Novak Djokovic sent ominous messages to the tennis world already when he was a teenager. The Serbian sensation impressed former world no.25 Filippo Volandri when they clashed in Umag back in 2004. Eventually, the Italian won 7-6 (5) 6-1, but in a recent interview he confessed that he was deeply impressed by Djokovic and his movements.

“After that, I talked to some colleagues and said, ‘That guy is really good.’ Everyone answered me: ‘Come on, you could have won 6-1, 6-1’, but I was right! I took the lead easily (5-1 in the first), but I was already a good player, and he reacted in a way that surprised me “, said Volandri.

Filippo was particularly impressed with Novak’s flexibility and the fact that he could find some easy power even if he wasn’t so strong from a physical point of view. The Italian stressed the fact that it was clear that Novak was a champion not only for his tennis, but also because he was extremely professional in dealing with tough moments even at that age.

“Even then, he was physically at a higher level in terms of flexibility. He jumped all over the  field, he hit with a lot of spin, without being very physically strong. That is the difference between champions and normal players, champions do not need so much strength to make a spin or to hit the ball quickly. It is difficult to explain that when someone is different, it is seen in behavior, mental strength. Even as a young man, Djokovic dealt with bad moments as a professional,” he added.

Djokovic and the US Open

Novak is currently in Marbella where he will probably get ready to play the US Open. Initially, the Serbian sensation didn’t sound so enthusiastic about playing the North American slam. However, it seems that he is now more open to competing in New York. In addition, after many months training on clay, the world no.1 has started to practice on hard courts probably with the idea to play the US Open

 

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Novak Djokovic in 2020

Ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 29th of February when he overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the final in Dubai to win his 79th career title.

This year the Serbian has a 18-0 win-loss record. Novak has won 2 titles in 2020 at the Australian Open and in Dubai.