Novak Djokovic’s most common Grand Slam foes

In 2023, Novak Djokovic fell short of achieving a single-year Grand Slam despite reaching the final of all four events. He romped to glory in Australia and at the French Open, only for emerging Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz to pull off a shocking upset at Wimbledon to win at the All-England Club for the first time, snapping the Serbian’s dominance in the process. Nole would rise again in September to win the US Open, but his dream of becoming the first man to complete the greatest feat in tennis since Rod Laver in 1969 remains elusive.

This year, Djokovic will not achieve that feat either. His impressive five-year winning streak in the Land Down Under came to an end at the hands of Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s run of 33 consecutive match victories crashed down when he was overpowered by the talented 22-year-old, who ultimately emerged victorious in four sets. Sinner then went on to win his first Grand Slam title by overcoming Daniil Medvedev, managing a stunning two-set comeback to triumph in one of the greatest Melbourne showpieces in recent memory.

Still the man to beat

Despite Djokovic’s first loss in Australia in half a decade, bookmakers remain confident in his continued success. Popular comparison site Oddschecker, which compares the best odds and offers on tennis, makes him a favorite at both Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows. His new nemesis Alcaraz, however, is projected to win at Roland Garros.

Already the most accomplished male player in history with an impressive 24 Grand Slam titles, Nole has beaten a who’s who of top stars to become the legend that he is today. But who has he beaten the most over the years? Let’s take a look.

andy murray

Andy Murray is often regarded as tennis’ comeback king. Persistent injuries in the late 2010s derailed his career at the elite level in devastating fashion. He had a metal hip surgically installed before returning to action. Once he did, Murray proved that his famed determination remains unparalleled.

Remarkable wins against players such as former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and Australian Open doubles champion Thanasi Kokkinakis in early 2023 served to roll back the years. Unfortunately, it seems Murray will never return to the heights that saw him capture multiple Grand Slams as well as back-to-back Olympic Gold medals.

The tenacious British former World No. 1 has faced Djokovic in seven Grand Slam finals— more than any other man in history. Murray has also lost the most to the Serbian, with five defeats in those contests. In Australia, the duo faced off in four finals and each time the Serbian legend emerged victorious.

Their 2016 French Open final further demonstrated Djokovic’s dominance over Murray, as he came back from a set down to win. However, the Scottish-born star has also had his share of triumphs against his rival. He secured his first Grand Slam title at the 2012 US Open by defeating his biggest adversary and became the first British man in almost eight decades to win Wimbledon the following summer with victory over the heavily favoured Serb.

Rafael Nadal

Although Murray is the player Djokovic has defeated the most, Rafael Nadal stands out as his main rival when it comes to the GOAT debate. The Spanish icon has been overcome by the current world No 1 in four major finals. These epic battles began with Nole’s victories at the All England Club Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows in 2011, showcasing his ability to outperform Nadal on faster surfaces.

The Aussie Open finals in 2012 and 2019 were also landmark events. The pair’s first clash was celebrated as one of the most gruelling matches ever played, lasting almost six hours, the longest final in history. But the King of Clay does hold victories over Djokovic on the grandest stage as well, twice beating him in the French Open Showpiece and once in Australia.