Novak Djokovic struggled at times during 2024, as the Serb showed signs of slowing down for the first time in his career. The fans following him from the earliest days with Wimbledon tickets suddenly felt like the Serb was missing something.
It was the first time in his long career that he had gone trophyless, and this was a pressing concern.
The most accomplished player in ATP Tour history didn’t have things all his way this year, as he failed to win a tour-level title for the first time in almost 20 years.
Djokovic won Olympic Gold, achieving a lifelong dream, but struggled to match his lofty expectations in the few tour-level events he played this season.
Djokovic then lost in the US Open third round to Alexei Popyrin, suffering one of his worst defeats at the Grand Slam level in recent years.
It was a disappointing Major campaign, but one former ATP star thinks the 37-year-old can still win one more before he retires.
Tomas Berdych thinks Novak Djokovic can still win another
Speaking to Tennis Majors, former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych discussed Rafael Nadal’s and Roger Federer’s recent retirements.
“Of course, it is sad to see the guys having to stop their careers, but you know it’s going to happen, and they can’t play forever,” he said.
“But when you look at their achievements, I get why they were trying to push it; you never know what might happen.
“It would be history, which is why I think Novak is still playing,” said Berdych.
“If he feels well and then if he manages to win another one, it’s the biggest thing that can happen.
“When you gave it all for the last, I don’t know, 20, 25 years, why would you stop when you feel that you are still competitive?”
Berdych admits that struggling to compete was one of the main reasons behind his retirement in 2019, but commends the likes of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer for their longevity.
“Of course, not to win the big one because I was already unable to do it when I was at the top.
“But every player gets their level and only knows what they can achieve.
Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles won on the ATP Tour with 24, two more than Rafael Nadal and 20 more than his closest active competitor, Alcaraz.
His last Major triumph came at the 2023 US Open, where he took down Daniil Medvedev to win his third Slam of the year.
He could not add to his tally this year, but if the Serbian star can win a 25th in 2025, he will break two massive tennis records.
Most Grand Slam singles titles won – (Currently level with Margaret Court on 24)
Oldest player to win an Open Era Grand Slam title – (Currently held by Ken Rosewall at 37 years, one month)
Djokovic and Margaret Court have won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, but the 37-year-old could push ahead with a win next year.
If the Serb could take home the trophy in Melbourne, he would tie another record with Court, as the pair would be level on 11 Australian Open titles.
Another record that Djokovic can break is that of the oldest player to win a Slam title in the Open Era.
Currently held by Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open at 37 years old, any Major title for Djokovic in 2025 would see him take the record.
Both would be huge accomplishments in Djokovic’s already legendary career. The player will begin his assault on an 11th title in Melbourne on January 12, when the competition begins.
Fans with Wimbledon tickets will hope that Djokovic will carry himself through to July with good momentum.
Build a Statue for Federer – Chris Evert
Chris Evert responded to the question of whether Roger Federer should have a statue built at Wimbledon.
The Swiss Maestro left a legacy at many tournaments worldwide, but none more so at the All-England Club.
The 43-year-old ended his career with eight Wimbledon titles, more than any other male player in history.
Given his record at Wimbledon, the question has been asked if Roger Federer should be honoured with a statue, but Chris Evert has other ideas.
Several tennis icons’ legacy is built on their success at Wimbledon, and Federer is one of those players.
He first made an impression at SW19 when Federer claimed a shocking victory over Pete Sampras in 2001 before winning five titles in a row from 2003 to 2007.
The 2001 win brought the Swiss great a whole new fan base, rallying generations of fans who lined up for Wimbledon tickets.
Federer overtook Sampras’ record by lifting his eighth title in 2017, but one player has enjoyed more success at Wimbledon than the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Martina Navratilova has nine Wimbledon titles, the record for any player’s most singles titles at the grass-court Grand Slam.
This prompted Chris Evert, a three-time champion in her own right, to mention Navratilova’s name when a fan asked on X if Federer should have a statue erected at Wimbledon.
Djokovic and Kyrgios to Play Doubles
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will play doubles together at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, the tournament confirmed on Saturday morning in Australia.
Kyrgios recently suggested the news on his Instagram account, posting a photo of Djokovic and himself during their 2022 Wimbledon final with the caption: “Doubles at Brisbane. See y’all there”.
The ATP 250 on Saturday morning posted a graphic of the duo with the caption, “When the plans make it out of the group chat 😏”.
Kyrgios, the former No. 13 in the PIF ATP Rankings, has grappled with injuries over the past two years. He last competed on the ATP Tour in June 2023. Upon returning, the 29-year-old will be eager to return to the form that propelled him to seven singles titles and four doubles crowns throughout his career, including the Australian Open title in 2022 with countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Djokovic will make his first tournament appearance since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Rolex Shanghai Masters final in October. At the ATP 250 hard-court event in Brisbane, from 29 December to 5 January 2025, the Serbian will continue his quest for a 100th tour-level singles title. He currently owns 99 of them.
Wimbledon tickets will be on sale soon.