Victory in France Puts Djokovic at the Top of the Tree
Almost 18 months ago, as the tennis world geared up towards Melbourne’s 2022 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic was amidst a whirlwind of controversy as he battled against Australian authorities in an attempt to prove his right to remain in the country and compete in the first major of the calendar year. Serbia’s world number one, along with his legal team, fought tirelessly to justify his lack of Covid-19 vaccination. However, the final ruling, made just three days before the tournament started, prevented Djokovic from playing, as his right to stay in the country was terminated on grounds of health and public interest.
Incredibly, before the start of the tournament, Djokovic held a joint record number of 20 grand slam victories, along with Spanish giant Rafa Nadal and tennis legend Roger Federer. The Spaniard went on to win in Australia in dramatic fashion and was crowned champion to become the outright male grand slam title record holder with his 21st major victory.
That period may well have represented the low point of the Serbian’s otherwise glistening career, but the most celebrated sports stars are judged on their ability to bounce back from adversity. And bounce back is exactly what Djokovic has gone on to do. Following his victory at the French Open this month, he now stands alone as the undisputed king of tennis, overtaking Nadal to move on to 23 grand slam victories.
Becoming the first man to reach that impressive milestone, the 36-year-old continues to cut an incredibly impressive figure on the court, emanating physical prowess and an unrivalled skillset. The victory in France puts him level with Serena Williams in terms of majors won, with only Margaret Court ahead of him in either the men’s or women’s game.
Court, who retired in 1977, now only has one more grand slam title than Djokovic to her name, and with Williams and Federer retired and Nadal older and off the tour indefinitely, it would take a brave person to bet against Djokovic hanging up his racket with anything other than the most major titles in the history of the sport.
Next month Wimbledon returns and presents Djokovic with the opportunity to win his third major of the calendar year. If he is victorious in London and also claims victory at the US Open, he’ll become the first player to complete the calendar grand slam since Rod Laver in 1969, a feat that would all but confirm his legacy as the greatest ever men’s player.
If you’d like to enquire into hospitality seats at Centre Court or the US Open this summer, and the chance to watch Djokovic in action, please get in touch with us here. We are specialists in organising bespoke experiences for our valued clients and can take care of everything from travel and accommodation needs to additional once-in-a-lifetime experiences.