History of Novak Djokovic in Timeline
Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player who is currently ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He has held the No. 1 ranking for a record 426 weeks and finished as the year-end No. 1 a record eight times. Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles, including a record ten Australian Open titles. He has also won 98 singles titles, including a record 71 Big Titles - 24 majors, 40 Masters, and seven ATP Finals. Notably, Djokovic is the only man to hold all four major championships at the same time on three different surfaces and the only man to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam and a career Golden Masters twice.
1958: Migration Act 1958
The Australian Migration Act of 1958 was used to cancel Djokovic's visa in January 2022.
1969: French Open Final and Wimbledon Semifinal
Djokovic reached his first French Open final in 1969, marking his presence in the finals of all four Grand Slams consecutively. He aimed to become the first man since Rod Laver to hold all four titles simultaneously but was defeated by Rafael Nadal. Following this, Djokovic lost his Wimbledon title in the semifinals against Roger Federer.
1969: Rod Laver's Grand Slam
Rod Laver achieved a calendar year Grand Slam in 1969.
1973: Djokovic Wins Record-Equaling Sixth ATP Finals Title
In 2022, Djokovic won a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title, becoming the first player to achieve this in three different decades since ATP rankings began in 1973. At 35, he also became the oldest champion in the event's 53-year history.
May 1987: Novak Djokovic is Born
Novak Djokovic was born in May 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia.
May 1987: Novak Djokovic is Born
Novak Djokovic was born on May 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia. His parents are Dijana and Srdjan Djokovic.
1990: Andre Agassi's Miami Open Win
In 1990, Andre Agassi won the Miami Open as a teenager, setting a precedent that Djokovic would later match.
1993: Djokovic Begins Tennis Journey
Djokovic, at the age of six, was sent to a tennis camp in Mount Kopaonik, Serbia, where his talent was recognized by Jelena Genčić, who became his coach for the next six years.
1993: Start of Coaching with Jelena Genčić
In 1993, Novak Djokovic began training with Jelena Genčić, a prominent tennis coach who played a pivotal role in his early development and is remembered as his "tennis mother."
1994: Boris Becker's Historic Tournament Win
In 1994, Boris Becker achieved a historic feat by defeating the top three ranked players in a single tournament, a feat that Djokovic would later replicate.
September 1999: Djokovic Joins Pilić Tennis Academy
In September 1999, Djokovic moved to the Pilić tennis academy in Germany to further develop his skills under the guidance of Nikola Pilić.
1999: Boris Becker's Retirement from Professional Tennis
Boris Becker retired from professional tennis in 1999 and transitioned into a career as a television pundit.
1999: Transition to Nikola Pilić's Academy and End of Coaching with Genčić
In 1999, Djokovic concluded his six years of training with Jelena Genčić and transitioned to Nikola Pilić's tennis academy in Munich, marking a significant step in his career under the guidance of his "tennis father."
2001: Djokovic's Historic Wimbledon Win as 12th Seed
At Wimbledon in 2001, Djokovic, seeded 12th, made a remarkable run to win the championship, defeating Kevin Anderson in the final. This victory marked his lowest ranking as a Wimbledon titlist since Goran Ivanišević's win in 2001.
2001: Djokovic Dominates Junior Tennis Circuit
Djokovic excelled in the under-14 tennis circuit in 2001, securing several titles and finishing the year as the top-ranked player.
2001: First Encounter with Andy Murray
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray played their first match against each other as teenagers at the Les Petits As tournament in 2001, with Murray winning the match.
2002: Djokovic's Dominance in the U16 Circuit
In 2002, Novak Djokovic continued to dominate in the U16 circuit, winning prestigious tournaments in France including the Derby Cadets and Le Pontet. He also won his first ITF tournament in Pančevo, showcasing his skills against older rivals.
January 2003: First Professional Tournament
At 15 years old, Djokovic played his first professional match in January 2003 after receiving a wildcard for a Futures event. Despite losing, this marked his entry into professional tennis.
2003: Pete Sampras retires
Pete Sampras, considered by many as the greatest male tennis player at the time, retired in 2003.
2003: Participation in Junior Grand Slam Events
During 2003, Djokovic competed in the French Open and US Open junior events, gaining experience on the international stage.
2003: Djokovic Begins Professional Tennis Career
Novak Djokovic began his professional tennis career in 2003.
2003: Conclusion of Coaching with Nikola Pilić
Djokovic's coaching period with Nikola Pilić, a crucial figure in his formative years, concluded in 2003, marking the end of his time at Pilić's academy in Munich.
2003: Adidas Endorsement
Djokovic started his professional career in 2003 wearing Adidas apparel.
February 2004: Junior Career Achievements
By February 2004, Djokovic achieved a combined junior world ranking of No. 24 with a strong singles record. His best junior Grand Slam performance was reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open in 2004.
February 2004: Djokovic Loses World No. 1 Ranking to Medvedev
In February 2022, Djokovic lost to Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Championships, resulting in him losing his world No. 1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev. This marked the first time a man outside of the Big Four held the top ranking since Andy Roddick in February 2004.
April 2004: First Official ATP Victory and Challenger Win
In April 2004, at 16 years old, Djokovic earned his first official ATP victory in a Davis Cup tie. He also won his first ATP Challenger tournament in Budapest on his 17th birthday.
July 2004: First ATP Tour Event Qualification
Djokovic qualified for his first ATP Tour event, the Croatia Open Umag, in July 2004, signifying his progress in the professional tennis circuit.
2004: Start of Coaching with Dejan Petrović
Djokovic began working with coach Dejan Petrović in 2004.
2004: Management by Amit Naor and Allon Khakshouri
Since 2004, Djokovic's business affairs have been managed by Israeli sports agents Amit Naor and Allon Khakshouri, who also represented Marat Safin and Dinara Safina.
January 2005: Grand Slam Debut
Djokovic made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open in January 2005, marking a significant step in his career.
2005: Federer and Nadal's Dominance
Up until the 2005 Australian Open, Grand Slam singles titles were consistently won by either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, highlighting their dominance in the sport.
2005: Venturing into Business
As Djokovic's tennis ranking rose in 2005, he began exploring business opportunities, primarily through Family Sport, a Serbian company established and managed by his family. Family Sport initially concentrated on hospitality, particularly the restaurant industry, before expanding into real estate, sports and entertainment event organization, and sports apparel distribution.
2005: Djokovic and Ristić Start Dating
Novak Djokovic and Jelena Ristić began dating in 2005 after meeting in high school.
2005: Significant Ranking Improvement Under Dejan Petrović
During 2005, Djokovic's ranking significantly improved from outside the top 300 to breaking into the top 100 under Dejan Petrović's coaching.
2005: Djokovic switches to Wilson rackets
Djokovic changed racket sponsors from Head to Wilson in 2005. Initially unable to find a suitable Wilson racket, he collaborated with Wilson to create a custom racket that replicated his previous Head racket.
April 2006: Decisive Davis Cup Win and British Citizenship Consideration
In April 2006, Djokovic secured a crucial Davis Cup win for Serbia and Montenegro against Great Britain. Following this, discussions arose about him potentially switching nationalities to play for Great Britain.
May 2006: Continued Discussions about British Citizenship
Throughout May 2006, discussions about Djokovic potentially joining British tennis ranks continued, highlighting the complexities of nationality and athletic representation.
June 2006: Coaching Transition from Riccardo Piatti to Marián Vajda
In June 2006, Djokovic transitioned from being coached by Riccardo Piatti to working with Marián Vajda, a former Slovakian professional tennis player, after Piatti reportedly declined to coach Djokovic full-time.
June 2006: Commencement of Long-Term Coaching Relationship with Marián Vajda
Djokovic began a long-term coaching partnership with Marián Vajda in June 2006 after meeting at the French Open, marking a significant chapter in his career.
2006: Start of Work with Ronen Bega
Djokovic began working with Israeli fitness coach Ronen Bega in the fall of 2006.
December 2007: "NAJJ Srbije" Show
In December 2007, a sports-entertainment show called "NAJJ Srbije" (The Best of Serbia) celebrated the successes of Djokovic and other prominent Serbian tennis players.
2007: Key Role in Davis Cup Play-off Win
Djokovic played a crucial role in Serbia's Davis Cup play-off victory against Australia in 2007, contributing to the team's promotion to the World Group.
2007: Collaboration with Mark Woodforde and Start of Work with Miljan Amanović
In 2007, Djokovic collaborated with Australian doubles ace Mark Woodforde to improve his volleys and net play. He also started working with physiotherapist Miljan Amanović who continued to work with him until 2017.
2007: Early Australian Open Exit
In 2007, Djokovic failed to reach the quarterfinals at the Australian Open for the first time since 2007.
2007: Rogers Cup Quarterfinal Loss
In 2007, Djokovic lost in the quarterfinals of the Rogers Cup to Andy Murray. This prevented him from defending his singles title from the previous year.
2007: Djokovic's Impersonations Gain Popularity
In 2007, Djokovic's comedic impersonations of fellow tennis players gained media attention and popularity.
2007: Maiden Masters Series Title and Rise to Top 10
In 2007, Djokovic's strong performances in Masters Series events, including winning his first title in Miami, propelled him into the top 10 rankings. He became the youngest player to win the Miami tournament since Andre Agassi in 1990.
2007: Foundation Establishment
Novak Djokovic established the Novak Djokovic Foundation in 2007 to support children from underprivileged communities.
2007: Support for Kosovo Serb Children
Starting in 2007, Djokovic began hosting and interacting with hundreds of Kosovo Serb children during Davis Cup matches in Serbia.
May 2008: Eurovision Song Contest Appearance
In May 2008, Djokovic was a special guest at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade.
June 2008: Signing with CAA Sports
In June 2008, Djokovic formally signed with CAA Sports, the sports division of Creative Artists Agency, after his managers entered a partnership with the agency. This marked CAA Sports' first foray into representing tennis players.
2008: Launch of Novak Café & Restaurant
The first Novak Café & Restaurant, the flagship location of a franchised chain, was launched in 2008 in Novi Beograd, Belgrade, Serbia.
2008: Djokovic Wins First Grand Slam Title
In 2008, at age 20, Djokovic won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
2008: Cincinnati Masters Finalist
In 2008, Djokovic made it to the finals of the Cincinnati Masters. Notably, he beat Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, ending Nadal's 32-match winning streak. However, Djokovic lost to Andy Murray in the final.
2008: First US Open Victory over Federer
In 2008, Djokovic achieved his first victory over Roger Federer at the US Open. This also marked his first victory over Federer in a Major tournament since the 2008 Australian Open.
2008: Influenza Sidelines Djokovic in Davis Cup Tie
During a Davis Cup tie against Russia in early 2008, Djokovic was unfortunately sidelined due to influenza, missing his first singles match but returning to contribute in the doubles and later retiring from his singles match.
2008: Djokovic Wins First Major Title at Australian Open
Djokovic won his first major singles title in 2008 by defeating Tsonga in four sets in the Australian Open final.
2008: Djokovic returns to Head rackets
Djokovic returned to using Head rackets after the 2008 season.
2008: Olympic Debut
Djokovic made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He and Nenad Zimonjić were eliminated in the first round of the men's doubles, and Djokovic lost to Nadal in the singles semifinals but won the bronze medal match against James Blake.
2008: Start of Management by Edoardo Artaldi
Djokovic hired Italian agent Edoardo Artaldi and his management team in 2008, beginning a long-term professional relationship.
2008: Djokovic Wins Olympic Bronze Medal
Djokovic earned a bronze medal for Serbia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
2008: Start of Association with Edoardo Artaldi's Management Team
Djokovic began working with Edoardo Artaldi's management team in 2008, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.
January 2009: Early Exit and Coaching Change
Djokovic's first opening-round defeat since January 2009, when he was defeated by Gulbis at the Brisbane International, happened at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
April 2009: Change in Fitness Coach from Ronen Bega to Gebhard Phil-Gritsch
In April 2009, Djokovic replaced fitness coach Ronen Bega with Gebhard Phil-Gritsch, who had previously worked with Thomas Muster, seeking to address weaknesses in his conditioning.
May 2009: Serbia Open Inaugural Edition
In May 2009, the Serbia Open, a 250-series ATP tournament, held its inaugural edition in Belgrade, Serbia.
May 2009: Appearances on Italian TV Shows
In May 2009, Djokovic appeared on the Fiorello Show and El Hormiguero, two popular TV programs in Italy and Spain.
August 2009: Start of Collaboration with Todd Martin
Djokovic started working with American coach Todd Martin in August 2009, focusing on improving his serve motion.
October 2009: Confirmation of British Citizenship Talks
In October 2009, Djokovic confirmed that the talks about him potentially playing for Great Britain were indeed serious back in 2006.
2009: Madrid Masters Semifinal
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played a memorable semifinal match at the 2009 Madrid Masters.
2009: Todd Martin begins coaching Djokovic
Todd Martin became Djokovic's coach in 2009.
2009: Del Potro Wins US Open
In 2009, del Potro won the US Open. This was his first Grand Slam victory.
2009: Australian Open Victory
In 2009, Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open, defeating David Ferrer in the quarterfinals and Andy Murray in a grueling five-set semifinal. He then faced Rafael Nadal in the final, winning in another five-set match that became the longest Grand Slam final in Open Era history.
2009: Second Player to Defeat Federer and Nadal in Same Major
At the 2009 US Open, Juan Martín del Potro became the second player to defeat both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the same Major event.
2009: Expansion of Novak Café & Restaurant
During 2009, two more Novak Café & Restaurant locations were opened—one in Kragujevac, Serbia, and another in Belgrade's Dorćol neighborhood, overlooking the Serbia Open courts.
2009: Early French Open Exit
Djokovic's earliest exit in a Grand Slam since the 2009 French Open occurred at that tournament.
2009: First Successful Title Defense
Djokovic won the Dubai Championships in 2009, marking the first time he successfully defended a title in his career.
2009: Australian Open Quarterfinal Loss
Djokovic lost in the quarterfinals of the 2009 Australian Open to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. However, he reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 after the tournament.
2009: Djokovic's playing style
Djokovic is known for his aggressive baseline play, particularly his highly regarded two-handed backhand, considered one of the best in tennis history. He is also recognized for his exceptional return of serve and his ability to win deciding sets under pressure.
2009: Djokovic debuts new Head racket
Djokovic introduced a new Head racket model, the Head YouTek Speed Pro, at the 2009 Australian Open.
2009: Sergio Tacchini Deal
At the end of 2009, Djokovic signed a 10-year endorsement deal with Sergio Tacchini after Adidas declined to renew his apparel contract.
