Is this the end of an era? Novak Djokovic’s early exit from the US open begets such a question.
New York. Flushing Meadows. The final Grand Slam of the year. The 37-year-old Djokovic faced the twelve years younger Alexei Popyrin. Popyrin’s eyes ablaze with the fire of youth while Djokovic trying to find his rhythm post-surgery. Straight sets. 7-6, 6-4, 6-2. Djokovic loses, Popyrin wins.
Flashback 25 days. Paris Olympics. On the clay court of Roland Garros, Djokovic became the oldest Olympic gold medalist in tennis history. "More than a medal…A lifelong dream fulfilled." Djokovic said.
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Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, Indian Wells, Olympics gold. Djokovic had won it all in his career. The Career Golden Slam complete. The first to sweep all the big titles. In this season, Djokovic has won 18 out of the 24 major titles.
Djokovic’s statistics for 2024 is fascinating: 428 weeks as world No. 1. 377 Grand Slam match wins. Both records. But beneath the glittering statistics, cracks were forming. As the season ends, Djokovic stands at a critical junction of his career.
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The champion suffered a wrist injury at the United Cup in early January 2024.
By the end of January 2024, the unthinkable began to unfold for the Serbian tennis star as Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic’s impenetrable fortress in Melbourne, was breached. In the semifinals, the young challenger Jannik Sinner ended the nine-time champion Djokovic's flawless 20-0 record in Australian Open semifinals and finals.
March brought unexpected change. Goran Ivanisevic, Djokovic's coach of six years and partner in 12 major victories, bid farewell. Djokovic was alone at the Indian Wells tournament.
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In a shocking turn of events, Luca Nardi, ranked 123 in the world, played the match of his life. David slayed Goliath. 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
In April, Djokovic was at Monte Carlo, his training ground, for the ATP Masters. Casper Ruud sent Djokovic packing in the semifinals. The Serb's frustration boiled over: "Not having a title is – compared to the last 15 years – not a great season at all."
In May, the clay court of Rome for the Italian Open brought more disappointment. In June, came the Rolland Garros. A torn medial meniscus forced a heartbreaking withdrawal in the quarterfinals. Surgery followed, casting a shadow over his Wimbledon and Olympic dreams.
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In July came Wimbledon. Djokovic’s fortress on grass. But he struggled in all the matches he played. But the Olympics brought him back to glory.
Is this a temporary dip for the Serbian tennis king? We've seen him rise before. 2017's struggles gave way to renewed dominance.
Tennis lovers will remember Djokovic’s 2024 for his highs and lows. The king may have stumbled on Saturday. But don't count him out, yet.