Former world No. 3 Nikolay Davydenko has articulated his belief that if the Grand Slam tournaments adopted the best-of-three set format instead of the current best-of-five, Novak Djokovic would have a “100% chance” of winning all four Majors in a single season. The 36-year-old tennis great has encountered increasing difficulty in pursuing a Calendar Slam each year due to the physical toll imposed by the five-set format.
During the current season, Djokovic secured victory in three out of the four Grand Slam events, marking the fourth occasion on which he has achieved this remarkable feat, with his other stellar campaigns taking place in 2011, 2015, and 2021. The Serbian star presently holds the record for the most men’s Majors with 24, solidifying his dominance in the sport, while his closest rival, Rafael Nadal, trails behind with 22 titles.
Djokovic’s impressive performance in 2021 saw him triumph in the first three Grand Slam events of the year, narrowly missing out on a Calendar Grand Slam after falling short at the Tokyo Olympics and losing the US Open final. The opportunity to attain a Golden Slam (winning all four Majors and an Olympic gold medal in a season) will present itself once more next year, with 2024 being an Olympic year.
It is noteworthy that no male player has ever achieved a Golden Slam, with the legendary Steffi Graf being the only woman to accomplish this phenomenal feat during her astonishing 1988 campaign. In an interview with Championat, Davydenko discussed the challenges faced by Djokovic in his pursuit of this historic feat, highlighting the physical strain of playing five-set matches and the lack of preparation time for the Olympics due to scheduling conflicts with the regular tour.
Davydenko also shared his thoughts on the promising career of world No. 4 Jannik Sinner, emphasizing the Italian’s exceptional work ethic and potential for further improvement in his results.
As Djokovic continues to pursue Grand Slam glory and the coveted Golden Slam, the tennis world eagerly awaits his performance at the 2024 Australian Open. The pressure is on as he endeavors to overcome the physical and mental challenges associated with the five-set format and navigate the demands of the Olympic Games.
The 2024 season holds great promise and excitement for both Djokovic and his competitors, with fans and experts eagerly anticipating the unfolding of the next chapter in the illustrious careers of tennis’ top athletes. The battle for Grand Slam supremacy continues, and the stage is set for an enthralling display of skill, determination, and unparalleled athleticism.