Why would/could the general public find Djokovic's game boring?

[SpinToWin]

This thread is inspired by Noleberic's thread on whether you find Djokovic's game boring (kudos for that at this point), but I would like to specifically inspect why his game may seem boring to the general public i.e people not very invested in tennis, especially in contrast to other top players. For tennis to grow as a sport it needs to attract those who do not follow it, but is Djokovic a good representative for the sport in this regard?

I will add the most common criticism towards tennis as a sport (at least IME) as food for thought: "In tennis, people are just hitting the ball back and forth, which makes it boring/monotonous"

Discuss.

PS: I am not implying that Djokovic's game is boring, so don't go all Chico on me

 

[Noleberic123]

I believe the general public would find his game boring to be honest. Its like watching the same thing all over again every point for those who arent tennis fans like we are

 

[NatF]

Djokovic has been coming to net more, his serve is also more offensive, he still has the drop shot to go to as well. Unless you're Agassi being glued to the baseline for the most part isn't going to be super interesting.

 

[Russeljones]

Next thread in the series: "Would it be possible, in a parallel universe, not to find Djokovic's game boring?"

 

[SpinToWin]

Next thread in the series: "Would it be possible, in a parallel universe, not to find Djokovic's game boring?"

And after that a parallel dimensions?

Jokes aside, I don't think we have to look that far

 

[m2nk2]

I think the general public just likes extraordinary rallies and but also tense rivalries. Like McEnroe v Connors or Sampras v Agassi.

Rivalries when the players aren't the best of pals like they are today.

 

[Noleberic123]

Next thread in the series: "Would it be possible, in a parallel universe, not to find Djokovic's game boring?"

Make that thread, i DARE you!

 

[tennisaddict]

Fed and Rafa can hit magical shots, many times as a a response to a wonderful shot by opponents.

Novak's winners many a times are after getting his opponent out of position

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I believe the general public would find his game boring to be honest. Its like watching the same thing all over again every point for those who arent tennis fans like we are

That's true for a lot of tennis players.

Maybe it's not that Novak is boring, more that Fedal are especially flashy.

As long as he isn't in retriever mode, Djokovic isn't boring.
Nobody with shots as clean as his could ever be.

 

[Noleberic123]

That's true for a lot of tennis players.

Maybe it's not that Novak is boring, more that Fedal are especially flashy.

As long as he isn't in retriever mode, Djokovic isn't boring.
Nobody with shots as clean as his could ever be.

I have seen his shots courtside. Its beautiful in my eyes

 

[Wilander Fan]

It's a stylistic thing. He doesn't have a boring game but suffers from having hundreds of clones on tour who play with the same exact strategy and same exact strokes. Literally, the only way you can tell him apart from his opponent in most of his matches is the color of clothing. Not just Novak though...its a problem for the entire tour. I was watching a berdych-raonic match the other day on a low quality monitor. They were wearing the same color combination and I could not who was who.

 

[junior74]

My girlfriend and my mum watch tennis. They both say the same thing: That Djokovic lacks personality. That he doesn't have the "glow" of a champion the way Federer has. They both compare Federer to Borg. But they can't compare Djokovic to anyone because he doesn't seem to have a trademark personality. He is neutral champion and for some reason they can't define; they don't find him to have a positive charisma and they don't care if he wins or loses a match.

That was just a short report from the world outside of tennis. . .

 

[LapsedNoob]

I overheard a discussion in a local shop during the IW final wherein one of the gents maintained that it wasn't a matter of boring but a matter of most of the top players being so evenly matched leading to longer rallies with players probing at each other.

This guy was getting his Ti.6s strung and regripped. I'm assuming he is of the non-TT tennis-viewing public.

So that opinion is out there, too.

 

[Fedinkum]

My boss does not play tennis, and he finds Nole's tennis is boring and his lego hair cut funny. I asked him why, he said he just pops the ball back.

