Rating Novak Djokovic's 2024 season: Historic or horrible?
Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the ATP Finals in Turin has meant that the Serbian has ended his season early. Djokovic's decision not to compete at the ATP Finals came as no surprise and was perfectly in tune with his overall 2024 season.
Novak Djokovic opted to majorly focus on Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympics in Paris before the start of the year. The Serbian superstar did exactly that but his Grand Slam outing didn't go to plan as he failed to win a single Major throughout the year. However, Djokovic achieved his target for the season, winning a maiden Olympic gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Despite not winning a single ATP title for the first time since 2006, Djokovic's underwhelming season turned extraordinary, the moment he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympics final.
Novak Djokovic cements his place in tennis folklore at the Paris Olympics 2024
Despite winning a record 24 Grand Slam times, Djokovic started the 2024 season as hungry as ever. The Serbian's main aim during the season was to claim a maiden Olympic gold medal, in what could possibly be his last Olympic appearance.
While Djokovic has seemingly cemented his place as the tennis GOAT, an Olympic gold medal would propel him to the heights no men's tennis player has ever reached before. The Serbian started his Olympic dream with a bit of caution having undergone knee surgery eight weeks before the start of the event.
Djokovic faced his old rival Rafael Nadal in the second round at the Olympics and defeated the 'King of Clay' in straight sets. The Serbian soon found his feet on the Parisian clay and made his way to the final, without dropping a set.
Djokovic had set up his date with destiny as he faced Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the final at the Paris Olympics in front of a packed Phillipe-Chartier Court. The Spaniard was fresh off defeating the Serbian at the recently concluded Wimbledon final and started as the favorite again. However, Djokovic looked at his clinical best and defeated Alcaraz in straight sets 7-6(2), 7-6(3) to win the Olympic gold medal.
An emotional Djokovic broke down in tears on the court and the whole tennis world could feel a weight lifted off his shoulders. The Serbian star had not only won the only title that has eluded him throughout his career but also cemented his place as the undisputed GOAT while doing so.
Despite going trophyless in all ATP tournaments and winning zero Grand Slam titles throughout the year, Djokovic's 2024 season will be remembered as one of his best. That special evening in Paris has forever cemented Djokovic's place in tennis folklore as he joined Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal as the only men's players to win the Career Golden Slam.
Novak Djokovic has a chance to create further history in the 2025 season
While Novak Djokovic has won more Grand Slam titles than any man in tennis history, he has a chance to go one better in 2025. The Serbian is currently tied on 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court and another Major win would propel the Serbian to a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic will take to the court in Melbourne at the Australian Open aiming to be the first player in tennis history to win 25 Grand Slam titles. The Serbian has enjoyed incredible success at the Australian Open winning the title 10 times in the past. The 37-year-old enjoys the fast nature of the court Down Under and will be keen to win a historic 25th title in Melbourne in front of the Australian fans.
With a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title on the horizon and an elusive Olympic gold medal secured, the 2024 season has pushed Djokovic towards more history and helped him cement his status as the greatest tennis player of all time.