Jack Draper wrapped up the season in the top-15 for the first time in a career. The young Briton lifted two ATP titles in 2024, hoping for another strong run in the season ahead of us. Draper will miss the United Cup due to hip discomfort, hoping to recover for the Australian Open.
Recently, Jack discussed the eternal GOAT issue. The young Briton mentioned two players, with his heart going for Rafael Nadal and his head leaning toward Novak Djokovic! A left-hander idolized Nadal while growing up, wearing the same kits as the king of clay.
However, Jack admitted Djokovic’s achievements, calling him the most successful player of all time.
“My head says Novak but my heart says Rafa” 😯
Jack Draper on who the GOAT of tennis is 🤔 pic.twitter.com/QktmPYRwTV
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) December 23, 2024
Nadal claimed 22 Major trophies between 2005 and 2022. The Spaniard struggled in 2021 and bounced back a year later despite setbacks with injuries. Rafa conquered the Australian Open and Roland Garros in the first half of 2022.
Thus, he moved two Major crowns ahead of Federer and Djokovic and looked good to become world no. 1 at 36. However, he injured his abdominal muscle at Wimbledon, withdrawing ahead of the semi-final and never repeating that level!
Rafael Nadal, Next Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Nadal struggled for the rest of the year, finishing 2nd behind Carlos Alcaraz. Without form or rhythm, Rafa made a slow start to the 2023 season and experienced a severe hip injury at the Australian Open. The veteran underwent surgery and missed the rest of the season.
Eager to finish his career on his terms, Nadal worked hard in the second part of the year. He returned to action in Brisbane in the first week of 2024, scoring two wins and reaching the quarter-final. The veteran wasted three match points against Jordan Thompson.
He lost after three and a half hours and felt pain around his troubled hip, missing the Australian Open. Rafa again injured his abdominal muscle in February, staying away from the court until April. The king of clay could not find his A-game on his beloved surface.
Novak Djoković wearing his cross again after defeating Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Olympics.
🇷🇸☦️#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/6HhiBJ3SiD
— Based Serbia (@SerbiaBased) July 29, 2024
Nadal scored five victories in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros, struggling at the events where he had so much success in his better years. Rafa entered his beloved Roland Garros with no form or confidence. He faced world no. 4 Alexander Zverev in the first round.
Rafael Nadal, 2024 Paris Olympics © Stream screenshot
Nadal gave everything in a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 loss, serving for the second set but failing to extend the battle. Rafa skipped the grass swing and remained on clay. He competed in Bastad for the first time in 19 years and reached the final, the first in over two years.
The veteran passed a couple of challenging obstacles and lost steam ahead of the title clash, falling to Nuno Borges and finishing runner-up. Rafa entered his final Olympic Games in Paris and faced Novak Djokovic in the second round.
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2024© Stream screenshot
Two great rivals battled for the 60th time, and Novak scored a 6-1, 6-4 triumph. Nadal missed the US Open and the Laver Cup before announcing his retirement in October. The legend picked the Davis Cup Finals as his last event.
Two decades after debuting for Spain, Rafa faced Botic van de Zandschulp and suffered a 6-4, 6-4 loss in his last match of his career.
Novak Djokovic conquered Wimbledon in 2022, reducing the gap to Nadal and passing him in style a year later. The Serb experienced a stellar run at Majors in 2023, reaching four finals and lifting three trophies. Thus, he reached the number of 24 and cemented his GOAT status.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot
Djokovic won his tenth Australian Open trophy over Stefanos Tsitsipas. He added the third Roland Garros crown to his incredible collection, becoming the first player with three titles at all four Majors. Novak lost the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.
Thus, he missed a chance to chase a Grand Slam at 36! However, the Serb bounced back in New York, conquering the US Open and becoming the proud owner of 24 Major trophies. Novak could not follow that pace in 2024, reaching only one Major final.
He lost it to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon in straight sets, missing an opportunity to increase his incredible tally. Djokovic added Andy Murray to his coaching staff ahead of 2025, hoping to chase more Major titles in the upcoming season and extend his legacy.
“Who is the best player of all time? My heart is with Rafael Nadal. Growing up, I mirrored Rafa with every kit and new look. He is a left-hander like me and was iconic in my early years. However, if you ask my head about the GOAT, it’s obviously Novak Djokovic,” Jack Draper said.
Tennis World USA