Will 2019 be the year the Next Generation comes of age in the grand slams or will the same names continues to dominate? Here are five key storylines to follow in men’s tennis throughout the new season.
Will Novak Djokovic keep hold of his crown?
This time last year, many was wondering if Novak Djokovic would be able to recover from an elbow injury and rise back to the top of the men’s tour. Now the question is how long will his dominance continue?
A stellar second half of 2018 saw the Serbian claim both Wimbledon and the US Open titles, as well as two others Master 1000 trophies. The quartet of triumphs has elevated him back to the world No.1 spot. Making Djokovic the first man in history to reach the top spot after being ranked outside of the world’s top 20 within the same season.
The first indication of Djokovic’s current form was given this week at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships. An exhibition event held in the United Arab Emirates. Djokovic downed Russia’s Karen Khachanov and defending champion Kevin Anderson to with the tournament. Doing so for the fourth time in his career to win a $250,000 paycheck.
“I really am happy to have a match like this,” Djokovic told reporters on Saturday. “Kevin is one of the best players in the world and he is in form. He was playing a very high level consistently throughout the match and I had to work really hard for the win.”
Djokovic will officially kick-off his 2019 season next week at the Doha Open in Qatar. A tournament he has won on two previous occasions. He is looking to tune-up his game prior to the Australian Open, where he will be targeting a 15th major title. Despite his recent dominance on the tour, Djokovic is under no illusion of the threat he faces from other players.
“For me, it’s going to be a big challenge and a big ask to stay at such a high level, it’s very demanding especially as a family man.” He explained.
“It’s different in the last couple of years. But I like a challenge in life, because from the challenges we grow and we learn. So I try to embrace whatever is in front of me, I have to accept it but I’m working for the best.”
In the first round of the Doha Open, Djokovic will open up against Damir Dzumhur. Since June, he has reached the final at seven out of the eight tournaments he has played. Within that period, he has only lost to four players. Marin Cilic (Queen’s), Stefanos Tsitsipas (Rogers Cup), Khachanov (Paris) and Alexander Zverev (ATP Finals).
Based on his recent results, It is without a question that Djokovic will be the player to beat in the new year.
Djokovic’s 2018 at a glance
- Tied Sampras for 3rd on the all-time list with 14 Grand Slam men’s singles titles
- Tied Lendl and Sampras for Open Era-lead with 8 appearances in US Open final
- Ranked 21st in the world at Wimbledon, he became the lowest-ranked Grand Slam champion since No. 44 Gaudio at the 2004 French Open.
- Became 1st player to win titles at all 9 ATP Masters 1000 events since the start of the series in 1990
- Scored 15 wins over top 10 players
- 2018 Win-loss record of 53-12
