Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most accomplished players in tennis history, is often celebrated for his seemingly flawless game on the court. However, even the best have their vulnerabilities, and for Djokovic, it is his occasional loss of focus or composure during tightly contested matches that can lead to increased errors. Despite this, he remains one of the most mentally resilient players in the sport, a quality that has undoubtedly contributed to his monumental success.
One area of Djokovic’s game that has garnered less attention than it merits is his serve. Recently, retired player Christopher Eubanks highlighted this aspect during a guest appearance on Andy Roddick’s podcast, Served. Eubanks noted that many players within the ATP Tour view Djokovic’s serve as underrated, suggesting it does not receive the recognition it deserves.
Throughout his illustrious career, Djokovic has achieved a remarkable first-serve percentage of 65%, winning 74% of those points. However, the percentage of points won off his second serve drops significantly to 55%. In contrast, two of his greatest rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, also have impressive serving stats: Federer with a 62% first-serve success rate and a 77% points won-off-first-serve rate, while Nadal leads slightly with a 68% first-serve rate and a 72% success rate on his first serves. The similarity in their statistics suggests they are all operating at an elite level.
Even Djokovic himself has acknowledged that his serve is often overshadowed by his other attributes, such as his powerful baseline play and exceptional return game. During the 2025 Miami Open, he remarked on the importance of accuracy and precision in serving rather than pure speed, stating, “Maybe the serve has been a bit underrated, but I always liked my serve, particularly when it comes to accuracy and precision.” He believes that placing the ball in the right spot can be more effective than simply aiming for higher speeds.
Eubanks also emphasized that many players consider Djokovic’s serve to be “clutch,” underlining its importance in crucial moments throughout matches.
At 38 years old, Djokovic continues to demonstrate his remarkable skill and competitiveness, recently reaching the final of the Australian Open—his 38th Grand Slam final. With the potential to claim a record-breaking 25th major title, Djokovic’s underrated serve could play a crucial role in his quest to surpass Margaret Court’s long-standing record. As Djokovic continues to push the boundaries of his game, his ability to evolve and refine every aspect, including his serve, is what keeps him at the pinnacle of the sport and a formidable contender for years to come.