Novak Djokovic’s enduring success at the pinnacle of tennis is a result not only of his extraordinary talent but also of his relentless drive to refine his game. Throughout his illustrious career, the Serbian star has displayed an exceptional ability to evolve and adapt, much like his legendary contemporaries Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. This ongoing pursuit of improvement has cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
A Journey of Continuous Improvement
In the early stages of his career, Djokovic’s talent was undeniable, yet his game had certain vulnerabilities. His forehand, for instance, was prone to unforced errors, and his net play left much to be desired. However, through meticulous effort and strategic coaching, Djokovic transformed these weaknesses into strengths. Today, his forehand is a formidable weapon, his net game is polished, and his serve—once considered a relative weak point—has become one of the most reliable and effective on the tour.
A significant factor in this evolution was his collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic, the Croatian tennis legend who coached him from 2019 until their recent split in 2024. Ivanisevic’s expertise, particularly in serving, had a profound impact on Djokovic. Under his guidance, Novak’s serve evolved into a potent weapon, characterized by greater accuracy, power, and variety. This transformation was evident in the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Djokovic’s serve and forehand played crucial roles in his victory over Carlos Alcaraz, securing a long-coveted gold medal for Serbia.
Shapovalov’s Admiration for Djokovic’s Serve
Many tennis observers and players have noted the improvements in Djokovic’s serve, but Canadian star Denis Shapovalov recently highlighted how underrated this aspect of Novak’s game truly is. In an interview on the UTS Tour’s YouTube channel, Shapovalov emphasized the Serbian’s ability to serve with precision under pressure. “I think his serve was very underrated. Especially under pressure, the guy would serve on the lines,” Shapovalov remarked.
He went on to describe Djokovic’s uncanny ability to exploit his opponent’s weaknesses. “Novak makes you play worse. He does nothing wrong but will find whatever is not working for you that day and target it relentlessly.” Shapovalov also shared a personal anecdote from the 2019 Paris Masters final, where he faced Djokovic. Despite hearing that Novak had been unwell throughout the tournament, Shapovalov was confident in his chances. “I thought I had him. I was playing the best tennis of my life, and he wasn’t feeling 100%. But once we got on the court, he was toying with me,” he recalled.
New Challenges and New Collaborations
As Djokovic prepares for the 2025 season, he has made a surprising and intriguing move: appointing former rival Andy Murray as his new coach. This unexpected partnership has sparked considerable interest and speculation within the tennis community. The two players share a storied history, having faced each other in numerous high-stakes matches, including four Australian Open finals.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Djokovic explained the rationale behind this bold decision. “We were considering various names, and I realized that the ideal coach for me would be someone who has faced the same challenges I’m experiencing now—someone who has been a multiple Grand Slam winner and a former World No. 1. Andy’s name came up during discussions with my team, and although it was a shock to both of us at first, we quickly connected, and he accepted after a few days,” Djokovic revealed.
He expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, highlighting the significance of working with a former rival. “It’s exciting for tennis. We’ve shared the court in the biggest stadiums, and we’re the same age. I can’t wait to start training with him and prepare for the next season,” he added.
Eyes on the Future: The 2025 Season
The upcoming season holds significant stakes for Djokovic. With 24 Grand Slam titles already under his belt, he is eyeing a record-extending 25th Major and his 100th career title. His first major test will come at the 2025 Australian Open, a tournament where he has historically excelled. Djokovic plans to arrive in Australia well ahead of the tournament, participating in an early-season event to fine-tune his game.
2025 could potentially be Djokovic’s final year competing at the highest level, and he is determined to make the most of it. His preparation reflects this sense of urgency and commitment. After fulfilling sponsorship commitments in Doha, he will play an exhibition match in Buenos Aires against his old friend and rival, Juan Martin del Potro. This match not only serves as a warm-up but also as a symbolic nod to the camaraderie and respect that define his career.
A Legacy Still in the Making
While some pundits and fans debate whether Djokovic can add another Grand Slam title to his collection, underestimating him would be a mistake. Throughout his career, he has defied expectations and silenced doubters with remarkable consistency. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his ability to adapt and improve, ensures that he remains a formidable force on the tour.
The collaboration with Andy Murray adds an intriguing dimension to Djokovic’s narrative. Can this partnership unlock new strategies or insights that propel him to further success? Only time will tell. For now, one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic’s journey is far from over, and the tennis world will be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter.