Tactical analysis: what Gasquet need to do to disturb Djokovic

Flash O'Groove

Hall of Fame
In their 12 matches, Gasquet has beaten Djokovic only once (Master cup 2007), and taken a set trice (2006 and 2007 and 2013...). All the other matches have been one-sided victories for Djokovic.

I can't see anything that Gasquet could do to disturb Djokovic: He is inferior in all departments to Djokovic, and contrary to Anderson or Cilic, doesn't really have a weapon which could click. He will struggle on the return, be under constant pressure on his service games, won't dominate from the baseline...

Is there a small chance, some tactics he should use to have a chance that I fail to see?
 

Parabolica

Semi-Pro
He has to have a perfect day and hope Djokovic has a bad day.

Tactically, serve amazing (lots of 1st serves), hit big from both wings, and be smart when coming to the net.
 

cronus

Professional
what Gasquet need to do to disturb Djokovic?

he needs to wear a federer or wawrinka mask.
 

Boom-Boom

Legend
He has seen Stan take out Djoker twice in recent slams

He has just beaten Stan

If he can take one set out of Djoker at WTF indoors on a low bouncing court he can take two at Wimby and then who knows...
 
N

Nathaniel_Near

Guest
Firstly, he has to have a great serving day and be on top of his game. If he is, then he needs to execute these core tactics.

  • Non rhythmic play; huge amount of mix-up.
  • Strike early and strike quickly.
  • Aggressive returns.
  • Less moon camping than against Stan and Nick, as Djokovic will punish him severely
  • Under all circumstances he must take care of his service. Djokovic has been fallible at times in tight situations this Wimbledon and there's every chance Gasquet can time his strikes right at the end of sets.
More specifically, IMO he should:

  • Use a lot of backhand slice centre-ish to Nole's BACKHAND and pounce on the first good ball. Such tactics often handcuff Djokovic, who refuses to do much with the ball.
  • Not offer Djokovic too much width, and only on opening up the court on his terms when he's going to decisively attack Djokovic, which he should do often and early in as many rallies as possible.
  • On the ad, he must be sharp on the forehand return against Djokovic's ever accurate T-serve, and expect it often.
 

zagor

Bionic Poster
In their 12 matches, Gasquet has beaten Djokovic only once (Master cup 2007), and taken a set trice (2006 and 2007 and 2013...). All the other matches have been one-sided victories for Djokovic.

I can't see anything that Gasquet could do to disturb Djokovic: He is inferior in all departments to Djokovic, and contrary to Anderson or Cilic, doesn't really have a weapon which could click. He will struggle on the return, be under constant pressure on his service games, won't dominate from the baseline...

Is there a small chance, some tactics he should use to have a chance that I fail to see?

It isn't complicated:

-Stand closer to the baseline, if he gives up position he's toast, Novak won't give him errors like Stan did.

-Go for the lines off both wings, Gasquet is one of the better shotmakers on grass.

-Use slice a lot, it can bother Novak on low bouncing surfaces.

-Go to the net every chance he has, he can't win the baseline war.

Executing all that for 3 sets however against Novak (especially the one that turned up against Cilic)? Well good luck with that.
 
N

Nathaniel_Near

Guest
Gasquet can try to handcuff Djokovic with the slice and pounce without wasting a ball when the inevitable weaker responses come. He does have the ability to zone on the backhand side and he should try to do so.
 

fps

Legend
He needs to return well and hit backhand winners. The return is important, if he's not putting pressure on Djokovic's service games he'll find his own picked off as the match progresses and Novak exerts answered pressure. He needs to avoid being too passive, when the ball is there to hit a winner or a penetrating ball, he needs to be close to the baseline and ready to hit it. I'm hoping for a really good match, even if it's only 3 sets.
 

RF-18

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstly, he has to have a great serving day and be on top of his game. If he is, then he needs to execute these core tactics.

