For the past couple of years, Novak Djokovic’s story has only been about him dominating the entire tennis world and creating a legacy. In the rise of the tennis world, the reigning supreme Djokovic has made unfathomable records. As now he sits back on his throne, the next generation still struggles to defeat this living legend.
Turning to look back at the beginning of this legacy, it is evident that Nole was a prodigy. Having started playing tennis at the age of 4, he entered the professional tennis arena when he was just 16 years old. At 19 he won his first ATP title, and just 2 years later, he claimed his first Grand Slam. The rest is history.
Remembering Djokovic’s first ATP title
As this July 23rd marked 17 years since Novak Djokovic won his first ATP title, his wife Jelena shares his love and support for how far he can come. In 2006, Nole was just 19 years old and was definitely predicted to be one of the quickly rising tennis stars. Little did anyone know that this kid would go on to be several tennis professionals’ worst nightmare.
After turning heads in 2006 at Wimbledon and Rolland Garros, Djokovic played in the clay surface Dutch Open. Without losing one single set, Novak strutted into the semifinals against the first-seeded, Guillermo Coria who unfortunately had to walkover due to an injury. So, he had to play against Nicholas Massu.
The Djoker was quick to break a game in the first set but his opponent also quickly evened the score. In the second set of this match, Djokovic began his winning streak on tiebreakers and on tournaments. He claimed his maiden ATP title at the age of 19 and has consistently been claiming title after title, record after record, year after year.
This. 🍀❤️ @DjokerNole https://t.co/752ShlQ8d9
— Jelena Djokovic (@jelenadjokovic) July 23, 2023
At the age of 36, Novak Djokovic is still dominating the field and is on a mission to claim as many Slams as possible. Not ready to back down any time soon, this legend will go on to be a snag for all the next-generation players who want to claim their first Slams.
What was Djokovic’s ranking when he won at Dutch Open?
Having stepped into the professional tennis realm in 2003 as a prodigy, Djokovic was very quick to rise up the rank board. By the end of 2005, he was ranked world number 83. In the year 2006, Nole went up to the quarterfinals of Roland Garros and the fourth round of Wimbledon which made the tennis community realize that he was going to make something of himself.
These wins in the Grand Slams put Djokovic at world number 36 when he won his maiden ATP title on the outdoor clay courts of the Dutch Open, Amersfoort, Netherlands.
What are your thoughts on Novak Djokovic’s journey? Let us know in the comments below!
