Novak Djokovic has blossomed into one of tennis’ giants during his 10 year ATP tenure, all whilst honing his craft, developing his skills, improving his mental fortitude and adapting his game to meet the evolving challenges of the men’s tour. While parts of his game have remained status quo such as a rock solid two-handed backhand, and impeccable court coverage, other aspects have evolved like a stronger serve, better volleys, a deftly disguised drop shot, and more varied groundstrokes. Djokovic has nearly completed a remarkable 2015 season that many consider one of tennis’ finest. Djokovic won 3 of 4 Majors, and 4 Masters 1000 titles, similar to his stellar 2011 season where he accomplished almost mirror successes, albeit in different fashions. Djokovic was slightly more aggressive in 2011, dispatching opponents with more punishing groundstrokes maximizing his power, speed and incomparable movement. Today, his game has more variety and nuance; translation: Djokovic has more weapons to hurt you, though his power game is not as fear-inducing. It’s his mental game that will pick you apart.
Because of Djokovic’s slightly more consistent and methodical approach to beating or weakening his adversaries during 2015, many critics have labeled him with metaphors like machine and robot, both in a pejorative and complimentary sense. Nick Bollettieri, following Djokovic’s 2015 Wimbledon title, praised him as “a perfect tennis machine.” Sometimes the machine comparisons evoke a lower aesthetic value suggestive of a game that subdues his opponents into uninspired play, and a style that lacks beauty or flair. And these mechanical metaphors may have some truth to them, but when analysed in isolation from his career arc, it’s an unfair critique of Novak Djokovic’s game and the dynamic player and person he is. Djokovic the person is far from boring; Djokovic the player sometimes looks boring to the untrained eye. Recently Djokovic sported a pair of eyeglasses, exuding a professorial air, which is in some ways is the highest compliment. Djokovic is a cerebral player, an athlete with amazing tennis IQ, outsmarting the wiliest of foes. He’s always been a thinker on court, problem-solving his way through difficult match dilemmas, and why should it be any different for a man who can beat you as many ways as he can speak languages. But he’s also very instinctual, exhibiting reflexes at once animal-like, and super-anticipatory.
Djokovic has oft been criticized for playing a suffocating style that waits for his opponents to make mistakes rather than aggressively winning points on his terms. Maybe if you cherry pick a match here and there, one can make a suspect argument at best, but that’s doing a disservice to one of the greatest players to play the game. There’s a science but also an art to Djokovic’s game, and unfortunately the measured science of the super Serb’s game can cloak the amazing artistry of it. Djokovic is an exciting player to watch, and earlier in his career, some may argue, it was apparent more often. In order to better understand and appreciate the beauty of Djokovic’s tennis, one must see the bigger picture of Novak’s career arc alongside the arcs of his main rivals. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Novak’s game is art-in-motion, beautiful in both its subtlety as well as brute force and blunt willpower.
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2006-2010 (The formative years, challenging the status quo)
Novak Djokovic actually qualified for his first Grand Slam in 2005 as a precocious and talented 17 year old, playing one of the game’s elite players, Marit Safin, who comfortably dispatched Djokovic in the 1st round, however, Safin remarked that Djokovic showed promise to become a top player one day. Safin likely never would have guessed he was staring down a future 10 Slam winner 11 years later. During the Serbian’s first full 5 years on tour, he was an exciting, jovial, hard hitting phenom who showed steady improvement with each passing year. He won his first 2 ATP tournaments in 2006. He made the top 10 in 2007 and won his first Masters in Montreal beating the top 3 players in succession (Roddick, Nadal and Federer) in spectacular offensive fashion. Later he reached his first Major final against the world’s number 1, Federer at the US Open losing in 3 tight sets—in fact, Djokovic was a confident 20 year old not only keeping pace with the Swiss star but actually had several set points to win both the 1st and 2nd sets, only to succumb to some mental nerves in the end. But it was a wake-up call to the ATP tour and Federer, that a new star was born—an exciting star who could match the #1 with power, speed and accuracy, and the match proved to be fruitful for Djokovic’s confidence as only 5 short months later he would defeat Federer in 3 close sets at the 2008 Australian Open and the way he did it was nothing short of amazing. Federer, the supremely offensively gifted player who typically does the dictating, found himself more on the defensive against a persistent Djokovic who could beat him at his own game. Both players ended the match with 32 unforced errors, but the young gun was more the aggressor hitting 50 winners to Federer’s 38. Indeed a new star was born. And Djokvic’s down-the-line groundstrokes were something to be feared and respected. 2008 also brought Djokovic more fame from his homeland as he helped secure a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.