 

[Backspin1183]

My dad watched Djokovic and Monfils play and became a Monfils fan.

 

[SpinToWin]

My girlfriend and my mum watch tennis. They both say the same thing: That Djokovic lacks personality. That he doesn't have the "glow" of a champion the way Federer has. They both compare Federer to Borg. But they can't compare Djokovic to anyone because he doesn't seem to have a trademark personality. He is neutral champion and for some reason they can't define; they don't find him to have a positive charisma and they don't care if he wins or loses a match.

That was just a short report from the world outside of tennis. . .

Really insightful comments and I can see where they come from. Djokovic has an inherent problem with crowds disliking/not cheering for him and I think that in response to that he developed a new public persona/character/alter ego for himself, a much calmer, more collected and fair persona, so that he gets a part of the crowds. But perhaps this has backfired, because it has made him boring rather than sympathetic, kind of like a going from an overspiced soup, which is too much, to a soup without spice that is simply bland.

 

[junior74]

Really insightful comments and I can see where they come from. Djokovic has an inherent problem with crowds disliking/not cheering for him and I think that in response to that he developed a new public persona/character/alter ego for himself, a much calmer, more collected and fair persona, so that he gets a part of the crowds. But perhaps this has backfired, because it has made him boring rather than sympathetic, kind of like a going from an overspiced soup, which is too much, to a soup without spice that is simply bland.

My impression, as well. I think the biggest "problem" is that my girlfriend and my mum don't care if Djokovic wins or loses. They both care A LOT when Federer plays (they make noise when he hits winners, and they sigh when he shanks)

So next question is: What shoud Novak do, to become a "champion of the masses"?

 

[KtM]

There are several "boring" personalities in the top 10. Many consider Murray somewhat boring particularly in interviews. Raonic is boring to watch and boring to listen to in interviews. Nishikori is boring in interviews likely in part due to language barriers and his avoiding eye contact during interviews (is this a Japanese custom?), though I find him fun to watch play. Berdych has a certain amount of boring.

Not everyone is a "personality" like Gulbis.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

My impression, as well. I think the biggest "problem" is that my girlfriend and my mum don't care if Djokovic wins or loses. They both care A LOT when Federer plays (they make noise when he hits winners, and they sigh when he shanks)

So next question is: What shoud Novak do, to become a "champion of the masses"?

Become a priest.

 

[Backspin1183]

IMO Djokovic doesn't have a game that sets him apart from other tennis players. And unlike RF, Novak's game isn't very graceful either. With RF, you see all the shots in tennis. With Nadal, you see some shots not seen before. Djokovic is extremely consistent but maybe for the general public he doesn't bring anything new to the table.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

IMO Djokovic doesn't have a game that sets him apart from other tennis players. And unlike RF, Novak's game isn't very graceful either. With RF, you see all the shots in tennis. With Nadal, you see some shots not seen before. Djokovic is extremely consistent but maybe for the general public he doesn't bring anything new to the table.

I guess the vast majority will disagree with me, but aside from when Djokovic is doing his strange histrionics, he looks extremely efficient and sleek on the court to me.

 

[thomasferrett]

Djokovic has more personality than the other big 4 apart from Murray imo.

I can see that people will find his game boring because he is frequently described as 'metronomic' from the baseline, hitting the same type of shots over and over.

However, I don't agree and I find his game great to watch - better than Federer's. I get mesmerized by extremely consistent baseliners and Federer is too serve and attack dominated for me to get into his game too much. When he and Djokovic play and they both get into that 'alpha male attack tennis' mode (somehow Federer brings that out in Djokovic), I just switch off because the rallies don't last more than 5 shots.

Also, those sliding splits backhands and forehand squash shots are fantastic feats of athleticism to watch.

Give Djokovic a 1hbh and he would my favorite player to watch. Even give Nadal Gasquet's backhand and I would love Nadal's playing style - although even then he would only hit about 3 backhands per match from running around it so much.

