Novak Djokovic has ‘zero flaws’ and ‘there is nowhere to attack him’

Facing Novak Djokovic is one of the toughest jobs in tennis, especially on grass with former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis saying just about every aspect of his game is flawless.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner kicked off the defence of his Wimbledon title with another commanding display as he defeated Pedro Cachin 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) for his 29th consecutive win at the All England Club.

Djokovic, who is looking to draw level with Roger Federer’s record eight Wimbledon trophies, hasn’t been on the losing end at SW19 since 2017 while he is also unbeaten in his last 22 Grand Slam matches with his last defeat coming in the quarter-final at last year’s French Open.

Being on the opposite side of the net from Djokovic must be a frightening prospect and 2003 Wimbledon runner-up Philippoussis highlighted why he is such a tough nut to crack.

“Not just here! I think everywhere, right? He’s got absolutely zero flaws, like ‘where do you go (as an opponent)’?” he asked during an interview with Tennis Majors.

“His serving has improved, on the grass it’s even more dangerous because of his placement and the way he slides it. On the return, he is a brick wall even against the first serves, and on the second serve the opponent feels a lot of pressure.

“He moves incredibly well, best mover on the Tour on the grass, always well balanced. He is technically sound even when he comes to the net. Like I said, there is nowhere to attack him.”

On the back of winning the Australian Open and French Open, Djokovic is also looking to complete the third leg of a Calendar Grand Slam.

Although he is seeded second behind world No 1 and reigning US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, he is the man to beat.

“Djokovic is a slight favourite, and then Alcaraz. Djokovic has won the first two majors of the year, so of course he is thinking about the Calendar Slam,” Australian Philippoussis said.

“He’s got a chance surely, he’s got everything he needs to accomplish that, he was already very close.

“On the other hand, Alcaraz is coming off the trophy in Queens. I feel that with every day he is getting more comfortable on the grass, which is a dangerous sign for the other. I think Novak and Carlos are a step above everyone else at the moment.”

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic reveals how he recharged his batteries ahead of Wimbledon – ‘I was too exhausted’