Ex-star details why Novak Djokovic will remain ‘difficult to stop’ in 2024

Former world No 20 Dmitry Tursunov is backing Novak Djokovic to be a strong force again in 2024 as the Russian highlighted that the Serb’s game and condition are still at the highest possible level. Djokovic, who will be turning 37 in May, is doing things that no player has ever done before – the Serb made four Grand Slam finals and won three Major titles in the season in which he turned 36.

Although young stars Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune have shown that they are capable of doing well on the biggest stage, Djokovic still remains the one to beat. In 2024, Djokovic will be a year older but Tursunov doesn’t think the Serb’s dominance will end easily.

Tursunov backs Djokovic for a successful 2024

“No matter how many contenders there are, as long as Novak is in good shape, it will be very difficult to beat him. After all, in addition to his experience, he also has very good physical shape.

Novak stays on the physical level. It is very difficult to neutralize him. We can say that Djokovic is definitely the most motivated of the guys. That is, [to what extent] we can somehow determine this from the outside. We can’t understand, but when a person, after playing a five-set semi-final, refuses a piece of chocolate because it contains gluten – and he decided not to eat it – then there is a very serious self-discipline that no one can compete with,” Tursunov told Championat.

Djokovic’s 2024 season will start at the United Cup, where the world No 1 will try to lead Serbia to the title in the competition that launched earlier this year. After the United Cup, Djokovic will turn his focus to the Australian Open, where he will try to defend his title and win his 25th Grand Slam.

Djokovic is a record 10-time Australian Open champion and there is no doubt that he will be the top favorite to win it all at Melbourne Park again this coming January.