Novak Djokovic has remained competitive at the highest level for so many years not only because of his immense talent. The former world No. 1 just like his eternal rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer has had the ability to continue improving his game even after winning everything.
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The Serbian legend is a much more complete player than in the early years of his career. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has greatly improved his forehand, with which he made several unforced errors in the past, has worked on his game near the net and has raised his level on the serve a lot.
Thanks to the help of a legend like Goran Ivanisevic who was his coach in recent years (before the separation in 2024) Novak's serve has become a very dangerous weapon for any opponent. The serve and forehand are the two shots that made the difference in Nole's favor in the final of the Paris Olympics this summer, allowing the Serbian ace to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and finally win the gold medal for his country.
The current world No.7 has improved his percentages, made his serve much more unpredictable, and has also improved his second serve. In this way, Djokovic taught all younger players that it is never too late to improve your game.
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Shapovalov praisesDjokovics serve
In a recent interview on the UTS Tours YouTube Channel, Canadian ace Denis Shapovalov revealed Djokovics most underrated shot: I think his serve was very underrated. Especially under pressure the guy would serve on the lines.
I feel like Novak makes you play worse. He does nothing wrong but he will find whatever is not working that day but then hit it there every single time!
Shapovalov also recalled the 2019 Paris-Bercy final against the Serbian legend: I remember Paris the year I made finals, I played him in the finals and I heard rumors he had been sick all week. He was drinking his juices and drinking stuff all the time.
I was like I have got him, I am playing the best tennis of my life. The guy is not feeling good, hes not 100%. This is my chance. No chance. The guy was toying with me.
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Nole needs new motivations
Last week, Nole announced his shocking decision to sign former world No. 1 Andy Murray as his new coach. The two legends will work together at the 2025 Australian Open, in which the Serbian ace dreams of winning the 25th Major and the 100th title of his iconic career.
Novak will have one of his biggest rivals by his side, a player he defeated in four different finals at Melbourne Park. There is really great curiosity to understand how the collaboration between the two will work and if Murray will be able to bring something new to the Serbian's game.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the former World No.1 revealed why he selected Murray as his new coach: We were going through different names and I realized the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone that has been through the experiences that Im going through, possible multiple Grand Slam winner, former No.1. I was thinking about different people and then an Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with me and my team.
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It was still a shock decision. It caught him a little bit off guard as well because he wasnt expecting it, so we connected really fast and he accepted after a few days.
I couldnt be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, to everyone. But its exciting for tennis. Hes been one of my greatest rivals. Were the same age. Weve played in all the biggest stadiums in our sport. So I cant wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade will arrive in Australia long before the Happy Slam, intending to play an official tournament in the first week of the new one to get into the right rhythm.
2025 could be his last year at the highest level and Novak intends to give his best from the pre-season. After spending a few days in Doha for commitments with his new sponsor Qatar Airways, the former world No. 1 will play an exhibition match with his friend and former rival Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires tomorrow.
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Fans and insiders are divided on Nole's chances of winning another Grand Slam title before his retirement, but it would be a huge mistake to underestimate one of the best athletes of all time.