March 2010: Serbia's Davis Cup Success
In March 2010, Djokovic played a key role in Serbia's Davis Cup victory over the United States. This win marked the first time Serbia reached the quarterfinals in the Davis Cup in the nation's independent history.
April 2010: End of Collaboration with Todd Martin
Djokovic's collaboration with Todd Martin concluded in April 2010, marking the end of their work together on Djokovic's serve motion.
July 2010: Incorporation of Igor Četojević into Djokovic's Team
Djokovic added Serbian nutritionist Igor Četojević, a proponent of traditional medicine, to his team in July 2010, leading to dietary changes including a gluten-free diet.
2010: US Open Semifinal
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer competed in the semifinals of the 2010 US Open.
2010: Tsonga Defeats Djokovic in Australian Open Quarterfinal
In 2010, Tsonga defeated Djokovic in a five-set Australian Open quarterfinal match after Djokovic fell ill. This was Tsonga's revenge for his loss in the 2008 Australian Open final.
2010: Serbia Wins First Davis Cup Title
In 2010, Djokovic led the Serbian national team to its first Davis Cup victory.
2010: Featured in Music Video and Song Tribute
In 2010, Djokovic appeared in a music video for "Hello" by Martin Solveig and Dragonette and was honored with a song tribute called "The Joker" by the Serbian band Zona B.
2010: First Defeat of the Season
Djokovic's first defeat of the 2011 season occurred at the French Open where he lost to Roger Federer in the semifinal. This loss broke his 43-match win streak.
2010: Eastbourne International Title
Djokovic won the Eastbourne International in 2017, his first non-Wimbledon grass-court tournament since 2010.
2010: Charity Matches
Djokovic participated in charity matches to raise funds for various causes, including the reconstruction of the Avala Tower and aid for victims of the Haiti earthquake and Queensland floods in 2010.
2010: Djokovic's fitness and playing style
Djokovic is recognized for his exceptional fitness, agility, and court coverage, making him a difficult opponent to ace. His former coach, Todd Martin, noted Djokovic's ability to maintain a high level of intensity throughout matches.
2010: Emergence of the "Big Three"
By 2010, the trio of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic became known as the "Big Three" in men's tennis.
2010: Gluten-Free and Vegan Diet
In 2010, Djokovic adopted a gluten-free and primarily vegan diet, which he credits with improving his health and athletic performance.
April 2011: Djokovic Awarded the Order of St. Sava
In April 2011, Djokovic received the Order of St. Sava I class, the highest distinction from the Serbian Orthodox Church, in recognition of his contributions to Serbian monasteries in Kosovo and his charitable efforts in Serbia. This event highlighted Djokovic's deep-rooted faith and his commitment to his religious community.
June 2011: Order of Serbian National Defense Award and Wimbledon Homecoming Celebration
In June 2011, Djokovic received the Order of Serbian National Defense award in Chicago and was honored with a homecoming celebration in Belgrade after winning his first Wimbledon title.
July 2011: Departure of Igor Četojević from Djokovic's Team
Following Djokovic's Wimbledon victory in July 2011, Igor Četojević departed from his team.
August 2011: Audemars Piguet Ambassador
In August 2011, Djokovic became a brand ambassador for Swiss watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet.
August 2011: Dušan Vemić Joins as Assistant Coach and Hitting Partner
Dušan Vemić joined Djokovic's team as an assistant coach and hitting partner in August 2011 following his retirement from professional tennis.
November 2011: Visit to Jelena Genčić and Cameo in "The Expendables 2"
In November 2011, Djokovic visited his childhood tennis coach Jelena Genčić and filmed a cameo for "The Expendables 2", which was ultimately cut from the final film.
December 2011: Novak Café & Restaurant in Novi Sad
On December 16, 2011, a Novak Café & Restaurant location opened in Novi Sad, Serbia.
2011: Adidas Footwear
Starting in 2011, Djokovic began wearing custom red and blue Adidas Barricade 6.0 shoes, inspired by the Serbian flag's colors, as Tacchini didn't produce shoes.
2011: Djokovic's Winning Streak Against Nadal Begins
Novak Djokovic began his first seven-match winning streak against Rafael Nadal.
2011: US Open and French Open Semifinals
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer faced off in the semifinals of both the 2011 US Open and the 2011 French Open.
2011: Praise for Djokovic's 2011 Season
Many tennis greats acknowledged Djokovic's incredible performance in 2011. Pete Sampras called it "one of the best achievements in all of sports", Boris Becker called it "one of the very best years in tennis of all time", and Rafael Nadal described it as "probably the highest level of tennis that I ever saw."
2011: Del Potro Defeats Djokovic in Davis Cup and Olympics
In 2011, del Potro achieved back-to-back victories against Djokovic in the Davis Cup and the bronze medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, both in straight sets.
2011: Serbia Wins Davis Cup
In 2011, Serbia won its first Davis Cup Championship. Djokovic played a crucial role in this victory, scoring two singles points for Serbia in the final against France. He remained undefeated in singles rubbers throughout the tournament.
2011: Back Injury and Retirement from Davis Cup
Djokovic sustained a back injury during the 2011 US Open, causing him to retire from the Davis Cup that year.
2011: Jimmy Connors analyzes Djokovic's playing style
In 2011, Jimmy Connors praised Djokovic's playing style, describing it as "old-school" and highlighting his ability to take the ball early and turn defense into offense effectively.
2011: Djokovic Reaches First Wimbledon Final and Becomes World No. 1
Djokovic advanced to his first Wimbledon final in 2011, defeating Tsonga in the semifinals. This victory also propelled Djokovic to the world No. 1 ranking for the first time.
2011: First Wimbledon Title
Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in the 2011 Wimbledon final to win his first Wimbledon title. This victory also propelled him to the world No. 1 ranking, replacing Nadal.
2011: Djokovic Achieves World No. 1 Ranking
Djokovic reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in 2011, winning three Grand Slam titles and five Masters titles.
2011: 70th Win of the Year
Djokovic concluded the 2011 season with 70 wins, sealing his final win of the year against Tomáš Berdych at the ATP Finals.
2011: Sergio Tacchini Contract Termination
Djokovic's success in 2011 put a strain on his incentive-laden contract with Tacchini, leading to its termination.
2011: Nadal acknowledges Djokovic's peak performance level
During the 2011 season, where Nadal lost all six matches against Djokovic, Nadal described Djokovic's level of play as "probably the highest level of tennis that I ever saw."
2011: Ten Tournament Wins in a Year
In 2011, Djokovic had a remarkable year, winning a total of 10 tournaments, including three Grand Slam tournaments, a record-breaking five ATP Masters titles, and earning $12.6 million on the ATP Tour.
2011: Djokovic updates his Head racket model
In 2011, Djokovic started using the Head YouTek IG Speed (18x20) racket model.
2011: Djokovic Named BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year
In 2011, Djokovic was recognized as the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.
March 2012: Profiled on "60 Minutes" and Named One of TIME's 100 Most Influential People
In March 2012, Djokovic was profiled on the CBS show "60 Minutes" and recognized as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people.
March 2012: Learjet Brand Ambassador
In March 2012, Bombardier Aerospace announced Djokovic as its Learjet brand ambassador.
April 2012: Tacchini Deal Collapse
By April 2012, Djokovic's deal with Tacchini had completely fallen apart.
