Novak Djokovic wrapped up the 2024 season with a 37-9 score, entering ten tournaments and reducing his schedule. The legend conquered the most desired title at the Olympic Games in Paris, completing the game of tennis with the missing 15th notable crown in his collection.
Otherwise, it was Novak’s worst season in years, reaching only one Major final and one at the Masters 1000 level. However, one brilliant element of Djokovic’s game remains in the legend’s CV at 37. Novak embraced a perfect 35-0 score this season after winning the opening set!
Now, the veteran is on a 54-match winning streak after clinching the opening set, which testifies to his incredible mental strength. If we look further back, Novak has lost only five matches in the previous five seasons after taking the opener, which is a mind-blowing fact!
The importance of the opening set
The first part of the encounter often sets the tone for the rest of the duel, providing the leader with a psychological and tactical edge. The pressure is on the other side, and it’s not easy to start from the beginning and turn the tables, especially against rivals from the top.
Novak’s 2024 run
Djokovic collected 37 victories in 2024, 35 of which came after taking the first set. The legend dropped the first part of the duel 11 times and scored only two comebacks, feeling insecure after having to chase the result. The Serb built the lead in five Australian Open matches.
He brought them home before slowing down the engines in the early stages against Jannik Sinner in the semi-final, which led to a defeat. Djokovic dropped the opening set in four encounters in Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, Rome and Geneva.
He suffered losses in those matches, struggling to bounce back and make a turnaround like many times during his career. Novak scored four wins at Roland Garros from a set up before withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final due to an injury.
Djokovic’s first turnaround of the season came at Wimbledon. He lost the opening set to Alexei Popyrin before clinching the next three and sealing the deal. The legend reached the final but stood no chance against Carlos Alcaraz following a terrible start.
Novak threw everything at the Olympic Games, chasing the elusive gold medal at 37. The Serb grabbed the opener in all six matches and sealed the deal in straight sets en route to tennis glory! Djokovic prevailed over Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 in the final, adding the missing puzzle to his unique mosaic.
Novak earned four wins in Shanghai from a set up and delivered his second comeback of the season versus Jakub Mensik. However, he lost a tight opener to Jannik Sinner in the final and fell in straight sets. Djokovic ended the season at this event, skipping the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals.
A couple of other players had notable runs after winning the first set in 2024. Sebastian Korda embraced a 27-1 score when building an early lead, using that momentum for an almost flawless score. The American’s only loss from a set up came against Daniil Medvedev in Madrid.
Taylor Fritz brought a win home 44 times from 46 duels after winning the first set! World no. 4 stood strong in those matches, suffering only two setbacks. The first came in Indian Wells against Holger Rune. Taylor made a flying start and missed a chance to seal the deal in the second.
The Italian made sure to move in front and dictate the scoreboard, winning the first set in 67 of 79 matches in 2024. He suffered four losses, though, including three against Alcaraz! Jannik made a flying start against Carlos in Indian Wells before losing in three sets.
He missed an early advantage against the Spaniard at Roland Garros, leading two sets to one before falling in a five-setter. Sinner built the advantage against Daniil Medvedev at Wimbledon before falling in another five-setter. Finally, he lost an epic Beijing final to Alcaraz from a set up.
Alcaraz scored 46 victories from 49 matches after winning the first set, experiencing three setbacks. Casper Ruud followed his pace and wrapped up the year with a 44-3 score. Alexander Zverev provided a 53-4 ratio, standing strong after gaining an initial lead.
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