The greatest ever 18 month run in ATP history

[Hitman]

From Paris Masters 2014 to Roland Garros 2016, Novak put together some of the most awe inspiring streaks of wins possible.

In these 18 months Djokovic had achieved
5 slams, including a NCYGS, a first ever career slam, a second three slam season AO-W-USO, record equalling most AO titles
10 masters titles, including most masters won in a single season, back to back sunshine double, first to win the first three masters of the season, 7 out of 9 different masters events
Reached the final of every single event he played from AO 2015 to AO 2016, which included 2015 AO, Dubai, IW, Miami, MC, Rome, RG, W, Canada, Cincy, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, WTF, 2016 Doha and AO
Back to back wins at the WTF, allowing him to be the only player to win the WTF four times in a row
Highest points accumiliation in history

At the conclusion of RG 2016, he was reigning defending undisputed champion at AO, IW, Miami, Madrid, RG, W, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris and WTF, holding all the biggest titles on all three surfaces and indoors. He had also won the clay crown, winning all of MC, Madrid, Rome and RG during this run. It was this run specifically that earned him the title of Earth's Mightiest Warrior, a run that broke all boundaries and set new horizons on what was possible. It will take a monumental effort of epic proportions for this 18 month period to ever be ecliped.

 

[Moose Malloy]

McEnroe was 119-7 for 18 months(Jan '84 to June'85), a win % that is hard to beat.

 

[Booger]

And yet, people will always root for his opponent, no matter where he is in the world.

 

[Bubcay]

From Paris Masters 2014 to Roland Garros 2016, Novak put together some of the most awe inspiring streaks of wins possible.

In these 18 months Djokovic had achieved
5 slams, including a NCYGS, a first ever career slam, a second three slam season AO-W-USO, record equalling most AO titles
10 masters titles, including most masters won in a single season, back to back sunshine double, first to win the first three masters of the season, 7 out of 9 different masters events
Reached the final of every single event he played from AO 2015 to AO 2016, which included 2015 AO, Dubai, IW, Miami, MC, Rome, RG, W, Canada, Cincy, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, WTF, 2016 Doha and AO
Back to back wins at the WTF, allowing him to be the only player to win the WTF four times in a row
Highest points accumiliation in history

At the conclusion of RG 2016, he was reigning defending undisputed champion at AO, IW, Miami, Madrid, RG, W, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris and WTF, holding all the biggest titles on all three surfaces and indoors. He had also won the clay crown, winning all of MC, Madrid, Rome and RG during this run. It was this run specifically that earned him the title of Earth's Mightiest Warrior, a run that broke all boundaries and set new horizons on what was possible. It will take a monumental effort of epic proportions for this 18 month period to ever be ecliped.

Amazing run indeed. Utter dominance. Especially having in mind that it was achieved competing with some of the best players that ever played tennis.

 

[Bubcay]

And yet, people will always root for his opponent, no matter where he is in the world.

Not all 'people', that is for sure....

 

[MichaelNadal]

Most impressive

 

[travlerajm]

Mac and Novak both flew too close to the sun. Hot streak followed by burn-out period.

 

[NoleFam]

McEnroe was 119-7 for 18 months(Jan '84 to June'85), a win % that is hard to beat.

And Djokovic was 135-9. It was hard to beat but Djokovic did it.

Spoiler

Statiscally, McEnroe had the higher winning percentage but only 2 Slams to Djokovic's 5.

 

[Mustard]

McEnroe was 119-7 for 18 months(Jan '84 to June'85), a win % that is hard to beat.

Wasn't Jimmy Connors something like 148-6 going into the 1975 Wimbledon final against Arthur Ashe, dating back to the start of the 1974 Australian Open?

 

[Mustard]

And Djokovic was 135-9. It was hard to beat but Djokovic did it.

Spoiler

Statiscally, McEnroe had the higher winning percentage but only 2 Slams to Djokovic's 5.

John McEnroe cared more about the Masters in Madison Square Garden and the WCT Finals in Dallas than he did about the Australian Open, the latter of which he only played in 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1992.

