Unbeatable when leading: Djokovic’s perfect first-set success rate in 2024

Novak Djokovic has concluded one of the lowest seasons of his career on the ATP Tour, failing to win a title for the first time since 2005 and going without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017. With a record of 37-9, it might seem like a brilliant year for most players, but not for the Serbian legend.

It was a bittersweet year for Djokovic. While he didn’t secure any ATP titles, he achieved the coveted Olympic gold medal, the only trophy missing from his collection, which Djokovic himself has called the highlight of his career. Nevertheless, he suffered several surprising losses and ended the season a step behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic reached the Wimbledon final in July, just weeks after undergoing surgery following an injury at Roland Garros, but fell to Alcaraz. In early October, he made his second final appearance of the season at the Shanghai Masters but lost again, this time to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, with both defeats coming in straight sets.

As the season wraps up, one statistic highlights Djokovic’s key strength in 2024: Djokovic was undefeated at 35-0 whenever he won the first set. However, when losing the opening set, his record dropped to just 2-9.

When Djokovic takes the lead, he’s nearly unbeatable. He is currently on a streak of 54 consecutive victories after winning the first set, demonstrating immense mental strength. Over the past five seasons, Djokovic has lost just five matches when taking the lead. In other words, when Djokovic gains the advantage, closing out the match is almost a certainty.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion leads this statistic. Other players excelling after winning the first set include Sebastian Korda (27-1), Taylor Fritz (44-2), and Jannik Sinner (64-4). Further down the list are Carlos Alcaraz (46-3), Alexander Zverev (53-4), and Casper Ruud (44-3).