Novak Djokovic has arguably the most well-rounded game in tennis history.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion evolved into one of the most complete players of all time, who many of his opponents have a nightmare playing against him.
It is very difficult to find a glaring weakness against Djokovic, and along with his mental resilience, the Serbian is very tough to defeat.
Many have tried to get the better of the former World number one, including Denis Shapovalov, who has yet to taste victory against Djokovic.
What does Denis Shapovalov think is Novak Djokovic’s greatest shot?
Novak Djokovic has some of the most devastating weapons in tennis.
He is regarded as the greatest returner in history and possesses a backhand that sits arguably at the top of the charts as well.
Shapovalov knows all too well how dangerous these shots are, but he named Djokovic’s serve as his most underrated weapon.
“I think his serve was very underrated. Especially under pressure the guy would serve on the lines,” Shapovalov told UTS Tour’s YouTube channel.
“I feel like Novak makes you play worse. He does nothing wrong but he will find whatever is not working that day but then hit it there every single time!” Djokovic’s serve has improved massively throughout his career.
In 2023 his average first serve speed went up by 5% from 2015, and serves landed five centimeters closer to the lines in 2013 than eight years prior. He also wins 69% of points behind his second serve, the highest percentage from anyone on the ATP Tour.
How many times has Denis Shapovalov played Novak Djokovic?
Shapovalov has played against Djokovic on eight occasions during his career.
Not only has the Canadian yet to claim victory against the 37-year-old, but he has only won two sets across those contests. The last set Shapovalov took off Djokovic came at the 2020 ATP Cup.
Shapovalov recalled when he played Djokovic in the 2019 Paris Masters final, and despite hearing Djokovic was under the weather pre-match, he had no answer for his brilliance.
“I remember Paris the year I made finals, I played him in the finals and I heard rumours he had been sick all week. He was drinking his juices and drinking stuff all the time,” Shapovalov said.
“I was like I have got him, I am playing the best tennis of my life. The guy is not feeling good, he’s not 100%. This is my chance. No chance. The guy was toying with me.”
Djokovic won 6-3, 6-4 to claim the sixth of record seven titles at the Masters 1000 event in the French capital.
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