Novak Djokovic hoped to realize higher outcomes this 12 months, particularly within the Grand Slam tournaments. The previous world number one – who had gained three Majors in 2023 and misplaced the Wimbledon remaining after an incredible battle with Carlos Alcaraz – didn’t shine within the largest tournaments in 2024 and confirmed some cracks in his legendary armor.
At 37, the Serbian champion is now not as robust as a couple of years in the past and is pressured to pick out occasions to attend. As well as, the rise of younger champions like Carlitos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has created extra difficulties for him. The Spaniard defeated him once more within the remaining of the Wimbledon Championships, whereas the Italian ace prevailed over the Serbian within the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this 12 months.
Through the French Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a knee harm that pressured him to bear surgical procedure. Nole’s season can’t be thought of disappointing as a result of the Serbian gained the gold medal on the Paris Olympics, fulfilling one in every of his biggest goals.
Novak performed a close to good event, enhanced by a monstrous efficiency in opposition to Alcaraz within the remaining. Clearly underdog in accordance with the bookmakers and on his opponent’s favorite floor, the 37-year-old from Belgrade has proven why he’s a legend of recent sport.
A tricky season
Many marvel if Nole will be capable of keep motivated at this level in his profession. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is aware of that subsequent 12 months might be decisive and that – if he doesn’t win a Main subsequent 12 months both – the speculation of retirement would start to develop into concrete.
Throughout a current interview with Sportklub, former World No.4 James Blake commented on Novak’s future: “Bodily, he’s nonetheless in good form. Now the one query is whether or not he needs to. He has accomplished all the things and gained all the things on this sport. Does he nonetheless wish to sacrifice all the things to proceed being the very best? He’s been doing that for nearly 20 years. If he needs to, he’ll have an excellent 12 months or two forward of him. His tennis is unimaginable even at 37. The query shouldn’t be whether or not he can, however whether or not he needs to. If he needs, he might be a candidate for the Grand Slam titles till the age of 40.”
Nole continues to be not satiated
The previous world number one is more likely to miss the Nitto ATP Finals this 12 months, particularly after Taylor Fritz reached the ultimate on the US Open. ATP legend and prime analyst Mats Wilander paid tribute to Nole: “It’s difficult to play on clay in the midst of the season and never have a single match earlier than the US Open. It’s fairly superb that he gained 24 Grand Slam titles contemplating the next – when he’s not taking part in so effectively, immediately his photographs appear ‘regular’ in comparison with others.
Rafa Nadal had that huge spin, Roger Federer’s serve and slice, and with Novak – if he’s somewhat out of rhythm, I believe others can really feel a bit extra comfy on the court docket with him. That’s why it’s much more unimaginable that he’s so significantly better than everybody when he’s in form. That is only a reminder that he’s nonetheless a human being. He had one important aim this 12 months – gold on the Olympics. He had knee surgical procedure on the worst potential time and nonetheless gained the gold. This defeat solely reveals that he might be much more prepared for the top of the season and for the Australian Open.”
He continued: “It’s not normally like that, Popyrin was an outsider, however you might really feel the group’s love and respect for Novak, particularly as a result of he was attempting to return again and never get indignant. Alternatively, the truth that there was no ‘burn’ in any respect implies that he didn’t really feel the ball in addition to he ought to. I do know that feeling, after which it’s simple to say, ‘Hey, I ought to get caught, get fired up,’ however should you don’t really feel the ball, you simply shrug your shoulders like, ‘Oh, God.’ It’s onerous to inspire your self while you’re not taking part in effectively.”
The 2025 Australian Open might be a key occasion for Djokovic’s ambitions, as he seems to win his eleventh title in Melbourne. The present world quantity 2 has damaged nearly all data lately and has confirmed by no means to be full, however age is starting to weigh on him too. Followers and insiders are ready to see what number of tournaments Novak will play on this season finale to attempt to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. His subsequent official event ought to be the Masters 1000 in Shanghai.