Norrie highlights Djokovic's strong point at Roland Garros: "No one talks about him"
The Serbian reaches the quarterfinals as the player with the best statistical numbers among the eight players in this stage of the tournament.
If three weeks ago, before the Geneva tournament, they had told us that Novak Djokovic would reach the quarterfinals of Roland Garros showing a tremendously good version and even with chances to fight for the title, maybe some wouldn't have believed it, considering his performance in Monte Carlo and Madrid. His tennis improvement is evident, and his last opponent in Paris, Cameron Norrie, has highlighted several things about a Nole who arrives with enthusiasm to the most important part of the tournament.
For Djokovic, after climbing the first peaks of a certain category, what would come now are mountains of special category. We are talking about a path to the title composed of Zverev in the quarterfinals, Sinner (probably) in the semifinals, and Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Where has Novak's improvement really been from one tournament to another? What has happened to see such a drastic change in his tennis compared to two weeks ago? The Serbian, after winning in Geneva, rearranged all the pieces of the machinery and started operating at a very good level of his tennis. Beyond gaining confidence with the title in Switzerland, there are certain areas that begin to stand out above the rest.
According to Infosys data for this tournament, Novak has achieved the best statistics. That is, based on data, he has played the best tennis, followed by Sinner and Zverev. Alcaraz, for context, is the seventh of the 8 who have reached the quarterfinals. The Serbian stands out especially in points won on return and the numbers he leaves with his service. In other words, he excels both in serving and returning. That's where he bases his superiority.
“Nobody talks about his first serve,” Cameron Norrie tells in a press conference, after being defeated by Nole. “I try to extend the points and play my game, but he disrupts your rhythm by serving very well. I find it impressive the way he is serving. I think that's the part that has improved the most in his game. I'm surprised at how precise he is with his service. It's incredible how he manages the timing of the match, besides, he doesn't miss. He continues not to miss anything,” adds the Brit.
Djokovic is going to reach the most important part of Roland Garros with barely any wear and with a very clear idea: to try to save as much energy as possible. With his current tennis being as it is, if Nole can overcome the quarterfinal barrier without exerting himself too physically against Sascha, his chances of defeating Jannik Sinner in the semifinals would increase. If he doesn't arrive with much physical fuel to face the Italian, the great feat seems difficult, not forgetting that in the final he could face a thriving Alcaraz or a revitalized Musetti.
Regardless, we are all eager to see what version of Novak we will see in this final stretch of Roland Garros. Many believe he won't be able to, but if anyone has shown us in the last 15 years that he can make the impossible possible, that is Djokovic. The rest of the players remaining in the tournament would do well not to underestimate him despite his 38 years. Novak will be as dangerous as ever.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Norrie destaca el punto fuerte de Djokovic en Roland Garros: "Nadie habla de él"