Honestly didn't expect the recap/collages would be so much smaller compared to 2023 when he was merciless. But there were moments I enjoyed so much this year too.
Roland Garros had that special last stand feeling. Two five setters, two comebacks. Second one against Cerundolo, stunning match, 2 sets to 1 down and a break down, with an injured knee. His last matches as world number 1 were marathon victories, the kind of matches he is the best at.
Nicely timed, he kinda left the throne to the younger ones by stepping aside. And even decade and a half younger opponents have their times at the top of the rankings in the shades of vaccine mandates and clostebol use.
In pure numbers quantitatively he didn't do much at all. But two months after Roland Garros and a knee surgery, he returned to the same court and completed tennis once and for all.
Personally I never put much weight into that event. But seeing how much he cared all the time and how many mercilessly mocked him and held the lack of gold medal against him, it was one of the most stunning tennis days. The GOAT is now also the golden GOAT.
Time to start enjoying the last dances. So good seeing him in Brisbane. Having a career rival and a Sir at his side soon. And of course, number 25 in 2025, let's go...
Happy New Year, Warriors!