 

[travlerajm]

Wasn't Jimmy Connors something like 148-6 going into the 1975 Wimbledon final against Arthur Ashe, dating back to the start of the 1974 Australian Open?

A streak is more historically impactful when it is ended by Arthur Ashe. Some day Sam Querrey will be a trivial pursuit question.

 

[NoleFam]

John McEnroe cared more about the Masters in Madison Square Garden and the WCT Finals in Dallas than he did about the Australian Open, the latter of which he only played in 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1992.

Yea but even without the AO, Djokovic still had more Slams and won the ATP Finals/Masters twice to McEnroe winning it once and the WCT once. Advantage Djokovic.

 

[Rosstour]

Amazing run indeed. Utter dominance. Especially having in mind that it was achieved competing with some of the best players that ever played tennis.

You mean ancient Federer, scourge of the Weakest Era in Tennis History?

 

[fluffyyelloballz]

Amazing run indeed. Utter dominance. Especially having in mind that it was achieved competing with some of the best players that ever played tennis.

It would be most interesting to analyse that in more context. For example, what state their form was in, etc.

 

[nolefam_2024]

From Paris Masters 2014 to Roland Garros 2016, Novak put together some of the most awe inspiring streaks of wins possible.

In these 18 months Djokovic had achieved
5 slams, including a NCYGS, a first ever career slam, a second three slam season AO-W-USO, record equalling most AO titles
10 masters titles, including most masters won in a single season, back to back sunshine double, first to win the first three masters of the season, 7 out of 9 different masters events
Reached the final of every single event he played from AO 2015 to AO 2016, which included 2015 AO, Dubai, IW, Miami, MC, Rome, RG, W, Canada, Cincy, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, WTF, 2016 Doha and AO
Back to back wins at the WTF, allowing him to be the only player to win the WTF four times in a row
Highest points accumiliation in history

At the conclusion of RG 2016, he was reigning defending undisputed champion at AO, IW, Miami, Madrid, RG, W, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris and WTF, holding all the biggest titles on all three surfaces and indoors. He had also won the clay crown, winning all of MC, Madrid, Rome and RG during this run. It was this run specifically that earned him the title of Earth's Mightiest Warrior, a run that broke all boundaries and set new horizons on what was possible. It will take a monumental effort of epic proportions for this 18 month period to ever be ecliped.

IIRC when he started his run, by MC it was becoming obvious that we were in a gigantic run. One that may eclipse even his 2011 season. But so many naysayers kept saying forget about this as seasons like 2011 are impossible to repeat for Nole

 

[Kralingen]

16,950 is actually Novak’s craziest record tbh

 

[Graf1stClass]

And yet, people will always root for his opponent, no matter where he is in the world.

I was rooting against Graf for most of her matches at the end of her career, and I believe I was not alone in wanting anyone to change the status quo even though I adored her. With all of his dominance and his unrestrained mannerisms on top of it, it may be the same case

 

[Booger]

My favorite match of that streak was against Gilles Simon at the '16 AO.

100 unforced errors

 

[socallefty]

It was a privilege to watch him play twice and win titles at Indian Wells in 2015-16 during this BOAT run especially when he played Federer in one of the Finals while Federer was also in blazing form ripping through opponents. I have never seen tennis of a higher skill level before or after. They both stood close to the baseline, hit balls on the rise, changed angles at will at high pace and spin on both wings while having incredible movement to play long points. It was like watching a video game version of tennis played live.

Djokovic was serving great during this stretch also and it seemed like most opponents gave up mentally after a set and a half as it was obvious that they couldn‘t match his level and this took the fight out of them. Pity that he mentally let down after the French Open in 2016 (maybe combined with elbow issues) and this crazy peak BOAT phase ended abruptly.

 

[Bubcay]

You mean ancient Federer, scourge of the Weakest Era in Tennis History?

To quote one of my posts from some time ago:

There is no such thing as a week era... There are just excuses by fans to beef up their favourite's claim to glory... There is however brilliance and dominance a few ATG's have demonstrated over the years. They just make others look weak...

 

[Graf1stClass]

Pity that he mentally let down after the French Open in 2016 (maybe combined with elbow issues) and this crazy peak BOAT phase ended abruptly.

