Crush & Rush - The tactic to use against Djokovic by Tommy Paul
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socallefty
G.O.A.T.
The only chance for Tommy to win is to make Novak re-aggravate his injury. The best way to do that is to make Djokovic run a lot laterally side-to-side and to retrieve drop shots. Dimitrov did a good job of trying to extend points and make Djokovic change direction often after wide shots.
The problem is that Djokovic has figured out what kind of movements might tweak his leg and he is now content in his last two matches to not change direction too abruptly or to not run wide after some balls on his BH side that he typically would. He also is not hitting defensive shots while stretched out wide on the BH and is minimizing the chance of re-injuring himself. So it might not be possible at this stage to get him to hurt himself more.
However, I think it is better worth trying out the long game than to try to outhit Djokovic or shorten points too soon as that is not Paul’s game and he won’t be able to execute it better than Djokovic can counter it.
The problem is that Djokovic has figured out what kind of movements might tweak his leg and he is now content in his last two matches to not change direction too abruptly or to not run wide after some balls on his BH side that he typically would. He also is not hitting defensive shots while stretched out wide on the BH and is minimizing the chance of re-injuring himself. So it might not be possible at this stage to get him to hurt himself more.
However, I think it is better worth trying out the long game than to try to outhit Djokovic or shorten points too soon as that is not Paul’s game and he won’t be able to execute it better than Djokovic can counter it.
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
Novak should play almost like this permanently given that he can still win well here without risking his body. The shot that injured him was something Federer would never have moved for.
Sampras-Bruguera 1993
Legend
I haven't; watched him play. Is he even good at the net? You need to be on Edberg/Rafter/Pete's level at the net to beat Nole
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Federev
Legend
Paul just needs to clone Novak and Federer and splice them into a 27 year old grown man in 12 hours: and then have his soul implanted into this composite being and really use that clone Novak backhand to keep the point going and use the clone Federer slice and net skills to disrupt the Serb’s “ridum”.
He’ll be fine.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
The best tactic against any great player is to implement your game better and more consistently and longer than the other guy while at the same time take away the opportunity for your opponent to do the same thing.
The second thing is about desire and how much you want something and what you are prepared to sacrifice and how well you can manage adversity.
What I have noticed so far in all of Novak’s games is that the other guys haven’t executed well enough for long enough, they drop off and make more mistakes and Novak just gets that extra shot back.
The second thing is about desire and how much you want something and what you are prepared to sacrifice and how well you can manage adversity.
What I have noticed so far in all of Novak’s games is that the other guys haven’t executed well enough for long enough, they drop off and make more mistakes and Novak just gets that extra shot back.
Tennis_Slapper23
Rookie
I would say he is solid at the net. But in no reality is he great at the net. He is better than a lot of the guys his age or near his ranking at the net. But he doesn’t have great hands like a top doubles player would or anything like that.
Tennis_Slapper23
Rookie
Tommy has little chance to win. He either has to go for everything and play the game of the life. Betting Novak is not healthy enough to make insane gets. Or try to just extend the match hoping Novak can’t physically handle it with his leg.
Clay lover
Legend
I think there's a better chance of current Wawrinka beating Novak had he remained in the draw than any version of the guys left here
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Totally. I think Paul has shown what he's best at — rallying — so he should execute that strategy with as much confidence and aggression as he can. Trying to switch up the play style too much in his first slam semi could be a disaster.
In the past, guys like RBA, Medvedev and Murray have been able to play Djokovic at his own game well enough to really trouble him and get some wins, Paul should look to do the same.
Djokovic will almost certainly win regardless of how well Paul plays, barring an injury aggravation, though of course Tommy Paul can't be thinking that way if he wants to win.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Paul actually has the game to win a grinding battle from the baseline, IF he keeps his head together. That's the thing - he very likely will not keep his head together. Most top guys have the game to beat Nadal and Djokovic, but most of them crap their pants when the moment arrives.
