Novak Djokovic: why is he such a special player?

As I travel the world representing the IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis Program, I am often asked who, in my opinion, is the best tennis player ever in the history of tennis. In this article I will not answer this question but will go on the line to describe who I believe is the most perfect tennis machine, similar to the F-18 Navy Fighter Jet. Let me start out by saying there is never anything that is absolutely perfect. However, as I go back in time (60 years) and think about all of the players I’ve had the privilege of watching, I believe Novak’s overall game, including the mental and physical parts, may be as perfect as I’ve seen. I will explain why.Forehand His grip is a perfect semi western, and not an extreme western, which gives him the option to execute: • Drives (flat forehand) • Spin ( topspin) • Angles • Swinging volleys His swing pattern is very compact with excellent balance throughout the entire swing, Including loading up on the back leg and then shifting his weight forward. He utilizes his nonhitting hand to balance his body and also as a pointing hand to the target area.Backhand His grip is made up of a strong eastern forehand for the top hand and a weak eastern (some would say continental) for the bottom hand. His bottom hand steadies the racquet enabling his upper hand (left hand) to do all of the work for the following shots: • Drive • Cross courts and down the lines with depth and spin • Fantastic disguise lobs • Angle spin shots • Deceptively good slicesTouch Novak also has some of the very best drop shots and touch shots from both his forehand and backhand sides. He can also hit slices from both his forehand and backhand sides.Serve Novak’s serve is very effective. While he has good power, he also executes all variations of the serve. He can deliver well placed slices to both boxes, kick serves wide to the ad side, and can hit very offensive first serves. His service motion has excellent timing and balance plus a full use of his lower body. He lets the racquet head accelerate with the serving arm fully expended.Overhead Novak’s overhead is as good as it gets. His balance and form are superb as are his movement to any position to hit the …

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