 

[junior74]

Djokovic has more personality than the other big 4 apart from Murray imo.

I can see that people will find his game boring because he is frequently described as 'metronomic' from the baseline, hitting the same type of shots over and over.

However, I don't agree and I find his game great to watch - better than Federer's. I get mesmerized by extremely consistent baseliners and Federer is too serve and attack dominated for me to get into his game too much. When he and Djokovic play and they both get into that 'alpha male attack tennis' mode (somehow Federer brings that out in Djokovic), I just switch off because the rallies don't last more than 5 shots.

Also, those sliding splits backhands and forehand squash shots are fantastic feats of athleticism to watch.

Give Djokovic a 1hbh and he would my favorite player to watch. Even give Nadal Gasquet's backhand and I would love Nadal's playing style - although even then he would only hit about 3 backhands per match from running around it so much.

The task is to talk about this from the OUTSIDE of tennis. I think we TT-boys all agree Djokovic is a real fine tennis player

 

[KtM]

My impression, as well. I think the biggest "problem" is that my girlfriend and my mum don't care if Djokovic wins or loses. They both care A LOT when Federer plays (they make noise when he hits winners, and they sigh when he shanks)

So next question is: What shoud Novak do, to become a "champion of the masses"?

Charismatic personality and looks are important too.
No swarms of women would ever faun over Davidenko with his less attractive looks, balding head, even the Russian women. His personality didn't stand out either.

His image is not suave like Federer. Nadal brought something unique to the table with his defined muscles & physique, good looks, long hair, his passionate Vamos, neon colored pirate pants, and sleeveless shirts, that countless the women fauned over.

Ivanisevic had an aura of confidence crazieness as well as coolness & good looks.

Djokovic comes across as goofy and tries to be goofy, haircut too boring, clothing style doesn't stand out. Play style lacks the variety of Federer.

Remember Sampras was considered boring unlike Agassi.

 

[Backspin1183]

I guess the vast majority will disagree with me, but aside from when Djokovic is doing his strange histrionics, he looks extremely efficient and sleek on the court to me.

I agree with you. He looks very efficient on court to me. Very textbook tennis but not close to perfection like that of RF.

IMHO more than his game, it's his antics on court that may have rubbed some people the wrong way. Here we talk a lot about Nadal wasting time between points but the general public don't seem to care much about that. Breaking rackets, abusing someone verbally or physically or in your face like celebrations do get noticed more. My mom used to like watching Novak. Then saw him break a racket once because he got broken in his service game and hasn't liked him since.

 

[Alchemy-Z]

general public thinks tennis is boring....much like golf it's a sport you need to play to really enjoy what the pro's are doing.

and even at the rec level I meet people who would watch a pro match in person but not on TV.

with that known Novak looks like a wall most of the time....
people who play hate player that are wall's and just get everything back...so when they watch him they often think about their own matches where they played people like this and will tend to pull for the other guy.

unless your games is being a wall then you probably tend to like Novak.

but while Novak has a solid game other than being very limber he doesn't have that x factor element.

people thing of fed- they thing fluid/elegant
people think of Rafa physical/spin

but Murray and Novak are just very very good at all the basic shots of tennis..

they are not really known for anything..like Roddick's serve...or Warinka's backhand....or J mac's net game or Pete's 2nd serve

they don't have that defining weapon and their strokes are very compact so you watch the ball more than them

show a silhouette of the Rafa lasso forehand or the Fed Back hand people can instantly say who it was....where Novak and Murray look like plenty of other players

just a visual example

 

[vanioMan]

general public thinks tennis is boring....much like golf it's a sport you need to play to really enjoy what the pro's are doing.

and even at the rec level I meet people who would watch a pro match in person but not on TV.

with that known Novak looks like a wall most of the time....
people who play hate player that are wall's and just get everything back...so when they watch him they often think about their own matches where they played people like this and will tend to pull for the other guy.

