Google News 'I think there’s no real game plan with Novak Djokovic', says ATP ace
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 3451
2021 threw Novak Djokovic even more into the legend, as the Serbian phenomenon won three majors and touched the 'Calendar Grand Slam' Should he triumph at the US Open, the world number 1 would become the second man in the Open Era after Rod Laver to win all four Grand Slams in the same year.
The 34-year-old from Belgrade had to surrender in the final to Daniil Medvedev, who had an impeccable performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium. After taking a couple of months off, Nole returned to the field in Paris-Bercy, one of his fiefdoms par excellence.
Djokovic dispelled all doubts regarding his psycho-physical state and posted the 37th Masters 1000 of his career. The Belgrade has also ensured the certainty of ending the season at the top of the ATP ranking for the seventh time ever.
In a recent interview with Prime Video UK, British tennis player Cameron Norrie praised the greatness of the 20-time Grand Slam champion. The number 12 ATP had an exceptional 2021, embellished by the success of the Indian Wells Masters 1000.
Norrie opens up on Djokovic
"I think there’s no real game plan with Novak Djokovic," Norrie said. "He has such a complete game, moves so well, you can’t get the ball past him. I also think his first serve is very underrated.
He’s a nightmare to play. I’ve never played him, but if I were to play him, it would be a nightmare." The Brit also admitted he had not prepared much for the possibility of facing Djokovic in Turin, while stating no player covers the court better than the Serb.
"I haven’t thought about [a game plan for facing Djokovic] too much," Norrie added. "But he’s pretty good [with his] first serve [and first] ball, he’s pretty good in long rallies and he moves exceptionally well.
He’s probably the best mover on tour and his backhand is insane as well, so it’s tough. He’s a very good player." Just after lifting the ATP’s year-end World No. 1 trophy, Novak Djokovic said he considered Pete Sampras as his childhood role model.
According to him, surpassing Sampras’s record was a surreal moment for him. In an interview with, Sampras said, “I do think what Novak’s done over the past 10 years, winning the Majors, being consistent, finishing No.1 for seven years, to me it’s clear sign that he is the greatest of all time”.
The American further talked about the dominance Djokovic prevailed over the two finest players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. “But I think he’ll appreciate it more as he gets older. He did it at a time where he dominated two of the greats, in Roger and Rafa, and he handled the next generation of players very well – all at the same time“, Pete said.