Ranking Djokovic's seasons from best to worst (2008 onwards)

[SABRvolley]

Taking into account accomplishments, level of play and competition, I'd rank his seasons as follows (from 2008 onwards) from best to worst:

1. 2011 - This year takes it for me. 10 titles, 43 match winning streak to start the year, 3 slams, 4 masters titles. And of course he went 6-0 against peak Nadal in finals on all surfaces and 4-1 against a still good Federer. Competition was sky-high this year, which is why I rank it above 2015. Not to mention his level was absolutely insanely good on all surfaces. Was 60-2 for the year at the conclusion of the US Open, but toiled off slightly towards the end. Definitely his best season to me.

2. 2015 - Very close to 2011, but this one comes in a close second. Accomplishment-wise, this one might actually be better than 2011. 3 slams (played in all 4 finals), 11 titles, 5 masters titles and YEC title. However, IMO his level was not quite as high as in 2011 and his competition not quite as strong. Nadal was nowhere, Federer was decent but old, Murray was decent but not at his peak any more. Nog taking anything away from this season though, it was monstrous!

3. 2021 - Completed the "surface slam" (3 slams on 3 different surfaces in one year) and the double career grand slam (minimum 2 wins at each slam). Took Nadal down at RG for the second time. Had a quiet year outside the slams (only 2 non-slam wins) but his accomplishments in the slams this year cannot be ignored. Played in all 4 finals too. 1 masters title.

4. 2016 - Unbelievable first half of the year. Completed the career grand slam, the "Djoko slam" (4 slams in a row), Sunshine Double, and record world ranking points. 7 titles overall, 4 masters titles, 2 slam wins and 3 slam finals. This year would have ranked higher if he did not collapse during the second half of the year.

5. 2012 - This year ranks highly to me due to the insane competition. All of the big 4 were on fire this year, and included other good players like Tsonga, Berdych, Ferrer, Cillic also having good years. 1 slam, 3 slam finals, 6 titles, 3 masters titles, YEC title and end-year world number 1, all during arguably the most competitive year in tennis history.

6. 2019 - 2 slam wins, including the famous win over RF at SW19. 5 titles overall. Much like 2021, had a quiet year outside the slams, winning "only" 3 titles. 2 masters titles on the year.

7. 2014 - This year ranks highly as it was probably the last year of the "golden era" of tennis (IMO). Competition was still decent, albeit not as good as 2011-2013. Wimbledon win, Sunshine Double, 4 masters titles, 7 titles and YEC title. Had a negative H2H record against Fed and his 2 losses in the HC slams rank this season lower though.

8. 2018 - 2 slam titles, completed the Golden Masters and had a 22-match winning streak towards the end of the year. 2 masters titles overall. Regained the world number 1 ranking after a terrible start to the year.

9. 2013 - 1 slam title, 3 slam finals, 7 titles, 3 masters titles (including ending Nadal's domination at MC), YEC title and 24 consecutive match wins after the USO. Came extremely close to beating peak Nadal at RG. However, finals losses at Wimbledon and USO, as well as Nadal having his back for much of the season, rank this season a bit lower than it could have been.

10. 2008 - First slam title, 2 masters titles, Olympic bronze medal and YEC title. His first "breakout year" IMO. Competition was very strong with the big 4 taking shape for the first time. Inconsistent form and lots of mid-match retirements rank this season slightly lower than his other years.

11. 2022 - Really a "what-if" year. Could have won a lot more had he been allowed entry into Australia and USA. Subsequently banned from playing AO and USO, but made the most of his appearances with a win at SW19, YEC, 1 masters title and 5 titles overall.

12. 2020 - This would have been one of his best years had the pandemic not interfered. AO title, 2 masters titles, 5 titles overall and 27 match-winning streak to start the year. Got unlucky to have been defaulted at USO. Had the year proceeded as normal, this could well have been one of his top 5 years.

13. 2009 - No slam wins, 1 masters title, 5 titles overall and 10 finals. Made changes to his serve which affected his overall play this year. Had epics against Nadal on clay at MC and Madrid. Briefly reached world number 2.

