The Serbian champion achieved a new goal, which testifies to the longevity of his dominance on the ATP Tour
A few days ago Novak Djokovic was honored with the Laureus World Sportsman. Given what the Serbian champion has achieved in 2023 – three Slams, the ATP Finals and various records – his victory was a formality.
An award that must have boosted Nole’s morale, who (sporting speaking) won’t have to be at the top, considering how the 2024 tennis season has been disappointing for him, so far. And full of unexpected moments, such as the separation with his coach Goran Ivanisevic.
If on the court the season is not yet as Djokovic hoped, the Serbian champion continues to reach important goals, shattering new records.
Just today Monday 6 May 2024 -, Djokovic achieved a new milestone, which testifies to the longevity of his dominance over the ATP Tour.
Djokovic spent 200 weeks ranked ATP No.1 after turning 30. A truly sensational achievement: just think that a champion like Rafael Nadal spent 209 weeks as ATP No.1 in his entire career. Crazy.
Just a few weeks ago, at 36 years and 321 days, Djokovic crossed another incredible milestone, becoming the oldest ATP No.1 in the history of men’s singles, surpassing Roger Federer.
Djokovic realized two of his biggest dreams at Wimbledon in 2011. That year he won his favorite Slam by beating Rafael Nadal in the final and, at the same time, became ATP No.1 for the first time in his career.
The 36-year-old has been able to push himself beyond his limits and, tournament after tournament, has improved his game, winning 24 Slams, 40 ATP Masters 1000 and 7 ATP Finals.
In February 2023, Djokovic achieved the record for most weeks spent as ATP No.1 (378). Today he is in his 424th week as ATP No.1. An incredible series of records: and – of course – in the next upcoming weeks, Nole can improve them. The Serb wants to win the Olympic Gold Medal, last big title which is still missing from his collection. Not only, because at Wimbledon he aims to match Roger Federer’s men’s singles title record (we recall Roger won 8 times the Championships, Nole won 7 times).
The Serbian champion also added a further record to his extraordinary career, reaching his 77th semi-final in an ATP Masters 1000 a few weeks before the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, surpassing his historic rival Rafael Nadal, stuck at 76. Roger is further behind. Federer, at 66 semi-finals.
Djokovic expressed on the win at the Laureus and on his rival Nadal
The 24-time Slam champion was awarded the Laureus by Tom Brady, 7-time Super Bowl winner.
“I am very honored to have won my 5th Sportsman of the Year award. I think back to 2012, when I won this award for the first time: I was 24 years old and I am very proud to be here 12 years later thinking back to a 2023 that has brought me and my fans great joy. It was exciting to come back to Australia last year and win my tenth title. It’s a tournament close to my heart and one that paved the way for an incredible 12 months,” he said.
Nole expressed words of gratitude towards the people who helped him achieve numerous goals.
“I couldn’t have been so successful without an incredible team behind me and without facing inspiring opponents who always pushed me to be the best version of myself. Earning the vote of my sports idols makes these awards special.
I am very happy to be among the winners, but I am also an admirer and supporter of Laureus Sport for Good. This figurine is unique because it represents more than just a sporting achievement,” he added.
Nole won’t be in Madrid but he will find Rafael Nadal in Rome and many are hoping for one last great match. Their rivalry is among the greatest ever and Nole, awarded during the Laureus Awards Sports, talked precisely about Nadal.
“I have a lot of respect for a legend like him and I honestly want to play with him at least one more time before he retires. He is a good person and a legend of our sport, he is my most important rival. In Australia I said I hoped to see him in one or two tournaments, I really hope to do that,” he said.