How Long Can Novak Djokovic Hold Onto World Number One? Tough 2024 Finish Ahead
Novak Djokovic is firmly entrenched as the world’s top ranked men’s tennis player as we enter the second half of 2024. But how much longer can the 37-year-old Serbian legend fend off the young guns nipping at his heels and retain that coveted number one spot?
Djokovic has held the ATP’s top ranking for an impressive 378 weeks over his career – the most ever for a male player. His latest stint at world number one began in February 2020.
With 22 Grand Slam titles already under his belt, an incredibly fit and driven Djokovic shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But the next generation of stars is coming on strong.
Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz, just 21 years old, has won two of the last four majors and recently rose to a career-high number two in the rankings. Ferocious ballstrikers like Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, and Sebastian Korda are also poised to make big moves up the ranks.
The second half of 2024 features a grueling series of big events that will put massive ranking points on the line:
- US Open Series
- US Open
- Nitto ATP Finals
- Davis Cup Finals
Any lapse in form or injury by Djokovic during this critical stretch could open the door for one of the hungry young contenders to seize number one.
At his age, the Serb may have to be more selective about his schedule. And with ranking points decaying weekly, he’ll be under constant pressure to rack up tournament wins and defend his points.
Novak’s steely determination has kept him on top for years. But with tennis’ youth movement in full bloom, the countdown to the end of his latest run at world number one could be fast approaching.
