Novak Djokovic has remained aggressive on the highest stage for thus a few years not solely due to his immense expertise. The previous world No. 1 – identical to his everlasting rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – has had the power to proceed bettering his recreation even after profitable all the pieces.
The Serbian legend is a way more full participant than within the early years of his profession. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has vastly improved his forehand, with which he made a number of unforced errors up to now, has labored on his recreation close to the online and has raised his stage on the serve quite a bit.
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
Due to the assistance of a legend like Goran Ivanisevic – who was his coach lately (earlier than the separation in 2024) – Novak’s serve has develop into a really harmful weapon for any opponent. The serve and forehand are the 2 pictures that made the distinction in Nole’s favor within the remaining of the Paris Olympics this summer season, permitting the Serbian ace to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and eventually win the gold medal for his nation.
The present world No.7 has improved his percentages, made his serve far more unpredictable, and has additionally improved his second serve. On this approach, Djokovic taught all youthful gamers that it’s by no means too late to enhance your recreation.
Shapovalov praises Djokovic’s serve
In a current interview on the UTS Tour’s YouTube Channel, Canadian ace Denis Shapovalov revealed Djokovic’s most underrated shot: “I think his serve was very underrated. Especially under pressure the guy would serve on the lines.
I feel like Novak makes you play worse. He does nothing wrong but he will find whatever is not working that day but then hit it there every single time!”
Shapovalov additionally recalled the 2019 Paris-Bercy remaining towards the Serbian legend: “I remember Paris the year I made finals, I played him in the finals and I heard rumors he had been sick all week. He was drinking his juices and drinking stuff all the time.
I was like I have got him, I am playing the best tennis of my life. The guy is not feeling good, he’s not 100%. This is my chance. No chance. The guy was toying with me.”
Nole wants new motivations
Final week, Nole introduced his surprising resolution to signal former world No. 1 Andy Murray as his new coach. The 2 legends will work collectively on the 2025 Australian Open, during which the Serbian ace goals of profitable the twenty fifth Main and the a hundredth title of his iconic profession.
Novak can have considered one of his largest rivals by his aspect, a participant he defeated in 4 totally different finals at Melbourne Park. There’s actually nice curiosity to know how the collaboration between the 2 will work and if Murray will have the ability to deliver one thing new to the Serbian’s recreation.
Djokovic and Murray© Andy Murray/Instagram – Honest Use
In an interview with Sky Sports activities, the previous World No.1 revealed why he chosen Murray as his new coach: “We were going through different names and I realized the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone that has been through the experiences that I’m going through, possible multiple Grand Slam winner, former No.1. I was thinking about different people and then an Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with me and my team.
It was still a shock decision. It caught him a little bit off guard as well because he wasn’t expecting it, so we connected really fast and he accepted after a few days.
I couldn’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, to everyone. But it’s exciting for tennis. He’s been one of my greatest rivals. We’re the same age. We’ve played in all the biggest stadiums in our sport. So I can’t wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.”
The 37-year-old from Belgrade will arrive in Australia lengthy earlier than the Completely happy Slam, desiring to play an official match within the first week of the brand new one to get into the appropriate rhythm.
2025 may very well be his final 12 months on the highest stage and Novak intends to offer his greatest from the pre-season. After spending just a few days in Doha for commitments along with his new sponsor Qatar Airways, the previous world No. 1 will play an exhibition match along with his buddy and former rival Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires tomorrow.
Followers and insiders are divided on Nole’s possibilities of profitable one other Grand Slam title earlier than his retirement, however it could be an enormous mistake to underestimate among the best athletes of all time.
