How Novak Djokovic Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Novak Djokovic—a timeline of influence.

Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He holds the record for most weeks ranked world No. 1 (428) and most year-end No. 1 finishes (8). Djokovic boasts a record 24 major men's singles titles, including a record ten Australian Open titles, totaling 100 singles titles. He's the only man to simultaneously hold all four major titles across three surfaces and the only man to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam. Additionally, he's the only player to complete a Career Golden Masters twice and the only singles player to have won all Big Titles.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1969: Rod Laver Holds All Four Majors Simultaneously

In 1969, Rod Laver was the last man to hold all four majors simultaneously before Novak Djokovic achieved the feat in 2016.

1994: Becker Beats Top Three Ranked Players

In 2007, Novak Djokovic became the first player since Boris Becker in 1994 to beat the top three ranked players in a single event, claiming the title at the Canadian Open.

2010: "Big Three" Era Begins

By 2010, Novak Djokovic had distinguished himself, leading to the formation of the "Big Three" alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

2010: Appearance in "Hello" music video and tribute song "The Joker"

In 2010, Novak Djokovic appeared in the music video for the song "Hello" by Martin Solveig and Dragonette. Also in 2010, the Serbian blues-rock band Zona B recorded the song "The Joker", dedicating it to Djokovic.

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2011: Jimmy Connors assesses Djokovic's season

In 2011, Jimmy Connors assessed Djokovic's season, noting his "old-school" playing style of taking the ball early and driving it flat, which allowed him to turn defense into offense effectively.

2011: Nadal praises Djokovic's peak level of performance

In 2011, Rafael Nadal, after losing all six matches against Djokovic that season, stated that Djokovic's level was "probably the highest level of tennis that I ever saw."

2013: Publication of "Serve to Win"

In 2013, Novak Djokovic wrote about water molecule reactions to emotions in his autobiography, Serve to Win.

2016: Nadal reiterates praise after Qatar Open final

Following a decisive loss in the 2016 Qatar Open final, Rafael Nadal reiterated his praise for Djokovic, stating, "I played against a player who did everything perfectly. I don't know anybody who's ever played tennis like this. Since I know this sport I've never seen somebody playing at this level."

2017: Nadal describes Djokovic as an invincible player

In 2017, Rafael Nadal stated that "at a technical level, when Djokovic has been at the top of his game, I have to say that I've been up against an invincible player."

2020: Belief in Prayer and Water Reactions

In 2020, Novak Djokovic expressed his belief that prayer and gratitude can transform toxic food or polluted water into healing water, claiming that scientists have proven water molecules react to emotions.

April 2021: Freshwater Snail Named After Djokovic

In April 2021, a team of Balkan biospeleologists named a recently discovered freshwater snail species Travunijana djokovici after Novak Djokovic.

2021: Medvedev labels Djokovic the "greatest tennis player in history"

In 2021, Daniil Medvedev called Novak Djokovic the "greatest tennis player in history" after winning his first major title at the US Open against Djokovic.

2021: Pete Sampras comments on Djokovic's record-breaking year

In 2021, after Novak Djokovic earned a record-breaking seventh year-end No. 1 finish, Pete Sampras, once considered the greatest male tennis player, made a statement regarding the achievement.

February 2022: BBC Interview: Sticking to Principles

In February 2022, Novak Djokovic stated in an interview with the BBC that he believes in personal freedom of choice regarding vaccination and would forgo tournaments in countries mandating the vaccine, even if it cost him records and his career.