From Rafael Nadal last dance to internet-breaking violin celebration: Novak Djokovic's top 20 highlights of 2024

Novak Djokovic had a barren 2024 by his lofty standards, as he was unable to win a single Grand Slam. However, the 24-time Grand Slam-winning Serb had much to smile about, winning Gold at the Paris Olympics and completing the highly coveted Career Golden Slam.

On January 1, the Serb reflected on his most memorable moments from the year, which was limited tennis-wise by a lingering knee problem. He listed twenty highlights from the bygone year with corresponding pictures on Instagram. As expected, the first was his triumph at the Olympic Games, defeating a highly energized Carlos Alcaraz in the final:

"Added some gold to my wardrobe."

Djokovic's second highlight was visiting the Great Wall of China as part of an event hosted by his sponsor Lacoste ahead of the Asian hardcourt swing. The third was learning about the "power of healing" after a knee injury.

Here are more highlights from Novak Djokovic's year in order: (4) Posing in Shanghai in front of a vibrant Chinese signboard that read "hot pot." (5) The launch of the "Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic" by the Swiss watchmaker Hublot as part of its collaboration with the Serb. (6) His last dance with a retiring Rafael Nadal. The Serb defeated his longtime rival in the inaugural edition of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh in a third-place playoff match in front of a packed house. He also won their other meeting this year at the Olympics, 6-1 6-4.

The following post, No. 7 on Djokovic's list, was dedicated to a former rival and good friend, Juan Martin del Potro. He joined fellow US Open champion del Potro's emotional farewell to the sport in his home nation. "The Last Challenge", an exhibition match featuring the Serb and the Argentine was viewed by around 15,000 people at the packed stadium in Buenos Aires.

Other highlights of Djokovic's year included his signature "air violin" celebration which inspired many memes, and the onboarding of former World No. 1 Andy Murray to his team. He listed several other moments, featuring his pursuits in fashion and other areas with his accomplishments in the tennis arena, and concluded:

"2024 was an unforgettable year. Thank you for being there with me."

The Serb has commenced his 2025 season in Australia, where he is gunning for his 11th Grand Slam Down Under.

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Novak Djokovic has vowed to prioritize Grand Slams in 2025

Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Brisbane International: Day 4 - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic has decided to focus on adding to his Grand Slam tally after a lackluster 2024 by his standards. The Serb has also promised to enter more tournaments (via Gazzetta dello Sport):

"Next year, I will play more tournaments, and the Grand Slams will be my priority. I will give my best to win, of course, if my body allows me to."

Djokovic commenced the season at the 2025 Brisbane International where he took care of Aussie hope Rinky Hijikata in the opener 6-3, 6-3. He will next meet Frenchman Gael Monfils, over whom he has a 19-0 edge in the head to head. The pair of Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios crashed out of the doubles, losing 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 Wednesday to the top-seeded team of Nikola Mektic of Croatia and New Zealander Michael Venus.