irishnadalfan1983
Hall of Fame
33 now...Anyone notice any difference between now and say when he was 27 for example? Doesn’t seem to have slowed down at all....
Thoughts folks???
Thoughts folks???
Djokovic movement/speed/flexibility...
- Thread starter irishnadalfan1983
- Start date
After watching him live recently i think he is becoming more Federer like in terms of reading the game, anticipation and playing chess like in being where he should be.
So he doesn't seem to be slower but he is hiding it well, law of physics say that he has to be slower.
Its obvious that his stamina isn't on 2011 level like that Rome masters where he could go late night vs Murray 3 hours and then next afternoon fly around court vs Rafa.
So he doesn't seem to be slower but he is hiding it well, law of physics say that he has to be slower.
Its obvious that his stamina isn't on 2011 level like that Rome masters where he could go late night vs Murray 3 hours and then next afternoon fly around court vs Rafa.
BeatlesFan
Bionic Poster
Movement, speed and flexibility are three separate things. I don't see any diminution in Novak's flexibility, but he's obviously ever-so-slightly slower than his peak speed. His movement coming forward and to his BH looks still to be lethal, perhaps a 1/4 step slower moving to his BH side. His ROS and anticipation with returning serve are still insane. The real drop off will come once he hits 35, then most players fall off a cliff in terms of movement/speed.
Third Serve
Talk Tennis Guru
His movement has taken a hit in recent years for sure. His flexibility is as good as ever, though.
irishnadalfan1983
Hall of Fame
Fair enough...I suppose I just see a huge difference between Rafa now and younger Rafa whereas I don’t see the same with Nole...Not fair to compare the 2 and agree they are 3 separate areas...Not sure really how much slower Nole is but hard to judge...
BeatlesFan
Bionic Poster
Oh, I agree with Rafa's decline in speed (Fed is also much slower than pre-2010). Novak and Nadal are two different players with different strengths. Rafa is also carrying around an extra 15 pounds (at minimum) as he moves around the court, which will take a toll as the years roll by.
TennisFan3
Talk Tennis Guru
One thing is for sure. Novak hasn't slowed down as much as Federer and Nadal did when they got to 33 years.
It has to do with Novak's super lanky frame. And not enough credit is given to the sacrifice Novak makes off the field in terms of his diet and fitness.
His gluten free plant based diet, zero sugar and extreme herbal supplements have resulted in much stronger immunity and less aging in general.
Not to mention that Novak is very deeply spiritual and mastered his mind and subconscious. The so called enlightened state.
So in my opinion, Novak will age much less than Fed/Nadal in general. Because he has superior genetics and eats/lives healthier.
How do you know he lives/ eats healthier?
D
Deleted member 762530
Guest
Djokovic is also particularly light for his height. Because I am the same height but weigh 3 kilos more and I think I look more skinny and am not nearly as well trained!
But at least sometimes people comment on my court speed as well
And I am 34 and at least not noticing yet that I’m getting slower already .. though I‘m noticing, that my whole body does hurt more after longer matches
But at least sometimes people comment on my court speed as well
And I am 34 and at least not noticing yet that I’m getting slower already .. though I‘m noticing, that my whole body does hurt more after longer matches
TennisFan3
Talk Tennis Guru
There are plenty of documentaries and interviews.
His discipline around his diet is legendary. Doesn't touch any sugar. One time he had a craving after winning the Australian Open. He took a chocolate bar, but did not eat it. Let a little bit melt in his mouth.
Novak is supremely healthy and so doesn't age like the others.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
No signs of the Imhotep's curse ending anytime soon lol
lol
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
Nadal has adjusted his game. He has a different approach than he did when he had his best wheels. Nole basically wins the same way but with an improved second serve and volley.
Tenacity
Hall of Fame
Doomed. Get used to itNo signs of the Imhotep's curse ending anytime soon
megamind
Legend
I'm a Nadal fan, but I gotta say "Nole basically wins the same way" isn't a bad thing, cuz he still wins.
I do think he's made quite a few technical adjustments and added subtle elements to his game
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
I'm a Nadal fan, but I gotta say "Nole basically wins the same way" isn't a bad thing, cuz he still wins.
I do think he's made quite a few technical adjustments and added subtle elements to his game
It's a great thing.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Beckerserve
Legend
Maybe a fraction less elastic but he is still mesmerising. Today one point was just epic.
Hitman
Bionic Poster
This. His movement has slown down, but flexibility is still off the charts.
