent brilliance is learned. And now that he is just that wee bit better than Fedal, finally, the trophies and plaudits come.
I see the improvement in Djokovic is evolutionary and therefore not fleeting. He should be able to keep this up for a few years - maybe two - before he starts to come down from his prime years. Again the question, like for Nadal, will be Djokovic's health. If he can stay healthy he can keep winning, if injury becomes a factor, anything can happen.
I expect Nadal would be able to successfully challenge Djokovic, if Nadal stays healthy. Since I expect Nadal to waver on the edge of injury, I suspect that Nadal will have only brief periods when he can rise above Djokovic's level. Hopefully they both stay healthy and give us many great battles.
The loose canons in the system are Murray and Del Potro. Both have shown the ability to play brilliant tennis, but both are a ways from learning the consistency that Djokovic has achieved. However, either could rise up at any time and shake up the status quo. I expect they will be more in the mold of Safin than a consistent champion like Lendl or Nadal.
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