  • Non rhythmic play; huge amount of mix-up.
  • Strike early and strike quickly.
  • Aggressive returns.
  • Less moon camping than against Stan and Nick, as Djokovic will punish him severely
  • Under all circumstances he must take care of his service. Djokovic has been fallible at times in tight situations this Wimbledon and there's every chance Gasquet can time his strikes right at the end of sets.
More specifically, IMO he should:

  • Use a lot of backhand slice centre-ish to Nole's BACKHAND and pounce on the first good ball. Such tactics often handcuff Djokovic, who refuses to do much with the ball.
  • Not offer Djokovic too much width, and only on opening up the court on his terms when he's going to decisively attack Djokovic, which he should do often and early in as many rallies as possible.
  • On the ad, he must be sharp on the forehand return against Djokovic's ever accurate T-serve, and expect it often.

In other words, Gasq probably has no chance? doing all that in a bo5 against djokovic is very hard, also just coming from a marathon match.
 
N

Nathaniel_Near

Guest
In other words, Gasq probably has no chance? doing all that in a bo5 against djokovic is very hard, also just coming from a marathon match.

It's very difficult for Gasquet, but Djokovic still needs to show up. If Djokovic is off and Gasquet has a hot day then it could end up a mess. Take nothing for granted, but Djokovic is the heavy heavy favourite.
 

FedererDropShot

Hall of Fame
Hope Djokovic is playing at his very worst level for 2015.

Hope he goes into godmode and blasts 100 BH winners.

Even then, it'll still be 5 sets.
 

FedererDropShot

Hall of Fame
Firstly, he has to have a great serving day and be on top of his game. If he is, then he needs to execute these core tactics.

  • Non rhythmic play; huge amount of mix-up.
  • Strike early and strike quickly.
  • Aggressive returns.
  • Less moon camping than against Stan and Nick, as Djokovic will punish him severely
  • Under all circumstances he must take care of his service. Djokovic has been fallible at times in tight situations this Wimbledon and there's every chance Gasquet can time his strikes right at the end of sets.
More specifically, IMO he should:

  • Use a lot of backhand slice centre-ish to Nole's BACKHAND and pounce on the first good ball. Such tactics often handcuff Djokovic, who refuses to do much with the ball.
  • Not offer Djokovic too much width, and only on opening up the court on his terms when he's going to decisively attack Djokovic, which he should do often and early in as many rallies as possible.
  • On the ad, he must be sharp on the forehand return against Djokovic's ever accurate T-serve, and expect it often.

Good points here.
 

stringertom

Bionic Poster
1. Request Pascal to be the chair umpire!

2. Bring multiple water bottles and align them properly and meticulously in front of his chair.

3. Tug at his shorts before every serve.

4. Change to "Vamos" from "Allez" after every winner.

5. Draw Djoker to net with drop shots and point out his contact with said net.

6. Lob often and expect many overhead errors.

7. If all above fail, pray!:eek:
 

heninfan99

Talk Tennis Guru
He can't be predictable in his patterns, both serve & groundstroke patterns.
Novak dislikes chaos on the court. Charging the net, slices, drop shots, angles, variety of pace, variety of spins.
Also returning aggressively again will be key.
 

Sysyphus

Talk Tennis Guru
I see the gameplay tactics have been mentioned, but, frankly, that can only take him so far. I think he needs to add the following tactics if he is to have any chance at the win:

  • Spike Novak's bottles with blow.
  • Spike own bottles with blow.
  • Go to centre-court at night, "water" it with slippery oil.
  • Take a crash-course in Serbian; gravely insult Novak and his gamily. This will make Novak unfocused and emotional.
  • Buy a round of Pimm's for everyone in the crowd in order to get the overwhelming support—Novak is Finnish.
  • Do a "Murray": Tell Novak no one likes him and everyone hates him—same effect as above.
  • Hire some hundred crying babies to sit courtside and make noise in Novak's service games only.
  • Urinate on Novak's tennis bag—this will establish Reeshard as the alpha male, and will mark his territory.
  • Make disturbing primatal grunts on every changeover—same effect as above.
  • Scream like Masha on every point.
  • Hire Pascal Maria.
 