2009, while not as successful in Slam performances, was overall a more consistent year, as Djokovic reached 10 finals, winning 5 titles and becoming a respected member of the so called Big 4, though he’d been the world’s #3 player the past 2 years. Djokovic clearly belonged in elite company though he generally had trouble beating his biggest rivals, Federer and Nadal when the stakes were highest. 2010 was another impressive year by most top player standards, though the sprightly Serb had trouble maintaining consistency and endurance during the biggest matches losing to his biggest rivals Federer 4 of 5 times and twice to Nadal. Nonetheless, one had the sense that Djokovic was coming so close to climbing that last hurdle of more Major wins. He had all the talent in the world, and proved he could hang tough beating Federer in a 5 set epic at the US Open semifinal, though he lost to Nadal in another nail-biting seesaw Final. Indeed 2010 was a strong year and finished on a high: the Djoker leading his country to its first ever Davis Cup title which would famously spill over into an historic 41 match winning streak in 2011 that signalled the true emergence and potential tapped of the tennis star, finally charging through the shadows of his arch-nemeses.
Djokovic’s first 5 years on the professional tour were marked by mostly ups and sometimes some personally tough defeats, leaving many wondering if he was a huge talent somewhat wasted, as he became as well known for his entertaining on court prowess as his off-court jesting, as well as his mid-match injuries and retirements. Thankfully, an observant man by the name of Dr. Ivo Cetojevic solved the mysterious missing link to Djokovic’s inability to endure tough matches against his biggest rivals: an intolerance to gluten. Djokovic showed that he could play and beat the best in the world, but also lose to them more times than not—particularly Federer and Nadal. His style of play could be described as aggressive, scrambling, somewhat unpredictable, and one of the best baseliners in a budding career, slapping around scintillating forehands and backhands down the line and crosscourt. His power game was as good as anyone’s and his defence as solid as any, yet his mental game could be fragile against the big stars, a vicious feedback loop cycling from cracked confidence to compromised physical stamina. Part diet-rebirth, part Davis Cup glory was the springboard the dedicated Serb needed to propel him into another stratosphere of elite tennis in 2011. Aesthetically, Djokovic was one of the most exciting dynamic players on tour, showcasing a brand of tennis all unique to his own—at once, incredibly elastic and defensive yet lightning quick on offense. He was a human wall, an Atari pong knocking balls back in play that had no business being punched back. Rafael Nadal, perhaps more than Federer became his main adversary, and most closely resembled Djokovic’s dogged baseline style and shot-making.
Novak Djokovic actually qualified for his first Grand Slam in 2005 as a precocious and talented 17 year old, playing one of the game’s elite players, Marit Safin, who comfortably dispatched Djokovic in the 1st round, however, Safin remarked that Djokovic showed promise to become a top player one day. Safin likely never would have guessed he was staring down a future 10 Slam winner 11 years later. During the Serbian’s first full 5 years on tour, he was an exciting, jovial, hard hitting phenom who showed steady improvement with each passing year. He won his first 2 ATP tournaments in 2006. He made the top 10 in 2007 and won his first Masters in Montreal beating the top 3 players in succession (Roddick, Nadal and Federer) in spectacular offensive fashion. Later he reached his first Major final against the world’s number 1, Federer at the US Open losing in 3 tight sets—in fact, Djokovic was a confident 20 year old not only keeping pace with the Swiss star but actually had several set points to win both the 1st and 2nd sets, only to succumb to some mental nerves in the end. But it was a wake-up call to the ATP tour and Federer, that a new star was born—an exciting star who could match the #1 with power, speed and accuracy, and the match proved to be fruitful for Djokovic’s confidence as only 5 short months later he would defeat Federer in 3 close sets at the 2008 Australian Open and the way he did it was nothing short of amazing. Federer, the supremely offensively gifted player who typically does the dictating, found himself more on the defensive against a persistent Djokovic who could beat him at his own game. Both players ended the match with 32 unforced errors, but the young gun was more the aggressor hitting 50 winners to Federer’s 38. Indeed a new star was born. And Djokvic’s down-the-line groundstrokes were something to be feared and respected. 2008 also brought Djokovic more fame from his homeland as he helped secure a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.
2009, while not as successful in Slam performances, was overall a more consistent year, as Djokovic reached 10 finals, winning 5 titles and becoming a respected member of the so called Big 4, though he’d been the world’s #3 player the past 2 years. Djokovic clearly belonged in elite company though he generally had trouble beating his biggest rivals, Federer and Nadal when the stakes were highest. 2010 was another impressive year by most top player standards, though the sprightly Serb had trouble maintaining consistency and endurance during the biggest matches losing to his biggest rivals Federer 4 of 5 times and twice to Nadal. Nonetheless, one had the sense that Djokovic was coming so close to climbing that last hurdle of more Major wins. He had all the talent in the world, and proved he could hang tough beating Federer in a 5 set epic at the US Open semifinal, though he lost to Nadal in another nail-biting seesaw Final. Indeed 2010 was a strong year and finished on a high: the Djoker leading his country to its first ever Davis Cup title which would famously spill over into an historic 41 match winning streak in 2011 that signalled the true emergence and potential tapped of the tennis star, finally charging through the shadows of his arch-nemeses.
