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.”
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