Novak Djokovic could tie another record set by his great rival Rafael Nadal next season.
Djokovic, who has completed his preseason camp in Dubai, has had many terrific rivalries throughout his career. His battles against Andy Murray, recently against Carlos Alcaraz and of course, against the legendary Roger Federer have led to epic contests.
However, Djokovic himself has routinely named Nadal as his greatest ever rival. The two have contested some of the greatest matches of all time, such as the longest ever Grand Slam final at the 2012 Australian Open.
That is why it is so notable when the Serbian equals or breaks any records that have been set by the Spaniard. Nadal had much success as a young player, which means Djokovic chased the numbers he set for much of his career.
Djokovic has now overtaken many of the records that the 14-time French Open champion originally set. The two most pertinent examples are Nadal's 22 Grand Slams being surpassed by Djokovic, and the Spaniard's 36 Masters 1000 titles tally also being broken.
Another record is likely to be equaled this year. If Djokovic wins just one title in 2024, he will tie Nadal for the number of consecutive seasons with at least one title. Djokovic is currently second on the list, with Federer in third.
Nadal won at least one title for 19 consecutive seasons in a run that spanned from 2004-2022. Djokovic's run of 18 consecutive seasons with at least one title began in 2006, and is still unbroken after his phenomenal successes in 2023.
Few would bet against Djokovic, who lost an exhibition to Carlos Alcaraz, extending that streak. He also has the chance to overtake Nadal's record in 2025, since the 22-time Grand Slam champion's streak was broken in 2023.
Regardless of how many titles Djokovic does win next season, the tennis world will hope that a 60th meeting between these two great rivals occurs sometime in 2024.
0 Comments