14. 2010 - No slam wins, no masters titles, only 2 titles overall and a USO final. He did, however, win the Davis Cup with Serbia and went gluten-free around the time of the USO, which proved to have played a part in his dominant 2011.

15. 2017 - Injury-riddled season that ended early. Only 2 titles, no slam finals (nor semi-finals, for that matter), no masters titles, early loss at Fortress Australia to Istomin. Dropped outside top 10 in world rankings by end of the year.

What do you think?

 

[uscwang]

About right

 

[mahatma]

2022 rates higher, for it was done with his back against the wall and age has to be factored in.

 

[platypus50]

Agree with your ranking list OP

Just a real pity about the second half of 2016 for Djoker, wished he hadn't slumped otherwise Murray would never have been ranked #1 in the first place

 

[Hitman]

Decent list, I would also put 2007 on that list and have it in 13th place. Two masters, USO final run. It was his true arrival onto the tour.

 

[thrust]

2022 rates higher, for it was done with his back against the wall and age has to be factored in.

I AGREE! 2022 was a great year for Novak, considering the circumstances against him.

 

[TheFifthSet]

2011
2015
2012
2013
2016
2014
2008
2018
2021
2019
2023
2020
2022
2007
2009
2010
2017

 

[Biotic]

2011
2015
2016
2012
2013
2014
2008
2018
2021
2019
2020
2007
2009
2022
2010
2017
2018

 

[TheFifthSet]

Just a typo lol. You’ll notice in the post you quote, it’s listed as 8th best the first time around.

 

[Biotic]

2011-2015
2016-2021
2018-2012-2014-2013-2019
2020-2008
2022
2007
2009
2010-2017

 

[SABRvolley]

2022 rates higher, for it was done with his back against the wall and age has to be factored in.

True that, but if he played more tournaments, he wouldve ranked much higher.

 

[xFedal]

Its upto Med can he prevent 2023 from becoming Novaks top 5 season, lets see.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Taking into account accomplishments, level of play and competition, I'd rank his seasons as follows (from 2008 onwards) from best to worst:

1. 2011 - This year takes it for me. 10 titles, 43 match winning streak to start the year, 3 slams, 4 masters titles. And of course he went 6-0 against peak Nadal in finals on all surfaces and 4-1 against a still good Federer. Competition was sky-high this year, which is why I rank it above 2015. Not to mention his level was absolutely insanely good on all surfaces. Was 60-2 for the year at the conclusion of the US Open, but toiled off slightly towards the end. Definitely his best season to me.

2. 2015 - Very close to 2011, but this one comes in a close second. Accomplishment-wise, this one might actually be better than 2011. 3 slams (played in all 4 finals), 11 titles, 5 masters titles and YEC title. However, IMO his level was not quite as high as in 2011 and his competition not quite as strong. Nadal was nowhere, Federer was decent but old, Murray was decent but not at his peak any more. Nog taking anything away from this season though, it was monstrous!

3. 2021 - Completed the "surface slam" (3 slams on 3 different surfaces in one year) and the double career grand slam (minimum 2 wins at each slam). Took Nadal down at RG for the second time. Had a quiet year outside the slams (only 2 non-slam wins) but his accomplishments in the slams this year cannot be ignored. Played in all 4 finals too. 1 masters title.

4. 2016 - Unbelievable first half of the year. Completed the career grand slam, the "Djoko slam" (4 slams in a row), Sunshine Double, and record world ranking points. 7 titles overall, 4 masters titles, 2 slam wins and 3 slam finals. This year would have ranked higher if he did not collapse during the second half of the year.

5. 2012 - This year ranks highly to me due to the insane competition. All of the big 4 were on fire this year, and included other good players like Tsonga, Berdych, Ferrer, Cillic also having good years. 1 slam, 3 slam finals, 6 titles, 3 masters titles, YEC title and end-year world number 1, all during arguably the most competitive year in tennis history.

6. 2019 - 2 slam wins, including the famous win over RF at SW19. 5 titles overall. Much like 2021, had a quiet year outside the slams, winning "only" 3 titles. 2 masters titles on the year.

