The Baseline Top 10: Moments in return to the top for Djokovic

Even though he didn’t win Paris, Novak Djokovic has his hands on a prize that could be considered even more impressive: a return to No. 1. After an epic win over Roger Federer in the semifinals, Djokovic was stunned by Karen Khachanov, 7-5, 6-4.

Since the last time he was world No. 1 almost exactly two years ago, the 31-year-old has gone through a range of ups and downs—here’s a look at some of them:

1

A Shock Loss at Wimbledon 2016

After finally capturing the French Open for the first time just weeks prior, the Serb entered Wimbledon as the holder of the the last four Slams. His winning streak at the majors came to an end at the hands of Sam Querrey in the third round of Wimbledon.

2

Murray Catches Up, and Passes Him

His stunning loss at at Wimbledon proved he could be beaten, as Andy Murray began to make his move toward the top spot. After closing out the season on a torrid winning stretch, the Scot defeated Djokovic at the ATP Finals to clinch the year-end No. 1 ranking.

3

An Up-and-Down Start to 2017

In his first tournament of the year, Djokovic turned the tables on Murray, defeating him in the final in Doha. However, any confidence gained from that win took a serious hit at the Australian Open, when the six-time champion was knocked out in the second round by Denis Istomin, his earliest loss in Melbourne in more than a decade.

4

The Coaching Carousel

Months after parting ways with Boris Becker, Djokovic decided to team up with another Hall of Fame player, Andre Agassi. The coaching merry-go-round also saw Djokovic ditch his entire team at one point, including his longtime coach Marian Vajda.

5

Shutting It Down for the Year

After losing in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, Djokovic was forced to end his 2017 campaign due to an elbow injury that eventually required surgery, though not for months.

6

A Slow Return in 2018

Djokovic returned to action at the beginning of the year, and through the first few months, it was apparent that he was going to have to work harder than ever to recapture his form, with losses to the likes of Taro Daniel, Benoit Paire and Martin Klizan. He rehired his old team, including Vadja, in April. After falling in the French Open quarterfinals, Djokovic was despondent for not being able to capitalize on a wide-open draw.

7

The Grass Is Always Greener

Djokovic’s decision to play on the grass worked out for him in grand fashion when, after reaching his first final of the year at Queen’s Club, he followed it up with the title at Wimbledon. It was his first Grand Slam triumph in more than two years.

8

Master of Them All

Things only got better for Djokovic from there. He made history by becoming the first man to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 events in his career in singles when he claimed the title for the first time in Cincinnati.

9

A Bite of the Big Apple

Djokovic added to his Grand Slam title haul at the US Open for his 14th major, tying him with Pete Sampras and putting him within striking distance of the top spot in the rankings.

10

Shanghai Wasn’t a Surprise

Returning to the court in Shanghai after his US Open triumph, Djokovic breezed to the title at the eighth Masters event of the year without the loss of a set, and without losing a service game.

With Rafael Nadal withdrawing from the ATP Finals in London, Djokovic has also secured the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias