World no. 1 Novak Djokovic failed to win an ATP title in the opening three months of the season. Novak admitted it’s not something he is used to following a shocking Indian Wells defeat to Luca Nardi, hoping to turn the tables and lift a trophy in the upcoming clay events.
Since 2007 (18 years), Djokovic has claimed an ATP title by March in 15 seasons, dominating in Melbourne, Dubai, Indian Wells or Miami. The Serb missed the feat in 2018 after dealing with an injury and again in 2022 after entering only Dubai due to his vaccination status.
Novak will travel to Monte Carlo without an ATP title for the third time since 2007, suffering three losses in 2024 and looking for a better run in the Principality.
Djokovic kicked off the season at the United Cup, beating two rivals before falling to Alex de Minaur.
The Serb struggled with a wrist injury and experienced a 6-4, 6-4 loss in an hour and 33 minutes. De Minaur outplayed Djokovic on serve and return, barely losing a point behind the first serve and never facing a break point.
The Aussie played aggressive tennis, attacking on the return and delivering one break in each set to seal the deal in style. Novak struggled with a minor virus at the Australian Open, defeating Dino Prizmic and Alexei Popyrin in four sets but not playing at his best.
The defending champion looked better against Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Adrian Mannarino, beating them in straight sets and reaching the last eight, his well-known territory in Melbourne. Novak had to dig deep against Taylor Fritz in a 7-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win, prevailing after three hours and 45 minutes following a grueling battle in the opening two sets.
Djokovic failed to convert 15 break chances in sets one and two, surviving in the opener before losing the second to keep the rival in contention after nearly two and a half hours! The sun went down, and Novak felt better in sets three and four, delivering four breaks and ending Taylor’s resistance.
Thus, the defending champion arranged a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Jannik Sinner. The young Italian presented his A-game in a rock-solid 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 victory in three hours and 22 minutes, reaching his first Major final at 22.
