Federer credits new racket technology for Djokovic’s success, acknowledges early technical flaws, and mentions Djokovic’s misunderstood personality.
By Shannuu – 23 June 2024
When Roger Federer first claimed 20 Grand Slam titles, few could foresee Novak Djokovic surpassing him to secure 24 Grand Slam victories. Reflecting on this evolution, Federer attributes part of Djokovic’s success to advancements in racket technology, which benefited the newer generation of tennis players.
Federer recalled his initial encounters with Djokovic, noting early technical issues in the Serbian’s game. “When Djokovic turned pro in 2003 and played his first game against me in 2006, I found there were some technical problems in Nole’s game, but he worked on them,” Federer told SPORT BILD (via WeLT).
Federer emphasized the significant role of new racket technology in leveling the playing field. “Then there was the new racket technology, which helped the whole generation after me,” he explained. “Things went so fast for me when I was a junior and later on. The speed of the courts too. You had to play differently then. I was the transition, and Novak was the beginning of the new generation.”
Federer and Djokovic faced each other 50 times, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head record 27-23. In finals, Djokovic also leads with a 13-6 record. Reflecting on their rivalry, Federer admitted he underestimated Djokovic initially. “I think I didn’t give Novak the respect he deserved because of his technical flaws. I felt like Novak had a very extreme forehand grip and his backhand for me wasn’t as fluid as it is nowadays,” Federer revealed in his documentary, Federer: Twelve Final Days.
Federer acknowledged that tennis fans were not initially receptive to Djokovic during the ‘Fedal’ (Federer and Rafael Nadal) era. He suggested that Djokovic’s strong personality may have contributed to this, but he also noted that Djokovic is often misunderstood. “If I look beyond the media, I find Djokovic a man who cares for his family,” Federer concluded, highlighting the Serbian’s dedication off the court.
Now the world no.3, the Serbian played his last match on the 3rd of June when he overcame world no.26 Francisco Cerundolo 6-1 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the 4th round of the French Open (draw).
This season Djokovic owns a 18-6 match record. Novak Djokovic’s most significant result of the current season was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open, Monte Carlo and Geneva.
Djokovic will play next at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of July.
Tennis Tonic – 7 September 2024