Novak Djokovic was the top player at the Grand Slams this year on the ATP tour. He became the first player in the open era to win three slams in a season for the fourth time. Djokovic is on his way to break more records in the 2024 season. The hope of defeating him in a grand slam final remains slim as he seems to be unbeatable in the later stages of a major.
Djokovic reached the finals of all four slams this year. Carlos Alcaraz ended his perfect streak at Wimbledon. This brought in hopes about Djokovic losing in a final. The former coach of Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, said, “There are two Novaks in Grand Slam finals. There’s the Novak who comes to conquer, and when he plays his best, he’s the best player in the world. And there’s the Novak who comes not to lose; this one is beatable.” It is a rare event, but it is still possible.
Novak Djokovic is the only player in men’s tennis to have an 85%+ winning percentage at every Slam.
🇦🇺Australian Open: 91.75%
🇫🇷French Open: 85.19%
🇬🇧Wimbledon: 89.32%
🇺🇸US Open: 87.13%He has mastered every surface. pic.twitter.com/3mfbgaEkO4
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) September 18, 2023
Mouratoglou believed that Djokovic’s mindset plays an important role before the start of any final. He also said that there was a major difference in playing style in the Wimbledon and the US Open final. Djokovic lost to Alcaraz in five sets at Wimbledon and won in straight sets against Daniil Medvedev at the US Open.
Novak Djokovic using different strategies after Wimbledon loss
Djokovic was the four-time defending champion at Wimbledon. He could not win a record fifth consecutive title at the event. The Serbian had only lost one final out of eight in the past at Wimbledon. Alcaraz became the third player after Medvedev and Andy Murray to be younger than Djokovic and beat him in the final of a grand slam. Djokovic has lost to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer but not to younger players.
Mouratoglou believes that Djokovic used more serve and volley against Medvedev to win the US Open this season. The 36-year-old although, has spent 77 hours on the court at grand slams this year as he has played 28 matches at the majors. Mouratoglou also said that Djokovic, in his recent matches, always tries to shorten the points by coming to the net. But there are few answers to his tactic in the matches.
Djokovic will be the defending champion in three majors next year. He will have to defend a lot of points in all majors. As Mouratoglou said, his second mindset can give some confidence to players that he can be beaten.
If it is the first mindset, then it becomes a humongous task to beat the Serbian legend on any court. With the young players getting more experienced, Djokovic can face trouble. However, the world No.1 will still be the favorite next season.