May 2012: Uniqlo Partnership
On May 23, 2012, Uniqlo announced Djokovic as its global brand ambassador in a five-year deal reportedly worth €8 million annually, starting on May 27, 2012, at the French Open in Paris.
August 2012: Olympics and Tournament Performances
In August 2012, Djokovic served as Serbia's flag bearer at the London Olympics. He reached the semifinals, where Andy Murray defeated him. He then lost to Juan Martín del Potro in the bronze medal match, finishing fourth. Djokovic successfully defended his Rogers Cup title against Tommy Haas. He then reached the finals of the Cincinnati Masters but lost to Roger Federer.
November 2012: US Open Final, Ranking, and ATP Finals Victory
In November 2012, Djokovic reached his third consecutive US Open final, where he lost a five-set match against Andy Murray. He then successfully defended his China Open title by defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He also won the Shanghai Masters, defeating Andy Murray. After Roger Federer withdrew from the Paris Masters, Djokovic regained the No.1 ranking. He concluded the year by winning the ATP Finals against Roger Federer.
December 2012: Switch to IMG Worldwide
After his contract with CAA Sports ended in the summer of 2012, Djokovic chose to switch representation and signed with IMG Worldwide in December 2012.
2012: Longest Major Final Match at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played the longest major final match in history at the 2012 Australian Open, which lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes and ended with Djokovic's victory.
2012: Serbia Open Ends
The Serbia Open, a 250-series ATP tournament, folded in 2012 after four editions.
2012: Tournament Results
In 2012, Djokovic lost to John Isner in the semifinals at Indian Wells but successfully defended his title in Miami by defeating Andy Murray. He faced defeats against Rafael Nadal in the finals of both Monte Carlo and Rome Masters.
2012: Djokovic's memorable Australian Open final victory
In the 2012 Australian Open final, Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in a grueling five-set match that is considered one of the greatest tennis matches ever played.
2012: Del Potro Wins Olympic Bronze Medal Against Djokovic
In 2012, del Potro won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics, defeating Djokovic in straight sets in the bronze medal match.
2012: Cincinnati Masters and Australian Open Final
In 2012, Novak Djokovic won his third Cincinnati Masters title and a record-extending 39th Masters title by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling match that lasted 3 hours and 49 minutes. Djokovic considered this match, along with the 2012 Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal, as one of his toughest.
2012: Djokovic Wins First Shanghai Masters Title
In 2012, Djokovic won his first Shanghai Masters title, ending Andy Murray's 12-match winning streak at the tournament in a thrilling three-set final.
2012: Djokovic features in Head racket commercial
In 2012, Djokovic and Maria Sharapova appeared in a TV commercial for Head rackets, showcasing the versatility of the rackets in various sports.
2012: Djokovic comments on modern tennis style
Following his semifinal win against Andy Murray in the 2012 Australian Open, Djokovic discussed the evolution of playing styles in modern tennis during an interview with Jim Courier.
2012: Djokovic Wins Three Matches Against Tsonga
During 2012, Djokovic won three matches against Tsonga: a five-set quarterfinal at the French Open, the final of the China Open, and a round-robin match at the ATP Finals. Djokovic won all three matches in straight sets.
2012: Djokovic Receives Laureus World Sports Award
Djokovic was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the first time in 2012.
2012: Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year
Djokovic was named the 2012 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year for his philanthropic work through his foundation, his role as a UNICEF national ambassador, and other charitable endeavors.
March 2013: Tournament Wins and Losses
In March 2013, Djokovic won the Dubai Championships, defeating Tomáš Berdych. He reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters, where he lost to Juan Martín del Potro, ending his 22-match winning streak. He then lost in the fourth round of the Miami Masters to Tommy Haas.
September 2013: Djokovic and Ristić Get Engaged
Novak Djokovic and Jelena Ristić got engaged in September 2013.
December 2013: Boris Becker Becomes Djokovic's Head Coach
Boris Becker, a six-time major champion and former world No. 1, was appointed as Djokovic's new head coach in December 2013, focusing on Grand Slam tournaments.
2013: Djokovic Wins Two Important Matches Against Del Potro
In 2013, Djokovic won two important matches against del Potro: a five-set semifinal at Wimbledon, which was the longest Wimbledon semifinal at that time, and a thrilling three-set final at the Shanghai Masters.
2013: Wimbledon Loss to Andy Murray
In 2013, Novak Djokovic lost to Andy Murray at Wimbledon, marking his last defeat on Centre Court until 2023.
2013: Monte-Carlo Masters Victory against Rafael Nadal
In 2013, Novak Djokovic ended Rafael Nadal's streak of eight consecutive titles at the Monte-Carlo Masters, highlighting his dominance on clay courts.
2013: Publication of "Serve to Win"
In 2013, Novak Djokovic released his autobiography, "Serve to Win," where he shared his unusual belief about the impact of emotions on water. He described an experiment where a researcher focused negative emotions on a glass of water, which then turned greenish, while water exposed to positive emotions remained clear.
2013: Australian Open Victory and Davis Cup Match
In 2013, Djokovic won his third consecutive Australian Open, defeating Andy Murray in the final. He then participated in the Davis Cup, securing victory against Olivier Rochus, which contributed to the Serbian team's 2-0 lead.
2013: Wimbledon Final, US Open Final, Tournament Wins, and Coaching Change
In 2013, Djokovic reached the Wimbledon final after a five-set victory against Juan Martín del Potro but lost the final to Andy Murray. He lost to Rafael Nadal in the US Open final. He secured tournament wins in Beijing and Shanghai and concluded the season with a victory at the ATP Finals against Rafael Nadal. Boris Becker joined Djokovic's team as head coach.
2013: Djokovic and Wawrinka Play Memorable Matches at Australian and US Opens
In 2013, Djokovic and Wawrinka had two memorable five-set matches: a thrilling fourth-round encounter at the Australian Open, which Djokovic won 12-10 in the fifth set, and a semifinal clash at the US Open, with Djokovic prevailing 6-4 in the final set.
2013: Djokovic's tough Australian Open fourth-round match
Djokovic's five-set victory over Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round of the 2013 Australian Open is remembered as a highly competitive and memorable match.
2013: End of Collaboration with Dušan Vemić
Djokovic's collaboration with Dušan Vemić as assistant coach and hitting partner ended before the 2013 US Open.
2013: Djokovic switches to Head Graphene Speed Pro
Djokovic switched to the Head Graphene Speed Pro racket model in 2013, accompanied by a promotional campaign for the new racket.
2013: Long-Term Adidas Footwear Deal
Ahead of the 2013 French Open, Djokovic announced a long-term footwear endorsement deal with Adidas.
2013: Australian Open Quarterfinal Loss
In 2013, Djokovic started his year with a victory at the Mubadala Championship. At the Australian Open, he won his first four matches but lost to Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals, ending his winning streak.
January 2014: Peugeot and Seiko Endorsements
Beginning in January 2014, Djokovic started endorsing French car manufacturer Peugeot and Japanese watchmaker Seiko, ending his partnership with Audemars Piguet.
July 2014: Djokovic and Ristić Marry
Djokovic married Jelena Ristić in July 2014 in Montenegro.
October 2014: Djokovic Becomes a Father
Djokovic's first child, a son, was born in October 2014.
2014: Walkover Against Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic received a walkover against Roger Federer in 2014.
2014: Wawrinka Defeats Djokovic, Ending his Winning Streak
Wawrinka defeated Djokovic in a five-set quarterfinal match at the 2014 Australian Open, ending Djokovic's 28-match winning streak and 14 consecutive major semifinal appearances. Wawrinka went on to win his first major title at that tournament.