With the way this year went until last month, you could not even tell, he won with so many injuries like a Spartan.

 

[Bubcay]

It would be most interesting to analyse that in more context. For example, what state their form was in, etc.

In the end - it does not matter. You can view it through any lens but the results are what people will remember in 30 years' time. Does anyone remember (outside of TTW perhaps) who Laver had beaten when getting his CYGS?

 

[abmk]

From Paris Masters 2014 to Roland Garros 2016, Novak put together some of the most awe inspiring streaks of wins possible.

In these 18 months Djokovic had achieved
5 slams, including a NCYGS, a first ever career slam, a second three slam season AO-W-USO, record equalling most AO titles
10 masters titles, including most masters won in a single season, back to back sunshine double, first to win the first three masters of the season, 7 out of 9 different masters events
Reached the final of every single event he played from AO 2015 to AO 2016, which included 2015 AO, Dubai, IW, Miami, MC, Rome, RG, W, Canada, Cincy, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, WTF, 2016 Doha and AO
Back to back wins at the WTF, allowing him to be the only player to win the WTF four times in a row
Highest points accumiliation in history

At the conclusion of RG 2016, he was reigning defending undisputed champion at AO, IW, Miami, Madrid, RG, W, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris and WTF, holding all the biggest titles on all three surfaces and indoors. He had also won the clay crown, winning all of MC, Madrid, Rome and RG during this run. It was this run specifically that earned him the title of Earth's Mightiest Warrior, a run that broke all boundaries and set new horizons on what was possible. It will take a monumental effort of epic proportions for this 18 month period to ever be ecliped.

McEnroe was 119-7 for 18 months(Jan '84 to June'85), a win % that is hard to beat.

And Djokovic was 135-9. It was hard to beat but Djokovic did it.

Spoiler

Statiscally, McEnroe had the higher winning percentage but only 2 Slams to Djokovic's 5.

Federer was 149-6 (96.12%) from Halle 2005 to Dubai 2007

35-1 in 2005 from Halle onwards
92-5 in 2006
12-0 in AO 07/Dubai 07

a higher% than Mac's Jan 84 to June 85 and obviously Djokovic's Paris 14 to RG 16.

Fed also won 6 out of the 7 slams and made the 7th slam final (Wim 05, USO 05, AO 06, Wim 06, USO 06, AO 07 and made the RG 06 final) in comparision to Djokovic's 5 out of 6(AO 15, Wim 15, USO 15, AO 16, RG 16 and RG 15 final). In Djokovic's favour though, Djokovic won both YECs, while fed won 06 YEC and lost the YEC 05 final (hampered by injury tho) and a higher # of masters.

 

[Graf1stClass]

Federer was 149-6 (96.12%) from Halle 2005 to Dubai 2007

a higher% than Mac's Jan 84 to June 85 and obviously Djokovic's Paris 14 to RG 16.

My player played in the weaker era than yours

 

[PilotPete]

Was this better than Laver?

 

[Milehigh5280]

The most complete version of Djokovic imo. Compared to 2011 and 2021 I think he could win in more ways. In 2011 he mostly won by being physically superior to his opponents and in 2021 it's been his mental game that's been his biggest advantage. During 2015-16 he was close to his mental and physical peak at the same time

 

[Madinolf]

23-5 h2h against Big4.
8-0 in Grand Slams (including wins over Nadal at RG and Federer at Wimbledon)

 

[Hitman]

While McEnroe and Federer have had absolutely monster 18 month runs of their own, the fact that Djokovic held all four slams and the fifth biggest title all at the same time, is total and complete domination of the sport and puts his run at the top. He was holding all the the big titles.

 

[abmk]

The most complete version of Djokovic imo. Compared to 2011 and 2021 I think he could win in more ways. In 2011 he mostly won by being physically superior to his opponents and in 2021 it's been his mental game that's been his biggest advantage. During 2015-16 he was close to his mental and physical peak at the same time

Djokovic mentally better in 2011 than in 15-first half of 16.
A little more complete in 2015 compared to 2011, yes.