Djokovic’s first 5 years on the professional tour were marked by mostly ups and sometimes some personally tough defeats, leaving many wondering if he was a huge talent somewhat wasted, as he became as well known for his entertaining on court prowess as his off-court jesting, as well as his mid-match injuries and retirements. Thankfully, an observant man by the name of Dr. Ivo Cetojevic solved the mysterious missing link to Djokovic’s inability to endure tough matches against his biggest rivals: an intolerance to gluten. Djokovic showed that he could play and beat the best in the world, but also lose to them more times than not—particularly Federer and Nadal. His style of play could be described as aggressive, scrambling, somewhat unpredictable, and one of the best baseliners in a budding career, slapping around scintillating forehands and backhands down the line and crosscourt. His power game was as good as anyone’s and his defence as solid as any, yet his mental game could be fragile against the big stars, a vicious feedback loop cycling from cracked confidence to compromised physical stamina. Part diet-rebirth, part Davis Cup glory was the springboard the dedicated Serb needed to propel him into another stratosphere of elite tennis in 2011. Aesthetically, Djokovic was one of the most exciting dynamic players on tour, showcasing a brand of tennis all unique to his own—at once, incredibly elastic and defensive yet lightning quick on offense. He was a human wall, an Atari pong knocking balls back in play that had no business being punched back. Rafael Nadal, perhaps more than Federer became his main adversary, and most closely resembled Djokovic’s dogged baseline style and shot-making.
2011-2013 (The Emergent Years—Becoming the Best)
The next phase of rising Serb’s career (2011-2013) would signal a maturation in both his personality and his tennis; Djokovic, while still an animated good natured guy, subdued the Djoker side somewhat and dialed the tennis intensity meter up a notch, becoming the most consistent player and world # 1, reaching 9 of 12 Grand Slam finals, winning 5 Majors. Three of those Slams were in 2011, when he played mind-boggling aggressive and purposeful tennis, often seizing control of points early but also relying on a tireless work ethic that could hold up admirably into the late stretches of a match. At the 2011 Australian Open, Djokovic truly outmatched his rivals Federer and Murray in straight sets in the SF and Finals by hitting hard and often, going for winners. At the French, Djokovic continued an impressive offensive brand of tennis, only running into an even more aggressive Federer in the semi-finals who seemingly had every answer his opponent threw at him. Djokovic played very well, Federer played brilliantly. At Wimbledon, Djokovic continued a singularly swift and attacking tennis which culminated in a rather close more controlled final against Nadal where neither player had a high winner count (27 winners for Novak to Rafa’s 21). Their first meeting on grass likely contributed to a more cautious approach, but also their defensive prowess.
At the 2011 US Open, Djokovic proved he could beat both Federer and Nadal with his previously higher risk higher reward offensive tennis. Federer, normally the maestro at controlling and finishing points early on a fast hardcourt, was matched in both offensive shots and stats, (Federer 49 W, Djokovic 48), but Djokovic’s error margin was better only hitting 35 unforced errors (UE) to Federer’s 59 UEs. Djokovic also converted 6 of 12 break points (BP), and Federer only 3 of 5 BPs. Through much of 2012 and 2013, Djokovic exhibited a willingness to match or out-hit his opponents to win, even against the Big 4. In a sensational 2012 Aussie Open Final against Nadal that went 5 long sets, Djokovic hit 57 W to Nadal’s 44 W. In the 5 hour SF against Murray, Djokovic wasn’t afraid to dictate for good stretches hitting 40 W and 65 UE, while Murray hit 31 W and 56 UE—this time being the aggressor paid off, as it did for most of 2011.
The trend more or less continued in 2012 where Djokovic was willing to be aggressive against his main rivals, but the results didn’t follow as the year prior. Djokovic’s exciting style of never-say-die defence and crisp free swinging offense allowed him to reach 3 Slam Finals and one SF, just as in 2011, but the main difference being that the Big 4 added 5-10% more aggression to their games that proved Djokovic’s undoing. He lost the 2012 French Finals to Nadal, who learned from his previous 3 Slam Final losses against the Serb, though the stats were relatively even (Djokovic 33 W, 40 UE, Nadal 29 W, 23 UE), except Nadal’s offense was a few more inches inside the lines then Djokovic who sprayed 17 more errors. In the Wimbledon SF, Federer played his most controlled offensive game, only hitting 3 more winners than Djokovic, but simply hit more aggressively on the important points. In the US Open Final 2012, Murray didn’t outhit Djokovic, as the Serb hit 40 W, and the Scot 31 W, but for once outlasted Djokovic in 5 sets, as he didn’t fatigue like Djokovic did.