unless your games is being a wall then you probably tend to like Novak.

but while Novak has a solid game other than being very limber he doesn't have that x factor element.

people thing of fed- they thing fluid/elegant
people think of Rafa physical/spin

but Murray and Novak are just very very good at all the basic shots of tennis..

they are not really known for anything..like Roddick's serve...or Warinka's backhand....or J mac's net game or Pete's 2nd serve

they don't have that defining weapon and their strokes are very compact so you watch the ball more than them

show a silhouette of the Rafa lasso forehand or the Fed Back hand people can instantly say who it was....where Novak and Murray look like plenty of other players

Fed's BH shanks are magnificent, yes

DJokes aside, I agree with you. Not every great champion can create that certain level of excitement or carry that "X factor" within like Fedal, Agassi, Borg, JMac and etc.

My girlfriend and my mum watch tennis. They both say the same thing: That Djokovic lacks personality. That he doesn't have the "glow" of a champion the way Federer has. They both compare Federer to Borg. But they can't compare Djokovic to anyone because he doesn't seem to have a trademark personality. He is neutral champion and for some reason they can't define; they don't find him to have a positive charisma and they don't care if he wins or loses a match.

That was just a short report from the world outside of tennis. . .

My mother said the same thing. She doesn't watch tennis and doesn't even know what forehand or backhand means.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

general public thinks tennis is boring....much like golf it's a sport you need to play to really enjoy what the pro's are doing.

and even at the rec level I meet people who would watch a pro match in person but not on TV.

with that known Novak looks like a wall most of the time....
people who play hate player that are wall's and just get everything back...so when they watch him they often think about their own matches where they played people like this and will tend to pull for the other guy.

unless your games is being a wall then you probably tend to like Novak.

but while Novak has a solid game other than being very limber he doesn't have that x factor element.

people thing of fed- they thing fluid/elegant
people think of Rafa physical/spin

but Murray and Novak are just very very good at all the basic shots of tennis..

they are not really known for anything..like Roddick's serve...or Warinka's backhand....or J mac's net game or Pete's 2nd serve

they don't have that defining weapon and their strokes are very compact so you watch the ball more than them

show a silhouette of the Rafa lasso forehand or the Fed Back hand people can instantly say who it was....where Novak and Murray look like plenty of other players

just a visual example

I think there would be various defensive sliding silhouettes that could be immediately marked out as the Djokovic trademark.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

I must be the only one but I find Novak's groundstrokes and the flight path of his ball and angles breathtaking and rather distinctive.

 

[Inanimate_object]

Djokovic is a textbook counterpuncher - the most perfect one I've seen for a while. He moves pretty well, and redirects pace on a whim. But he doesn't have THE shot. I don't doubt that the average person watching his game will not remember it for long. He hasn't got the Federer forehand, or the Nadal cross-court monster or a Wawrinka backhand drive. Even something like Tomic's slices are fairly rememberable. Djokovic hasn't got any of those easily distinguishable features in his game - besides his flexibility. But for the most part, I think its a bit difficult to notice how absurdly flexible Djokovic is, unless you are really looking for it.

Djokovic has much the problem with his game as Agassi. However, Agassi had boatloads of personality to spare, that's why people watched him. Also he was American, and without a doubt Novak's Serbian heritage has much to do with his lack of popularity.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

Some of Djokovic's returns have been iconic.

 

[John6239]

Part of it isn't his style of play, it is just him. People just don't like his face, his hair, his expressions, his body, how he talks, his demeanor or what he says; the normal reasons we are drawn to people or repelled by them.

And his style of play is just too repetitive. His double handed backhand takes a lot of the style out of the shot. He is like a robot. Does everything the same over and over. People don't like robots. He also has a baffoonish stance when he receives serve.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

The thing about Djokovic is he not at all like most Eastern European robotic stars or the stereotype of the Ivan Drago (which Lendl lived up to) Novak may be accused of having a robotic game, but personality wise he is the opposite, oftentimes so much so that it has been to fans, opposing players, and media's chagrin. He has a huge personality imo.

