Cameron Norrie Reveals the Most Underrated Aspect of Novak Djokovic’s Game After Roland Garros Exit

Novak Djokovic's triumph at the Geneva Open has provided a significant boost in his confidence in aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

Cameron Norrie Reveals the Most Underrated Aspect of Novak Djokovic’s Game After Roland Garros Exit

Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP), Cameron Norrie (Image via Instagram - Cameron Norrie)

After an inconsistent start to the clay court season, Novak Djokovic turned the tables at the Geneva Open, where he finally clinched his much awaited 100th career title. While some still doubted his form considering the Geneva Open was an ATP 250 level tournament, Djokovic has proved otherwise by making it to the quarterfinals of the Roland Garros without dropping a set en route.

The Serbian’s tennis improvement is evident, and his fourth round opponent, Cameron Norrie, highlighted several things about him. Djokovic stands out amongst other competitors especially in points won on return and the numbers he leaves with his service – he is excelling in both in serving and returning.

Nobody talks about his first serve. 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.

Norrie lost to three time champion Djokovic 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the fourth round of the Roland Garros. The Brit, however had perhaps the best performance at Roland Garros this time. The 29-year-old reached the fourth round of the tournament for the first time in his career, and he also defeated 11th seed Daniil Medvedev en route.

Djokovic’s win over Norrie was also special for the fact that it marked his 100th match win at a Grand Slam event. He was one win away from reaching this number at the Australian Open this year. Djokovic, now joins the other members of the ‘Big 3’, in this elite club. Rafael Nadal has won 112 matches at Roland Garros while Roger Federer, has reached this milestone twice. He has 105 match wins at Wimbledon and 102 at the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic will face Alexander Zverev in his next match at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic , who is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title is set to face third seed and last year’s finalist Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of the Roland Garros. The quarterfinal will be their second clash this season, following the Australian Open semifinal where Djokovic, right after losing the first set, retired mid-match due to a painful hamstring injury.

Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev (via X/The Tennis Letter)
Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Zverev had also had a very rough season, until he won his first trophy of the season at the BMW Open. However, he did see a dip in his rankings from World No. 2 to no. 3. He is one of those few players who has defeated Djokovic multiple times, though, the Serb leads their lead-to-head as Zverev has registered five wins over him in their 13 encounters.

Alexander Zverev’s run so far at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic is 1-1 in the win-loss record against Alexander Zverev on clay. Prior to their third meeting on the surface, Zverev had defeated Djokovic in the 2017 Italian Open final. Djokovic then outclassed the German in the quarterfinal of the 2019 Roland Garros.

Alexander Zverev (via X/Universe tennis)
Alexander Zverev (via X/Universe tennis)

Ahead of his matchup against Djokovic, Zverev has defeated Learner Tien, Jasper de Jong, and Flavio Cobboli at the Roland Garros. He experienced a walkover by his opponent Tallon Griekspoor during his fourth round match. Zverev will be aiming for his maiden Grand Slam title.

Also Read: Alexander Zverev Dismisses the Notion of Novak Djokovic Being a ‘Dark Horse’ at This Year’s Roland Garros Ahead of Their Matchup