Djokovic exacted some measure of revenge as he dispatched Murray in four close sets at the 2013 Aussie Open Final. Willing to be the aggressor, Djokovic hit more of his patented down the line winners and overall had 47 W to Murray’s 29 W. Djokovic almost lost to an ultra-aggressive Stan Wawrinka in a 4th round 5 setter that saw the up-and-coming Swiss try to bully the Serb off the court with 69 W, but a loose 93 UE, yet Djokovic didn’t back down as he hit a respectable 51 W to 66 UE. Djokovic was willing to remain offensive-minded and go for winners against Nadal in a riveting Roland Garros SF 5 set match. Djokovic tried to be aggressive at important moments in the match hitting 54 W to 75 UE, while Nadal was equally aggressive but more controlled hitting 61 W to 44 UE. Novak’s strategy of hitting hard nearly worked but couldn’t be sustained against an equally fit and mentally strong Spaniard over 5 sets. Sometimes aggression pays off, and sometimes it can backfire. In this case, Novak’s willingness to be offensive was the right move—he just met his match in a stalwart Nadal. Much the same story in a topsy-turvy US Open Final 2013 where Nadal simply played a more controlled game with fewer errors while playing the right blend of aggression and safe margins. Nadal won in a very close 4 setter, where Djokovic went almost for too much, but still had 46 W to 53 UE, whereas Nadal had 27 W to only 20 UE. Where Nadal excelled better was in forcing Djokovic to make errors (FE). Djokovic played a solid 2013 Wimbledon, but for a somewhat lucklustre final against an inspired Murray with a whole nation urging him to victory—it was almost as if Djokovic lost the fight in him and felt resigned to donate history to Great Britain, though Murray played as flawless as he ever has.
Djokovic’s style of game hadn’t changed a whole lot during this phase since his earlier years. His mental game grew stronger. His stamina was now as good as anyone’s. His confidence was high and he typically found the right mix of defense and offense, but rarely was he pushed around for the majority of big matches against his main foes. His glorious rubber band defense was as essential as ever, but rarely did he sit back on the baseline waiting for errors to ensue—he was willing to lose some long points to examine his opponents for weaknesses or for cracks in their games. This period was best encompassed by a deepening rivalry with Rafael Nadal. |The Serb and the Spaniard were the two best defensive players in the world, who could both showcase exciting brands of physical, athletic tennis the world had yet to fully appreciate, where both often pushed each other to their widest pain thresholds. Spectators got many appetizers before their 2010 US Open Final, but the two gladiators raised the epic nature of their tug-of-war clashes during these 3 years. Both superstars carved three Major titles at the expense of the other. Andy Murray also became a more formidable opponent to Djokovic during these years, earning one Wimbledon title and snatching one US Open title away from Djokovic. Djokovic too beat Murray for two Aussie Open titles in Finals of 2011 and 2013.
The next phase of rising Serb’s career (2011-2013) would signal a maturation in both his personality and his tennis; Djokovic, while still an animated good natured guy, subdued the Djoker side somewhat and dialed the tennis intensity meter up a notch, becoming the most consistent player and world # 1, reaching 9 of 12 Grand Slam finals, winning 5 Majors. Three of those Slams were in 2011, when he played mind-boggling aggressive and purposeful tennis, often seizing control of points early but also relying on a tireless work ethic that could hold up admirably into the late stretches of a match. At the 2011 Australian Open, Djokovic truly outmatched his rivals Federer and Murray in straight sets in the SF and Finals by hitting hard and often, going for winners. At the French, Djokovic continued an impressive offensive brand of tennis, only running into an even more aggressive Federer in the semi-finals who seemingly had every answer his opponent threw at him. Djokovic played very well, Federer played brilliantly. At Wimbledon, Djokovic continued a singularly swift and attacking tennis which culminated in a rather close more controlled final against Nadal where neither player had a high winner count (27 winners for Novak to Rafa’s 21). Their first meeting on grass likely contributed to a more cautious approach, but also their defensive prowess.
