Has Djokovic changed the way the game is played or is it his individual talent?

[Captain Grant]

Djockovic just doesn't have the grace of Federer or the physicality/intensity of Nadal.

He has something more effective. Depth. Consistent depth. A few deep responses(if one isn't enough) from Djokovic and it gives him the initiative in the point because it has been proved in many matches that neither Fed or Nadal can't handle such consistent hitting close to the lines. Note that Novak doesn't just barely misses and uses his talent of painting the lines, but his game works so good as a part of the combined mix of great movement, shotmaking variety, quick reflexes, taking the ball early etc.(all the stuff making him the legendary player).

Is there something particular(tactic) current/future generations could learn from Djokovic or is it only Novak who has unique talent of using the deepest possible spots on the court on a consistent basis or does that talent works only as a part of his overall complete skillset, so there's no way for younger generation to ''cheat'' the game other than becoming the better players in every area? What do you think?

 

[insideguy]

He has something more effective. Depth. Consistent depth. A few deep responses(if one isn't enough) from Djokovic and it gives him the initiative in the point because it has been proved in many matches that neither Fed or Nadal can't handle such consistent hitting close to the lines. Note that Novak doesn't just barely misses and uses his talent of painting the lines, but his game works so good as a part of the combined mix of great movement, shotmaking variety, quick reflexes, taking the ball early etc.(all the stuff making him the legendary player).

Is there something particular(tactic) current/future generations could learn from Djokovic or is it only Novak who has unique talent of using the deepest possible spots on the court on a consistent basis or does that talent works only as a part of his overall complete skillset, so there's no way for younger generation to ''cheat'' the game other than becoming the better players in every area? What do you think?

I dont think anyone can imitate how joker plays. Interesting post though. I just see all of these super great players as unique. I dont know if any great player changes the way the game is played. Cause the next one comes along with a different type of game to counter the current great.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?search/1590381/

 

[DRII]

He has something more effective. Depth. Consistent depth. A few deep responses(if one isn't enough) from Djokovic and it gives him the initiative in the point because it has been proved in many matches that neither Fed or Nadal can't handle such consistent hitting close to the lines. Note that Novak doesn't just barely misses and uses his talent of painting the lines, but his game works so good as a part of the combined mix of great movement, shotmaking variety, quick reflexes, taking the ball early etc.(all the stuff making him the legendary player).

Is there something particular(tactic) current/future generations could learn from Djokovic or is it only Novak who has unique talent of using the deepest possible spots on the court on a consistent basis or does that talent works only as a part of his overall complete skillset, so there's no way for younger generation to ''cheat'' the game other than becoming the better players in every area? What do you think?

Djockovic posses an excellence that just doesn't seem special. as crazy as that sounds, its how i feel.

the one younger player that plays similarly and has great skills is Nishikori. actually Nish's game is more entertaining to me, his footwork is amazing and i even like his BH better than Djockovic's. he just doesn't have the physical stamina.

 

[Zildite]

He is just good, it's not like hitting deep is some novel strategy

 

[marc45]

Djockovic posses an excellence that just doesn't seem special. as crazy as that sounds, its how i feel.

the one younger player that plays similarly and has great skills is Nishikori. actually Nish's game is more entertaining to me, his footwork is amazing and i even like his BH better than Djockovic's. he just doesn't have the physical stamina.

also doesn't have the size or range....can't even consider somebody that size anymore

 

[Blitzball]

I personally don't believe talent exists. Talent is just a cover name for hard work and concentration. People call Roger Federer extremely talented-- he has even referred to himself as such in several interviews. I don't think so. When he pulls off an incredible dropshot mid-rally, one that barely glides over the net, I think it's attributed to the fact that he watches the ball better than anyone in the game, and that he trains extremely hard off the court. Same with Djokovic's moments of incredible play (and consistently high-level performances). Today, especially in the first 2 sets, he consistently hit penetrating, powerful shots, often catching corners and just barely hitting the line. I don't think Djokovic is simply inherently gifted at doing this. I think it's a combination of all the hard work he puts on the court practicing his returns and groundstrokes, in addition to his attention towards mental sharpening via yoga. In fact, the daily yoga might be the biggest factor. I think yoga has meditative properties that definitely help with his mental fortitude, overall concentration, etc. It's allowed him to tap into this crazy state of focus--sometimes called the zone, or flow. At least that's what I think.

If anything, future generations can take note of his training regimen. Champions can't just have a great serve or great physicality or a great return. They need all of the above, and this requires astounding commitment off the court.

