What hidden flaws might Novak Djokovic have in his tennis game? The 24-time Grand Slam champion is widely regarded as one of the most complete players in the history of the sport.
If there are any weaknesses, they rarely make an appearance. Djokovic's game is nearly impeccable, and his mental toughness is legendary-qualities that have propelled him to the top of tennis.
However, even the best have areas that shine more than others. For Djokovic, his serve is an element that often flies under the radar, despite being a crucial part of his arsenal. Retired tennis player Christopher Eubanks recently highlighted this on Andy Roddick's podcast, Served, noting that many of Djokovic's peers consider his serve to be underrated.
Djokovic himself acknowledges that his serve doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. With a first-serve landing rate of 65% and a 74% success rate on those points, his serve is a quiet powerhouse.
While his second serve points won drop to 55%, the numbers still stack up well against his rivals. Roger Federer, for instance, lands 62% of his first serves, winning 77% of those points, while Rafael Nadal edges out both with a 68% first-serve landing rate but a 72% success rate.
Despite these impressive stats, Djokovic's serve isn't often seen as his primary weapon. At the 2025 Miami Open, Djokovic himself stated that his focus has always been on accuracy and precision rather than sheer speed. "I’d rather serve 120 miles an hour and hit the line," he said, emphasizing how a precise serve can set up a winning point or an advantageous rally position.
Djokovic's strategic approach to serving highlights the balance between power and precision. Eubanks also mentioned that many players on tour view Djokovic's serve as "clutch," a testament to its reliability in critical moments.
At 38, Djokovic continues to compete at an elite level, recently reaching his 38th Grand Slam final at the Australian Open. As he pursues a record-breaking 25th major title, his often-overlooked serve could be the key factor in achieving this historic milestone.