Having recorded so many incredible years on the ATP Tour, it’s hard to pinpoint when exactly Novak Djokovic’s prime was.
Many will point to his 2011 campaign, during which the Serb clinched four majors and five consecutive Masters titles.
Others would say his 2023 season is the greatest of his career, when, aged 36, Djokovic clinched a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title.
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But by his own admission, the legend’s prime came during the 2015 season, when he was simply unstoppable.
Novak Djokovic said he was in his prime back in 2015
That year, Djokovic made the final of every single Grand Slam and Masters event bar the Madrid Open, where he did not feature.
He came out on top in three of the major finals and six of the eight Masters title bouts, before emerging victorious at the ATP Finals as well.
With a season win percentage of 93%, statistically, 2015 is Djokovic’s best season on the tour.
After beating Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final that year, Djokovic was asked if he was in his prime.
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He responded: “I am. I am at the prime of my career. I’m going to try to use every part of this fact to stay where I am and to fight for as many, you know, major titles as possible.
“I know that my career, as any other career, cannot go forever. I cannot stay in the top for, you know, so many years.
“I’m going to try to have longevity in my career through every day, let’s say, routines that I respect with my team, with preparations, recoveries, and of course consistently keep on motivating myself, finding that inspiration to play the sport in a high level.
“Because I don’t play only for myself. I play for my family, friends, my country, you know, people around the world that support me.
“So it’s always in the back of my mind. It’s something that I basically attract from that a lot of inspiration to play and work hard.
“I know that all this success that I make are not result of one tournament or a couple weeks of work. They are result of many years, you know, putting in these hours of practice and commitment.
“So that’s the only way I can stay here. That’s the only way I can have many more years on this level.”
What Novak Djokovic said about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in 2015
At the time of winning Indian Wells in 2015, Djokovic was third in the race for Grand Slam titles among the big three.
He had eight at that point, while Federer was in the lead with 17 to his name, with Rafael Nadal trailing in second on 14.
Asked if he thinks he does not get enough credit compared to his rivals, Djokovic said: “It’s difficult to say.
“I mean, I’m really enjoying playing tennis and competing, and of course all these achievements I’m proud of.
“I feel appreciation from other people as well, and how in some ways, you know, it’s difficult to compare with the achievements of 17 Grand Slam wins of Federer and 14 Grand Slam wins of Nadal and all the titles that they have. I mean, it’s not easy to get into that mix, you know.
“But it’s kind of a golden era of the men’s tennis right now, and I’m very proud to be part of it.
“I believe that big part of my success and my achievements are actually those matches that I have had with Rafa and Roger. Actually those two guys, you know, they made me a better player.”
Djokovic enjoyed a winning record against both Federer and Nadal during his career, and has more Grand Slams than the two.
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