Novak Djokovic failed to lift a Major trophy in 2024 following a stellar run in 2023. Novak’s only Major final in the season behind us came at Wimbledon, and it surprised many! The Serb is among the finest grass-courters in tennis history.
He has been among the favorites at Wimbledon for 15 years, but last season’s was different! The Serb underwent right knee surgery in Paris on June 5. Only a few (Taylor Fritz is among them) gave his chances to recover by Wimbledon.
The legend not only did that but reached his tenth Wimbledon final! The former finalist at the All England Club, Andy Roddick, praised Djokovic effort, highlighting the fact he achieved that ‘on one leg.’
Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2024© Stream screenshot
Novak injured his right knee during Roland Garros. The veteran passed two rivals in five-setters before withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final. The 24-time Major winner wasted no time, undergoing surgery and starting the battle against time.
Novak displayed his incredible physical and mental strength. He entered the Wimbledon draw with protection on his knee and toppled five rivals to reach the milestone tenth title clash in London. The Serb failed to win it, but it provided him with a massive boost ahead of the Olympic Games.
Djokovic did not know what to expect in the competitive matches, trying and hoping for the best. He made a promising start against Vit Kopriva, sealing the deal in straight sets ahead of two more challenging rivals.
Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2024© Stream screenshot
Novak had to work hard against the home player, Jacob Fearnley. The Briton took charge from the third set and stood two points from forcing a decider. However, Djokovic prevailed in the fourth set and avoided spending more time on the court.
The veteran dropped the opening set against Alexei Popyrin in the third round. He recovered his game and moved over the top in four sets for a place in the last 16. Holger Rune could not challenge the seven-time champion, and Djokovic enjoyed a relaxed day at the office.
Like a gift from above, he received Alex de Minaur’s withdrawal, missing the quarter-final and adding more rest days for his troubled knee. Novak faced Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-final and earned a 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 win for a place in his tenth Wimbledon final.
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2024© Stream screenshot
It was a massive success for the veteran considering the state of his knee. However, Djokovic had nothing left in the tank against Carlos Alcaraz in the title clash, finishing runner-up to the Spaniard for the second straight year.
Carlos sealed the deal 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 in two hours and 27 minutes, defending the title and celebrating his fourth Major crown at 21! The young gun outplayed the veteran in the opening two sets after dominating on serve and return.
Alcaraz faced three break points and lost serve once while serving for the win. On the other hand, Djokovic lost 42% of the points in his games and got broken five times from 14 chances presented to the defending champion.
Carlos secured four breaks in the opening two sets and served well to forge a massive 6-2, 6-2 advantage in 75 minutes! Novak denied four break points in the third game of the third set and missed a break chance at 3-2 that could have sent him in front.
Holger Rune & Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2024© Stream screenshot
The Spaniard fired winners in the ninth game, securing a break and serving for the title at 5-4. The young gun generated three match points and wasted them, spraying errors and dropping serve for the only time to keep the legend alive!
They served well in the remaining two games and introduced a tie break. Alcaraz grabbed two mini-breaks and landed a drop shot winner for 6-4 and two match points. He converted the first with a service winner, lifting a trophy and leaving Novak with the runner-up prize.
“Novak made the Wimbledon final on one leg Idiots like me thought he did not have enough time to recover and play, let alone make a final,” Andy Roddick said.
Tennis World USA