Novak Djokovic had ‘most significant result’ of 2024 over Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz, says former No 1

Ewan West 11 Sep 2024 12:28 PM

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz

Paul McNamee believes Novak Djokovic winning the Olympic gold medal is “the most significant result in terms of tennis history” of the 2024 season.

The former doubles world No 1 also applauded both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for having “great years” by winning two Grand Slam titles each.

Djokovic overcame Alcaraz in a thrilling straight-sets gold medal match at the Paris Olympics in August to claim the only big tennis prize that had previously eluded him.

The 37-year-old has won every Grand Slam event at least three times and all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least twice each.

The legendary Serbian holds the men’s records for the most: majors (24), weeks ranked as world No 1 (428), year-end No 1 finishes (eight), ATP Finals titles (seven), and Masters 1000 crowns (40).

Djokovic won his most recent Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, with Sinner and Alcaraz splitting the four majors between them this year. Sinner won the Australian Open and the US Open, while Alcaraz claimed the French Open and Wimbledon titles.

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In a post on X, McNamee singled out Djokovic’s triumph at the Paris Games as the most important tennis result of the campaign.

“Great years for Alcaraz and Sinner… two Slams each. Yet, interestingly, the most significant result in terms of tennis history was Djokovic winning the gold medal,” the Australian wrote.

“So in 2024 the new ‘Big Three’ emerged as we predicted, and went and locked everyone out. Comprehensively.”

Following Djokovic’s surprise loss to Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the US Open, McNamee argued the Serbian will be the favourite at two majors in 2025.

“I would say that Novak is still the favourite in Australia to win his 11th title. I think Novak is No 1 in Melbourne,” he told Sport Klub.

“Here, Alexei Popyrin played brilliantly, but it is clear how much winning the gold drained Novak. Apart from Australia, I think he is also the favourite at Wimbledon. If he doesn’t win a Slam next year, that question [of retirement] will be asked.

“On the other hand, it is also a deeply personal question. Andy [Murray] probably played too long, but he wanted to play. It is a personal decision when someone retires. Personally, I think he will play the whole next year and see how it goes.”