Does Djokovic now have better slice + volleys than Murray?

[thomasferrett]

Historically, these used to be the only areas of the game where Murray held an advantage over Djokovic.

But now, under Boris's coaching, and Djokovic's continued racking up of Wimbledon titles, it seems that he is at least equal to Murray in these areas - and probably better.

What do you think?

 

[Gaelle Caplier]

Murray has a better slice definitely. When it comes to volleys,Murray has more feel no question about that but Djokovic seems to be more effective for eg. Djokovic volleyed great in RG '16 Final whereas Murray made easy mistakes!

 

[HipRotation]

Djokovic likes to come in to finish points more often so he hits more volleys, usually just putting them into the open space. I've never really seen him have the feel or racket face control of Murray. If hitting half-volleys is a good indicator of someone's volley skill then Murray can be up there with McEnroe, Năstase and Sampras for ridiculous ball wizardry when he's forced into coming up with them.

 

[Slice'n'dice]

No he doesn't. Murray's overhead is also considerably better as well, although his isn't that great either. The backhand and return are debatable as well. Marginal either way. Quite a few things are pretty marginal, but Djokovic's Forehand and Second Serve are considerably better even with Murray's improvements and those two are arguably the most important shots in tennis and that is the key difference.

 

[borg number one]

I think AM is clearly better in both areas. His volleys, especially with all the doubles play have improved significantly. Plus, he has a mean backhand slice. Djokovic has improved quite a bit as well, in both areas, yet I'd say AM is above him with both.

 

[TupeloDanger]

Both guys have good-enough serves, killer groundies, and best-in-class fitness. This is all you need in the modern game, and it's all they've mastered.

Neither guy has a slice or volleys worthy of note.

This is like asking whether a Pomeranian or a cabbage is better at calculus.

 

[Roddick85]

Slice perhaps. Volley probably not. Net play has more importance in Djokovic's game than Murray, so it's tough to properly assess.

 

[Mainad]

Both guys have good-enough serves, killer groundies, and best-in-class fitness. This is all you need in the modern game, and it's all they've mastered.

Neither guy has a slice or volleys worthy of note.

Can't agree with that.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Both have very poor volleys. If you doubt that, just watch tapes of Edberg, Mac, Pete or Becker. Hell, you don't even have to watch them, watch someone "average" as a volleyer like Mecir or Connors.

Muzz has the much better slice, there's no comparison.

 

[Sartorius]

I wouldn't say that, but when they face each other Djokovic and in part Murray himself (against his benefit) make those parts of the game rather irrelevant, and Djokovic looks like a better version of Murray.

 

[West Coast Ace]

One more entry for worst thread in July.....

Djokovic sometimes looks like he's going to fall down when he hits slices.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Yes, he has. Time to face the truth. The way he dismantled Murray in RG, won 26/33 netpoints. Slices are better as well.

 

[SumYungGai]

Although Djoko has improved his slice and volleys an amazing amount, Murray still has that natural feel and look to his slice/volleys. Murray's hands are fantastic. You can really see the difference when they both play doubles.

 

[SumYungGai]

One more entry for worst thread in July.....

Djokovic sometimes looks like he's going to fall down when he hits slices.

Haha this is something I am annoyed by when watching him. He's the most unathletic looking player sometimes.

 

[VexlanderPrime]

Closed the gap I'd say but Murray is still better at slice shots IMO. Neither of them (or anyone else really) uses slice as a serious weapon. The volleys are more important and its pretty close there. Djoker really comes to the net alot more now.

 

[abmk]

net game, Murray has better feel, but Djoker utilises the net more. In and around the same level, I'd say.

Slice, hell no...

 

[abmk]

Slices are better as well.

 

[cockneyDjoker]

Djokovic's slice and volleys have got much better. He relises that's his weaknesses and makes them a strength. That's the sort of champion this guy is.

 

[captainbryce]

What are you drunk? Of course not!

 

[PeterHo]

Both have very poor volleys. If you doubt that, just watch tapes of Edberg, Mac, Pete or Becker. Hell, you don't even have to watch them, watch someone "average" as a volleyer like Mecir or Connors.

Muzz has the much better slice, there's no comparison.

And the balls were super slow coming at the vollyer in the 80s and 90s...

You can youtube that.