At the 2011 US Open, Djokovic proved he could beat both Federer and Nadal with his previously higher risk higher reward offensive tennis. Federer, normally the maestro at controlling and finishing points early on a fast hardcourt, was matched in both offensive shots and stats, (Federer 49 W, Djokovic 48), but Djokovic’s error margin was better only hitting 35 unforced errors (UE) to Federer’s 59 UEs. Djokovic also converted 6 of 12 break points (BP), and Federer only 3 of 5 BPs. Through much of 2012 and 2013, Djokovic exhibited a willingness to match or out-hit his opponents to win, even against the Big 4. In a sensational 2012 Aussie Open Final against Nadal that went 5 long sets, Djokovic hit 57 W to Nadal’s 44 W. In the 5 hour SF against Murray, Djokovic wasn’t afraid to dictate for good stretches hitting 40 W and 65 UE, while Murray hit 31 W and 56 UE—this time being the aggressor paid off, as it did for most of 2011.
The trend more or less continued in 2012 where Djokovic was willing to be aggressive against his main rivals, but the results didn’t follow as the year prior. Djokovic’s exciting style of never-say-die defence and crisp free swinging offense allowed him to reach 3 Slam Finals and one SF, just as in 2011, but the main difference being that the Big 4 added 5-10% more aggression to their games that proved Djokovic’s undoing. He lost the 2012 French Finals to Nadal, who learned from his previous 3 Slam Final losses against the Serb, though the stats were relatively even (Djokovic 33 W, 40 UE, Nadal 29 W, 23 UE), except Nadal’s offense was a few more inches inside the lines then Djokovic who sprayed 17 more errors. In the Wimbledon SF, Federer played his most controlled offensive game, only hitting 3 more winners than Djokovic, but simply hit more aggressively on the important points. In the US Open Final 2012, Murray didn’t outhit Djokovic, as the Serb hit 40 W, and the Scot 31 W, but for once outlasted Djokovic in 5 sets, as he didn’t fatigue like Djokovic did.
Djokovic exacted some measure of revenge as he dispatched Murray in four close sets at the 2013 Aussie Open Final. Willing to be the aggressor, Djokovic hit more of his patented down the line winners and overall had 47 W to Murray’s 29 W. Djokovic almost lost to an ultra-aggressive Stan Wawrinka in a 4th round 5 setter that saw the up-and-coming Swiss try to bully the Serb off the court with 69 W, but a loose 93 UE, yet Djokovic didn’t back down as he hit a respectable 51 W to 66 UE. Djokovic was willing to remain offensive-minded and go for winners against Nadal in a riveting Roland Garros SF 5 set match. Djokovic tried to be aggressive at important moments in the match hitting 54 W to 75 UE, while Nadal was equally aggressive but more controlled hitting 61 W to 44 UE. Novak’s strategy of hitting hard nearly worked but couldn’t be sustained against an equally fit and mentally strong Spaniard over 5 sets. Sometimes aggression pays off, and sometimes it can backfire. In this case, Novak’s willingness to be offensive was the right move—he just met his match in a stalwart Nadal. Much the same story in a topsy-turvy US Open Final 2013 where Nadal simply played a more controlled game with fewer errors while playing the right blend of aggression and safe margins. Nadal won in a very close 4 setter, where Djokovic went almost for too much, but still had 46 W to 53 UE, whereas Nadal had 27 W to only 20 UE. Where Nadal excelled better was in forcing Djokovic to make errors (FE). Djokovic played a solid 2013 Wimbledon, but for a somewhat lucklustre final against an inspired Murray with a whole nation urging him to victory—it was almost as if Djokovic lost the fight in him and felt resigned to donate history to Great Britain, though Murray played as flawless as he ever has.
Djokovic’s style of game hadn’t changed a whole lot during this phase since his earlier years. His mental game grew stronger. His stamina was now as good as anyone’s. His confidence was high and he typically found the right mix of defense and offense, but rarely was he pushed around for the majority of big matches against his main foes. His glorious rubber band defense was as essential as ever, but rarely did he sit back on the baseline waiting for errors to ensue—he was willing to lose some long points to examine his opponents for weaknesses or for cracks in their games. This period was best encompassed by a deepening rivalry with Rafael Nadal. |The Serb and the Spaniard were the two best defensive players in the world, who could both showcase exciting brands of physical, athletic tennis the world had yet to fully appreciate, where both often pushed each other to their widest pain thresholds. Spectators got many appetizers before their 2010 US Open Final, but the two gladiators raised the epic nature of their tug-of-war clashes during these 3 years. Both superstars carved three Major titles at the expense of the other. Andy Murray also became a more formidable opponent to Djokovic during these years, earning one Wimbledon title and snatching one US Open title away from Djokovic. Djokovic too beat Murray for two Aussie Open titles in Finals of 2011 and 2013.
