‘It’s the Serena Williams Thing’ – Novak Djokovic’s Mental Fortitude Prompts Andy Roddick to Dish Out the Ultimate Comparison

The Tennis Channel Live Podcast is back with another interesting episode. The show’s host and a former tennis star, Andy Roddick shared his candid take on the World’s No.1 Novak Djokovic. Roddick is known for his clear-cut statements about the world of tennis. This time he decided to cover Djokovic’s amazing time at the Paris Masters.

Ever since the Serb won the Paris Masters title, almost everyone has brought forth their opinion on the situation. Some believe that he is the fair conqueror of the sport, while some completely discard this argument. However, what Roddick said about the champ is worth unpacking.

Novak Djokovic and his Serena Williams moment

To fully grasp Roddick’s intriguing perspective on Djokovic’s recent accomplishments, let’s set the stage. The Paris Masters had witnessed Djokovic’s astonishing performance, a run that left fans and critics alike astounded. As Roddick points out, there’s a certain aura of familiarity surrounding Djokovic’s dominance. Just like a certain Serena Williams during the prime of her career.

As per Roddick, Djokovic seems to possess that uncanny ability to win even when pitted against himself. He states: “It’s the Serena Williams thing from the prime of her career, she could play herself and she wins a couple of these three centers. And you would realize that by the time she got to the final, she’d put some score lines that were like one and two, three and two. And you just felt Novak was building that momentum.” The scorelines in her matches would often read one and two, three and two – sheer dominance. Novak Djokovic’s recent victories at the Paris Masters seem to echo this sentiment. He’s building incredible momentum, not unlike the Serena of old. Even when faced with formidable opponents like Andrey Rublev, Djokovic retains the capacity to rally back from a set down.

READ MORE: 3 Records Novak Djokovic Can Break Before Retiring

It’s akin to reaching a tiebreaker or going into lockdown mode, maintaining that unyielding determination and unswerving focus. This is where the comparison with Serena Williams comes into play.

The pressure on Djokovic

Roddick also emphasizes the expectations that have been placed on Djokovic due to his consistent excellence. Fans have come to feel entitled to a certain level of performance based on his illustrious history.

However, he continues to meet those expectations, time and again. Roddick believes that Djokovic is setting a bar so high that we feel we deserve this level of excellence.

Djokovic’s journey at the Paris Masters not only parallels the formidable career of Serena Williams but also underscores his own legendary status in the world of tennis. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: 22YO American Prodigy Lays Bare Her Dream Moment With Venus and Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open