Novak Djokovic Builds the Ultimate Tennis Player

Novak Djokovic Builds the Ultimate Tennis Player

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic has carefully selected the best attributes from the greatest players in history to craft the blueprint of the ideal tennis player.

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A Timeless Debate in Tennis

In the world of tennis, the debate over who is the greatest player of all time (GOAT) is a never-ending discussion among fans, players, and analysts alike. However, an equally intriguing exercise that many players and enthusiasts engage in is constructing the perfect tennis player by combining the finest skills from various legends. This time, Novak Djokovic—one of the greatest players in the sport’s history—has taken on the challenge, carefully selecting the best attributes from the sport’s biggest icons to create his vision of the ideal tennis player.

Djokovic’s Take on the Perfect Tennis Player

Over the years, many tennis greats have taken part in this creative thought experiment, including the legendary Andre Agassi. Notably, Agassi sparked controversy when he left out one of the “Big Three” while constructing his dream player. Now, Djokovic, who holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles in history, has shared his perspective on what constitutes the perfect player.

During Wimbledon 2022, after securing a spot in the quarterfinals with a victory over Jannik Sinner, Djokovic was asked to assemble the perfect player by selecting the best aspects of different players’ games. The Serbian star eagerly accepted the challenge but made it clear from the start that he would not include himself in any category.

The Elements of Djokovic’s Perfect Tennis Player

Serve

Djokovic began with the serve, selecting three towering players known for their dominant service games:
Reilly Opelka, John Isner, and Ivo Karlovic – “Taller players naturally have an advantage,” Djokovic said. “They serve from what feels like the fifth floor, making it extremely difficult to return against them.”
Nick Kyrgios – While not as tall as Opelka and Isner, Kyrgios possesses an incredibly effective and unpredictable serve.
Pete Sampras – The American legend’s second serve remains one of the best in history. “Pete Sampras had a phenomenal second serve,” Djokovic added.

Forehand

For the forehand, Djokovic looked to two of his fiercest rivals:
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – “Their forehands are different, but for both of them, it is an incredible weapon,” Djokovic remarked.

Backhand

When it came to the backhand, Djokovic selected two players known for their consistency and power: Andy Murray and Jannik Sinner – “They have two of the best backhands in the game,” Djokovic noted.

Movement

Djokovic highlighted the incredible footwork and court coverage of two tennis legends:
Björn Borg – “His movement was incredible. I never had the chance to play against him, but from what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard from those who played against him, his movement was special.”
Roger Federer – “Federer also had exceptional movement,” Djokovic added.

Mental Strength

Finally, Djokovic returned to the qualities of his two biggest rivals, recognizing their unmatched mental toughness:
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – “Mentally, I have to go back to Federer and Nadal,” Djokovic said, completing his vision of the ultimate tennis player.

A Unique Perspective on Tennis Excellence

With his vast experience and success, Djokovic’s choices offer an insightful perspective on how he views the game and its greatest players. By combining the physical strength, technical skill, and mental resilience of champions from different generations, his ideal player embodies the perfect blend of precision and mental fortitude that defines the best of the best.

Why Djokovic’s Dream Player Matters

Constructing the perfect tennis player is more than just an entertaining exercise—it provides valuable insight into what makes a champion. Djokovic’s selections emphasize key aspects of the game:

• Height and power matter in serving, giving taller players an advantage.

• A strong forehand is a must-have weapon, and Federer and Nadal have dominated using different yet equally effective styles.

• A reliable backhand can be a game-changer, as seen with Murray and Sinner.

• Movement separates the great from the good, and players like Borg and Federer moved with unmatched grace.

• Mental strength is the defining factor of champions, and few possess the psychological resilience of Federer and Nadal.

How Djokovic Stacks Up in the GOAT Debate

Djokovic’s ability to analyze and appreciate the skills of others is a testament to his deep understanding of the sport. Yet, ironically, if one were to create the perfect tennis player, many would argue that Djokovic himself embodies a nearly complete package.

With a record number of Grand Slam titles, unmatched consistency, and a well-rounded game that excels in all conditions, Djokovic’s place in the GOAT conversation is indisputable. His movement, return game, and mental resilience are second to none, making him one of the most complete players in history.

Conclusion: The Making of a Tennis Great

Novak Djokovic’s dream player serves as a fascinating breakdown of what makes a tennis legend. By selecting the best attributes from past and present champions, he highlights the qualities that define greatness in the sport.

While every fan has their own opinion on the GOAT debate, Djokovic’s choices offer a compelling vision of the ideal player—a mix of power, agility, intelligence, and mental toughness that reflects the essence of elite tennis. And in doing so, he inadvertently reminds the world why he, himself, is one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

As he continues his quest for more records and titles, one thing remains clear: whether or not he includes himself in his dream player, Novak Djokovic has already cemented his place in tennis history as one of the most complete and dominant athletes ever to play the game.