Novak Djokovic’s Peers Acknowledge His Underrated Secret Weapon
Novak Djokovic stands out as one of tennis’ most accomplished players, with a remarkable 24 Grand Slam titles to his name. His game is often described as nearly flawless, earning him a reputation as a leading figure in the history of the sport. However, there is an underrated element of his skill set that some experts and players have begun to acknowledge: his serve.
Djokovic’s Underrated Serve
Despite his many accolades, Djokovic himself feels that his serve does not receive the credit it deserves. Recently, retired player Christopher Eubanks discussed this topic on Andy Roddick’s podcast, “Served.” Eubanks emphasized that numerous current players share the belief that Djokovic’s serving ability is often overlooked.
Career Serve Statistics
Djokovic boasts impressive career serve statistics:
- First Serve Percentage: 65%
- First Serve Points Won: 74%
- Second Serve Points Won: 55%
In comparison, here’s how his rivals measure up:
| Player | First Serve Percentage | First Serve Points Won |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Federer | 62% | 77% |
| Rafael Nadal | 68% | 72% |
While Djokovic’s serve may not be celebrated as loudly as his baseline play, he has continuously underscored its accuracy and precision. He stated, “I was never really looking to ramp up the miles per hour on the serve,” adding that precision often trumps power. “It’s great if you can serve 130 miles an hour, but I’d rather hit the perfect spot in the box.”
Continued Excellence at 38
Djokovic, now 38 years old, continues to perform at an elite level. He recently reached the Australian Open final, marking the 38th Grand Slam final of his career. As he seeks his 25th major title, it is clear that his underrated serve could be a significant asset in achieving this milestone.
As players like Eubanks note, Djokovic’s serve has proven to be “clutch” throughout his career. With his ongoing pursuit of greatness, it remains to be seen how pivotal his serve will be in cementing his legacy even further within the sport.