Novak Djokovic is showing no signs of slowing down at the tender age of 36. Looking back on the year, 2023 has certainly been a successful year by anyone’s standards, with the Serbian having claimed three majors for the fourth time in his career. However, 2024 could be an even better year, with the world number one on track to break records.
Reclaim the Wimbledon Crown
One of the most important tasks on Djokovic’s 2024 to-do list will surely be to reclaim his Wimbledon crown. After winning four consecutive Wimbledon titles, he was finally dethroned in 2023, putting an end to his chances of winning the Grand Slam.
He’ll no doubt be back with a vengeance next year. Those looking to bet on tennis with Betfair will find Djokovic as the second favourite, currently priced at 8/5, streaks ahead of Russian Daniil Medvedev (11/1).
Djokovic won’t just have the Grand Slam on his mind. He’ll also be eyeing up Wimbledon’s most successful men’s player: Roger Federer. The Swiss legend won the historic competition eight times, and seven-time champion Djokovic will be looking to draw level.
Become the Third Man to Win the Grand Slam
Djokovic also narrowly missed out on becoming only the third man ever to win all four majors in a calendar year. As highlighted in this article by the US Open, American Don Budge was the first to accomplish this feat in 1938 before Australian Rod Laver did it twice in the 1960s.
Although Djokovic won all four majors in a row, that doesn’t quite have the same ring to it as a Grand Slam. He has previously been denied the Grand Slam by Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka at the 2011 and 2015 French Open, respectively, as well as falling at the final hurdle in 2021, losing out to Medvedev in the US Open.
The Serbian has come mightily close on many occasions, and this would certainly leap to the top of his greatest achievements should he get his hands on all four majors in 2024.
Become the Most Decorated Tennis Player Ever
Perhaps the most important milestone of all, Djokovic could become the most decorated tennis player in the history of the sport. Not the most decorated men’s player; not the most decorated Open Era player; the most successful human ever to grace the court.
The record is within touching distance. Australian tennis legend, Margaret Court, is currently level with the joint most major titles to her name, with 13 Amateur Era wins and 11 Open Era wins. Djokovic has 24 majors himself, one clear of icon Serena Williams and two in front of the much-loved Spaniard Nadal.
Many already consider Djokovic the greatest player ever. Not only does the number of major victories speak for itself, but the variety of triumphs only further his claim.
As reported by the Guardian, Djokovic already sits atop the leaderboard for most Australian Open wins with 10. A Grand Slam in 2024 would see him also tie Federer for the most Wimbledon titles and most Open Era US Open titles. In the same breath, he could become the most successful player of all time and end the half-century wait for a man to win the elusive Grand Slam. What a year it could be for Novak Djokovic.
