“He controlled the ball where others would lose their balance” Former trainer Gebhart Gritsch shares Novak Djokovic’s mantra to success

“He controlled the ball where others would lose their balance” Former trainer Gebhart Gritsch shares Novak Djokovic’s mantra to success

Gebhart Gritsch and Novak Djokovic

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is often lauded for the mental fortitude that has helped him win matches from losing positions. But apart from his mental strength, Novak’s athleticism is also one of the biggest plus points that helps him. This includes his ability to reach the ball at difficult angles and find winners from there.

Speaking on the Serbian’s playing style, former trainer Gebhart Gritsch, who focused on the physical training for Novak from 2009 to 2017, one of the most dominant periods of Novak’s career, spoke on what were some of Novak’s skills that made him stood out from the rest and break the dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal only to later join them as one of the ‘Big-3 of tennis‘.

“I was on the circuit 40 weeks a year with Novak, it was very intense. The way he moves, while controlling the ball – in situations where other players would lose their balance, is impressive,” said Gebhart during a recent interview with Tennisuptodate, praising his former student for his amazing ball control and balance during the difficult points.

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Novak Djokovic won 11 of his 20 Slams under Gebhart Gritsch

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

When Gebhart joined Novak, the then 22-year old Novak had won just the 2008 Australian Open, his first Grand Slam title. By the time Gebhart and Djokovic parted ways in 2017, the Serbian had won 11 Grand Slams, become the World No. 1 and had broken multiple records as well having become one of the biggest forces in the sport.

Gebhart and Novak won the Australian Open 5 times (2011, 2012, 2013, 20215, 2016), the French Open in 2016, the Wimbledon Championships thrice (2011, 2014, 2015) and the US Open twice (2011, 2015). Novak also found success with his national team as he led them to their maiden Davis Cup title in 2010.

Gebhart despite not working currently with Novak would surely be proud of him having chased down Federer and Nadal on 20 Slams and is now the favourite to become the first man to win 21 Slams.

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