Novak Djokovic has been a serving machine thus far in 2023.
Returning to motion this week in Dubai as he notches a record-breaking 378th week at World No. 1, the Serbian is 12-0 on the younger season, with titles on the Adelaide International 1 and the Australian Open. He leads the Tour with Service Games Won at 94.38 per cent (151/160) and sits third with Return Games Won at 32 per cent (48/150). When the world’s finest returner can also be the most well liked server on Tour, it’s lights out for anybody standing on the opposite aspect of the web.
An Infosys ATP Beyond The Numbers evaluation of Djokovic’s serving prowess in his unbeaten run reveals three particular areas the place the Super Serb creates important separation from his opponents
1: Holding From 15/0 & 0/15
The first level of a service recreation helps to “set the climate” for the remainder of the sport. Djokovic is head and shoulders above his 12 opponents in securing a 15/0 lead and holding serve, and likewise holding serve when he drops the opening level.
Winning The First Point Of The Game
• Djokovic = 75 per cent (120/160)
• Opponents = 66 per cent (99/150)
Djokovic was way more more likely to dash to a 15/0 lead in his service video games versus his opponents. He surged to a 15/0 lead 75 per cent of the time, which was significantly greater than the 66 per cent mark from his opponents.
Holding From 15/0
• Djokovic = 95 per cent (114/120)
• Opponents = 74 per cent (73/99)
Djokovic has held serve a jaw-dropping 114 occasions out of 120 (95 per cent) after successful simply the primary level of the sport. Opponents are nowhere near that mark, holding simply 74 per cent (73/99) of the time.
Holding From 0/15
• Djokovic = 90 per cent (36/40)
• Opponents = 55 per cent (28/51)
This is the place the rubber meets the highway holding serve for the Serb. Djokovic trailed 0/15 40 occasions in Adelaide and Melbourne and was nonetheless in a position to maintain serve a staggering 90 per cent (36/40) of the time. Opponents may solely handle to carry 55 per cent (28/51) of the time. This speaks to superior technique, psychological power and the unwavering capacity to overcome any and all moments of adversity within the match.
2: 2nd Serves To Position 5
The widespread technique for nearly all gamers on tour when hitting second serves within the Ad court docket is to focus on the backhand with a jam second serve or kick out large. Not Djokovic. He launches a sneak assault on the forehand return with slice.
Ad Court 2nd Serve Location/Won
• Position 5 = Won 60 per cent (43/72)
• Position 6 = Won 65 per cent (13/20)
• Position 7 = Won 53 per cent (21/40)
• Position 8 = Won 53 per cent (20/38)
Djokovic hit 72 second serves down the T within the Ad court docket, successful an eye-opening 60 per cent of these factors. He impressively collected 4 second serve aces and 12 return errors to Position 5. Djokovic’s 72 second serves to Position 5 was nearly double the quantity to the extra conventional location out large to Position eight, with 38. That’s basically a method flip from the remainder of the Tour.
3: Serve +1 Performance
Djokovic is broadly thought to be having among the best backhands of all time, however his forehand nonetheless outshines it on a stats sheet. Djokovic hit 56 per cent forehands as the primary shot after the serve, whereas his opponents have been barely greater at 59 per cent. While the totals have been considerably related, the win percentages weren’t.
Serve +1 Forehand Win Percentage
• Djokovic = 67 per cent (216/323)
• Opponents = 47 per cent (202/427)
Serve +1 Backhand Win Percentage
• Djokovic = 61 per cent (156/256)
• Opponents = 40 per cent (117/291)
Overall, Djokovic hit 59 Serve +1 winners, with 50 following his first serve and 9 following his second serve. Forty 5 have been Serve +1 forehands and 14 have been Serve +1 backhands.
Djokovic’s return technique and execution have at all times been an indicator of his recreation. Now he’s main the Tour is Service Games Won. It’s an unbeatable mixture.
Source: www.atptour.com