RF-18

Talk Tennis Guru
I see the gameplay tactics have been mentioned, but, frankly, that can only take him so far. I think he needs to add the following tactics if he is to have any chance at the win:

  • Spike Novak's bottles with blow.
  • Spike own bottles with blow.
  • Go to centre-court at night, "water" it with slippery oil.
  • Take a crash-course in Serbian; gravely insult Novak and his gamily. This will make Novak unfocused and emotional.
  • Buy a round of Pimm's for everyone in the crowd in order to get the overwhelming support—Novak is Finnish.
  • Do a "Murray": Tell Novak no one likes him and everyone hates him—same effect as above.
  • Hire some hundred crying babies to sit courtside and make noise in Novak's service games only.
  • Urinate on Novak's tennis bag—this will establish Reeshard as the alpha male, and will mark his territory.
  • Make disturbing primatal grunts on every changeover—same effect as above.
  • Scream like Masha on every point.
  • Hire Pascal Maria.

Hahah this was golden!

Well played sir, well played.
 

BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
I can't see anything that Gasquet could do to disturb Djokovic: He is inferior in all departments to Djokovic

Succinct but accurate analysis. Gasquet has no weapons against Djoker (please don't say his BH, it's not like Stan's BH in the FO final, not even close).

Even if Gasquet had a 135 MPH serve, grass court prowess or explosive movement, he wouldn't win the match because he's a mental midget and almost always has been. Yesterday was an anomaly, but he did show grit, heart and will. Asking him to so that in a semi is too much. Remember the Rafa beatdown he got in the USO semis a couple years back.

I have a feeling Nole will steamroll him, 3, 2 and 2.
 

Backspin1183

Talk Tennis Guru
He needs to believe he can beat Djokovic. I've seen Gasquet at his best against Nishikori. He knew he could beat Kei and it showed in his shots and movement. If he can play like that, Richard can be a top 5 player.
 

Phonco

Rookie
These are all very good tactics, but ultimately, he just needs to want to win.

When he plays the top guys, he always checks out when it doesn't go his way or if he's being slaughtered for a few games either tactically or fitness-wise. Honestly, Djokovic is probably expecting Gasquet to eventually check out after a few long rallies or crucial points after Djokovic shows that he can play that extra ball or hits a few good shots. If Gasquet shows grit and doesn't back down, it may startle Djokovic enough to where he may change tactics. He's really got to show Djokovic that the old tactics don't work anymore and that he needs to come up with new stuff to beat him. Can't let Djokovic get comfortable knowing his normal game is enough to win.

Just to reiterate, a lot of slices (good ones, not floaty ones) and mix ups. I think he has enough game and variety to emulate Federers tactics back in Shanghai.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I saw a match a few years ago with Gasquet against Nadal. Nadal obliterated him and there was nothing that he could do.

I really don't think that it's going to be any different with Djokovic.

Gasquet has nothing that can hurt him and Djokovic is rock steady (in not making errors) and has lots that can hurt Gasquet.
 
He has to use a ton of variety (which he has), play close to the baseline and very aggressively like he did vs Wawrinka, and come to the net as much as he can since Djokovic isn't actually the best passer. He also has to hope Djokovic is off his game.
 

West Coast Ace

G.O.A.T.
...hit big from both wings, and be smart when coming to the net.
Winner.

I'd add - must win the 1st set. If he can get into the match, get that 1st set under his belt, and get Djokovic nervous - well, we've seen that script before. Djokovic isn't the most comfortable #1 - self doubt and that 'woe is me' can creep in.
 

Chanwan

G.O.A.T.
Firstly, he has to have a great serving day and be on top of his game. If he is, then he needs to execute these core tactics.

