Will Novak Djokovic pass Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer?

OCTOBER 1, 2023 11:23

Novak Djokovic has been a player of the season, winning three Major titles from four finals! Novak leads the ATP Race ahead of Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, looking good to wrap up the year inside the top-2 and pass Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The Serb is in a fantastic position to leave his greatest rivals behind and become the oldest year-end top-2 player at 36 years and seven months. Federer achieved that at 36 years and four months in 2017, with Nadal passing him a year ago at 36 years and six months.

Novak missed two Majors in 2022, returning to the most notable scene this year and achieving a 27-1 score at Major events. The Serb conquered the Australian Open and Roland Garros before losing an epic Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets, missing a chance to fight for the calendar Grand Slam in New York.

Despite that, Djokovic lifted his fourth US Open crown and the first since 2018, beating Daniil Medvedev in the final and celebrating his 24th Major title. Novak kicked off the season with two titles in Australia. He saved a match point versus Sebastian Korda in Adelaide before conquering his tenth Australian Open crown with a victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Djokovic skipped Indian Wells and Miami, the final tournaments he missed due to his vaccination status. The Serb played for his 23rd Major title at Roland Garros and passed seven obstacles to secure the record-breaking crown and write history books.

Djokovic ousted Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud to celebrate his third trophy in Paris, becoming the first player with three titles at all four Majors.

Novak Djokovic leads the ATP Race ahead of the season's last events.

With a boost on his side, Novak reached the Wimbledon final, seeking his third consecutive Major title.

Djokovic fell to Carlos Alcaraz after a massive battle, ending his streak before conquering the 39th Masters 1000 crown in Cincinnati over Alcaraz after an epic duel. Novak was the favorite at the US Open, and he proved that on the court.

The Serb came from two sets to love deficit against his compatriot Laslo Djere before beating the remaining rivals in straight sets, adding 2000 ATP points to his tally and building a massive advantage over Alcaraz. Novak will chase more ATP points at the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in the rest of the season, seeking his eighth year-end no. 1 honor at 36.