“In 2024, for sure, Djokovic is the player to beat” – Henman

Henman also believes that Djokovic is playing with a lot more freedom now that he has taken the clear lead in the GOAT race

Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Davis Cup

Haresh Ramchandani

December 23, 2023

Former world No 4 Tim Henman, one of the leading analysts in the sport today, believes that world No 1 Novak Djokovic is the man to beat heading into 2024 after enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in 2023.

Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slams in 2023, narrowly losing out in the final of the fourth (Wimbledon) and also won the season-ending ATP Finals to cap off a remarkable season that many described as his best-ever.

Despite Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner chasing on the heels of Djokovic, Henman believes that the Serb is going to continue his domination in the 2024 season.

“I think he deserves so much credit in so many areas, not only being able to perform and move at his age when it’s surely not getting any easier, but still to have the hunger and desire and motivation to keep winning. So in 2024, for sure, Djokovic is the player to beat. I think he’s the favourite at the start of the year and I still think he will dominate,” Henman told Eurosport.

I think for such a long time he’s been chasing Federer and Nadal and all those different records.
Tim Henman

Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals (Chryslene Caillaud/Panoramic)

Henman also believes that Djokovic is playing with a certain amount of freedom after opening up a two-Slam lead in the all-time winners list for men’s Grand Slam singles title.

“Not only the events he won, but the way he played was just absolutely incredible. And I do feel mentally it looks like he’s playing with a lot of freedom,” the Brit continued. “I think for such a long time he’s been chasing Federer and Nadal and all those different records: the number of Grand Slam wins or finishing the year No. 1 or weeks at No. 1… and now he’s overtaken them. I think this is the position that he’s desired for so long. He’s achieved it and he’s playing better than ever.”

“Djokovic’s speed, his balance, his ball-striking, how hard he was hitting the ball, changing direction and not missing. So, 2024, Australian Open in the men’s, in my mind, there’s no doubt that Djokovic is the favourite. He’s the man to beat.”

You might also like this