Novak Djokovic used a lot of drop shots during the recent Internazionali d’Italia. The Serbian legend seems to have the same intention at the current French Open as he used this specific shot many times during his successful 1st round match in Paris against Mikael Ymer. Probably Novak indulged a bit too much with his drop shots, but he also admitted that this kind of variation could be very important in the French slam.
The drop shots against Nadal and Thiem
During the press conference that followed his match against Ymer, Novak explained why he uses his drop shots so much, even if sometimes he exaggerated a bit. Nole commented :
“I think it’s a great variety shot, the drop shot. I think it’s important tactically to have it and to use it at the right time so that you can keep your opponent always guessing what the next shot is.
I may have played too many today, I agree. Maybe I exceeded what I should have played. But I think it worked well in the moments when I needed to get the point I did. And I thought that I kept my opponent today on the back foot constantly, because I felt comfortable to hit really any shot, being aggressive or coming to the net or mixing it up.
Then Novak also stressed the fact that this specific shot can be good especially against players that rally from far back in the court. This is definitely the case of Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem. While Nadal has an excellent volley, Thiem often struggles at the net, so “calling him” forward could be a valid option.
Djokovic at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Now ranked no.1, Novak has a 32-1 win-loss record in 2020. The Serbian is currently competing at the French Open where he bested Mikael Ymer 6-0 6-2 6-3.
Novak Djokovic will play Berankis in the 2nd round. The head to head is 2-0 for Djokovic.
The Serbian clinched 4 titles in 2020 at the Australian Open, in Dubai, in New York and in Rome.
Novak won 82 titles in his career: 48 on hard courts, 15 on clay courts, 13 on indoor courts and 6 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Nadal at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Ranked no.2, the Spaniard has a 16-4 win-loss record in 2020. The Spaniard is now playing at the French Open where he managed to beat Egor Gerasimov 6-4 6-4 6-2.
Rafael Nadal will face Mcdonald in the 2nd round. They have never played each other so far on the main tour.
The Spaniard clinched 1 title in 2020 in Acapulco.
Rafael won 85 titles in his career: 21 on hard courts, 59 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played each other 55 times. The head to head is 29-26 for Djokovic. The last time that they played, Novak Djokovic won 6-2 7-64 in the final in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney (ATP Cup) on the 12th of January 2020.
Thiem at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Currently ranked no.3 (career-high), Dominic has a 17-5 win-loss record in 2020. The Austrian is currently having a run at the French Open where he overcame Marin Cilic 6-4 6-3 6-3.
Dominic Thiem will come up against Sock in the 2nd round. The head to head is 3-1 for Thiem.
Thiem conquered 1 title in 2020 at the U.S. Open. Dominic got to the final at the Australian Open.
Dominic won 17 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 10 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
