2024 Australian Open: Djokovic Supports Sunday Start

With less than 24 hours remaining before the commencement of the 2024 Australian Open, tennis enthusiasts worldwide have their sights set on Novak Djokovic as he seeks to secure his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. In a departure from the traditional Monday start, this year’s Australian Open will kick off on Sunday (Jan 14). Djokovic has voiced his support for this change, acknowledging the organizers’ intention to assess player performance with an early start.

The 36-year-old Djokovic, making his 19th appearance at the Australian Open, boasts an impressive track record in the tournament. His last defeat at the first Grand Slam of the year occurred in 2018, and he has suffered defeat only eight times in Melbourne’s scorching conditions. Djokovic holds a remarkable win-loss record of 89-8 at the Australian Open, making him the most successful player in the men’s division with 10 titles.

The last player to defeat Djokovic at the Australian Open was Hyeong Chung in the Round of 16 in 2018, and since then, no one has come close to defeating the Serbian star. Despite reaching the age of 36 in 2023, Djokovic remains at the top of his game, having reached the finals of all four Grand Slams for the second time in his career, previously achieving this feat in 2021. With a 27-1 record at the Grand Slams in 2023, Djokovic’s form is a significant concern for anyone attempting to challenge his dominance at the Australian Open. His sole Grand Slam defeat in 2023 came in a five-set Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz.