Medvedev: 'Only Djokovic is constant'

World number three Daniil Medvedev believes anything can change in 2024, except Novak Djokovic is still at the peak of his form.

"The only thing we are sure of is that Djokovic is still at the top," Medvedev told The National on December 24. "I may drop out of the top 10, but Djokovic will always be there. So I hope to stay in the top four and compete with the other three, whoever they are."

Medvedev (right) hugs and congratulates Djokovic after the US Open final in September in New York. Photo: Reuters — Medvedev (right) hugs and congratulates Djokovic after the US Open final in September in New York. Photo: *Reuters*

Medvedev dropped out of the top 10 at the start of 2023, but came back strongly with five titles in the season. He won 66 matches in 2023, the most on the ATP Tour. The Russian finished the best year of his career as world number three. However, Medvedev still had some regrets about not winning a Grand Slam - something world number one Djokovic did three times in 2023.

Sharing the same view with Medvedev, former world number four Tim Henman said Djokovic is likely to continue to dominate tennis in 2024: "Djokovic deserves to be trusted, not only because of his playing style and excellent movement at the age of 36, but also because of his desire and motivation to conquer major titles."

Henman also said that Djokovic is playing with freedom and ease in mind, after years of chasing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Nole now leads with 24 Grand Slam titles, two more than Nadal and four more than Federer. "He has surpassed them all," Henman added. "This position has been his dream for a long time. After breaking the records, he is playing better than ever."

After praising Djokovic, Medvedev also explained the inconsistent form of other players, mainly due to the long ATP season. "Based on the points, we were different at some points and especially at the end of the season," Medvedev added. "Every season is different and anything can happen. For example, Tsitsipas, who reached the Australian Open final at the beginning of the year, but declined the rest of the year for many reasons. Next year, he can come back and beat anyone."

Medvedev also believes he can break through next year. "I'm getting older, I'm not 23 anymore and I want to do more," the Russian said. "I've improved a lot in the last two years and I want to continue to see where my limits are."

Vy Anh

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