 

[vanioMan]

Part of it isn't his style of play, it is just him. People just don't like his face, his hair, his expressions, his body, how he talks, his demeanor or what he says; the normal reasons we are drawn to people or repelled by them.

And his style of play is just too repetitive. His double handed backhand takes a lot of the style out of the shot. He is like a robot. People don't like robots.

Except T-800/850

 

[RF20Lennon]

I think the issue here that some older people like my father's generation have come to the conclusion that Djokovic isn't much of a showman. What I mean by that is he doesn't have that fluidity to boast magical shots. He is a machine, no errors, no misses and always getting the ball back unlike Federer who can dance around the court and "show off" his skills while having that superstar mentality of not celebrating but expecting to hit that good of a shot.

Djokovic is a better showman OFF court and he easily beats Fed and Nadal there. No contest, he is the coolest guy on tour.

Here's how it breaks down:

Federer - The James Bond of tennis. Suave, Sophisticated, well dressed, elegant, classy, a guy everyone fantasizes about being and he attracts most people because most people want to be BOND.

Nadal - women love him, he's muscular, athletic, physical beast and is very human. He's like a greek warrior.

Djokovic - comedian, Djoker, but his clothing style is average at best and he doesn't have anything unique on court. Off court he can show off some of his charm and personality but not on court.

 

[Inanimate_object]

The thing about Djokovic is he not at all like most Eastern European robotic stars or the stereotype of the Ivan Drago (which Lendl lived up to) Novak may be accused of having a robotic game, but personality wise he is the opposite, oftentimes so much so that it has been to fans, opposing players, and media's chagrin. He has a huge personality imo.

He HAD a big personality. Until he started truly dominating and decided he had to clean up and become a zombie for the establishment, media and sponsors. I do not remember the last time Djokovic said anything of note. The days of primal roaring, ripping off his shirt and talking about sleeping with his girlfriend are long gone, I'm afraid.

 

[DerekNoleFam1]

Djokovic is a textbook counterpuncher - the most perfect one I've seen for a while. He moves pretty well, and redirects pace on a whim. But he doesn't have THE shot. I don't doubt that the average person watching his game will not remember it for long. He hasn't got the Federer forehand, or the Nadal cross-court monster or a Wawrinka backhand drive. Even something like Tomic's slices are fairly rememberable. Djokovic hasn't got any of those easily distinguishable features in his game - besides his flexibility. But for the most part, I think its a bit difficult to notice how absurdly flexible Djokovic is, unless you are really looking for it.

Djokovic has much the problem with his game as Agassi. However, Agassi had boatloads of personality to spare, that's why people watched him. Also he was American, and without a doubt Novak's Serbian heritage has much to do with his lack of popularity.

No doubt his Eastern European and former Yugoslavian background makes him less marketable.
Remember that article on Ivan Lendl - "the Champion nobody cares about", Novak suffers similarly in some ways, and I was a huge Lendl fan back in the day as well.
His game is fluent to watch without being flashy, sometimes a little bit exposed at the net - like that half volley against Darcis yesterday, but generally very solid overall.
His personality has been nullified over the years, as he has had to concentrate on the task of winning Majors, but still more interesting than someone like Sampras.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

It's Djokovic's fault. All he had to do was grow his hair and he'd suddenly look immensely stylish to many more people. He's got the best locks in the business and doesn't use them.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

He HAD a big personality. Until he started truly dominating and decided he had to clean up and become a zombie for the establishment, media and sponsors. I do not remember the last time Djokovic said anything of note. The days of primal roaring, ripping off his shirt and talking about sleeping with his girlfriend are long gone, I'm afraid.