7. 2014 - This year ranks highly as it was probably the last year of the "golden era" of tennis (IMO). Competition was still decent, albeit not as good as 2011-2013. Wimbledon win, Sunshine Double, 4 masters titles, 7 titles and YEC title. Had a negative H2H record against Fed and his 2 losses in the HC slams rank this season lower though.

8. 2018 - 2 slam titles, completed the Golden Masters and had a 22-match winning streak towards the end of the year. 2 masters titles overall. Regained the world number 1 ranking after a terrible start to the year.

9. 2013 - 1 slam title, 3 slam finals, 7 titles, 3 masters titles (including ending Nadal's domination at MC), YEC title and 24 consecutive match wins after the USO. Came extremely close to beating peak Nadal at RG. However, finals losses at Wimbledon and USO, as well as Nadal having his back for much of the season, rank this season a bit lower than it could have been.

10. 2008 - First slam title, 2 masters titles, Olympic bronze medal and YEC title. His first "breakout year" IMO. Competition was very strong with the big 4 taking shape for the first time. Inconsistent form and lots of mid-match retirements rank this season slightly lower than his other years.

11. 2022 - Really a "what-if" year. Could have won a lot more had he been allowed entry into Australia and USA. Subsequently banned from playing AO and USO, but made the most of his appearances with a win at SW19, YEC, 1 masters title and 5 titles overall.

12. 2020 - This would have been one of his best years had the pandemic not interfered. AO title, 2 masters titles, 5 titles overall and 27 match-winning streak to start the year. Got unlucky to have been defaulted at USO. Had the year proceeded as normal, this could well have been one of his top 5 years.

13. 2009 - No slam wins, 1 masters title, 5 titles overall and 10 finals. Made changes to his serve which affected his overall play this year. Had epics against Nadal on clay at MC and Madrid. Briefly reached world number 2.

14. 2010 - No slam wins, no masters titles, only 2 titles overall and a USO final. He did, however, win the Davis Cup with Serbia and went gluten-free around the time of the USO, which proved to have played a part in his dominant 2011.

15. 2017 - Injury-riddled season that ended early. Only 2 titles, no slam finals (nor semi-finals, for that matter), no masters titles, early loss at Fortress Australia to Istomin. Dropped outside top 10 in world rankings by end of the year.

What do you think?

2011 Nole won 5 masters titles, not 4

 

[nolefam_2024]

Taking into account accomplishments, level of play and competition, I'd rank his seasons as follows (from 2008 onwards) from best to worst:

1. 2011 - This year takes it for me. 10 titles, 43 match winning streak to start the year, 3 slams, 4 masters titles. And of course he went 6-0 against peak Nadal in finals on all surfaces and 4-1 against a still good Federer. Competition was sky-high this year, which is why I rank it above 2015. Not to mention his level was absolutely insanely good on all surfaces. Was 60-2 for the year at the conclusion of the US Open, but toiled off slightly towards the end. Definitely his best season to me.

2. 2015 - Very close to 2011, but this one comes in a close second. Accomplishment-wise, this one might actually be better than 2011. 3 slams (played in all 4 finals), 11 titles, 5 masters titles and YEC title. However, IMO his level was not quite as high as in 2011 and his competition not quite as strong. Nadal was nowhere, Federer was decent but old, Murray was decent but not at his peak any more. Nog taking anything away from this season though, it was monstrous!

3. 2021 - Completed the "surface slam" (3 slams on 3 different surfaces in one year) and the double career grand slam (minimum 2 wins at each slam). Took Nadal down at RG for the second time. Had a quiet year outside the slams (only 2 non-slam wins) but his accomplishments in the slams this year cannot be ignored. Played in all 4 finals too. 1 masters title.

4. 2016 - Unbelievable first half of the year. Completed the career grand slam, the "Djoko slam" (4 slams in a row), Sunshine Double, and record world ranking points. 7 titles overall, 4 masters titles, 2 slam wins and 3 slam finals. This year would have ranked higher if he did not collapse during the second half of the year.

5. 2012 - This year ranks highly to me due to the insane competition. All of the big 4 were on fire this year, and included other good players like Tsonga, Berdych, Ferrer, Cillic also having good years. 1 slam, 3 slam finals, 6 titles, 3 masters titles, YEC title and end-year world number 1, all during arguably the most competitive year in tennis history.

