Novak Djokovic proves Rafael Nadal right as Serb raises the bar even higher
Djokovic celebrates after ending year as world no.1
Rafael Nadal has predicted that he will not come close to Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam haul – and the Serb is proving his rival right after a stunning year in 2023. Djokovic has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months and will look to extend his record tally of 24 Grand Slams in 2024.
The 36-year-old matched Nadal’s Grand Slam haul by winning the Australian Open earlier this year. He then triumphed at the French and US Opens to become the most decorated Grand Slam tennis star of all time.
Still struggling with the injuries that have kept him out of the past year, Nadal is unlikely to ever overtake Djokovic’s tally. The Spaniard insisted earlier this month that he will not win another three major titles.
“I know it will be difficult to return to a very high level of tennis, but if I didn’t have the desire to be competitive again I wouldn’t have done the work I’ve done these months,” the 37-year-old said. “I’m not going to win more Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic, but I’m going to have the opportunity to enjoy myself again.”
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Djokovic’s incredible year has proved Nadal correct, with the world No 1 surely likely to extend his haul and leave the likes of Nadal and Roger Federer – who retired in 2022 on 20 – in his wake.
In 2023, Djokovic won 82 of the available maximum 83 sets he was able to win at the four Grand Slams. His defeat by Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final was the only match in which he failed to win the maximum number of sets available to him at one of the majors.
Djokovic won the award for best match of the year, being picked for his stunning come-from-behind victory against Alcaraz, which came just a month after his Wimbledon disappointment. He will also finish the year as the top-ranked player by far despite being nearly two decades older than Alcaraz, his nearest rival.
An irrepressible champion, Djokovic is eyeing more success in 2024. There are not many achievements or records that Djokovic has not earned, but Olympic gold has eluded him over the years.
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Djokovic was asked what he wanted to achieve in 2024. He said: “Well, you can win four Slams and Olympic gold.”
He added: “I have always the highest ambitions and goals. That’s not going to be different for the next year, that’s for sure. The drive that I have is still there.
“Motivation, especially for the biggest tournaments in sport, is still present. For me, obviously those are Grand Slams and Finals, and next year hopefully also Olympic Games.” If he continues this form, perhaps nobody will ever catch him.
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