Sure and some have accused him of trying too hard. He does strike me as the most intelligent and thoughtful of the top 4. I think he's the only one who listens to classical music. Then you take his diet and the way he treats his body, and he seems like a "man on his purpose". I know this is guffaw worthy for a lot of people, but it should be noted his level of professionalism, lack of injury, and supreme dedication he puts in. Just my opinion before you jump down my throat.

He may not be as polished as Fed in image but he certainly speaks well and yes he has also dialed down some of the enjoyable but divisive antics. I still see him as having the most personality and humor out of the top 4 guys, while also having matured with age and distanced himself from hi family's antics.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

It's Djokovic's fault. All he had to do was grow his hair and he'd suddenly look immensely stylish to many more people. He's got the best locks in the business and doesn't use them.

I am Eastern European and people are always telling me how great my hair is and to grow it out. What they don't realize is that it looks good precisely because it's under an inch long. It's too thick to hold any style. Like a straight afro.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

Nole does try overly hard, you can see it in exhibitions. Federer actually showcases a more natural humour and a greater emotional awareness imo—it's easy for him to draw a laugh from the crowd with his natural dorkiness where as Nole is really searching for it.

It's interesting to watch the dynamic between the two when they are obligated to hook up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaGfw6V6qok

Respectful words from both.

I really hope that there's a day when Djokovic gets greater support than Federer and honestly think it's a huge driving force for Djokovic in achieving further greatness on tour. He'll play until he's the man... the true man.

It's retribution.

It's almost good that the acceptance and love for Djokovic is filtering through so slowly. I think he'd lose his belligerence and defiance, otherwise. What Nole needs is to not get the recognition that Federer gets.

 

[Enga]

Djokovics game is subtle. He hits powerful, has no weaknesses, the mark of a champ. But when he plays, it isnt obvious to the layman what he's trying to do.

Rafa is intense, and its obvious hes trying to overpower his opponent, get everything back, and finish the point. People can see his strategy, and why he's special.

Federer is aggressive, and always seems to finish points with style and flair. To most, his skill and style is obvious.

Djokovic hits consistent off of both wings, goes for wrongfoots, hits the winner off of a weak response. Average people wont know if its because he's special, or if because his opponent just made a mistake. They know he's good, but because they dont know why, they cant form an opinion of him.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

I am Eastern European and people are always telling me how great my hair is and to grow it out. What they don't realize is that it looks good precisely because it's under an inch long. It's too thick to hold any style. Like a straight afro.

Bah, I've seen Nole's hair still look splended when he rarely let's it get to say 1.5-2 inches. I'll take your word for it, but would still like to see Nole put it to the public test.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

Bah, I've seen Nole's hair still look splended when he rarely let's it get to say 1.5-2 inches. I'll take your word for it, but would still like to see Nole put it to the public test.

Interesting, looks different there. Soon this place will become mensstyle.com

On another note, I think most would agree boring game or not, he has the hottest fox or right up there on tour :twisted:

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

Freebird puts Xisca above Jelena which I think is beyond criminal.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

That's insane. Next thing you'll tell me Mirka is better than Kim.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

https://youtu.be/PjEbU2yBclQ?t=272

 

[NatF]

^^ Spare a thought for monfed

ps. Jelena >>> Xisca

 

[Deleted member 716271]

https://youtu.be/PjEbU2yBclQ?t=272

:mrgreen:Close to as good as it gets.

 

[California]

Part of it isn't his style of play, it is just him. People just don't like his face, his hair, his expressions, his body, how he talks, his demeanor or what he says; the normal reasons we are drawn to people or repelled by them.

And his style of play is just too repetitive. His double handed backhand takes a lot of the style out of the shot. He is like a robot. Does everything the same over and over. People don't like robots. He also has a baffoonish stance when he receives serve.

I agree, very spot on. Plus he was very annoying when he was younger, all the "fake" injuries and issues on the court. Annoying parents who were disrespectful to other players, etc...