6. 2019 - 2 slam wins, including the famous win over RF at SW19. 5 titles overall. Much like 2021, had a quiet year outside the slams, winning "only" 3 titles. 2 masters titles on the year.

7. 2014 - This year ranks highly as it was probably the last year of the "golden era" of tennis (IMO). Competition was still decent, albeit not as good as 2011-2013. Wimbledon win, Sunshine Double, 4 masters titles, 7 titles and YEC title. Had a negative H2H record against Fed and his 2 losses in the HC slams rank this season lower though.

8. 2018 - 2 slam titles, completed the Golden Masters and had a 22-match winning streak towards the end of the year. 2 masters titles overall. Regained the world number 1 ranking after a terrible start to the year.

9. 2013 - 1 slam title, 3 slam finals, 7 titles, 3 masters titles (including ending Nadal's domination at MC), YEC title and 24 consecutive match wins after the USO. Came extremely close to beating peak Nadal at RG. However, finals losses at Wimbledon and USO, as well as Nadal having his back for much of the season, rank this season a bit lower than it could have been.

10. 2008 - First slam title, 2 masters titles, Olympic bronze medal and YEC title. His first "breakout year" IMO. Competition was very strong with the big 4 taking shape for the first time. Inconsistent form and lots of mid-match retirements rank this season slightly lower than his other years.

11. 2022 - Really a "what-if" year. Could have won a lot more had he been allowed entry into Australia and USA. Subsequently banned from playing AO and USO, but made the most of his appearances with a win at SW19, YEC, 1 masters title and 5 titles overall.

12. 2020 - This would have been one of his best years had the pandemic not interfered. AO title, 2 masters titles, 5 titles overall and 27 match-winning streak to start the year. Got unlucky to have been defaulted at USO. Had the year proceeded as normal, this could well have been one of his top 5 years.

13. 2009 - No slam wins, 1 masters title, 5 titles overall and 10 finals. Made changes to his serve which affected his overall play this year. Had epics against Nadal on clay at MC and Madrid. Briefly reached world number 2.

14. 2010 - No slam wins, no masters titles, only 2 titles overall and a USO final. He did, however, win the Davis Cup with Serbia and went gluten-free around the time of the USO, which proved to have played a part in his dominant 2011.

15. 2017 - Injury-riddled season that ended early. Only 2 titles, no slam finals (nor semi-finals, for that matter), no masters titles, early loss at Fortress Australia to Istomin. Dropped outside top 10 in world rankings by end of the year.

What do you think?

2015 Nole won 6 masters titles. Not 5.

 

[SABRvolley]

2015 Nole won 6 masters titles. Not 5.

My apologies, got that wrong.

His numbers were slightly better in 2015 compared to 2011, but 2011 was a much more dominant force and more impressive imo.

 

[SABRvolley]

Its upto Med can he prevent 2023 from becoming Novaks top 5 season, lets see.

He was unable to stop Djokovic in 2023

 

[GoatNo1]

15 GOAT season
11 10-1 vs fedal
23
21
18
16
19
14
12
22 (if not for politic and if he was YE#1) and 20 (as it is)
13
08
24 and 09
10
17

 

[nolefam_2024]

15, 11
23
12, 16, 13, 21, 19, 18
14, 20, 22
08
07, 09, 10
.
.
24
.
17

 

[nolefam_2024]

22 should easily be 1 row above and maybe even 2 rows above but politics.
20 was covid year and djokovic could put it 2 rows above otherwise. 26-0 start to the season.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Djokovic had huge competition in 12/13/14 and even winning 2 slams a year was very difficult. But he made 8 finals and 11 semifinals. It was just tougher times. Thankfully he won all 3 masters cups.

 

[SABRvolley]

15 GOAT season
11 10-1 vs fedal
23
21
18
16
19
14
12
22 (if not for politic and if he was YE#1) and 20 (as it is)
13
08
24 and 09
10
17

How was 2018 better than 2016?

 

[nolefam_2024]

How was 2018 better than 2016?

18 can't be better than 16.

16 was during God's run. 2014 Paris till 2016 USOpen. It was God's run.