2014, 2015 and beyond (Djokovic, the complete player)
The years 2014 and 2015 marked subtle yet significant changes in Djokovic’s game and match approach: he became largely more conservative but more consistent. He played the percentages a bit more, hitting less winners, but also less errors. Djokovic could still summon his 2011 level of higher risk/reward play, but his shifting tendencies veered toward hitting somewhat longer rallies and willing to wait longer in points to gain advantage. He became a more patient player, sometimes to his boon, sometimes to his demise. Much of the subtle changes to the Serb’s game began with Boris Becker’s influence. Not much appeared to be different at first, as there wasn’t much to fix with the game of a Champion, but Becker’s greatest impact likely was an improved service motion helping Djokovic particularly with a more effective 2nd serve that wasn’t as vulnerable to be attacked. Djokovic slowly became more willing and accustomed to approach the net and hit more volleys too.
So here’s the rub: Novak Djokovic simultaneously became at once a more offensive player and a more defensive one. His offense is best illustrated by winning more free points off his better serve as well as finishing more points at the net. However, Djokovic has also become more defensive once a baseline rally becomes neutral—or has he? Djokovic is less likely to go for winners (particularly down the line) in 2014-2015 earlier in rallies and more likely to patiently construct points using depth, height and varied angles. Unfortunately, to the untrained tennis eye, this “patient point-construction” mentality doesn’t ignite the same reverie and excitement that a Federer serve and volley or a Wawrinka one-handed backhand winner does. During these past few years, interestingly more observers tended to compare Djokovic’s game to the calm clean effiency of a machine, a robot or a cyborg. It isn’t coincidental either, though people tend to forget that Djokovic can flip the switch and play “beautiful” tennis as Federer does in one of the most classic offensive and eye-pleasing Grand Slam Finals during Wimbledon 2014. Djokovic is capable of playing an aggressive and elegant brand of tennis and he showcased it against the most revered tennis player so oft compared to a ballet dancer that it’s hard to see how artistic Djokovic’s game was when compared to likely the most artistic and offensively gifted player of his era, Roger Federer.
Side by side, many casual viewers and fans became blinded by Federer’s gifts, that Djokovic’s gifts often go unnoticed. But in fact, Djokovic hit just as many crisp quick and beautiful baseline winners as Federer, in fact he hit more in Wimbledon 2014. Djokovic hit 68 W and only 27 UE, while Federer hit 74 W and only 29 UE, but minus the Swiss’s 29 aces, he effectively had 45 winners from rallies, whereas Djokovic had 55 winners. In the 2015 rematch Wimbledon Final, Djokovic beat Federer again in similar fashion, yet with a more patient approach. Djokovic was more than willing to allow Federer his decorum of winners (58), but Djokovic also hit his fair share (46) but kept his game air tight only committing 16 UE to Federer’s 35 UE. Djokovic matched Federer’s serving throughout, but really broke down Federer’s game by continually hitting deep angled shots to Federer’s weaker backhand wing, rendering his attacking style mostly mute in the 3rd and 4th sets. Unfortunately Djokovic’s aesthetic rating likely lost some appeal, as the Serb’s relentless game plan of targeting Federer’s weaknesses didn’t always cater to a partisan audience who wanted to see the Swiss have his way, snapping winners, curly locks flowing and ballet legs gliding—at last, it wasn’t meant to be.
Nor was it meant to be for the Swiss legend and his cult following two months later in New York, as Djokovic employed much of the same tactics in earning a victory against what surely felt like not one but 23,000 opponents across the net. Statistically one might think Federer had won the match as he hit 56 W to 54 UE, whereas Djokovic only hit 35 W to 37 UE. Almost without fail, the victor has a better W to UE ratio, and yet Djokovic was -2 and Federer was +2—pretty negligible, but still surprising. Djokovic ended up with 2 more points total. The most impressive statistic of all was Djokovic’s ability to save break points (19 of 23), which speaks to his superior mental strength in pressure points. He also converted 6 of 13 BP. Quite remarkable considering the partisan crowd. The one stat that often gets overlooked in Djokovic’s matches is Forced Errors (FE). People who love winners flying off Federer’s racquet, find themselves scratching their heads after the match, saying: “How did Fed lose? He had 21 more winners!” They don’t often remember how many times Djokovic was in control of points (COP). Yes, there should be a stat called COPs, because that can often be telling in the outcome. Djokovic, while appeared to be outclassed in winners, still dictating and controlled more points or rallies than Federer and that made all the difference.
Djokovic’s found the right ingredients of power, control, depth, speed, aggression and patience against such an offensive minded player like Federer when it mattered most in 2 Slam finals of 2015. He learned his lesson from playing it too safe against Stan Wawrinka in the French Final, another offensively gifted Swiss with devastating power.