One Handed Dynasty
Semi-Pro
I think he’s a step slower, especially when moving forwards and backwards. That being said he looks more flexible if anything, and he’s taken a page out of the old man Fed book and is playing more aggressively to shorten points. His serve is the best it’s ever been, and he’s playing close to the baseline to take away his opponents time. 2011 Novak smothered opponents by going in lockdown mode and tracking down every ball/sliding into balls to hit impossible shots. 2020 Novak smothers opponents by going to lockdown mode on the baseline and hitting more aggressively on the rise to take away their time and end points earlier.
mike danny
Bionic Poster
All that matters is who you're up against.
mike danny
Bionic Poster
Something is missing from Novak's game as evidenced by his last 2 slam wins.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
It's gobsmacking that he (and Nadal tbh) can still do the things they did at their peak. Absolutely amazing. They are both older than Sampras was when he retired. And his game wasn't taxing like theirs.
maratha_warrior
Hall of Fame
Djokovic and Nadal are the best athletes in tennis ever , they have completely changed the game to a more physically demanding style . AO2012 will always be a remembered for their gladiator like fitness/ movement /speed .
Federer is a genius and very pleasing to watch . Djokodal are unique in themselves .
On topic , Djokovic' s flexibility and movement are still great.. His body looks like that of a 27 year old .
Federer is a genius and very pleasing to watch . Djokodal are unique in themselves .
On topic , Djokovic' s flexibility and movement are still great.. His body looks like that of a 27 year old .
irishnadalfan1983
Hall of Fame
To be fair Rafa/Fed are more like 98% of athletes at elite level......Novak is very, very unusual in this....
Biotic
Hall of Fame
That's the way I see it, too. Even if he is slower, it does not have a huge effect on his game.
Also, gamewise, it is undeniable he still has that extra gear other don't.
Mental lapses might be part of the problem.
BeatlesFan
Bionic Poster
Do you watch him play and practice live? I see him every year at IW and there's no question he's slower than he was in 2009-2015. Watching matches or practice sessions on TV isn't the same as watching in person. There are areas of his game where he's still super quick (retrieving a drop shot), but moving laterally he is slower.
deep_aqua_illusion
New User
Novak is simply God’s favorite
metsman
G.O.A.T.
Try serving like Sampras for 3 minutes straight much less 15 years and let me know if it's taxing.It's gobsmacking that he (and Nadal tbh) can still do the things they did at their peak. Absolutely amazing. They are both older than Sampras was when he retired. And his game wasn't taxing like theirs.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Nobody said all that lol. For them to have the games that they STILL have at 34 and 33 is even more mindboggling. Nadal is the same guy who was running around like a buffoon with Coria and he won 2 of the last 4 slams.
ForehandCross
G.O.A.T.
There are two truths here:
1. Djokovic is almost as fast as ever.
He is just rock solid. Even when not playing well, the opponent doesn't get too much to attack. They say Federe's longevity was amazing, I but suspect Djokovic will surpass that easily.
2. Anyone who thinks Nadal is anywhere close to being as fast as he was in the beginning of last decade needs to get their Tennis fan license revoked.
1. Djokovic is almost as fast as ever.
He is just rock solid. Even when not playing well, the opponent doesn't get too much to attack. They say Federe's longevity was amazing, I but suspect Djokovic will surpass that easily.
2. Anyone who thinks Nadal is anywhere close to being as fast as he was in the beginning of last decade needs to get their Tennis fan license revoked.
Federev
Legend
deep_aqua_illusion
New User
what i would give to have his endurance
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
I don't think anyone thinks #2. Just his athleticism is still off the charts at his age. All 3 have re-written the rules of being over 30 in tennis and it's crazy.
ForehandCross
G.O.A.T.
Of course. Not many think that, not even the usual suspects.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
I think he slowed down the first time in 07, again in 09, and then again in 2014. The last time was the most extreme and it took him 2.5 years to adjust lol
weakera
Talk Tennis Guru
If Nadal had the speed of his youth and his shot making ability, serve and savvy of today, he would never drop a set.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Seriously. Imagine if he had today's serve and aggression and could move like 2006. It would't even be fair.
metsman
G.O.A.T.
I think after 2010 too. His CC forehand started to land more short around then which means he was probably a tad late getting to it so basically had to roll it in instead of getting there early and putting more angle and action on it.
I think in 15/16 his biggest problem was that his serve went off his cliff plus the physical decline and he had no confidence in his game.
Zetty
Hall of Fame
Are they? I've always thought Monfils was more athletically impressive than either of those guys, just less dedicated and fit.
Lew II
G.O.A.T.
I disagree, S&V can be very stressful, both physically and mentally.