 

[GoatNo1]

How was 2018 better than 2016?

YE#1 (more worth than a slam to me)

you see, back in 2016 most people said that muzza (with one slam) had better year. he was also the ITF champ.

in 2018 nole was both YE#1 and ITF champ and undisputable best player. not in 2016,

 

[nolefam_2024]

YE#1 (more worth than a slam to me)

you see, back in 2016 most people said that muzza (with one slam) had better year. he was also the ITF champ.

What

2016 Djokovic brutally crushed Murray and ended at 11000 pts I guess

Is worse than 2018 where Nadal was out of action due to injury and Djokovic earned less than 10000 I guess ?

You are not making any sense to me. The number 2 rank in 2016 made very little sense but at least it was to strong showing of Murray. Number 1 in 2018 makes even less sense. It was weak year.

 

[nolefam_2024]

15, 11
23
12, 16, 13, 21, 19, 18
14, 20, 22
08
07, 09, 10
.
.
24
.
17

Djokovic should have ended year number 1 in
11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.

Instead he flipped 18 and 19 with Nadal.

 

[Third Serve]

2011
2015
2016
2012
2013
2014
2008
2018
2021
2019
2020
2022
2007
2009
2010
2017

Pretty much this list but squeeze 2023 kind of in the middle.

Also I feel like I’d give 2015 the edge over 2011 by virtue of not being garbage after the US Open.

 

[TheFifthSet]

Pretty much this list but squeeze 2023 kind of in the middle.

Also I feel like I’d give 2015 the edge over 2011 by virtue of not being garbage after the US Open.

What a difference a year+ makes. Surprised I put 2016 above 2012. Think I’ll edit accordingly.

 

[jl809]

1. 2011
2. 2015
3. 2013
4. 2012
5. 2008
6. 2014
7. 2016
8. 2021
9. 2018
10. 2019
11. 2023
12. 2020
13. 2009 = 2022
14. A massive gap
15. 2010
16. 2017

 

[RS]

Djokovic peaked in 2018-2023.

 

[SABRvolley]

1. 2011
2. 2015
3. 2013
4. 2012
5. 2008
6. 2014
7. 2016
8. 2021
9. 2018
10. 2019
11. 2023
12. 2020
13. 2009 = 2022
14. A massive gap
15. 2010
16. 2017

How is 2023 so low though? That was probably his third best season behind 2011 and 2015, at least statistically

 

[BorgTheGOAT]

2011
2015
2012
2013
2016
2014
2008
2018
2021
2019
2023
2020
2022
2007
2009
2010
2017

Damn right on point. Especially putting 2011 above 2015.

 

[nolefam_2024]

How is 2023 so low though? That was probably his third best season behind 2011 and 2015, at least statistically

2023 is easily third best season after 2015 and 2011. There can be no other season close to it.

He was few pts away from CYGS + ATP finals.

 

[Djokodalerer31]

1.2015
2.2011
3.2023
4.2016 (Why over 2021? Better stats outside of slams, 4 masters titles versus only 1, 7 overall titles versus 5, beat more top players and so on...)
5.2021
6.2018
7.2019
8.2008
9.2012
10.2014
11.2013
12.2022
13.2020
14.2009
15.2024
16.2010
17.2017
You are free to disagree if you want, but to me this makes perfect sense!...

 

[nolefam_2024]

1.2015
2.2011
3.2023
4.2016 (Why over 2021? Better stats outside of slams, 4 masters titles versus only 1, 7 overall titles versus 5, beat more top players and so on...)
5.2021
6.2018
7.2019
8.2008
9.2012
10.2014
11.2013
12.2022
13.2020
14.2009
15.2024
16.2010
17.2017
You are free to disagree if you want, but to me this makes perfect sense!...

2012 at number 9 is total crime

Crime is bad as far as I know.

2013 at number 11 is crime.

