Novak Djokovic has been in fine form over the last three years. The 32-year-old is third on the all-time Grand Slam titles list with 16 titles. He passed Pete Sampras’s long-standing record of 14 major titles last season. He is now chasing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who have 20 and 19 major titles respectively.
The use of analytics in tennis
One of the reasons for Djokovic’s success over the past two years has been his partnership with Craig O’Shannessy. The two began their relationship in 2017. Craig has been among the most vocal advocates for the use of analytics in tennis. He started his coaching career in 1995 after graduating with a journalism degree from Baylor University. The Australian uses analytics to prepare his players based on his their opponents habits and weaknesses. His partnership with the current world No. 2 yielded some successful results. Last year, the Serbian won the Australian Open and the Wimbledon title. His challengers at both tournaments were Nadal and Federer.
It’s been a brilliant three years working with Novak, winning four Slams & dominating the game as world No. 1. We are moving in different directions in 2020. Massive love to #nolefam – you guys rock! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/LDbzihWqWb
— Craig O'Shannessy (@BrainGameTennis) January 19, 2020
Craig and Djokovic part ways
In Australia, the 32-year-old defeated Nadal in straight sets in the final, despite the Spaniard having been in fine form leading up to the match. The use of analytics was attributed to the victory as Djokovic attacked his rival’s weak points. Analyzing the victory, Craig, who occasionally writes for the ATP website, explained how they had used analytics to get the victory. “With Nadal always looking to protect to the right, Novak attacked to the left.” However, the after a two year partnership, Craig announced that he had parted ways with his Serbian client. He took to Twitter to thank the current world number two for the time they had worked together. “It’s been a brilliant three years working with the Serbian, winning four Slams, and dominating the game as world No. 1. We are moving in different directions in 2020.” He thanked Djokovic’s fans for their support.
Craig has also worked with other players who have drastically improved under his coaching. Italian Matteo Berrettini is one of his clients. The 23-year-old reached the semifinals of the US Open and qualified for the ATP Finals in London last season. Other players that Craig has worked with are Australian Alison Riske and South African player Kevin Anderson. After parting ways with his coach, Djokovic will focus on defending the Australian Open title. He is currently the favorite to win the title for the eighth time in his career. He will begin his defense with a match against Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday.
Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2020
Currently ranked no.2, Djokovic played his last match on the 12th of January when he defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2 7-64 in the final in the ATP Cup to win his 78th career title.
This season the Serbian has a 6-0 win-loss record. The Serbian has won 1 title in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney.