2014: Boris Becker's First Tournament Coaching Djokovic
The 2014 Australian Open marked Boris Becker's first tournament coaching Djokovic, commencing their partnership in a Grand Slam setting.
2014: Wimbledon Final
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer contested the 2014 Wimbledon final.
2014: Tournament Wins and Donation
In 2014, Djokovic won both the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Masters titles, defeating Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, respectively. He donated his winnings from the Rome Masters, where he defeated Nadal, to the victims of the Southeast Europe floods.
2014: French Open and Wimbledon 2014
In 2014, Djokovic reached the French Open final without losing a set in earlier rounds, including victories over Nadal and Murray. However, he lost the final to Wawrinka. He rebounded by winning his third Wimbledon title, defeating Federer in the final.
2014: Djokovic's First Cincinnati Masters Title and Career Golden Masters
In 2014, Djokovic achieved a historic feat by winning his first Cincinnati Masters title, defeating Roger Federer in the final despite Federer's streak of 100 consecutive holds of serve at the tournament dating back to the 2014 final. This victory completed Djokovic's Career Golden Masters, making him the first and only player to win all nine ATP Masters events at least once.
2014: Support for Balkan Flood Victims
During the 2014 Balkan floods, Djokovic helped rally international financial and media support for those affected in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. After winning the 2014 Rome Masters, he donated his prize money to flood relief efforts in Serbia, with his foundation raising an additional $600,000.
2014: Brief Collaboration with Bojan Božović as Hitting Partner
Djokovic briefly worked with his childhood friend and former junior doubles partner Bojan Božović as a hitting partner in late 2014, specifically focusing on return practices.
2014: Djokovic Begins Streak of 13 Major Finals
Djokovic began a streak of 13 major finals appearances starting from the 2014 Wimbledon Championships.
March 2015: Closure of Novi Sad Location
The Novak Café & Restaurant in Novi Sad closed in late March 2015 after operating for over three years.
May 2015: Launch of Djokolife
In May 2015, Djokovic launched Djokolife, a line of nutritional food products.
August 2015: Foundation Partnership
In August 2015, the Novak Djokovic Foundation partnered with the World Bank to promote early childhood education in Serbia.
August 2015: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
In August 2015, Djokovic was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
October 2015: Novak Café & Restaurant in Banja Luka
A Novak Café & Restaurant opened in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on October 16, 2015, within Hotel Trešnja on Banj hill.
2015: Wimbledon Final
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer played each other in the 2015 Wimbledon final.
2015: Wawrinka Wins Second Major Title, Defeating Djokovic at French Open
Wawrinka claimed his second major title by defeating Djokovic in four sets at the 2015 French Open final. Later in the year, Djokovic beat Wawrinka at the Cincinnati Masters and Paris Masters.
2015: Djokovic's Second Winning Streak Against Nadal Begins
Novak Djokovic started his second seven-match winning streak against Rafael Nadal.
2015: Djokovic Becomes UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Djokovic was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2015.
2015: Year-End Top Two Players
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray finished as the top two players in the world at the end of 2015.
2015: ANZ and Jacob's Creek Partnerships
In early 2015, Djokovic partnered with Australian banking corporation ANZ for a social media campaign supporting local communities in the Asia Pacific region. He also collaborated with Australian wine brand Jacob's Creek for the "Made By" film series, a documentary-style project showcasing a less-seen side of Djokovic.
2015: Tournament Wins and Withdrawal
In 2015, Djokovic won the Dubai Championships by defeating John Isner and Andy Murray. He won his 21st Masters title in Indian Wells and his 22nd in Miami. He then won the Monte-Carlo Masters, making him the first player to win the first three ATP Masters 1000 titles of the season. However, he withdrew from the Madrid Masters. He then won the Rome Masters for the fourth time.
2015: Record-Breaking Season
In 2015, Djokovic had one of the greatest seasons in tennis history, reaching the final of every top-level tournament he played and winning 11 titles, including three Grand Slams, six Masters, and the Year-end Championships. He set records for most ranking points and most victories over top-10 players.
2015: Djokovic's Most Successful Season
In 2015, Djokovic had his most successful season, reaching a record 15 consecutive finals and winning 10 Big Titles.
2015: Djokovic Defeats Wawrinka in Five Sets at Australian Open
In 2015, Djokovic defeated Wawrinka in a five-set match at the Australian Open, winning the fifth set 6-0.
2015: Dominant Start to the Year
In 2015, Djokovic began the year by winning the Doha title, defeating Nadal. He then won his sixth Australian Open title, defeating Federer and Murray. He continued his success by winning the Indian Wells Masters, defeating Nadal and Raonic.
2015: Djokovic's First Loss to Federer Since 2015
During the round-robin stage of the 2019 ATP Finals, Djokovic experienced his first loss to Roger Federer since 2015.
2015: Djokovic Wins Second Laureus World Sports Award
Djokovic received his second Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award in 2015.
April 2016: Miami Open and Madrid Open Victories
In April 2016, Djokovic won his sixth Miami Open title without losing a set, tying Agassi for the most titles in the tournament's history. He also surpassed Federer as the all-time leading prize money winner on the ATP tour. He then won the Madrid Open for the second time in his career, defeating Murray.
April 2016: Opening of Eqvita Restaurant
Djokovic opened a vegan restaurant called Eqvita in Monte Carlo in April 2016.
2016: Wawrinka Defeats Djokovic Again in a Major Final
In 2016, Wawrinka beat Djokovic for the second time in a major final, this time at the US Open.
2016: Battle for Year-End No. 1
The contest for the year-end No. 1 ranking in 2016 came down to the final of the World Tour Finals, where Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to secure the top spot.
2016: Djokovic's Winning Streak Against Nadal Ends
Novak Djokovic's second seven-match winning streak against Rafael Nadal came to an end.
2016: Djokovic Completes First Career Grand Slam
Djokovic completed his first Career Grand Slam at the 2016 French Open, becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four majors simultaneously.
2016: Djokovic's Success and Andy Murray's ATP Finals Win
In 2016, Novak Djokovic won seven titles. Andy Murray won the World Tour Finals, becoming the first World No. 1 to achieve this since 2016.
2016: Donation to Early Childhood Education
Following his victory in the 2016 Australian Open, Djokovic donated $20,000 to Melbourne City Mission's early childhood education program, supporting disadvantaged children.
2016: Djokovic Elected ATP Player Council President
Djokovic was elected president of the ATP Player Council in 2016.
2016: Nadal praises Djokovic's perfect play
After losing to Djokovic in the 2016 Qatar Open final, Rafael Nadal again highlighted Djokovic's exceptional performance, saying he had "never seen somebody playing at this level."
2016: Del Potro Upsets Djokovic at Rio Olympics
Del Potro upset Djokovic in the first round of the 2016 Rio Olympics, eventually reaching the final of the tournament.
2016: Djokovic Earns Third Laureus World Sports Award
In 2016, Djokovic was honored with his third Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.
May 2017: Conclusion of Coaching Relationship with Marián Vajda and Other Team Members
In May 2017, Djokovic and Marián Vajda ended their coaching relationship along with other team members, including Gebhard Phil-Gritsch and Miljan Amanović.
May 2017: Lacoste Brand Ambassador
On May 22, 2017, Djokovic became a brand ambassador for Lacoste, concluding his five-year partnership with Uniqlo.