  • Non rhythmic play; huge amount of mix-up.
  • Strike early and strike quickly.
  • Aggressive returns.
  • Less moon camping than against Stan and Nick, as Djokovic will punish him severely
  • Under all circumstances he must take care of his service. Djokovic has been fallible at times in tight situations this Wimbledon and there's every chance Gasquet can time his strikes right at the end of sets.
More specifically, IMO he should:

  • Use a lot of backhand slice centre-ish to Nole's BACKHAND and pounce on the first good ball. Such tactics often handcuff Djokovic, who refuses to do much with the ball.
  • Not offer Djokovic too much width, and only on opening up the court on his terms when he's going to decisively attack Djokovic, which he should do often and early in as many rallies as possible.
  • On the ad, he must be sharp on the forehand return against Djokovic's ever accurate T-serve, and expect it often.
excellent work sir. combined with this, I believe everything relevant has already been said.
I see the gameplay tactics have been mentioned, but, frankly, that can only take him so far. I think he needs to add the following tactics if he is to have any chance at the win:

  • Spike Novak's bottles with blow.
  • Spike own bottles with blow.
  • Go to centre-court at night, "water" it with slippery oil.
  • Take a crash-course in Serbian; gravely insult Novak and his gamily. This will make Novak unfocused and emotional.
  • Buy a round of Pimm's for everyone in the crowd in order to get the overwhelming support—Novak is Finnish.
  • Do a "Murray": Tell Novak no one likes him and everyone hates him—same effect as above.
  • Hire some hundred crying babies to sit courtside and make noise in Novak's service games only.
  • Urinate on Novak's tennis bag—this will establish Reeshard as the alpha male, and will mark his territory.
  • Make disturbing primatal grunts on every changeover—same effect as above.
  • Scream like Masha on every point.
  • Hire Pascal Maria.
 

cc0509

Talk Tennis Guru
He has seen Stan take out Djoker twice in recent slams

He has just beaten Stan

If he can take one set out of Djoker at WTF indoors on a low bouncing court he can take two at Wimby and then who knows...

Beating Stan has nothing to do with beating Djokovic. All match-ups are different.
 
Basically he needs to make Djokovic play worse. Non rythmic play etc will help but seriously what he needs is Djokovic to eat some gluten accidentally. It's just a terrible matchup for him.
 

Anaconda

Hall of Fame
If he were to learn a forehand, that would be a step in the right direction.


Is this a joke? Whilst it might have some flaws (especially on the ROS - which has been good this tournament), he is a pro player, it's hardly a 4.0 forehand.






BTW, Gasquet could win this match, Djokovic hasn't been that good this tournament. He's been too passive, Gasquet could cause a lot of problems if he doesn't throw chances away. I'm gonna go with Djokovic due to him being physically and mentally superior. However people do forget Gasquet can play some crazy tennis at times. Djokovic needs to step his game up a couple of notches.
 

Gazelle

G.O.A.T.
Is this a joke? Whilst it might have some flaws (especially on the ROS - which has been good this tournament), he is a pro player, it's hardly a 4.0 forehand.

No, it's not a joke, maybe a slight exagerration. His forehand works fine against subtoppers but against the Big 4 it's basically a nothing shot. Doesn't trouble Djokovic at all. Watch their latest match at RG, it was just awful.
 

Zetty

Hall of Fame
No, it's not a joke, maybe a slight exagerration. His forehand works fine against subtoppers but against the Big 4 it's basically a nothing shot. Doesn't trouble Djokovic at all. Watch their latest match at RG, it was just awful.
That's on the dirt, it's definitely more exposing there but as evidenced in the match with Wawrinka it wasn't as huge a liability. I think he'll need to use his variety the same way that he did against Wawa, a big hitter that likes to get a rhythm going. He'll definitely play Djoker closer than people are giving him credit as he's a much better grass player than hard or clay courter.
 

tipsa...don'tlikehim!

Talk Tennis Guru
well rooting for Gasquet obviously but there is no hope, Gasquet's coach saying Richie has a sore body at different places - probably back and shoulder
Gasquet had 10% chance to win the match because its on grass but now it is 2%...
 

vanioMan

Legend
This

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