There will always be so called tennis purists who say, Federer, just looks like a natural born tennis player, his serve, forehand and backhand mechanics so effortless and graceful, and it’s difficult to deny that. But that’s what makes Djokovic’s game perhaps equally impressive and eye-catching: he’s the consummate professional who can beat you in so many ways. And for all those Federer worshippers that smugly dismiss Djokovic as machine-like or unrefined, one need only remind them that Djokovic is smart, subtle and sexy at tennis because he can defeat you in a diversity ways. He can beat you with speed and power (Australian Open 2008, Aussie Open 2011, US Open 2011, Wimbledon 2014), and he can beat you with strategy and skill (Wimbledon 2015 and US Open 2015). Djokovic more closely resembles a Nadal in aesthetics than a Federer: supreme defense, agility, court coverage and mental toughness, yet Djokovic has now emerged out of the once crowded triple perch in a league all his own. In some ways he’s the antithesis of Federer: both in playing style and personality. His return of serve is punishing, whereas Federer’s serve has usually been the big weapon. Federer is more natural at the net, but Djokovic the supreme baseliner. Federer, once the game’s most feared offensive player, now Djokovic the game’s most feared all court player with a loaded offensive arsenal.
Novak Djokovic is a machine, and a finely calibrated one, but he’s also supremely human and refined in his shot making and his off-court manners. Yet for all of Djokovic’s steely science and mechanics, he’s simultaneously the artist painting lines with backhand and forehand brush strokes on the canvas of his court, be it clay, grass or cement. He’s got a smothering game if you happen to stand across the net from him but he also has a game that inspires and elevates the senses as long as you watch carefully! In team sports, the casual fan will cheer for more points, more touchdowns, more goals, and more runs, and in tennis it’s sexier to celebrate a winner that leaves an opponent flatfooted standing in disbelief. Djokovic can bring you out of your seat by doing both: sublime offensive power, and Houdini-esque escapes from certain defeat through magical defense. There’s a reason Novak Djokovic is involved in multiple lists from critics for top 10 matches of the Open Era. The French Open semifinal in 2013, the Australian Open Final of 2012 and the Wimbledon Final of 2014 are some of the most notable examples—testament that Djokovic is at least half the reason beautiful memorable tennis matches are born and live on in the hearts of appreciative fans.
The years 2014 and 2015 marked subtle yet significant changes in Djokovic’s game and match approach: he became largely more conservative but more consistent. He played the percentages a bit more, hitting less winners, but also less errors. Djokovic could still summon his 2011 level of higher risk/reward play, but his shifting tendencies veered toward hitting somewhat longer rallies and willing to wait longer in points to gain advantage. He became a more patient player, sometimes to his boon, sometimes to his demise. Much of the subtle changes to the Serb’s game began with Boris Becker’s influence. Not much appeared to be different at first, as there wasn’t much to fix with the game of a Champion, but Becker’s greatest impact likely was an improved service motion helping Djokovic particularly with a more effective 2nd serve that wasn’t as vulnerable to be attacked. Djokovic slowly became more willing and accustomed to approach the net and hit more volleys too.
So here’s the rub: Novak Djokovic simultaneously became at once a more offensive player and a more defensive one. His offense is best illustrated by winning more free points off his better serve as well as finishing more points at the net. However, Djokovic has also become more defensive once a baseline rally becomes neutral—or has he? Djokovic is less likely to go for winners (particularly down the line) in 2014-2015 earlier in rallies and more likely to patiently construct points using depth, height and varied angles. Unfortunately, to the untrained tennis eye, this “patient point-construction” mentality doesn’t ignite the same reverie and excitement that a Federer serve and volley or a Wawrinka one-handed backhand winner does. During these past few years, interestingly more observers tended to compare Djokovic’s game to the calm clean effiency of a machine, a robot or a cyborg. It isn’t coincidental either, though people tend to forget that Djokovic can flip the switch and play “beautiful” tennis as Federer does in one of the most classic offensive and eye-pleasing Grand Slam Finals during Wimbledon 2014. Djokovic is capable of playing an aggressive and elegant brand of tennis and he showcased it against the most revered tennis player so oft compared to a ballet dancer that it’s hard to see how artistic Djokovic’s game was when compared to likely the most artistic and offensively gifted player of his era, Roger Federer.
