Novak Djokovic has come close in the past, but winning all four Grand Slam events in a single year has escaped the tennis icon so far.
However, after winning three of the four in 2023, the world number one looks primed and ready to try and secure that elusive Grand Slam clean sweep in 2024.
Promising Signs From 2023
Returning to the top of the world rankings was a big deal for Djokovic as he enjoyed another stellar season in 2023. Djokovic, who is -110 in the betting on tennis to win the 2024 Australian Open, started the year with victory in the Aussie Open in Melbourne. The 36-year-old then went on to win the French Open, a title he is +170 in the tennis predictions to win again in 2024. With momentum behind him, it looked like there was no stopping the Serbian star, but he fell agonizingly short at Wimbledon with defeat in the final.
Like all great champions, Djokovic showed tremendous character to bounce back from the disappointment of Wimbledon to beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final at Flushing Meadows. Medvedev might well have fancied his chances of getting the better of Djokovic after his setback at Wimbledon, however, the 24-time Grand Slam champion showed his class to win the US Open final 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. Wrapping up 2023 with victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the Paris Masters final, before going on to win the ATP Finals for a record-breaking seventh time in his illustrious career. Djokovic has really put a marker down for 2024.
Rivals Hoping To Deny Djokovic Sweep
While Djokovic was basking in the glory of another incredible season, 2023 was a year to forget for his old rival Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard suffered a hip injury at the Australian Open and was sidelined for the remainder of the year, despite hopes he would return ahead of each Grand Slam on the calendar. The good news for Nadal fans is that the 37-year-old is fit and ready to go for the 2024 Australian Open. Whether the veteran can hit the ground running and challenge for a third Aussie Open title of his career remains to be seen, but the ‘King of Clay’ should be a contender to land one more French Open crown before calling time on his career.
Meanwhile, Medvedev will be hoping 2024 is the year he finally adds a second Grand Slam to his tally after winning the US Open in 2021. Reaching the final of the Australian Open twice and the semi-finals at Wimbledon, Medvedev has come close to adding to his solitary major title and the 27-year-old should be in the mix again this coming season. Likewise, Stefanos Tsitsipas has reached the final of the Aussie Open and French Open but is yet to get his hands on Grand Slam silverware. Watch out for the Greek star in the new year.
Djokovic knows how hard it is to get back to the top of the world rankings and how even more difficult it is to stay there. However, after what was an inspiring year, the man from Belgrade will be quietly confident he can land that elusive Grand Slam clean sweep in 2024.