 

[jl809]

How is 2023 so low though? That was probably his third best season behind 2011 and 2015, at least statistically

True and perhaps it’s a bit low, but I’m not fussed about the stats, I can go to Wikipedia for those. imo outside of when he went god mode at the YEC with a peak tier performance, 2023 Djoker was pretty meh and the field as a whole was really not great. Someone like 2008 Djokovic, who is very underrated, would crush 2023 Djokovic at the AO, RG and USO

I think it’s conceivable that 2021 Djoker wins the CYGS in 2023, Medvedev was worse in the 2023 final than in 2021 and I don’t think 2021 Djoker would serve even worse than 2023 Djoker did in the Wimbledon final

Not only that, 2023 Djoker has the lowest peak at the slams of most of his slam winning years. He has nothing to touch Wimbledon 2018, AO 19 etc… we also forget how bad Djoker was in 2023 on clay before he put together his RG run (2014, 2019 etc were all wayyy better), how terrible he was in the Cincy final before the final set with his sickness issues, the fact he needed Sinner to keep him alive in the YEC, etc

 

[Hitman]

True and perhaps it’s a bit low, but I’m not fussed about the stats, I can go to Wikipedia for those. imo outside of when he went god mode at the YEC with a peak tier performance, 2023 Djoker was pretty meh and the field as a whole was really not great. Someone like 2008 Djokovic, who is very underrated, would crush 2023 Djokovic at the AO, RG and USO

I think it’s conceivable that 2021 Djoker wins the CYGS in 2023, Medvedev was worse in the 2023 final than in 2021 and I don’t think 2021 Djoker would serve even worse than 2023 Djoker did in the Wimbledon final

Not only that, 2023 Djoker has the lowest peak at the slams of most of his slam winning years. He has nothing to touch Wimbledon 2018, AO 19 etc… we also forget how bad Djoker was in 2023 on clay before he put together his RG run (2014, 2019 etc were all wayyy better), how terrible he was in the Cincy final before the final set with his sickness issues, the fact he needed Sinner to keep him alive in the YEC, etc

You are forgetting if Djokovic won Wimbledon, he would be ranked number one and would have Sinner, Medvedev and Alcaraz in succession at USO 2023.

 

[nolefam_2024]

You are forgetting if Djokovic won Wimbledon, he would be ranked number one and would have Sinner, Medvedev and Alcaraz in succession at USO 2023.

Why Worry about RAZ

He lost to freaking Medvedev. Nole Owns medvedev. Raz was fit no pressure and Meddy roasted him.


ZERO
ZERO chance Raz wins.

 

[jl809]

You are forgetting if Djokovic won Wimbledon, he would be ranked number one and would have Sinner, Medvedev and Alcaraz in succession at USO 2023.

Ah good point

 

[RS]

How is 2023 so low though? That was probably his third best season behind 2011 and 2015, at least statistically

Because people don't rate the level and competition.

 

[SABRvolley]

Because people don't rate the level and competition.

Even then though, his level was pretty good. Yes not as good as 2011 - 2016 and the competition wasn’t as good, but he still physically outlasted the younger generation for the most part.

Level of competition does play a role but not enough to bump 2023 so far down.

 

[SABRvolley]

True and perhaps it’s a bit low, but I’m not fussed about the stats, I can go to Wikipedia for those. imo outside of when he went god mode at the YEC with a peak tier performance, 2023 Djoker was pretty meh and the field as a whole was really not great. Someone like 2008 Djokovic, who is very underrated, would crush 2023 Djokovic at the AO, RG and USO

I think it’s conceivable that 2021 Djoker wins the CYGS in 2023, Medvedev was worse in the 2023 final than in 2021 and I don’t think 2021 Djoker would serve even worse than 2023 Djoker did in the Wimbledon final

Not only that, 2023 Djoker has the lowest peak at the slams of most of his slam winning years. He has nothing to touch Wimbledon 2018, AO 19 etc… we also forget how bad Djoker was in 2023 on clay before he put together his RG run (2014, 2019 etc were all wayyy better), how terrible he was in the Cincy final before the final set with his sickness issues, the fact he needed Sinner to keep him alive in the YEC, etc

I agree the competition wasn’t great in 2023, but still, reaching all 4 slam finals and winning 3 of them at age 36 is pretty impressive.

Weaker competition might bump 2023 down a little bit, but not nearly that far imo.