 

[Captain Grant]

also doesn't have the size or range....can't even consider somebody that size anymore

Kei's problem doesn't lie in his size, more like he lacks the consistency to keep the ball in play for a long time. You need to have at least the touch of Murray if you want to win Slams in current tough era.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I think he's a very talented player who has also contributed to moving the game towards a different style.
Same is true of Borg, Agassi, and Federer IMO.

Also you've returned.

 

[Captain Grant]

I think he's a very talented player who has also contributed to moving the game towards a different style.
Same is true of Borg, Agassi, and Federer IMO.

Also you've returned.

Sometimes proper bans make you reconsider your views on life

 

[90's Clay]

His talent. You got alot of baseliners in the game today (Thats all there is pretty much) but no one can do it as well as Nole.

Well Nadal could but, and on his best days better than Nole. But no one else. Hes just too solid and consistent now. You can't hit him off the court. The way he can redirect, force you to hit the extra shot, change pace, hit deep is stifling

 

[Captain Grant]

His talent. You got alot of baseliners in the game today (Thats all there is pretty much) but no one can do it as well as Nole.

I heard smart people say Murray is the most all-round player of all time and if only Andy had Djokovic's ability to hit deep the Scotsman could have been the GOAT.

 

[NEW_BORN]

It comes down to Djokovic having unbelievable core strength to stay balanced through many defensive shots that would otherwise be winners and the uncanny ability to stay mentally infallible throughout the course of a match, not to mention he has taken the art of sliding to a ridiculous level.

In spite of this, he is still incredibly boring to watch.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I heard smart people say Murray is the most all-round player of all time and if only Andy had Djokovic's ability to hit deep the Scotsman could have been the GOAT.

He'd need a better serve too.

 

[Elektra]

He is extremly gifted and has the perfect build for tennis, strong quads, and arm reach and most importantly balance.

 

[NoleFam]

It comes down to Djokovic having unbelievable core strength to stay balanced through many defensive shots that would otherwise be winners and the uncanny ability to stay mentally infallible throughout the course of a match, not to mention he has taken the art of sliding to a ridiculous level.

In spite of this, he is still incredibly boring to watch.

The only way anybody can say Novak is boring to watch is because they are not getting the result that they want. In all the years I have been watching Roger Federer, I have never seen anyone do what Nole did to him on hardcourt in those first 2 sets last night. That was spectacular and otherworldly. Gorgeous ballstriking that I don't think I have ever witnessed on a big stage like that. Even in 2011, he could not produce what he did last night. Novak is special and his game is unlike anything that the game has witnessed. So was Borg, Sampras, Laver, Nadal and Federer. They all brought something new to the game and helped its evolution.

 

[marc45]

Kei's problem doesn't lie in his size, more like he lacks the consistency to keep the ball in play for a long time. You need to have at least the touch of Murray if you want to win Slams in current tough era.

Murray's a big dude with very similar skills to Kei....don't think we'll ever see a 5'10" guy winning another slam

 

[NEW_BORN]

The only way anybody can say Novak is boring to watch is because they are not getting the result that they want. In all the years I have been watching Roger Federer, I have never seen anyone do what Nole did to him on hardcourt in those first 2 sets last night. That was spectacular and otherworldly. Gorgeous ballstriking that I don't think I have ever witnessed on a big stage like that. Even in 2011, he could not produce what he did last night. Novak is special and his game is unlike anything that the game has witnessed. So was Borg, Sampras, Laver, Nadal and Federer. They all brought something new to the game and helped its evolution.

I've just never warmed up to him as a player, but i do respect his off court work ethic.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Captain Grant is back.

 

[DRII]

The only way anybody can say Novak is boring to watch is because they are not getting the result that they want. In all the years I have been watching Roger Federer, I have never seen anyone do what Nole did to him on hardcourt in those first 2 sets last night. That was spectacular and otherworldly. Gorgeous ballstriking that I don't think I have ever witnessed on a big stage like that. Even in 2011, he could not produce what he did last night. Novak is special and his game is unlike anything that the game has witnessed. So was Borg, Sampras, Laver, Nadal and Federer. They all brought something new to the game and helped its evolution.

perhaps you should watch the 2008 French Open final

 

[NoleFam]

perhaps you should watch the 2008 French Open final

Maybe you should read my comment again. I said hardcourt not clay.

 

[DRII]

Maybe you should read my comment again. I said hardcourt not clay.

why make the distinction?

a slam match, particularly a late match like a semi or final, is a slam match.

either way, Federer (at 34 yrs old) still took a set off your guy...

 

[dante1976]

Shot placement, ball redirection, court coverage, return of serve and even his backhand (this is at least debatable) are the best in business (some of them actually are the best ever) so yeah, no wonder that his game "looks boring"

 

[NoleFam]

why make the distinction?

a slam match, particularly a late match like a semi or final, is a slam match.

either way, Federer (at 34 yrs old) still took a set off your guy...

