Novak Djokovic completed his 2024 campaign with another year-end top-10 honor, his 17th since 2007! At 37 years and nine months, Novak is the third-oldest year-end top-10 player. The Serb joined Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer on the list.
Djokovic finished the 2024 season with a 37-9 score. The veteran terminated the GOAT race in 2023, standing on 24 Major titles and leaving Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer behind. Novak could not repeat that pace in 2024.
However, the legend claimed the title he desired the most, winning the Olympic Games gold medal and completing the game of tennis! Djokovic became the only owner of all 15 notable trophies, extending his incredible legacy and writing history books.
Novak reached the finals of Wimbledon and the Shanghai Masters, losing to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Despite a reduced schedule, especially after the US Open, the veteran finished the year in the top 10, earning another age milestone.
Who are the oldest year-end top-10 players?
Rafael Nadal wrapped up the 2022 season ranked 2nd at 36 years and six months. The Spaniard is the fifth-oldest year-end top-10 player, with legendary Rod Laver in fourth. The Rocket’s last year-end top-10 year came in 1975 at 37 years and four months.
Novak passed the Australian, moving into third place. If Djokovic wants to make another climb through the list and pass Roger Federer, he must finish in the top-10 in 2026. The Swiss embraced his final year-end top-10 run in 2020 at 39 years and four months.
However, the achievement came thanks to changed ranking rules due to COVID-19. Roger played only one tournament in 2020 and, based on his results, did not deserve the year-end top-10 finish. Speaking about the leader, it’s Ken Rosewall!
The Aussie made his last year-end top-10 appearance in 1975 alongside Rod Laver at 41 years and one month, raising the bar high even for someone of Novak Djokovic’s caliber!
Novak Djokovic’s 2024 season
Novak started the season behind us at the Australian Open. He reached the Australian Open semi-final for the 11th time and faced Jannik Sinner. The Serb failed to generate a break chance and fell in four sets, experiencing his first post-quarter-final defeat in Melbourne.
Djokovic took a break and returned to action in Indian Wells. World no. 123 Luca Nardi stunned the legend in three sets. It was Novak’s last tournament with Goran Ivanisevic as his coach, parting ways with the Croat after nearly five years.
Casper Ruud defeated Djokovic in the Monte Carlo semi-final, and world no. 1 failed to reach the final in Rome and Geneva. Heading to Paris with low expectations, Djokovic injured his right knee, which plagued his chances.
The legend defeated Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo in five sets before withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final. Novak underwent knee surgery on June 5 and started preparations for Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, his ultimate goal for the season.
Djokovic stopped the clock and reached the final at the All England Club. Chasing his 25th Major crown, the Serb fell to Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, struggling to match the young gun’s pace and finishing runner-up.
Novak collected positive vibes and used them at the Olympic Games in Paris. The veteran defeated six rivals in straight sets, earning a gold medal and completing the game of tennis at 37! Djokovic passed Rafael Nadal in the second round in their 60th and last meeting.
Novak overcame an injury scare in the quarter-final versus Stefanos Tsitsipas. He erased the deficit and set points in the second set and moved into his fourth Olympic Games semi-final. Seeking the first win, Djokovic beat Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the title clash.
A couple of weeks after their Wimbledon final duel, Novak met Carlos in a battle for the elusive Olympic Games gold medal. The Spaniard was the favorite, but the Serb did not think about that. Throwing everything at his opponent, Djokovic earned a 7-6, 7-6 victory.
Two great rivals fought for two hours and 52 minutes in one of the most extended two-sets ATP finals in the Open era! Novak prevailed in the pivotal moments, adding the missing puzzle to his collection and writing history at 37.
Djokovic fought well against 16 years younger opponent, earning one of the most cherished victories of his illustrious career. The Serb denied eight break points in two challenging games of the opening set, enduring all the efforts.
Carlos denied five break points in the first set and one in the second, pushing the legend to the limits and reaching two tie breaks in a thriller. Novak stepped in and clinched both after firing up his forehand, sealing the deal and earning a gold medal.
Djokovic slowed down and played only two tournaments by the end of the season. He suffered an early US Open loss to Alexei Popyrin before leading Serbia in the Davis Cup. The Serb lost the Shanghai Masters final to Jannik Sinner and ended the season.
He withdrew from the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, recharging batteries ahead of 2025 and adding Andy Murray to his coaching staff.