 

[D.Nalby12]

Holding 4 Slams + WTF + 6 Masters at the same time. Insane. Don't think it will ever happen again.

 

[D.Nalby12]

Federer had 3 Slams + WTF + 4 Masters at his peak.

 

[Hitman]

Holding 4 Slams + WTF + 6 Masters at the same time. Insane. Don't think it will ever happen again.

Looking at that, he was three masters away from holding all the big titles. Absurd to think how close that was to happening since he was in the finals of a few of those masters he lost also.

A complete freak of nature will need to emerge to topple that.

 

[NAS]

Federer had 3 Slams + WTF + 4 Masters at his peak.

Fed 6 slam out of 7 is insane one

 

[lucky13]

16,950 is actually Novak’s craziest record tbh

yes, he did it by playing the most dominant and well-played year in tennis history (W15 - RG16)!

W W (2000), Canada F (600), Cinci F (600), USO W (2000), Beijing W (500), Shanghai W (1000), Paris W (1000), WTF W (1300), Doha W (250), AO W (2000), Dubai QF (90), DC RR (2w - 0p), IW W (1000), Miami W (1000), MC 32 (10), Madrid W (1000), Rome F ( 600), RG W (2000)

W-L: 85-6
31 top10 wins
12 titles (10 big): 4 slams, WTF, 5 masters (+3 F), ATP 500, ATP 250
ATP record 16950 points
5-0 vs rafa
4-2 (3-0 in slams) vs fed (1 lost in RR in WTF but won in F)
5-2 vs muzza (2-0 in slams)

(in his most dominant and best year, 2006, fed had 2-4 vs rafa, 0-1 vs muzza and 2-0 vs nole, nole and muzza was 18-19 year old)

 

[MichaelNadal]

Fed 6 slam out of 7 is insane one

#KingRafa

 

[Hitman]

yes, he did it by playing the most dominant and well-played year in tennis history (W15 - RG16)!

W W (2000), Canada F (600), Cinci F (600), USO W (2000), Beijing W (500), Shanghai W (1000), Paris W (1000), WTF W (1300), Doha W (250), AO W (2000), Dubai QF (90), DC RR (2w - 0p), IW W (1000), Miami W (1000), MC 32 (10), Madrid W (1000), Rome F ( 600), RG W (2000)

W-L: 85-6
31 top10 wins
12 titles (10 big): 4 slams, WTF, 5 masters (+3 F), ATP 500, ATP 250
ATP record 16950 points
5-0 vs rafa
4-2 (3-0 in slams) vs fed (1 lost in RR in WTF but won in F)
5-2 vs muzza (2-0 in slams)

(in his most dominant and best year, 2006, fed had 2-4 vs rafa, 0-1 vs muzza and 2-0 vs nole, nole and muzza was 18-19 year old)

Staggering number of points. Talk about grabbing the ball and running with it.

 

[Hitman]

It was a privilege to watch him play twice and win titles at Indian Wells in 2015-16 during this BOAT run especially when he played Federer in one of the Finals while Federer was also in blazing form ripping through opponents. I have never seen tennis of a higher skill level before or after. They both stood close to the baseline, hit balls on the rise, changed angles at will at high pace and spin on both wings while having incredible movement to play long points. It was like watching a video game version of tennis played live.

Djokovic was serving great during this stretch also and it seemed like most opponents gave up mentally after a set and a half as it was obvious that they couldn‘t match his level and this took the fight out of them. Pity that he mentally let down after the French Open in 2016 (maybe combined with elbow issues) and this crazy peak BOAT phase ended abruptly.

When both Federer and Djkkovic are clicking and they face off against it each, it is full on high octane tennis.

 

[mike danny]

Yep, super impressive run from Novak.

Crazy how some people even suggested Oldovic was better than this.

 

[abmk]

When both Federer and Djkkovic are clicking and they face off against it each, it is full on high octane tennis.

except IW 15 final only had some of it and not too much.
Djoko was dominant in set 1 and start of set2. only then fed woke up to play well to level the set and take it to a breaker. Then took the breaker with some help from djokovic. some contest at start of set3, then Djoko ran away with it.

