In 2022, Novak Djokovic was unable to play either the Australian Open or U.S. Open due to being unvaccinated. He also didn’t get 2,000 ranking points for winning Wimbledon because the ATP refused to grant points as a result of the tournament’s Russian ban.
Nonetheless, Djokovic still finished the season in the top five thanks in part to a late flurry. In the fall the 35-year-old captured titles in Tel-Aviv and Astana, finished runner-up at the Paris Masters, and then won all five of his matches at the Nitto ATP Finals to be the undefeated champion. Djokovic started the event at No. 8 and ended it at No. 5, passing Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
He is on 4,820 points, more than 600 clear of Auger-Aliassime. Only Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas are ahead.
“To my team, another year has passed on the ATP Tour,” he said during the Turin trophy ceremony after beating Casper Ruud in the final. “Thank you to everyone who helps me and pushes me everyday, Without you it would not be possible. It has been a year of many highs–some really big highs–(and), of course, some lows. I look forward to the next season already.”
Djokovic finished in the top five for a fifth consecutive year and for the 15th time in the last 16 years. He began the season tied with Nadal with 20 Grand Slam singles titles, trailed 22-20 following the Australian Open and French Open, and closed the gap to one by winning Wimbledon. The race will be on again in less than two months in Melbourne–where Djokovic is now allowed to play.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that what I hold in my mind is a huge hunger still to win trophies,” the Serb assured. “Make history of this sport, compete on the highest level all around the world, bring good emotions to sports fans, tennis fans; that’s what drives me a lot.”
who ya got in Melbourne?
A bit too early to even think about it
I have not posted here for a while; first of all congrats to Djoko, for winning the WTF for the sixth time without losing a match.
If I’m not wrong, he has won the biggest prize money in a single event this year (can’t imagine the WTF pays even more prize money than any slam!).
I would say that this year belonged to Rafa and Djoko, one having a very good start to the season and the other a good end to the season. Of course there was also Alcaraz, who fought his way throughout the season to win his first slam and then became world no 1 at age 19! (though he was helped by both Rafa and Djoko – Rafa being injured during the season and didn’t play much; Djoko wasn’t allowed to play in some of his favourite events).
Having said all that, I am disappointed with those in the 20 something age group, they couldn’t even outrun a 35 yo, and none of them could beat him, not even once, during the WTF. Imo, it’s only the two 19 year olds who could outrun him and match him shot for shot, those 20+ age group guys really have to buckle down to work hard on their game, if not they would soon be outdone by the teenagers.
I hope Zverev recovers well and comes back strong next year; he may be the only hope among that 20+ age group, judging by how well he played before his ankle injury.
Hope everyone is well including the fans and supporters. Hoping for a better season ahead, with fewer injury issues and even fewer COVID 19 concerns.
Thanks, Luckystar for your tennis analysis.
But I cant help saying you biased that you only mention the difference between the 20 something age group and the 35s at this tournament ( YEC). Dont rememeber that from you when discussing RG on clay and who could outrun a 36 year old on painkillers who could hardly walk without them.
To be fair you do mention Zverev but you switch surfaces again. The injury at RG finished his season
That was one of the best matches unfortunately had to end the way it did .
Hey Lucky………loved ure delivery!! As for me, I don’t really have any expectations for next year. Just taking it as it comes. With Roger retired and Rafa becoming a daddy, there is not much joy left for me in tennis to be honest. I will watch now and then but I suspect my tennis days being a groupie r gone 😄. However, if Rafa decides to play next year I will give him my full support and so I wish him all the best for the season!!
Glad to see “LuckyStar” back in the comment column….and I also hope to see Zverv back in the mix…and another big year for Carlos!
Likely, Novak has many too-tier years left
* um, top