 

[NatF]

1. 2011
2. 2015
3. 2013
4. 2012
5. 2008
6. 2014
7. 2016
8. 2021
9. 2018
10. 2019
11. 2023
12. 2020
13. 2009 = 2022
14. A massive gap
15. 2010
16. 2017

Basic Nadal fan putting 2013 > 2012

 

[RS]

Even then though, his level was pretty good. Yes not as good as 2011 - 2016 and the competition wasn’t as good, but he still physically outlasted the younger generation for the most part.

Level of competition does play a role but not enough to bump 2023 so far down.

2015 and 2011 are top. After that it becomes quite hard to order and depends what you look at.

 

[jl809]

Basic Nadal fan putting 2013 > 2012

You got me but it’s not far fetched imo:

• 2012 was better at Miami, Rome, Cincy
• 2013 was better at IW, MC, Paris and RG
• The rest are debatable
  • Both great AOs with tough matches and some great wins (13 had a higher ceiling imo)
  • Both relatively embarrassing USOs thanks to pathetic inability to deal with wind (2013 less embarrassing than 2012)
  • Both had great Shanghais, decent ATPFs with some struggles but also high levels in the F
  • losing terribly at both Madrids
  • similar case of getting exposed by better grass courters in both years lol (you can’t get Gasquet in the SFs every year unfortunately Nole)
  • Won Canada in 12 but against mug opposition unlike peak HC Nadal in 2013
  • Not much to separate them in the 500s, both great in Beijing, 12 had tougher comps at Dubai despite losing

Overall edge to 2013 imo

I agree the competition wasn’t great in 2023, but still, reaching all 4 slam finals and winning 3 of them at age 36 is pretty impressive.

Weaker competition might bump 2023 down a little bit, but not nearly that far imo.

If I were to adjust for impressiveness considering age etc then yeah 2023 would be higher for sure, it was the best run by a 36 year old that we’ll see for decades imo

 

[Winner Sinner]

But above all, why does someone put 2021 above 2023, on what basis?
In 2023 he came much closer to winning all the slams than in 2021 (Wimbledon 23 final against Alcaraz lost 2-3 in a super balanced match, final lost at the US Open 21 against Medvedev 0-3 never in question).
But again, from Cincinnati 2023 until the final in Turin he won 22 out of 23 games, including two consecutive 19s. In Turin between the semi-final and final he inflicted two lessons on Alcaraz and Sinner. ATP Finals which last year he won while in 2021 he came out in the semi-finals (if I'm not mistaken vs Zverev).
So for results 2023>2021, and also the level of the opponents 2023>2021. The only difference in favor of 2021 is that to win the RG he had to defeat a Nadal while in 2023 in Paris the most dangerous rival was Alcaraz, therefore Nadal 2021>Alcaraz 2023 on clay, even if only slightly. But the pro-season aspects of Djokovic 2021 compared to Djokovic's 2023 season end here, the rest is all favorable to 2023 in the comparison.

 

[fedfan24]

2011 - 2015
2012
2013
2014
2016
2019
2018 - 2008
2007 - 2021
2023
2022
2020
2024

2010
2006
2017

 

[Tennfan123]

2024 has to be number 1.

 

[Third Serve]

You got me but it’s not far fetched imo:

• 2012 was better at Miami, Rome, Cincy
• 2013 was better at IW, MC, Paris and RG
• The rest are debatable
  • Both great AOs with tough matches and some great wins (13 had a higher ceiling imo)
  • Both relatively embarrassing USOs thanks to pathetic inability to deal with wind (2013 less embarrassing than 2012)
  • Both had great Shanghais, decent ATPFs with some struggles but also high levels in the F
  • losing terribly at both Madrids
  • similar case of getting exposed by better grass courters in both years lol (you can’t get Gasquet in the SFs every year unfortunately Nole)
  • Won Canada in 12 but against mug opposition unlike peak HC Nadal in 2013
  • Not much to separate them in the 500s, both great in Beijing, 12 had tougher comps at Dubai despite losing

Overall edge to 2013 imo

A few points:

- I'd give 2013 the AO. He was tested a lot in both years but 2013 had the Ferrer match which may be the best he's ever played start to finish at that tournament. Comparing across years I think the Murray match was better from him in 2013 than 2012, even if he faffed around a bit.