May 2017: Coaching Change and French Open Loss
In May 2017, Djokovic announced Andre Agassi as his new coach. However, he lost in the French Open quarterfinals to Dominic Thiem.
May 2017: Djokovic Announces Termination of Coaching Relationships
Djokovic confirmed the termination of his coaching relationships with Marián Vajda, Gebhard Phil-Gritsch, and Miljan Amanović in May 2017, citing the need for a change and new energy to elevate his game.
October 2017: Djokovic's Return to the Top 10
After his Wimbledon victory in 2018, Djokovic re-entered the top 10 for the first time since October 2017. His ranking rose 11 spots, reaching the No. 10 position.
2017: Djokovic Withdraws from US Open and Remainder of 2017 Season
On July 26, 2017, Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the US Open and the rest of the 2017 season to allow his elbow injury to heal. This marked the first time he missed a major tournament since his debut at the 2005 Australian Open, breaking his streak of participating in 51 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments.
2017: Nadal calls Djokovic "invincible" at his peak
In 2017, Nadal stated that when Djokovic was at his best, he was practically "invincible."
2017: Djokovic's US Open Triumph and Return to World Top 3
In 2017, Djokovic secured his third US Open title and 14th major title overall, tying Pete Sampras' record. This victory propelled him back into the top 3 of the world rankings for the first time since the 2017 French Open.
2017: Djokovic Suffers Elbow Injury
In 2017, Djokovic experienced an elbow injury that affected his performance.
2017: Djokovic Welcomes Daughter
Djokovic's daughter was born in 2017.
April 2018: Reunion with Marián Vajda for the Monte-Carlo Masters
Djokovic reunited with his former coach Marián Vajda in April 2018 for the Monte-Carlo Masters, marking a resumption of their coaching partnership.
2018: Wimbledon Semifinal
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played a notable semifinal match at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships.
2018: Epic Wimbledon semifinal between Djokovic and Nadal
The 2018 Wimbledon semifinal between Djokovic and Nadal was a five-set battle that spanned over two days, showcasing the intensity and rivalry between the two players.
2018: Djokovic Reclaims World No. 1 Ranking
On October 31, 2018, Djokovic regained the world No. 1 ranking after Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Paris Masters due to an abdominal injury.
2018: Wimbledon Winning Streak Begins
Novak Djokovic started his 34-match winning streak at Wimbledon in 2018.
2018: Australian Open Winning Streak Begins
Novak Djokovic started his 33-match winning streak at the Australian Open in 2018.
2018: Paris Masters Semifinal
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer played a notable semifinal match at the 2018 Paris Masters.
2018: Djokovic Wins Wimbledon Despite Injury
Djokovic won the 2018 Wimbledon Championships while ranked No. 21 in the world, demonstrating resilience after his injury.
2018: Djokovic Begins Clay Court Season with Losses and a Milestone Victory
In 2018, after being unable to play in March, Djokovic started his clay court season with losses at the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Serbia Open. However, at the Italian Open, he reached the final and achieved his 1,000th career win, becoming the fifth man in the Open Era to reach this milestone.
2018: Djokovic Returns to Tennis after Elbow Surgery
In 2018, Djokovic returned to tennis after undergoing elbow surgery, participating in the Kooyong Classic exhibition tournament and the Australian Open. Despite his efforts, he faced setbacks, losing to Chung Hyeon in the fourth round of the Australian Open and suffering early-round defeats at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
2018: US Open Final and Cincinnati Masters 2018
In 2018, Djokovic lost the Cincinnati Masters final to Federer, missing a chance to complete the Career Golden Masters. At the US Open, he reached the final, defeating Federer to win his third US Open title and his tenth Grand Slam singles title.
2018: Djokovic's Support for Croatia and Luka Modrić
In 2018, Djokovic demonstrated his support for the Croatian national football team during the FIFA World Cup. He defended his stance, emphasizing the unifying power of sports and its ability to transcend national boundaries and differences. He also expressed admiration for Croatian footballer Luka Modrić.
2018: Djokovic Defeats Del Potro in US Open Final
In 2018, Djokovic defeated del Potro in the US Open final, marking del Potro's first Grand Slam final appearance since his 2009 US Open victory.
2018: Elbow Surgery and Reflections on Health
After undergoing elbow surgery in 2018, Djokovic expressed his preference for natural healing methods.
2018: Tsitsipas Upsets Djokovic at Rogers Cup
A 19-year-old Tsitsipas, ranked No. 27 at the time, upset Djokovic in three sets in the third round of the 2018 Rogers Cup.
March 2019: Eqvita Restaurant Closure
Djokovic's vegan restaurant, Eqvita, reportedly closed in March 2019.
June 2019: Goran Ivanišević Joins Djokovic's Coaching Team
Djokovic added former world No. 2 and Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanišević to his coaching team in June 2019, expanding his support system.
2019: Edoardo Artaldi's Role in Djokovic's Team Highlighted
In 2019, Edoardo Artaldi emphasized his role in creating a supportive environment for Djokovic during tours, highlighting the personal dimension of their professional relationship.
2019: Last Appearance at Indian Wells Masters
Novak Djokovic participated in the Indian Wells Masters for the last time before his return in 2024.
2019: Thiem Ends Djokovic's "Nole Slam" Quest at French Open
In 2019, Thiem won a grueling four-hour, five-set semifinal match against Djokovic at the French Open. This victory, spread across two days, ended Djokovic's pursuit of a second "Nole Slam" - winning all four major titles consecutively. Later that year, Thiem also defeated Djokovic in a deciding set tiebreaker during the round-robin stage of the ATP Finals.
2019: Longest Wimbledon Final Against Roger Federer
In 2019, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer played the longest Wimbledon final in history, with Djokovic emerging victorious after five sets.
2019: Djokovic and Tsitsipas Trade Victories in Madrid and Shanghai
Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas in the 2019 Madrid Open, avenging his earlier loss at the Rogers Cup. However, Tsitsipas won their next encounter in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Shanghai Masters.
2019: Djokovic Defends Wimbledon Title and Faces Setbacks at US Open and ATP Finals
In 2019, Djokovic successfully defended his Wimbledon title, claiming his fifth Wimbledon championship and 16th major title overall. However, he faced setbacks at the US Open, losing to Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round due to injury, and at the ATP Finals, where he was eliminated in the round-robin stage, including his first loss to Roger Federer since 2015.
2019: Djokovic Defeats Medvedev in Australian Open
In 2019, Djokovic defeated Medvedev in the fourth round of the Australian Open. This was their first encounter in a Grand Slam tournament.
2019: Andre Agassi interview with the Times of India
In 2019, Andre Agassi gave an interview to the Times of India.
2019: Djokovic wins longest Wimbledon final in history
Djokovic's five-set victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final became the longest Wimbledon final in history, highlighting Djokovic's endurance and resilience.
2019: Djokovic Awarded Fourth Laureus World Sports Award
Djokovic received his fourth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award in 2019.
2019: Djokovic Defeats Tsonga in Australian Open Second Round
Djokovic defeated Tsonga in straight sets in the second round of the 2019 Australian Open. This was their final major meeting.
2019: Djokovic Defeats Del Potro in Dramatic Italian Open Quarterfinal
In 2019, Djokovic defeated del Potro in a dramatic three-set quarterfinal at the Italian Open, saving two match points along the way. This marked their last encounter.
