Novak Djokovic told what he ‘could have done better’ to be ‘almost unplayable’ by leading coach
Patrick Mouratoglou has highlighted the one thing he feels Novak Djokovic could have “done better” in his career.
The leading coach believes Djokovic is the greatest player of all time, but he has argued the legendary Serb is not always “aggressive enough in his game.”
Djokovic, who holds the majority of the most significant records in the history of men’s tennis, is undoubtedly one of the most complete players ever.
Many of Djokovic’s most renowned attributes are his more defensive qualities, such as returning, movement and consistency from the baseline.
The 37-year-old has, however, also showcased his ability to execute an attacking style at the very highest level.
This approach has become increasingly prominent in recent years, but Djokovic was also highly aggressive in his outstanding 2011 season, which he started with 41 consecutive wins.
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In an interview with Talking Tennis, Mouratoglou was asked what he would have looked to work on with Djokovic if he had had the opportunity to coach the Serbian.
“What I think he could have done better, which is tough to say because he’s the greatest of all time, I feel sometimes he’s not aggressive enough in his game,” Mouratoglou said.
“He’s probably the guy who covered the court in the best possible way, not only because of his movement but also because of the fact that moving at a very high pace to the sides, he was able to counterpunch.
“He’s the biggest counterpuncher I think of all times. But I think even for guys like him, counterpunchers, it’s important to also lead the rallies as much as you can.
“And I think when he moves forward, when he takes the ball a bit earlier, steps inside the court every time in can — then I think he’s almost unplayable.
“And he doesn’t do it all the time. In the biggest matches, most of the time he steps up and does it. But you know how it is, when you do something every single day, when it comes to the big moments, you did even better. So it’s little details, but I guess little details make big differences.”
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