Novak Djokovic's reduced dominance in 2024 is demonstrated by the Serbian winning fewer titles this year than any other full season during his illustrious career.
The 37-year-old had an incredible 2023 season. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Djokovic won the Australian Open, French Open, US Open, and the WTA Finals. He also finished the year at No. 1.
However, even someone of Djokovic's exceptional talents would always decline eventually. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's improvements and the 24-time Grand Slam champion's level dropping mean 2024 has not been as successful.
2024 is the first time Djokovic failed to win a Grand Slam in seven years. He was closest to achieving that at Wimbledon, where he comprehensively lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz.
In addition, Djokovic's decision to withdraw from the ATP Finals means he is guaranteed to finish outside the Top 5 for just the second time in 18 years. The only other occasion was in 2017, the last year he did not win a Grand Slam until 2024.
Despite 2017 being a poor year by Djokovic's extremely high standards, he still managed to secure two titles. The first was in the season's opening week against Andy Murray at the Qatar Open, and the other came at the Eastbourne International.
Djokovic's withdrawal from the ATP Finals mentioned previously also means 2024 marks the first time he has not won at least two titles when he competed throughout the year.
The Serbian debuted on the ATP Tour in 2004 and 2005 by playing a handful of matches during those years, but 2006 was the first time Djokovic played an entire season from start to finish.
Djokovic won two titles in 2006. He won at least two ATP tournaments every season for 18 consecutive years between 2006 and 2023. That extraordinary record demonstrates the former world No. 1's incredible consistency.
Although that amazing streak is over, it is important to contextualize a few things. The one final Djokovic did win in 2024 undoubtedly meant more to him than either of the titles he secured in 2006 or 2017.
After previous heartbreaking losses, Djokovic won an Olympic gold medal, which had eluded him throughout his career. He produced a fantastic serving performance to overcome Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 in the gold medal match on clay at Roland-Garros.
By his own admission, Claiming Olympic gold was Djokovic's biggest goal for 2024. The 37-year-old was not at the same level as 2023 throughout most of this year, but he stepped up when it mattered most.
Also, Djokovic's slight slide down the rankings is due to his deliberately playing in fewer tournaments. The 10-time Australian Open champion admits that his biggest priorities are the four Grand Slams and representing Serbia.
It is very challenging to compete for the No. 1 ranking when playing in fewer events. Djokovic, who has spent the most weeks at No. 1 in ATP history, probably does not care much about his ranking at this stage of his career.
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