Djokovic says, “It’s become a game of baseliners”

Published 10/18/2018, 5:53 PM EDT

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The Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic made his breakthrough in the year 2008. The Serb maestro won the Australian One and bronze medal during the Beijing Olympics. Within ten years of the time the resident of Monte Carlo, Djokovic multiplied his Slam count by fourteen. And also he turns out to be an impeccable tennis player. A Yugoslav tennis player Jelena Gencic saw the six-year-old Djokovic playing and she said, “This is the greatest talent I have seen since Monica Seles.”

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At present, the all-court player, the Serb who hits aggressive from the baseline is geared up to dethrone World Number one Rafael Nadal from this ranking position. In the year 2011, Djokovic won three Slams. Back then his style of tennis involved, taking the ball earlier and then driving the ball flat. Also, Djokovic used a lot of topspin in his game.  John McEnroe considers Djokovic to be the greatest returner of serve in the history of the men’s game.

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The new offensive style of tennis by Djokovic has helped him to resurge on the ATP circuit. “It was serve and volley game maybe 20 years ago, and now in last let’s say 10, 15 years, became a game of baseliners”, said Djokovic.  “It’s really difficult to get into the net if you have so many great returners and so many great movers, especially against the guys like Nadal or Murray who have fantastic passing shots and Federer. But it’s something that you should always have in your I guess repertoire. Always have a little variety in the game and try to use that on the court, because that’s maybe a little advantage over the opponent, so you can mix it up when you like”.

He also spoke about the confidence he gathers when he faces the top-ranked players. He says, “More wins. With the time, experience times, and you’re more aware of the things that you should do on the court, off the court, you know, in order to prepare well for the matches. You learn more about your opponents. You’re just better prepared, you know, and you just step in and you try to play your best tennis”.But now, you know, it’s different. I guess it all comes with time”.

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Mahalakshmi Murali

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Mahalakshmi Murali joined EssentiallySports in 2018 as a tennis author and has gone on to pen more than 1800 engaging articles, probing into various aspects of the sport and its illustrious players. With her expertise on the sport, Mahalakshmi has interviewed stalwarts from the sport such as Serena WIlliams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou and Kevin Anderson’s physio, Carlos Costa. Equipped with her vast experience and a keen understanding of the sport, Mahalakshmi now co-heads the tennis department.
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