In 2023, world no. 1, Novak Djokovic showcased his brilliance by clinching three out of the four Grand Slam titles. The elusive Wimbledon remained the only major title absent in 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, with the Olympics on the horizon, Djokovic’s quest for securing a Golden Slam in 2024—an Olympic Gold along with victories in all four Grand Slams—cannot be overlooked.
However, tennis expert Alex Corretja offers a cautious perspective, suggesting that Djokovic should not overly focus on this goal at the start of the new season as he prepares for the first major of the year, the Australian Open.
Corretja recognizes the difficulties Djokovic may encounter in 2024, expressing, “I think that would be a little bit surprising [to win a Golden Slam] because even if he improves his game so much, he’s getting older.” While Djokovic’s experience and focus on crucial tournaments are assets, Corretja acknowledges the inevitable challenges of aging and heightened competition.
🗣 Alex Corretja has 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐬 about Novak Djokovic completing a 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒎 in 2024 🏆 pic.twitter.com/RgpXMXKfpn
— Eurosport (@eurosport) December 19, 2023
Reflecting on Djokovic’s loss to Jannik Sinner in the Davis Cup, Corretja views it as a potential wake-up call for the tennis maestro. He suggests, “It’s a wake-up call to say, ‘Okay, I’m doing unbelievably, but I can’t relax for one second because some of the guys behind me are going to push me so much.”
Despite Djokovic being the favored contender for an 11th Australian Open title, Corretja anticipates stiff competition from the hungry younger lot of talented players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Ben Shelton, Sebastian Korda, and Daniil Medvedev. Corretja foresees a highly competitive Australian Open, where Djokovic will surely get a run for his money from his younger adversaries!
Novak Djokovic eyeing Jimmy Connors’ unblemished record
Novak Djokovic, at 36, is still achieving remarkable records and building a legacy that will remain unmatched for many generations to come. Unlike many players of his age contemplating retirement, the Serbian tennis legend is unveiling his new goals and aspirations. Recently, the tennis maestro laid out his objectives for the new season, with a particular focus on a remarkable milestone.
A paramount goal for Djokovic is to surpass Jimmy Connors’ exceptional record of 109 singles titles in men’s tennis history. Expressing his determination, Djokovic, who has currently won 98 tour titles in his career, asserted, “Why shouldn’t I try to break that record?… I still have a few more successful years left in tennis, and I try to enjoy these moments which now mean and are worth double to me.”
Elaborating on his pursuit, Djokovic shared a deeper ambition—to create a historical legacy that resonates with future generations of players. He remarked, “I know myself perfectly, I don’t want to be arrogant, but I know that if I’m well physically and mentally, I’m able to do it.”
Novak Djokovic says one of his goals is to play long enough to beat Jimmy Connors’ record for most titles won.
“Why shouldn’t I try to break that record? I currently have 12 fewer titles but I still have a few more successful years left in tennis, and I try to enjoy these… pic.twitter.com/4PCZHigLzk
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) November 6, 2023
While making a strong case for himself, Djokovic acknowledged the seemingly unreal nature of his accomplishments, including securing three Grand Slam titles in 2023, and expressed his eagerness to surpass Connors’ record, stating, “It also sounded unreal to win three Grand Slam titles this year. I would love to beat the record of titles won by Jimmy Connors.”
As Djokovic continues his journey, these words highlight his pursuit of creating statistical milestones. In the twilight of his career, the Serbian tennis star’s endeavor to surpass Connors’ iconic record brings forth yet another ambitious dimension in the twilight of his incredible career.