D
Deleted member 629564
Guest
Rafa4LifeEver
G.O.A.T.
I wish all tennis players to have abdomens and hamstrings similar to those of Novak, so that when injured, they can serve & hit harder than they have done in last 5 years while also suffocating every inch of the court with relentless side to side movements for hours.
Wow what a gift from God.
Wow what a gift from God.
stringertom
Bionic Poster
Tommy actually hit a few beautiful touch shots vs Shelton yesterday to help pave the road to victory a little smoother. This switch to Yonex seems to agree with that aspect of his game. One shot in particular was captured by a courtside camera at court level angle as he stabbed with his backhand at the attempted pass and kept himself and the racquet head perfectly stable to allow a perfect shot clipping the ad court sideline and out of Shelton’s reach.
Sampras-Bruguera 1993
Legend
Paul is 25? If he hasn't done anything by now I don't think hes going to. Unless you all know something I don't about this kid LOL. Generally if someone is going to be do something huge they will have already done it before they hit 25. There would be some serious brilliance/huge wins over top guys on the big stage
chjtennis
G.O.A.T.
The problem when facing Djokovic is that most player's pre-match plans become useless because Djokovic prevents them from being in the position to use their devised tactics at all. There's only one thing you can do and pray. Just strike the ball as well and early as you can, directing the shots from one corner to the other, keep doing it until you win the points. If Djokovic counters and you lose the point, forget about it as quickly as you can, move on and try again on the next point. If you are in form, you may succeed. If you fail, just admit Djokovic is too good.
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
He isn't even playing worse... that match vs de minaur he was playing as good as he can
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
First serve - Paul hits an enormous first serve that maxed out at 220 km/h (137 mph) this AO
Physicality - With Djokovic's compromised leg and advanced age, Paul has the physical edge
Kralingen
Talk Tennis Guru
- Pure pace maybe but Djokovic has better disguise, better placement, better percentage, Paul has a nice slice out wide and a good T serve but neither are very accurate
- Paul has perhaps more raw speed and stamina but then again so did De Minaur. Djokovic is a more effective mover
AmericanTwist
Professional
I am impressed with Paul's play as he has improved a lot. He can grind, serve and volley, hit touch shots, and can defend really well. Djoker is a great defender, but if he is really hurt, he won't be doing the splits very often. Let's see if he is really hurt. I suspect he'll use more drop shots than usual to end points earlier.
99% of people say Novak will win handily, but I think Paul has a decent chance. There is zero pressure on him. He handled Shelton a top 10 talent to be in the next few years when the pressure was on Paul.
99% of people say Novak will win handily, but I think Paul has a decent chance. There is zero pressure on him. He handled Shelton a top 10 talent to be in the next few years when the pressure was on Paul.
Chanwan
G.O.A.T.
Paul has less than five percent chance and that's being extremely gracious
Chanwan
G.O.A.T.
He's not hurt and this is another non match
Chanwan
G.O.A.T.
Paul has the physical edge??? You are trolling, right?
Djoko will out ace and out serve him by a fairly big margin
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
The only hope for him is to be in the zone in his serves and take the set to a tiebreak. He has a good serve and serve + 1. If he executes everything perfectly he may win a set.
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
The guy has always had great defense, but has spent the last year or so beefing up his offense, specially his serve
I hope Djokovic doesn't underestimate him. He beat Alcaraz in Canada and Nadal in Paris last year, beat Korda at the USO, and took runner-up Ruud to 5
junior74
Talk Tennis Guru
Have you been living in a cave? Tennis has evolved. Top players these days are better than Edberg/ Rafter/ Pete at everything!
Gary Duane
G.O.A.T.
He needs to bring a crucifix and a wooden stake. I just can't believe how well Djokovic is playing at almost age 36. He thinks he has something to prove and he is proving it. I pity anyone in this tournament facing him on the other side of the net.
tennis_error
Professional
It will be fast this way or another...
tennis_error
Professional
I wish most of Nadal fans are as salty as you are.
