Novak Djokovic continues to break records and add to his legacy! The Olympic champion now stands in the top-2 at 37 years and two months, surpassing Roger Federer’s achievement and trailing only Ken Rosewall. It’s never easy to stay in the top-2, and the challenge only intensifies as a player ages, especially after turning 34.
Djokovic joins an elite group of players, including Ken Rosewall, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, who have maintained a top-2 ranking after turning 36. Rosewall set the benchmark in 1975 at the age of 40—a record that may stand for some time. Federer held his last top-2 position in October 2018 at 37 years and two months, while Nadal was in the top-2 as recently as January 2023 at 36 years and seven months, before injuries took their toll. Djokovic has now surpassed his greatest rivals, holding onto his top-2 spot just before turning 37 years and three months.
Djokovic didn’t start 2023 at his best, facing difficulties in reaching finals and defeating top-10 opponents before Wimbledon. However, he turned things around spectacularly, winning three Major titles out of four finals and pulling ahead of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite a less dominant performance in 2024, Djokovic matched Nadal’s tally of 596 weeks in the top-2.
He ended the 2023 season on a high by claiming the ATP Finals trophy, defeating both Sinner and Alcaraz at the age of 37. Yet, the start of 2024 proved challenging, as he fell to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals without creating a single break point, marking the first time in a completed Major match. Djokovic then took a break until March, returning to the court at Indian Wells for the first time in five years, where he was upset by Luca Nardi early on and parted ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic.
Despite his struggles, Djokovic became the second-oldest player to reach the top-2 at 37 years and two months. He made it to the Monte Carlo semifinals but was still seeking his first top-10 victory of the season. His form didn’t improve in Rome or Geneva, leaving him uncertain as he headed to Roland Garros. In Paris, Djokovic battled through knee pain, securing a quarter-final spot after marathon five-set victories over Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo. However, the wear and tear on his knee forced him to withdraw before facing Casper Ruud, leading to surgery the following day.
Many doubted Djokovic’s ability to compete at Wimbledon, but he once again defied expectations. The Serb played solidly in the opening round and overcame tough battles against Jacob Fearnley and Alexei Popyrin, winning both matches in four sets while managing his knee pain. Djokovic then elevated his game, defeating Holger Rune in straight sets to reach his 15th quarter-final at the All England Club. A walkover from Alex de Minaur allowed him to rest his knee before the semifinals, where he delivered another stellar performance, ousting Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets to reach the final.
In the title match, Djokovic faced Carlos Alcaraz, who was too strong, winning 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 to defend his title. While Djokovic missed the chance to secure his 25th Major crown, he remained content, especially after undergoing surgery just a month earlier.
After spending time with his family in Montenegro, Djokovic resumed training on clay in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games. With the only significant title missing from his collection at stake, he triumphed, winning the gold medal and completing his set of victories across all 15 major tournaments. Along the way, he defeated Matthew Ebden in the first round and faced Rafael Nadal for the 60th time in the second round. Djokovic dominated early, building a 6-1, 4-0 lead before Nadal fought back to level the second set at 4-4. Djokovic remained composed, winning the final two games to advance.
He then defeated Dominik Koepfer in the third round before setting up a quarter-final clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic won the first set but experienced knee pain in the second, allowing Tsitsipas to take a commanding lead. However, Djokovic rebounded against Lorenzo Musetti, securing five consecutive breaks to set up a rematch with Alcaraz in the final.
Determined to avenge his Wimbledon loss and claim the gold for Serbia, Djokovic won a thrilling final 7-6, 7-6 in just under three hours, prevailing after an intense battle that saw both players defend all 14 break points. Djokovic held his nerve in both tie-breaks, clinching the elusive title and cementing his place in history.
Despite missing the Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati, Djokovic remains focused on his legacy rather than rankings, having already achieved almost every significant record in tennis. However, he could lose his top-2 spot if Carlos Alcaraz reaches the Cincinnati quarter-finals, but that seems to be of little concern to a player who has already conquered nearly every milestone in the sport.
