Can Jannik Sinner match Novak Djokovic's remarkable 2011 season? A look at where the Italian stands compared to the Serb
Jannik Sinner has had a great year so far as the Italian not only won his first two majors at the 2024 Australian Open and US Open but also surpassed Djokovic to acquire the World No.1 ranking. In this regard, Sinner's performance is being compared to the time the Serb started reigning over the tennis world.
Novak Djokovic, who holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles (24) to have been won by any male tennis player, experienced remarkable career growth following the 2010 Davis Cup and has been breaking records ever since. After leading Serbia to victory, he witnessed an iconic 70-6 win-loss record in 2011. And the current World No.1 seems to be following in his footsteps.
With a 55-5 win-loss record in 2024, Sinner has been doing exceptionally well since leading Italy to the Davis Cup title in 2023. He won his first major at the 2024 Australian Open and defeated Djokovic, a 10-time champion, en route the same. Additionally, he experienced a winning streak in Rotterdam and Miami and amongst other significant wins, he also won his second major at the 2024 US Open.
Talking about his season on Tennis TV, the Italian said, via First Sportz:
"Yeah, this season has been amazing. There have been a lot of wins and matches played, and not many tournaments in my schedule, which allowed me to practice my body in the right way. Look, I’m just very happy to be in the position where I am right now. The season is not over; there are some very important tournaments coming up, so hopefully, I will be ready."
Sinner is currently participating in the China Open, a tournament where he is not only the defending champion but also marked the inception of his incredibly great performance. With six titles already in his kitty, Sinner now aims for the ATP finals while looking forward to ending the year on a winning note.
Therefore, before comparing the start of the 23-year-old's great performance to the 24-year-old Djokovic of 2011, let's go back in time and delve into the details.
Novak Djokovic's 2011 season
Novak Djokovic's 2011 season was not just historical for the Serb but also for the tennis world in general as it ushered him into his era of dominating the international tennis scene along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
He entered the year as World No. 3 and captured 10 titles including three majors at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open. Amidst a 70-6 win-loss record, Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal to clinch his first Wimbledon and also achieved the World No.1 ranking.
In what is regarded as one of the greatest seasons in tennis history, Djokovic held a 10-1 win-loss record against Nadal and Federer and also won five Masters 1000 titles.
Djokovic's position in the tennis world has only witnessed an upward trajectory since 2011 and with a current World No. 4 ranking, he is still giving competition to the next generation. Therefore, whether this set of tennis players will be able to replicate his level of success is a question that remains to be answered, all eyes seem to be lying on Jannik Sinner and his 2024 tennis season.
2011 Novak Djokovic vs 2024 Jannik Sinner
While Jannik Sinner has been giving tough competition to Novak Djokovic especially since he managed to break the Serb's streak of most time spent as World No.1, it is hard to ascertain whether the Italian can actually match his remarkable 2011 season.
There is no doubt that this year probably marks a great start to Sinner's professional career growth, and he is likely to earn more points and titles before the year ends and improve on his 55-5 record. However, in 2011, the Serb ended the year with a 70-6 win-loss record along with 10 titles and three majors. Additionally, he had already won his first major at the 2008 Australian Open.
Therefore, in terms of matching numbers, Sinner will have to maintain his momentum, participate in the remaining tournaments of the year, and win as many matches as possible to get closer to Djokovic's 2011 season, but whether he can match or surpass the same does not seem like the easiest task.