March 2020: COVID-19 Donation
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Serbia, Djokovic and his wife pledged €1 million to purchase ventilators and medical supplies for hospitals and medical facilities. He also made donations to Bergamo, Italy, Novi Pazar, Serbia, and North Mitrovica, Kosovo.
April 2020: Djokovic's Stance on Vaccination
During the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, Djokovic expressed his opposition to mandatory vaccination during a Facebook live stream. He clarified that while he is not against all vaccines, he believes in the freedom of choice and expressed concerns about being forced to take a vaccine in order to compete on the ATP tour.
August 2020: Formation of PTPA
In August 2020, Djokovic co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) with Vasek Pospisil to advocate for tennis players' interests.
2020: Djokovic's Comments on Water and Emotions
In 2020, Djokovic publicly stated his belief that human emotions could change the properties of water. He claimed that prayer and gratitude could purify even the most toxic substances and that scientists had proven the effect of emotions on water molecules. This claim stirred controversy due to its lack of scientific basis.
2020: Djokovic Establishes Professional Tennis Players Association
In 2020, Djokovic stepped down from his role as president of the ATP Player Council to co-found the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), advocating for players' rights and improved prize money distribution.
2020: Djokovic Defeats Tsitsipas in French Open Semifinal
In 2020, Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas in the semifinals of the French Open.
2020: Djokovic's Historic Australian Open Win and Major Titles in Three Decades
Djokovic's victory at the 2020 Australian Open marked his eighth win at the tournament and his 17th Grand Slam title overall. This win also made him the first player since Ken Rosewall to win major titles in three different decades and the first to do so in the Open Era.
2020: Djokovic's Streak of 13 Major Finals Ends
Djokovic's streak of 13 major final appearances ended at the 2020 Australian Open. Notably, both of his losses during this period were against Wawrinka.
2020: Djokovic Wins Australian Open Final Against Thiem
Djokovic defeated Thiem in a five-set final at the 2020 Australian Open. However, Thiem won their last match, the semifinals of the 2020 ATP Finals, in three sets.
2020: Djokovic Leads Serbia to ATP Cup Title
Djokovic captained the Serbian team to victory in the inaugural ATP Cup in 2020.
2020: Career Golden Masters Completion
Djokovic achieved the Career Golden Masters by winning the Cincinnati Masters in 2020, a feat he had missed in 2018.
April 2021: Snail Species Named After Djokovic
In April 2021, a newly discovered freshwater snail species, Travunijana djokovici, was named after Djokovic.
April 2021: RBI and UKG Endorsements
In April 2021, Djokovic became a brand ambassador for Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) and its subsidiaries in Central and Eastern Europe. RBI supports his tennis academy in Belgrade. He also endorsed UKG, an American workforce management and HR company, during the 2021 US Open.
November 2021: Djokovic Granted Visa to Enter Australia but Later Detained
In November 2021, Djokovic was granted a visa to enter Australia. However, he was detained by the Australian Border Force upon his arrival in January 2022 for not meeting the entry requirements for an unvaccinated traveler.
December 2021: Second Parting with Marián Vajda and Transition to a Smaller Team
In December 2021, Djokovic parted ways with Marián Vajda for the second time as he decided to focus on Grand Slam tournaments with a smaller team led by Goran Ivanišević.
December 2021: Djokovic Tests Positive for COVID-19
Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 on December 16, 2021, which later served as the basis for his medical exemption to play in the 2022 Australian Open.
2021: Scrutiny over Djokovic's Vaccination Status
In late 2021, leading up to the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic's stance on vaccination came under scrutiny as Australian officials hinted that vaccination would be mandatory for tournament entry. Despite his concerns about potential quarantine, Djokovic remained evasive about his vaccination status, sparking further public debate.
2021: French Open Semifinal
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played a memorable semifinal match at the 2021 French Open.
2021: Djokovic Wins Australian Open, Medvedev Wins US Open and Ends Djokovic's Calendar-Year Grand Slam Bid
In 2021, Djokovic defeated Medvedev in the Australian Open final, while Medvedev won his first major title by defeating Djokovic in the US Open final. Medvedev's victory ended Djokovic's quest for a calendar-year Grand Slam. Notably, all three Grand Slam finals between Djokovic and Medvedev resulted in straight-set wins.
2021: Djokovic Wins Sixth Wimbledon Title and Equals Federer and Nadal's Record
In 2021, Novak Djokovic won his sixth Wimbledon title, equaling Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's record of 20 men's singles major titles. He also achieved a "Surface Slam" by winning Majors on three different surfaces in the same year and a "Channel Slam" by winning the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year.
2021: US Open Championship and Record-breaking Victory
In 2021, Novak Djokovic won his fourth US Open title and achieved a record-extending 24th men's singles major title by defeating Daniil Medvedev. This victory also marked his third major win in a single season, a feat he achieved for the fourth time. Djokovic reclaimed the world No. 1 position after this tournament.
2021: Djokovic Wins Sixth Paris Masters Title and Secures Year-End No. 1 Ranking for Record Seventh Time
In 2021, Djokovic won his sixth Paris Masters title and 37th ATP Masters title overall. His victory in the final against Daniil Medvedev secured him the year-end No. 1 ranking for a record seventh time, breaking Pete Sampras' all-time record.
2021: Djokovic's 18th Major Title and Setbacks at Monte-Carlo Masters and Serbia Open
In 2021, Djokovic won his 18th major title and a record-extending ninth title at the Australian Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. However, he faced setbacks at the Monte-Carlo Masters, losing in the third round to Dan Evans, and at the Serbia Open, losing a challenging three-set semifinal to Aslan Karatsev.
2021: Djokovic Wins French Open Final After Comeback Against Tsitsipas
Djokovic staged a comeback from two sets down to defeat Tsitsipas in the 2021 French Open final, securing his second French Open title. Earlier in the tournament, Djokovic also won a quarterfinal match against Tsitsipas that was spread over two days.
2021: Djokovic hailed as the "greatest tennis player in history"
After Djokovic's loss to Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 US Open final, Medvedev called Djokovic the "greatest tennis player in history." This sentiment was echoed by several tennis experts, including Pat Cash and Richard Krajicek, who praised Djokovic's achievements and dominance in the sport.
2021: Sampras praises Djokovic's record year-end No. 1 finish
After Djokovic achieved a record seventh year-end No. 1 finish in 2021, Pete Sampras commended Djokovic's accomplishment.
January 2022: Confirmation of Unvaccinated Status
In January 2022, during an interview with the Australian Border Force, Djokovic confirmed that he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. This revelation had significant repercussions, leading to his deportation from Australia and inability to defend his Australian Open title.
January 2022: Djokovic's Visa Cancelled and Deported from Australia
In January 2022, Djokovic's visa was canceled by the Australian Immigration Minister on "health and good order" grounds, preventing him from participating in the Australian Open. His appeal was dismissed by the Federal Court, and he was deported.
February 2022: Djokovic's Reaffirmation of Personal Choice
In a BBC interview in February 2022, Djokovic distanced himself from the anti-vaccination movement but reiterated his belief in personal freedom of choice regarding vaccination. He remained resolute in his decision, even acknowledging the potential cost to his career and legacy, emphasizing his commitment to his principles.
February 2022: Medvedev Becomes World No. 1
In February 2022, Medvedev reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time, replacing Djokovic.
