The year 2018 is drawing to a close and the stars of the ATP tour are on well-deserved holidays. Time to look back at some of the milestones that Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Co. achieved last season.
The first major coup was on display early in 2018: Roger Federer hardly ever started a season, grabbed the title at the Australian Open and had a great chance to get back on the tennis throne in Rotterdam. And in the best Federer manner, the then 36-year-old didn’t let it get away.
After a few years of abstinence, the Swiss’s name shone again from the top of the world rankings. Federer and Rafael Nadal were expected to fight back and forth for the top position in the first half of the year.
Nadal also set a great record: The Spaniard celebrated his 900th victory on the ATP Tour in the fourth round of the French Open. This makes the eleven-time Paris winner the fourth player in the Open Era to achieve this feat.
The year of Novak Djokovic was a magical one. Especially the second half of the year was dominated by the Serbian as at the best times, won the major tournaments in Wimbledon and New York City, won his 800th match on the tour and was the first player in history to celebrate the Golden Masters. Means: Djokovic is the first player to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once.
The world number one has suffered five defeats in the final over the years at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, before giving Federer no chance in the final this year and grabbing the title he had longed for. Milestone.
Of course John Isner is one of the best serveers on the tour. In the fourth rounds of the Houston tournament, however, the US player achieved historic success. Against Steve Johnson, Isner beat the 10,000th ace of his career in the fourth game of the decisive set.
The service giant thus joins the elite circle of Roger Federer, Goran Ivanisevic and Ivo Karlovic.
The Bryan brothers are considered the best doubles in tennis history. The numbers speak for themselves, over 100 tournaments could win the twins side by side.
However, Bob Bryan had to undergo a hip operation towards the end of the season and Mike Bryan then teamed up with his compatriot Jack Sock. Quite successful, considering that the new duo won the US Open and the ATP finals.
For “Bob” it went afterwards back on number one of the world ranking list and the 40-year-old also finished the year on the sunny place. Next year the Bryan duo will again be on tour together.