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 as world No. 1 (428) and year-end No. 1 finishes (8). Djokovic boasts a record 24 major men's singles titles, including a record ten Australian Open titles. He has won 99 singles titles, including a record 72 Big Titles encompassing majors, Masters, year-end championships, and an Olympic gold medal. Djokovic is the only man to simultaneously hold all four major titles on three different surfaces and the only man to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam. He is also the only player to complete a Career Golden Masters twice and the only singles player to win all Big Titles in his career.

Sections (6)

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

2011: Nadal praises Djokovic's peak level of performance

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

2013: Views on Water Reacting to Emotions

In his 2013 autobiography, Serve to Win, Novak Djokovic wrote about a "researcher" who influenced water with emotions.

2016: Nadal reiterates Djokovic's extraordinary level

After a one-sided loss in the 2016 Qatar Open final, Rafael Nadal reiterated that he played against a player who did everything perfectly, stating he had never seen anyone play tennis at that level.

2017: Nadal states that Djokovic is invincible

In 2017, Rafael Nadal stated that at a technical level, when Djokovic has been at the top of his game, he has been up against an invincible player.

2018: Reaction to Elbow Surgery

Following his elbow surgery in 2018, Novak Djokovic expressed feeling guilty and stated his preference for natural healing methods over surgeries or medications.

2020: Beliefs on Prayer and Water

In 2020, Novak Djokovic spoke of his belief that "some people" used "prayer" and "gratitude" to "turn the most toxic food, or maybe most polluted water into the most healing water."

April 2021: Freshwater Snail Species Named After Djokovic

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

2021: Sampras acknowledges Djokovic's record-breaking achievement

In 2021, after Djokovic earned a record-breaking seventh year-end No. 1 finish, Pete Sampras, who was considered by some to be the greatest male tennis player of all time, acknowledged his achievement.

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

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

February 2022: Djokovic's Interview with the BBC

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.

2022: Beetle Species Named After Djokovic

In 2022, a new species of beetle in the genus Duvalius, discovered near Ljubovija, Serbia, was named Duvalius djokovici after Novak Djokovic.

2022: Publication of "Facing Novak Djokovic"

In 2022, the book "Facing Novak Djokovic", which compiles interviews with ATP players describing what it's like to compete against him, was published.

2023: Djokovic in 2011 was declared the "best player of all time".

In 2023, Mardy Fish declared that Djokovic in 2011 was the "best player of all time". Also in 2023, Boris Becker compared Djokovic to Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, and LeBron James, calling him "the lion king".

2024: Nadal calls Djokovic the greatest tennis player of all time

In 2024, Nadal has also called Djokovic the greatest tennis player of all time. The Djokovic-Nadal rivalry is considered one of the best in tennis history due to the quality of matches they produce.