But I said versus Federer on hardcourt on a big stage. Why are you still arguing about something totally different? LOL

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Shot placement, ball redirection, court coverage, return of serve and even his backhand (this is at least debatable) are the best in business (some of them actually are the best ever) so yeah, no wonder that his game "looks boring"

- Court coverage -- Chang/Hewitt were better.
- Shot placement -- Federer/Sampras were better.
- Ball redirection -- Federer/Sampras were better at during defense into offense.
- ROS -- Agassi was better.
- Backhand -- There's a few guys who have better backhands. Namely Nalbandian and Murray.

 

[metsman]

perhaps you should watch the 2008 French Open final

or a large number of federer matches at his peak. Or the first set of the 09 and 12 Real Slam finals even...

 

[metsman]

- Court coverage -- Chang/Hewitt were better.
- Shot placement -- Federer/Sampras were better.
- Ball redirection -- Federer/Sampras were better at during defense into offense.
- ROS -- Agassi was better.
- Backhand -- There's a few guys who have better backhands. Namely Nalbandian and Murray.

don't forget Nadal for Court Coverage or Defense to offense. Djokovic in 2011 was quite good at going up the lines but obviously not Federer/Sampras like and since then he mostly chooses to go for the percentage play crosscourt and misses most time he tries to paint DTL.

Safin, Agassi for the BH too but Djovak has a good case for best defensive backhand ever.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

don't forget Nadal for Court Coverage or Defense to offense. Djokovic in 2011 was quite good at going up the lines but obviously not Federer/Sampras like and since then he mostly chooses to go for the percentage play crosscourt and misses most time he tries to paint DTL.

Safin, Agassi for the BH too but Djovak has a good case for best defensive backhand ever.

Yeah, agreed with Nadal.

The problem is these guys think Stretch has the best offensive backhand ever.. They won't accept Agassi put more power on his backhand/returns. Stretch lives up to his nickname and gets more balls back in play.

 

[tennis_pro]

There will be tons of wannabes but no-one will pull it off.

 

[swordtennis]

Once Becker started helping him mentally and how when to peak in the majors it was game on.

 

[metsman]

Yeah, agreed with Nadal.

The problem is these guys think Stretch has the best offensive backhand ever.. They won't accept Agassi put more power on his backhand/returns. Stretch lives up to his nickname and gets more balls back in play.

Safin imo has the best offensive backhand but Safin, Nalby, Agassi all have better offensive backhands than Djoker. Djoker 2011 is the only version that can stack up to that but that's not who he is these days.

If you watch matches of Safin playing Nalby or Agassi (particularly the 04 AO semi) you can see time and time him going backhand to backhand with those guys and wrecking them. Peak Safin's backhand was absolutely incredible, my second favorite groundstroke ever.

 

[zep]

Even in 2011, he could not produce what he did last night.

Depends on the opponent too. Do you seriously believe he would have steamrolled 2011 Federer the same way? I don't think so.

 

[tennisaddict]

This is precisely what OP is talking

 

[tennisaddict]

Hitting balls deep makes a player "special" now ? LOL !

Have we heard of variety ?

 

[Alien]

- Court coverage -- Chang/Hewitt were better.
- Shot placement -- Federer/Sampras were better.
- Ball redirection -- Federer/Sampras were better at during defense into offense.
- ROS -- Agassi was better.
- Backhand -- There's a few guys who have better backhands. Namely Nalbandian and Murray.

I disagree. Chang played in an era of slow motion compared to nowadays. Hewitt cannot compare with Nole, really.
Anyway, how do you explain that his absolute level is above all those players?

 

[heninfan99]

both

 

[Nadalgaenger]

I think you are on it

- Court coverage -- Chang/Hewitt were better.
- Shot placement -- Federer/Sampras were better.
- Ball redirection -- Federer/Sampras were better at during defense into offense.
- ROS -- Agassi was better.
- Backhand -- There's a few guys who have better backhands. Namely Nalbandian and Murray.

You are completely off here.
How can you say Sampras' shot placement was better than Djokovic's? Pete was much more prone to UE than Novak.

Agassi's ROS was amazing, one of the top 5 ever, but I think Djokovic has to deal with more spin and slice on the serves he returns. It is a tough call, but I think it between the two of them. Although Nadal's ROS overall percentage is higher, but I think that has to do with his clay dominance.

BH? We may be splitting hairs here, but Novak's BH is unrivaled in consistency. Safin and Wawrinka are more explosive off that wing and Fed's BH slice is better, but Novak is solid top 5 all-time.


The thing is that Djokovic is solid top 5 in all those areas above. How many guys can really say that?

