Novak Djokovic

Bronze medal olympic

Novak Djokovic ranking history as of 2023.08.16

Singles-Ranking-Composite-History-Chart-RogerFederer+RafaelNadal+NovakDjokovic

Novak Djokovic 2007 US Open

Nole Skupstina BG feb08

Novak Djokovic (Serbian: Новак Ђоковић, Novak Đoković, pronounced [nôʋaːk dʑôːkoʋitɕ]; born 22 May 1987) is a Serbian professional tennis player. He is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Djokovic has won numerous Grand Slam titles and has held the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for over 340 weeks.

Early Life

Novak Djokovic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, into a family of professional athletes. He began playing tennis at the age of four, guided by his father, Srdjan Djokovic, and mother, Dijana. His early exposure to the sport, combined with his natural talent, set the foundation for what would become a historic tennis career.

Career

Djokovic turned professional in 2003 and made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open in 2005. He won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2008, which marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in the tennis world. Over his career, Djokovic has won a total of 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including nine Australian Open titles, six Wimbledon titles, three US Open titles, and two French Open titles.

His playing style is known for its versatility, exceptional baseline play, and mental toughness. Djokovic's ability to return serve is considered one of the best in tennis history. He has competed in some of the most memorable matches in tennis, including epic battles against his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Achievements

Djokovic's list of achievements is extensive. He has finished as the year-end No. 1 player in the ATP rankings six times. Djokovic is the only male player to have won all nine of the Masters 1000 tournaments, achieving the Career Masters Slam. He has also led Serbia to its first Davis Cup victory in 2010 and has won the ATP Finals five times.

Personal Life

Off the court, Djokovic is known for his philanthropic efforts. He established the Novak Djokovic Foundation in 2007, which focuses on improving the education and welfare of children in Serbia. Djokovic is also known for his advocacy for players' rights and has been involved in the establishment of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA).

Controversies

Djokovic's career has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for his stance on vaccination, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his involvement in organizing the Adria Tour during the pandemic, which resulted in several players testing positive for the virus.

Legacy

Novak Djokovic's impact on tennis is undeniable. His records and achievements place him among the sport's all-time greats. His rivalry with Federer and Nadal has been a defining feature of men's tennis for over a decade, contributing to what many consider the golden era of the sport.