Captain Grant
Semi-Pro
The reason why Novak is getting a little bit underrated is because his game isn’t too powerful, but since it's so great in terms of accurate placement he does exactly the right damage just on the edge of needed power/precision to make his opponents struggle. I'm not surprised that it could be too tough for average Joe to get this greatness and see the line between goat tennis and non-goat tennis unless the line is too flashy like during USO-11 final when Novak was smacking every ball(hello to the guys like tennis_pro claiming Novak was impressive only in 2011), but he doesn’t really need to always play this style because by it certainly wouldn't be a smart choice regarding physical/mental economy of resources, so in reality Djokovic dominates the sport spending less energy than any other opponent which is confirmed by professionals.
Informative part of Obradovic's interview on the topic:
Talking of his time with Djokovic, who is now coached by Marian Vajda and, of course, Boris Becker, Obradovic says the World No. 1 had fitness issues early in his career.
"The good thing was that he was naturally elastic. So we developed an exercise regimen and made sure we didn't destroy that aspect of his body. Look, most tennis players are strong and powerful. But they are not agile. They don't possess elastic energy. This is not American football or rugby. In tennis, you need to have elastic energy," he explains.
"By using your elastic energy, you tend to spend less energy during matches. This helps you recover faster. No one knows your tank capacity; how much gasoline you have. I can tell you Novak spends less energy than any other player on the Tour. That's why is so fit. That's why he is No. 1.''
Gencic's and Djokovic's view on the topic:
And another part of In an interview in Belgrade in 2010, Gencic said she took great care not to overburden Djokovic.
“You know Novak was not too strong a boy,” Gencic said. “You know how he is now elastic and flexible. Do you know why? It’s because I didn’t want to work too hard with him.”
Gencic held up her racket. “This,” she said, “is the heaviest thing he had to handle. We only worked on his legs, his quickness, only fitness on the court, not in the weight room. We stretched and did special movements for tennis, to be flexible, to be agile and to be fast and with the legs. And now he’s excellent, excellent, excellent.”
Djokovic said Gencic’s approach was always long-term.
“Jelena was one of the people that had a huge impact and huge influence on that part of let’s say my profession, being flexible and taking care of my elasticity of the muscles,” he said Saturday. “Because she taught me and convinced me that if I stayed flexible, not only will I be able to move well around the court and be able to recover well after the matches, but also I’ll be able to have a long career.”