 

[metsman]

I think you are on it


You are completely off here.
How can you say Sampras' shot placement was better than Djokovic's? Pete was much more prone to UE than Novak.

Agassi's ROS was amazing, one of the top 5 ever, but I think Djokovic has to deal with more spin and slice on the serves he returns. It is a tough call, but I think it between the two of them. Although Nadal's ROS overall percentage is higher, but I think that has to do with his clay dominance.

BH? We may be splitting hairs here, but Novak's BH is unrivaled in consistency. Safin and Wawrinka are more explosive off that wing and Fed's BH slice is better, but Novak is solid top 5 all-time.


The thing is that Djokovic is solid top 5 in all those areas above. How many guys can really say that?

Federer is top 5 in non-servebot serve and probably 10-15 overall which is probably more valuable than having a top 5 backhand anyways, forehand, backhand slice, dropshots, arguably backhand volley too, movement(on all surfaces), passing shots, and consistency(at his peak).
Djoker is top 5 in return of serve, backhand, court coverage, consistency
Nadal is top 5 in forehand, movement, consistency, court coverage/movement, passing shots.

 

[123456789]

He has something more effective. Depth. Consistent depth. A few deep responses(if one isn't enough) from Djokovic and it gives him the initiative in the point because it has been proved in many matches that neither Fed or Nadal can't handle such consistent hitting close to the lines. Note that Novak doesn't just barely misses and uses his talent of painting the lines, but his game works so good as a part of the combined mix of great movement, shotmaking variety, quick reflexes, taking the ball early etc.(all the stuff making him the legendary player).

Is there something particular(tactic) current/future generations could learn from Djokovic or is it only Novak who has unique talent of using the deepest possible spots on the court on a consistent basis or does that talent works only as a part of his overall complete skillset, so there's no way for younger generation to ''cheat'' the game other than becoming the better players in every area? What do you think?

He is a bore to watch. I hope he gets swept up by Murray.

 

[Captain Grant]

He is a bore to watch. I hope he gets swept up by Murray.

 

[HailDjokovic]

I think this playstyle is the one that younger players should strive for

Playing like nadal, running to every ball and defending your ass off to get one point isn't quite ideal anymore. We've seen what it does to your body
Playing ultra aggressive tennis like a tsonga, simply doesn't bare enough consistency and makes a lot of unforced errors

Djokovic has found the perfect medium in between. He hits decent speed and his depth is eye boggling. It is hard to make him run around unless you are fed because he maintains his depth so well that you can never stand near the line to hit a winner. And what is annoying is when you cough up a short ball and its game over...

But to be able to hit this depth day in and day is a talent in it self. He can maintain his depth from anywhere in the court, which is what makes it phenomenal. And yes this is a SPECIAL talent.

This is probably the most efficient baseline playstyle ever if you can do it

 

[123456789]

I think this playstyle is the one that younger players should strive for

Playing like nadal, running to every ball and defending your ass off to get one point isn't quite ideal anymore. We've seen what it does to your body
Playing ultra aggressive tennis like a tsonga, simply doesn't bare enough consistency and makes a lot of unforced errors

Djokovic has found the perfect medium in between. He hits decent speed and his depth is eye boggling. It is hard to make him run around unless you are fed because he maintains his depth so well that you can never stand near the line to hit a winner. And what is annoying is when you cough up a short ball and its game over...

This is probably the most efficient baseline playstyle ever

It's boring. No one wants to watch him. I checked the listings and he has only about 40 fans worldwide.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

It's boring. No one wants to watch him. I checked the listings and he has only about 40 fans worldwide.

Nobody will skip the upcoming AO final.
What listings?

 

[ultradr]

He has something more effective. Depth. Consistent depth. A few deep responses(if one isn't enough) from Djokovic and it gives him the initiative in the point because it has been proved in many matches that neither Fed or Nadal can't handle such consistent hitting close to the lines. Note that Novak doesn't just barely misses and uses his talent of painting the lines, but his game works so good as a part of the combined mix of great movement, shotmaking variety, quick reflexes, taking the ball early etc.(all the stuff making him the legendary player).

Is there something particular(tactic) current/future generations could learn from Djokovic or is it only Novak who has unique talent of using the deepest possible spots on the court on a consistent basis or does that talent works only as a part of his overall complete skillset, so there's no way for younger generation to ''cheat'' the game other than becoming the better players in every area? What do you think?

he made his game more aggressive last year or two (when he hired becker for that, i suppose).

i think it was response to nadal's resurgence (in 2013) but generally tour got a bit aggressive game wise.
ATP also publically showed their willingness to quicken the game. i think they did ever so slightly.

so i thought he simply responded to challenges around him and regained the top spot.