“He’s No Third Wheel” – Former Coach Calls Novak Djokovic The Best Among Big 3

If the 2010s were the years of glory for Novak Djokovic, the late 2000s were the launching pad. That’s where he began showing signs of brilliance that would catapult him to his current legendary status.

It was during this time that he worked with former American player Todd Martin. Even though he was an assistant coach playing second fiddle to the main coach Marian Vajda, he had a pretty important role in Djokovic’s team. The former world number 4 was to help Djokovic develop a different serving motion to keep him strong in that department after he had endured a shoulder injury.

Things didn’t work out and they parted ways in 2010, after starting their association in 2009. Martin, who is currently the CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame had only nice things to say about his former protege. He spoke some high praise about Novak Djokovic in an exclusive interview with Tennis 365.

Know More – “Molecules Of The Water React To Our Emotions” – Novak Djokovic Makes Philosophical Claim

What did Todd Martin say about Novak Djokovic? 

Todd Martin said that Djokovic was a clear front runner amongst the big 3. Even though he feels highly of Roger Federer, there is no one more unbearable than Serb.

“Roger is the most aesthetically pleasing I have ever seen,” stated Martin, who was part of Djokovic’s coaching team in 2009 and 2010.

“He is pleasing with the serve, he is pleasing with the return, offense, defense… everything he does really looks beautiful.”

However, that’s where he ended with the Roger praise. According to him, if Novak is able to maintain his fitness, he will be invincible. A lot of that also draws inspiration from his current performances.

“For me though, if Novak is right, if Novak is confident and comfortable with his physical status and is really focused, I’ve never seen anybody more unbeatable. This guy has played the game better than anyone else ever has, in my opinion.

“His athleticism is from another world. His return of serve is way better than any other return of serve ever and I mean way better. Nobody has gotten so many balls back and neutralized so many good serves.”

He alluded to their time together and reflected on some of the things he had learned about Djokovic. Most of that is about his mental toughness. That’s almost always half of the game if you figure it out in the correct manner.

“Having worked with him, when he is focused he has that I’m going through a brick wall mentality. Now he is not always focused, but when he is and we have seen this for long stretches, he doesn’t have to play great. He is that much of a fighter and thrives on it.”

The reason behind the lack of respect for Djokovic 

Martin believes that life is unfair, which is why Novak does not get due respect. There’s absolutely no other explanation for him not being as popular among the fanbase as Federer or Rafael Nadal. Game-wise, he’s equally good or maybe even better.

Know More – “I Wasn’t Seeing The Ball Very Clearly” – Novak Djokovic Confesses To Playing Match With Hangover

“One of the beauties of life is that life is not fair,” he continues. “Novak has worked out have to navigate being the third wheel from a public adoration standpoint. He has done that by proving that he is no third wheel from a capability standpoint.”

We will all agree with Martin on some level. If there is one player who is under-appreciated in tennis, it is Djokovic. History will certainly be more respectful of the achievements of the great man.