@socallefty is a shameless propagandist who will do anything to hype Djokovic/whosoever he's playing.
In this case, he's shamelessly hyping up fed's level in IW 15 final.

 

[Madinolf]

Holding 4 Slams + WTF + 6 Masters at the same time. Insane. Don't think it will ever happen again.

Looking at that, he was three masters away from holding all the big titles. Absurd to think how close that was to happening since he was in the finals of a few of those masters he lost also.

A complete freak of nature will need to emerge to topple that.

5 Masters.

 

[Sunny014]

Federer from Halle 2004 till Dubai 2007

225-11 which is a 95% win record overall

In Slams in this period - 71-3 which is a 95.96% win record overall.

This is the Most dominant stretch by any player in history

 

[Nadal_Django]

Federer from Halle 2004 till Dubai 2007

225-11 which is a 95% win record overall

In Slams in this period - 71-3 which is a 95.96% win record overall.

This is the Most dominant stretch by any player in history

Did he held the all 4 Slams at once?

 

[Sunny014]

Win % of 95+ over a period of 33 months is far ahead of some 18 months silly stretch when your biggest challenger is some 33-34 yr old ATG, LOL

 

[Nadal_Django]

It was a privilege to watch him play twice and win titles at Indian Wells in 2015-16 during this BOAT run especially when he played Federer in one of the Finals while Federer was also in blazing form ripping through opponents. I have never seen tennis of a higher skill level before or after. They both stood close to the baseline, hit balls on the rise, changed angles at will at high pace and spin on both wings while having incredible movement to play long points. It was like watching a video game version of tennis played live.

Djokovic was serving great during this stretch also and it seemed like most opponents gave up mentally after a set and a half as it was obvious that they couldn‘t match his level and this took the fight out of them. Pity that he mentally let down after the French Open in 2016 (maybe combined with elbow issues) and this crazy peak BOAT phase ended abruptly.

2015 IW Final, probably the highest level match at the IW tournament in the last 30 years.

 

[Madinolf]

Federer from Halle 2004 till Dubai 2007

225-11 which is a 95% win record overall

In Slams in this period - 71-3 which is a 95.96% win record overall.

This is the Most dominant stretch by any player in history

How many of those matches were against top5 and top10s?

 

[Sunny014]

Did he held the all 4 Slams at once?

He doesn't have to hold all 4 slams.

His rival Nadal on clay was higher than any rival Novak ever faced in the 2010s in terms of level of play.

Vs that Nadal this Novak of 2010s would be crushed mercilessly ....

Nadal was a savage ...

 

[Madinolf]

@Sunny014

Average ranking of opponents:

2015 Djokovic 17.8
2006 Federer 28.2

Win percentage alone doesn't tell the full story.

 

[Nadal_Django]

He doesn't have to hold all 4 slams.

His rival Nadal on clay was higher than any rival Novak ever faced in the 2010s in terms of level of play.

Vs that Nadal this Novak of 2010s would be crushed mercilessly ....

Nadal was a savage ...

So he didn't hold all 4 Slams at once.

 

[Sunny014]

@Sunny014

Average ranking of opponents:

2015 Djokovic 17.8
2006 Federer 28.2

Win percentage alone doesn't tell the full story.

Vs top 10 ....

Fed 50-6 win% 89.29 (over 33 months) vs Novak's 54-6 90 (over 18 months)

Plus Fed's losses came vs superfast Nadal at his peak on clay and vs Peak Safin (who had the power to spank Novak on his buttocks).

Novak's losses came vs 34 yr old Fed (4 times) and twice vs murray

LOL, losing 4 to an old guy in mid 30s and to a murray ... haha ..... you wanna glorify Novak ?

 

[Sunny014]

People who have watched tennis for decades know that Federer has been the most dominant force in the history of this universe.

Novak is nowhere even close, some 18 month stretch over some washed out rivals won't make him special

All you need to do is watch tennis from 04-13 and you will find highest energy levels from players back then compared to 14-21, I sometimes pity you fanatics who started watching Tennis from 2011, you missed the epic Unstoppable Force vs Immovable Object rivalries of Federer and Nadal of 2000s.....