March 2022: Public Announcement of Second Separation from Marián Vajda
Djokovic and Vajda publicly announced their amicable separation in March 2022, with Vajda pledging continued support and Djokovic expressing gratitude for their 15-year journey.
April 2022: Foundation Milestone
By April 2022, the Novak Djokovic Foundation had built 50 schools and was working on its 51st, supporting over 20,800 children and thousands of families.
May 2022: Djokovic's Record-Breaking 371 Weeks at World No. 1
As of May 23, 2022, Djokovic has spent a record-breaking 371 weeks at the world No. 1 ranking, surpassing Roger Federer's previous Open Era record of 310 weeks.
November 2022: Djokovic's Three-Year Visa Ban Overturned
In November 2022, Djokovic's three-year visa ban, imposed after his deportation in January, was overturned by the new Immigration Minister.
2022: Djokovic and Alcaraz first meeting
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz met for the first time in the semifinals of the 2022 Madrid Masters, where Alcaraz won in a close match that went to a tiebreaker in the final set.
2022: Djokovic Remains the Sole Holder of the Career Golden Masters
As of 2022, Djokovic remains the sole player in tennis history to have achieved the Career Golden Masters, demonstrating his exceptional skill and dominance across all ATP Masters events.
2022: Beetle Species Named After Djokovic
In 2022, a new beetle species, Duvalius djokovici, was named in honor of Djokovic.
2022: Djokovic Loses French Open Title Defense to Nadal
In 2022, Djokovic lost his French Open title defense in the quarterfinals against Rafael Nadal. This marked their 59th encounter, extending their record for most meetings. Djokovic also lost his No. 1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev for the second time that year.
2022: Impact of Vaccination Stance on Djokovic's Career
Djokovic's decision to remain unvaccinated in 2022 had a significant impact on his career. He faced criticism for potentially jeopardizing his legacy by prioritizing personal beliefs over participation in major tournaments. The controversy led to him missing the Australian and US Open, tournaments he was favored to win. His absence from these tournaments resulted in the loss of his No. 1 ranking after a record 373 weeks.
2022: Djokovic Misses Tournaments Due to Vaccination Stance
Djokovic's decision against COVID-19 vaccination led to his absence from major tournaments in 2022, including the Australian Open and the US Open.
2022: Coaching Split
Djokovic's Eastbourne International win in 2017 was his only tournament victory without Marian Vajda as his coach until their split in 2022.
2022: Djokovic Defeats Tsitsipas in Italian Open Final
Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas in the final of the 2022 Italian Open.
2022: Reflection on 2015 Season
As of 2022, Djokovic's 2015 season remains his most successful.
2022: Publication of "Facing Novak Djokovic"
A book titled "Facing Novak Djokovic", featuring interviews with tennis players about their experiences competing against Djokovic, was published in 2022.
2022: Djokovic Withdraws from ATP Cup and Seeks Medical Exemption to Play in Australian Open
In 2022, Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Cup and sought a medical exemption to play in the Australian Open despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19, as required by the Victorian Government.
February 2023: Djokovic Breaks Steffi Graf's Record for Most Weeks at World No. 1
On February 27, 2023, Djokovic broke Steffi Graf's record of 377 weeks for most weeks as world No. 1, which she set 25 years prior. This made him the player with the most weeks at No. 1 in both men's and women's tennis.
2023: Djokovic Wins US Open, Featuring a Record-Setting Set
In 2023, Djokovic defeated Medvedev in the US Open final. The second set of this match, which Djokovic won in a tiebreaker after a grueling 104-minute battle, became one of the longest sets in US Open history.
2023: Paris Masters and ATP Finals Triumph
Novak Djokovic won his record-extending seventh Paris Masters title and 40th Masters overall in 2023. He also secured the Year-end world No. 1 ranking for a record-extending eighth time and won a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title. These achievements marked his most successful season since 2016. On November 20, 2023, Djokovic became the first singles player to reach 400 weeks at No. 1.
2023: Djokovic compared to other sporting greats
In 2023, tennis figures continued to praise Djokovic's achievements. Mardy Fish declared Djokovic's 2011 form as the "best player of all time," and Boris Becker compared Djokovic's dominance to Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, and LeBron James in their respective sports.
2023: Wimbledon Championships
In 2023, Novak Djokovic competed in the Wimbledon Championships aiming for his fifth consecutive and record-equalling eighth title. He advanced to the semifinals by defeating Pedro Cachin, Jordan Thompson, Stan Wawrinka, Hubert Hurkacz, and Andrey Rublev. In the semifinals, he faced Jannik Sinner, winning in straight sets to reach his fifth consecutive and ninth overall Wimbledon final. However, he lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets, ending his 34-match winning streak at Wimbledon since 2018 and his unbeaten run in both Wimbledon finals and Centre Court since 2013.
2023: Djokovic Defeats Tsitsipas in Australian Open Final
In 2023, Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final. The two were competing for the world No. 1 ranking in this match.
2023: Djokovic wins longest best-of-three-sets ATP final
Djokovic's victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 Cincinnati Masters final became the longest best-of-three-sets final in ATP Tour history, further cementing Djokovic's reputation for excelling in long and demanding matches.
2023: Djokovic Defeats Alcaraz in ATP Finals Semifinal
In 2023, Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in the semifinals of the ATP Finals.
2023: Djokovic and Alcaraz's rivalry intensifies
In 2023, Djokovic and Alcaraz faced each other in three significant matches: the French Open semifinals (Djokovic won in four sets), the Wimbledon final (Alcaraz won in a five-set thriller), and the Cincinnati Masters final (Djokovic won in a grueling three-setter). These matches showcased the intensity and high quality of their rivalry, with each player pushing the other to their limits.
2023: Rafael Nadal comments on Djokovic's legacy
Following Djokovic's victory at the 2023 US Open, Rafael Nadal remarked on Djokovic's impressive legacy in tennis.
2023: Challenging Moment in Djokovic's Relationship with Artaldi
Djokovic's relationship with Artaldi faced a challenging moment during the 2023 Adelaide Open final when Djokovic asked Artaldi and his brother Marko to leave his box.
2023: Djokovic's Triumphant Return and Record-Breaking French Open Victory
Djokovic made a comeback in 2023 by winning the Australian Open and shortly after, the French Open, setting the record for most men's singles Grand Slam titles.
2023: End of Association with Edoardo Artaldi's Management Team
Djokovic concluded his long-term professional relationship with Edoardo Artaldi's management team in late 2023, expressing gratitude for their support and signifying a new chapter in his off-court approach.
2023: Djokovic's Statement on Kosovo at French Open
After winning his first-round match at the 2023 French Open, Djokovic wrote "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence" on a camera lens, referencing recent clashes in Kosovo. His statement, considered a political statement, drew criticism, particularly from the French sports minister, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding the Kosovo issue.
2024: Djokovic Awarded Fifth Laureus World Sports Award
Djokovic received his fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award in 2024.
2024: Australian Open Semifinal Loss and Other Tournament Results
In 2024, Novak Djokovic lost in the Australian Open semifinals to Jannik Sinner, marking his first loss at the tournament since 2018 and his first-ever Australian Open semifinal loss. He also lost to Luca Nardi in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters and to Casper Ruud in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters. At the Italian Open, Djokovic was struck on the head by a water bottle and lost to Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.
2024: Current Through 2024 Australian Open
This entry signifies that the information provided in the document is current up until the 2024 Australian Open, offering a timeframe for the relevancy of the data.