Reflections of Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam season

When Novak Djokovic reached all four Grand Slam finals in 2023, winning three, including a record 24th major, there was nothing to suggest that 2024 would not bring another year of Grand Slam success for the Serbian.

But when he lost in the third round of the US Open on Friday, Djokovic concluded his Grand Slam season without a trophy for the first time since 2017.

Below, ATPTour.com reflects on the 37-year-old’s season at this year’s majors.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: SEMI-FINALS
Playing in his second tournament of the season after the United Cup, Djokovic arrived in Melbourne in the hunt for his 11th title. Slowly building rhythm, he edged out Dino Prizmic, Alexei Popyrin, and Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first three rounds. He put up a vintage performance against Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round, dropping only three games en route to victory. In the quarter-finals, he was tested by Taylor Fritz before winning in four sets.

But Djokovic, a 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, suffered a surprise defeat to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in four sets in the semi-finals, where his streak of 33 consecutive wins in Melbourne ended.

“I was, in a way, shocked with my level, in a bad way. There was not much I was doing right in the first two sets,” he said after the match.

“I guess this is one of the worst Grand Slam matches I've ever played,” Djokovic said.”

ROLAND GARROS: QUARTER-FINALS
Djokovic started his Roland Garros campaign with easy wins over Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Roberto Carballes Baena before surviving a tough battle with young Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who led two sets to one.

He survived another five-setter against Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round, but suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee, which forced him to withdraw from his scheduled quarter-final against Casper Ruud.

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WIMBLEDON: FINAL
A few weeks after undergoing surgery on his knee, Djokovic arrived at Wimbledon, hoping to win a record-equalling eighth title. After a routine victory against Vit Kopriva in the opening round, he was pushed to four sets by Jacob Fearnley and Popyrin in the next two rounds.

The Serbian breezed past Holger Rune in the fourth round and had extra time to rest when Alex de Minaur retired before their quarter-final. He advanced to the final by winning his semi in straight sets against Musetti. The seven-time champion, who pushed Carlos Alcaraz to five sets in last year’s final, was unable to push the young Spaniard this time around, falling in straight sets.

“Overall, the way I felt on the court today against him, I was inferior on the court. That's it. He was a better player. He played every single shot better than I did,” he said after his loss.

"My preparation for Wimbledon wasn't as I would have it normally, usually, or commonly to prepare myself. There was hindrance obviously because of the injury.”

US OPEN: THIRD ROUND
Coming into the tournament as the defending champion, Djokovic’s early exit was without question one of the biggest shocks of the season. Signs of trouble emerged early, as he struggled with his serve in straight-sets victories over Radu Albot and Laslo Djere in the first two rounds.

It all came crashing down for Djokovic against an inspired Popyrin in the third round as his serving troubles peaked, leading to a stunning defeat. Coming into the event light on match practice after an extensive celebration of his Paris Olympics gold medal, Djokovic hit 14 double faults in the match—a career-high for him at a major, and 32 overall across three matches.

“On my end, honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success. I mean, I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly, serving by far the worst ever,” he said after the loss.

Djokovic’s quest to capture a record-extending 25th Grand Slam will now have to wait until 2025. The good news is that the quest will begin at the Australian Open, his happiest Grand Slam hunting ground.

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