Side by side, many casual viewers and fans became blinded by Federer’s gifts, that Djokovic’s gifts often go unnoticed. But in fact, Djokovic hit just as many crisp quick and beautiful baseline winners as Federer, in fact he hit more in Wimbledon 2014. Djokovic hit 68 W and only 27 UE, while Federer hit 74 W and only 29 UE, but minus the Swiss’s 29 aces, he effectively had 45 winners from rallies, whereas Djokovic had 55 winners. In the 2015 rematch Wimbledon Final, Djokovic beat Federer again in similar fashion, yet with a more patient approach. Djokovic was more than willing to allow Federer his decorum of winners (58), but Djokovic also hit his fair share (46) but kept his game air tight only committing 16 UE to Federer’s 35 UE. Djokovic matched Federer’s serving throughout, but really broke down Federer’s game by continually hitting deep angled shots to Federer’s weaker backhand wing, rendering his attacking style mostly mute in the 3rd and 4th sets. Unfortunately Djokovic’s aesthetic rating likely lost some appeal, as the Serb’s relentless game plan of targeting Federer’s weaknesses didn’t always cater to a partisan audience who wanted to see the Swiss have his way, snapping winners, curly locks flowing and ballet legs gliding—at last, it wasn’t meant to be.
Nor was it meant to be for the Swiss legend and his cult following two months later in New York, as Djokovic employed much of the same tactics in earning a victory against what surely felt like not one but 23,000 opponents across the net. Statistically one might think Federer had won the match as he hit 56 W to 54 UE, whereas Djokovic only hit 35 W to 37 UE. Almost without fail, the victor has a better W to UE ratio, and yet Djokovic was -2 and Federer was +2—pretty negligible, but still surprising. Djokovic ended up with 2 more points total. The most impressive statistic of all was Djokovic’s ability to save break points (19 of 23), which speaks to his superior mental strength in pressure points. He also converted 6 of 13 BP. Quite remarkable considering the partisan crowd. The one stat that often gets overlooked in Djokovic’s matches is Forced Errors (FE). People who love winners flying off Federer’s racquet, find themselves scratching their heads after the match, saying: “How did Fed lose? He had 21 more winners!” They don’t often remember how many times Djokovic was in control of points (COP). Yes, there should be a stat called COPs, because that can often be telling in the outcome. Djokovic, while appeared to be outclassed in winners, still dictating and controlled more points or rallies than Federer and that made all the difference.
Djokovic’s found the right ingredients of power, control, depth, speed, aggression and patience against such an offensive minded player like Federer when it mattered most in 2 Slam finals of 2015. He learned his lesson from playing it too safe against Stan Wawrinka in the French Final, another offensively gifted Swiss with devastating power.
There will always be so called tennis purists who say, Federer, just looks like a natural born tennis player, his serve, forehand and backhand mechanics so effortless and graceful, and it’s difficult to deny that. But that’s what makes Djokovic’s game perhaps equally impressive and eye-catching: he’s the consummate professional who can beat you in so many ways. And for all those Federer worshippers that smugly dismiss Djokovic as machine-like or unrefined, one need only remind them that Djokovic is smart, subtle and sexy at tennis because he can defeat you in a diversity ways. He can beat you with speed and power (Australian Open 2008, Aussie Open 2011, US Open 2011, Wimbledon 2014), and he can beat you with strategy and skill (Wimbledon 2015 and US Open 2015). Djokovic more closely resembles a Nadal in aesthetics than a Federer: supreme defense, agility, court coverage and mental toughness, yet Djokovic has now emerged out of the once crowded triple perch in a league all his own. In some ways he’s the antithesis of Federer: both in playing style and personality. His return of serve is punishing, whereas Federer’s serve has usually been the big weapon. Federer is more natural at the net, but Djokovic the supreme baseliner. Federer, once the game’s most feared offensive player, now Djokovic the game’s most feared all court player with a loaded offensive arsenal.
Novak Djokovic is a machine, and a finely calibrated one, but he’s also supremely human and refined in his shot making and his off-court manners. Yet for all of Djokovic’s steely science and mechanics, he’s simultaneously the artist painting lines with backhand and forehand brush strokes on the canvas of his court, be it clay, grass or cement. He’s got a smothering game if you happen to stand across the net from him but he also has a game that inspires and elevates the senses as long as you watch carefully! In team sports, the casual fan will cheer for more points, more touchdowns, more goals, and more runs, and in tennis it’s sexier to celebrate a winner that leaves an opponent flatfooted standing in disbelief. Djokovic can bring you out of your seat by doing both: sublime offensive power, and Houdini-esque escapes from certain defeat through magical defense. There’s a reason Novak Djokovic is involved in multiple lists from critics for top 10 matches of the Open Era. The French Open semifinal in 2013, the Australian Open Final of 2012 and the Wimbledon Final of 2014 are some of the most notable examples—testament that Djokovic is at least half the reason beautiful memorable tennis matches are born and live on in the hearts of appreciative fans.