Novak Djokovic reveals ball bouncing superstition after starting French Open with a win

Novak Djokovic conceded he ‘has a problem’ with his ball bouncing habit, as he revealed he used to follow a curious routine as he used to have a different bounce count for each side of the court.
Djokovic eased into the second round of the French Open with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Tennys Sandgren, to set up a second-round clash against Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas.
The world No 1 was playing his first-night session match and wasted little time getting back into the locker room, dragging American Sandgren all around Court Philippe Chatrier to seal a comfortable win.
He then took part in an entertaining interview with Eurosport and as he responded to questions from former world No 1 Mats Wilander about his ball bouncing habit before he serves, the Serbian revealed he has improved from the days when he had to bounce for an even number of times on the duce side of the court and uneven on the other side.
Djokovic has shown some frustration when asked by the media about his ball bouncing prior to serving in the past, but he seemed much more engaged in the discussion this time.
‘Everything worked out pretty well’
A good day at the office for @DjokerNole 🤩#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/rhyiO35UoD
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 1, 2021
The Serb then appeared virtually in the Eurosport Cube and had some fun with Mats Wilander and Barbara Schett discussing serving rituals and superstitions.
“I don’t decide how many times I’m going to bounce the ball,” Djokovic explained of his service routines when asked by Wilander.
“I know it’s annoying for a lot of people and sometimes it’s annoying for me – I wish I could bounce it less and just get into the rhythm but sometimes, especially if it’s a tough moment and I’m a little bit tight and under pressure, I might bounce it a bit more.
“I just kind of wait until the right time to toss the ball and to have the right tempo in the movement from the very first step, the swing. I don’t know what else to tell you, there is no particular number.
“Ten-plus years ago on the deuce side I would always end my bounces with an even number and advantage uneven. It is not the case any more – I have a little bit of an issue!”
Asked by Schett if he had a secret tell with going down the T with lots of bounces and out wide with fewer bounces, Djokovic joked with his response.
“I actually did not know that; I will pay attention. I will make sure I notice it next time. Stop giving away my secrets!”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek relaxed as she returns to happy hunting ground
Iga Swiatek says she is prepared for the day her winning streak is broken.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon doubles down on Russian ban despite stripping of ranking points
Wimbledon organisers said they ‘made the only viable decision’.
-
News
Peng Shuai latest: IOC says she is ‘looking forward to visiting Europe’
Peng’s safety and freedom has been a concern since she appeared to allege in a social media post that she had been sexually assaulted.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu facing huge rankings drop after Wimbledon decision
Djokovic is almost certain to lose his No.1 ranking.
-
Wimbledon
Comment – Why the removal Wimbledon’s ranking points could backfire on the ATP and WTA
Wimbledon has been stripped of its ATP ranking points following the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon didn’t want to ‘risk safety of players’ or ‘success being used as propaganda by Russian regime’
Wimbledon has hit back at the ATP and WTA with a statement of their own.
-
Wimbledon
WTA statement as women’s body also strips Wimbledon of ranking points over Russian player ban
WTA also has harsh words for Wimbledon after stripping grass-court major of ranking points.
-
ATP Tour
ATP statement: Wimbledon slammed for ‘undermining integrity of the ATP Ranking system’
ATP unimpressed by Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon thrown into chaos as ATP strips Slam of ranking points over Russian and Belarusian player ban
Big, big news as players won’t earn points for competing at Wimbledon.
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek made French Open favourite by former British No 1 Tim Henman
Tim Henman has been impressed by the progress in Iga Swiatek’s game.