After returning to the tour following a six-month injury absence, Novak Djokovic finds himself facing a new challenge with his primary tool used in matches.
Last year he stepped away from the tour as a result of a serious elbow injury that worsened over time. During his recovery period, some adjustments were made to his game. One of them was related to how he served and the other concerned his tennis racket. Something the former world No.1 hopes will aid his journey back to the top of the sport.
“I’ve changed the racquet earlier this year.” He told reporters in Monte Carlo on Wednesday. “I mean, the model is the same. I’ve made some adjustments, so to say. I made some small minor changes that actually in our world are quite significant.”
The exact change is in relation to the weight of the racket. It has been made lighter to alleviate the stress placed upon his elbow during play. It is for the same reason why he has also shortened the take-back during his service motion. Something that was first noticed at the Australian Open.
Djokovic’s journey to the new type of racket started with former coaches Andre Agassi and Stepanek, who have both recently left his team. It is a change that will take him time to get accustomed to, but he cites rival Roger Federer as an example that it can be done. The Swiss player moved from Wilson to Head rackets between 2009-2010.
“Agassi and Radek who worked with me at the time felt it was a good call for big picture and for a long run. I feel more comfortable with the racquet as I go along.” He explained.
“Obviously it takes a little bit of time. I think Roger some years ago also had that racquet change, and it took him a little bit, some months, to get comfortable with it.”
Despite the new approach, Djokovic has insisted that is has not weakened the power of his shot-making. During his second round clash against Borna Coric in Monte Carlo, his first serve averaged 186 km/h and second was 153 km/h. Although both of those figures were slower than his opponents.
“It feels like I gained more power, especially on the serve. I gained more angle.” Djokovic commented about his new racket.
“The racquet is the most important tool that we have, but it’s not more important than our body and our mind, our movements. So it is a tool that helps, but it doesn’t play for you.” He added.
Djokovic will take on Dominic Thiem in the next round at Monte Carlo on Thursday.