- I would personally put YEC 2012 > 2013. That final was incredible and against an excellent opponent to boot. Never got the same impression from the 2013 final.

- I would also give Wimbledon to 2012. To be clear, Djokovic wasn't perfect in the Federer SF. I think he could have returned better. But the 2013 final was garbage. Easily the worst Slam final he'd played until RG 2020, possibly even USO 2021.

- Sure the opponents were mugs in 2012 but the 2013 Canada match gets too much undeserved praise IMO. The first two sets are pretty terrible upon rewatch. Nadal had 6 winners and 20 UFEs after those were all said and done. I don't like to harp on those stats but if they're that bad then it definitely says something. No wind excuse either, the rallies weren't on the longer side, and neither player was particularly aggressive... meaning much of those were neutral errors in short rallies. The third set was good (and that's where most of the fun highlights pull from), but it doesn't make up for the first two. Personally I'm taking 2012 pretty easily.

 

[NatF]

You got me but it’s not far fetched imo:

• 2012 was better at Miami, Rome, Cincy
• 2013 was better at IW, MC, Paris and RG
• The rest are debatable
  • Both great AOs with tough matches and some great wins (13 had a higher ceiling imo)
  • Both relatively embarrassing USOs thanks to pathetic inability to deal with wind (2013 less embarrassing than 2012)
  • Both had great Shanghais, decent ATPFs with some struggles but also high levels in the F
  • losing terribly at both Madrids
  • similar case of getting exposed by better grass courters in both years lol (you can’t get Gasquet in the SFs every year unfortunately Nole)
  • Won Canada in 12 but against mug opposition unlike peak HC Nadal in 2013
  • Not much to separate them in the 500s, both great in Beijing, 12 had tougher comps at Dubai despite losing

Overall edge to 2013 imo



If I were to adjust for impressiveness considering age etc then yeah 2023 would be higher for sure, it was the best run by a 36 year old that we’ll see for decades imo

I think if you look at the years as a whole Djokovic was definitely better in 2012. We can debate individual tournaments but at times Djokovic really looked like he had lost his way in 2013. Not making a single final in the North American HC masters is a pretty big deal for him. You can argue competition to a degree but IMO he was pretty listless in most of his losses, even the fabled 2013 Montreal SF is quite overrated in terms of quality.

There's also a balancing act between judging the whole tournaments and then the final matches, he was better at Wimbledon in 2013 up until the final where he was objectively poorer than any match he played in 2012. I would argue the 2012 FO final was as good a match from him as the 2013 SF as well. Probably the slams are about equal outside of the USO where he was obviously better in 2012, he just couldn't deal with the elements. In 2013 he played a below par match against a good Nadal, but one that was shown to be vulnerable - as demonstrated by sets 2 & 3.

Looking at the year in sections:

AO + Sunshine Double: 2012 > 2013
Clay + Grass: 2012 ~ 2013
Summer HC: 2012 > 2013
Post USO: 2013 > 2012

I think only clay + grass is really debatable.

 

[SABRvolley]

But above all, why does someone put 2021 above 2023, on what basis?
In 2023 he came much closer to winning all the slams than in 2021 (Wimbledon 23 final against Alcaraz lost 2-3 in a super balanced match, final lost at the US Open 21 against Medvedev 0-3 never in question).
But again, from Cincinnati 2023 until the final in Turin he won 22 out of 23 games, including two consecutive 19s. In Turin between the semi-final and final he inflicted two lessons on Alcaraz and Sinner. ATP Finals which last year he won while in 2021 he came out in the semi-finals (if I'm not mistaken vs Zverev).
So for results 2023>2021, and also the level of the opponents 2023>2021. The only difference in favor of 2021 is that to win the RG he had to defeat a Nadal while in 2023 in Paris the most dangerous rival was Alcaraz, therefore Nadal 2021>Alcaraz 2023 on clay, even if only slightly. But the pro-season aspects of Djokovic 2021 compared to Djokovic's 2023 season end here, the rest is all favorable to 2023 in the comparison.

More titles, slightly better competition (imo), better win percentage and considering his age, that makes it more impressive