WAIT, they ARE salty
Enjoy watching rest of the AO 2023
junior74
Talk Tennis Guru
The way things were looking, only Tsitsipas or Korda had a small chance at even playing remotely close to that level.
I smile a little when I think of all the people who said Djokovic was playing top tennis these last few years, because he has been consequently subpar for such a long time, despite winning slams. I guess it becomes easier to see when the true top level is revealed to us again, after all this time.
I think Novak's motivation now is the slam record and the fight within himself to stretch the limits of what's possible for the human body.
DSH
Talk Tennis Guru
tennis_error
Professional
He is in revenge mode... I saw in interview for Serbian media that linked in English too. He feels many injustice toward him, true or not, I dont want to discuss, but he feels that way. And, his responce (not in words, but its obvious) is "I will f... them all hard to make a case"... I just love that approach, and cant wait to see more...
joekapa
Legend
Take it easy my man. All sportsmen seek inspiration. In a sense he is lucky to be able to draw from his experiences of the past year. But I really don't think he is taking that "grudge" too far. Otherwise it would have a negative impact.
All he said is "you could say there is extra motivation this year, and I want to do well".......... it's not exactly fighting words the media is playing it out to be.
tennis_error
Professional
Off course its not that extreme, just revenge as a motive. But, its first time he was talking like that, openly, about false injuries accusation, last year injustice at AO (he practically admited on court interview he distroued De Minor for purpose), etc... Yes, there is that revenge moment, and I love it, or in fact I love anything that makes him motivated and thirsty for more
joekapa
Legend
I don't think he is obsessed with it. I think the "revenge" part comes after winning. A little cherry on the cake, so to speak.Off course its not that extreme, just revenge as a motive. But, its first time he was talking like that, openly, about false injuries accusation, last year injustice at AO (he practically admited on court interview he distroued De Minor for purpose), etc... Yes, there is that revenge moment, and I love it, or in fact I love anything that makes him motivated and thirsty for more
GoldenSwing
Rookie
Tennis is not that simple.. especially against Novak who is the hardest player to solve maybe ever
Federer from 2014-2016 tried to end at the net against Novak as much as possible and lost about 70% of his matches. His serve, slice, volleys, drop shots, overhead are much better than Tommy Paul's. He even employed SABR which Djokovic countered in the USO consecutive times. Djokovic's worst losses are when an opponent drags him around the court and is able to penetrate his superb shield (Thiem, Nadal, Wawrinka, Medvedev) in recent years. Now more than ever you really have the chance to do it with the hamstring. However, you need sublime control, power, and anticipation to break his tough exterior shield and win an entire match. That's assuming that you can survive being dictated by his offense/placement and point construction first.
Keep in mind that these are professional players who have played as early as they could walk and have a team of experts side by side with them advising on everything from diet to strategy to exercise. Tennis is not simply play scissors when the other opponent plays paper lol.
Just picture a shield made of nearly unbreakable metal. You have a sword that CAN eventually crack it, but the sword is tiring to swing and you have to exert enough force to keep hitting it in the same spot. A moment where you drop your arms to rest, then you realize that he too has a sword of his own to counter attack you while you are tired. Not everyone can pull out the excalibur on a whim and destroy the shield.
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The only thing he has on his side is age. The longer he can extend the match the better his chances.
Silverbullet96
Hall of Fame
I think "hit & run" is the best option for Tommy.
Spencer Gore
Legend
If he wins it will be one of the biggest upsets in tennis history. If not THE biggest.
Unless the Djokovic injury kicks in.
Unless the Djokovic injury kicks in.
tennis24x7
Professional
I feel Djokovic will give him a set(feel out the American) and then ruthlessly close it out, leaving Tommy bewildered and thinking what happened?
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