What’s wrong with Djokovic for Toni Nadal ?
In his recent column for the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, offered a sharp critique of Novak Djokovic’s tactics in his latest match.
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A high-risk strategy for Djokovic against Alcaraz
Toni Nadal did not hold back in his assessment of Djokovic’s performance, describing his approach as “reckless” and ill-suited to his current physical and technical state. “Knowing that his legs and the precision of his shots aren’t what they used to be, and that a long, physical match would not be in his favor, he attempted a tactic that proved to be suicidal,” Nadal wrote.
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Changing identity on the court
Djokovic’s strategy involved setting a high pace, playing aggressively, shortening exchanges from the back of the court, and finishing points at the net whenever possible. Toni Nadal pointed out that this seemed like an attempt by Djokovic to change his “identity,” as if refusing to engage in a prolonged and grueling battle. This approach appeared out of character for the Serbian player, who has previously shown a preference for wearing down his opponents over extended matches.
Toni Nadal says Novak Djokovic committed a tactical suicide against Carlos Alcaraz at #Wimbledon.
"Alcaraz is the fastest player that I've ever seen on a tennis court".https://t.co/bbfna3ls42
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 15, 2024
A surprising choice
This is not the first time Djokovic has taken a surprising tactical turn in his career, sometimes to his detriment. Toni Nadal’s insights suggest that Djokovic might be experimenting with new strategies as he adapts to changes in his physical capabilities and the competitive landscape.
As the tennis world continues to evolve, players like Djokovic are often faced with the need to innovate and adapt their games. However, the success of such adaptations can vary, and as Toni Nadal’s commentary highlights, not all changes lead to positive outcomes.
