No Weaknesses Anywhere in Novak Djokovic’s Game: Mats Wilander on What Sets the Serb Apart from Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer
In a recent analysis, Mats Wilander highlighted that it took people a while to recognize Novak Djokovic’s exceptional abilities because they were not as immediately visible as those of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Unlike Nadal and Federer, whose unique skills were evident in their techniques and shots, Djokovic’s brilliance was more subtle.
Wilander praised Djokovic’s backhand, placing it among the best, and extended this praise to his forehand and serve as well. He even compared Djokovic’s serve to Federer’s, considering it the best in the sport.
“With Novak, I think when he came on the circuit early on, we didn’t see his greatness because his greatness was more inside of him than on the outside,” Wilander explained. “With Roger and Rafa, the greatness was evident in their shots and technique.”
Wilander added that while many aspire to play like Federer, Djokovic’s game is equally impressive. Djokovic hits his backhand like those with the best in the game, his forehand matches those with the best forehands, and his serve is placed as precisely as Federer’s, who is known for having the best serve.
Djokovic is now aiming to extend his Grand Slam lead over Federer and Nadal at Wimbledon. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have dominated tennis for years, collectively winning 66 Grand Slam titles.
In an interview with Eurosport, Wilander pointed out that Djokovic’s game stands out because it has no weaknesses, unlike Federer and Nadal, who have areas opponents could target.
“What we didn’t realize is that there were no weaknesses anywhere in his game on any surface,” Wilander said. “It took some time for everyone to understand that Djokovic doesn’t have weaknesses. Federer has a weakness. Nadal has weaknesses. Djokovic doesn’t really have a weakness.”
Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic were once tied with 20 Grand Slam titles each. Nadal moved ahead briefly after his 22nd Slam win at the 2022 French Open. However, Djokovic has since taken the lead with 24 titles, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open last year. His only major loss was in the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.
As Wimbledon approaches, Djokovic, who has not won there recently, is eager for victory. A 25th Grand Slam title would further widen his lead over Nadal by three and Federer by five.
