“I Still Can’t Make A Drive Volley” – Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray aren’t really known for running up to the net and making volleys. They both prefer a more subdued style of play where they remain close to the baseline and make their opponent do all the running. 

That’s where they indulge in some marathon rallies and wear down their opponents to the point where they make mistakes. However, every now and then, they face an aggressive player who forces them to tinker and approach the net.

A drive-volley is one of those shots which is considered very difficult to master for a tennis player. Not only do you have to play close to the net with less reaction time, the slow pace of the ball means that your swing has to be the widest possible. A successful shot would mean a guaranteed point. However, a failed attempt would certainly mean the rally ending right there, perhaps even in embarrassment.

Djokovic and Murray discussed this particular shot during their chat. They discussed their deficiency when it comes to the drive-volley. 

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What did Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray say? 

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were discussing a tournament that they played in during their junior days. This was back when the two stars were just eleven years old. Apparently, Andy Murray had already beaten Novak Djokovic and was in the finals, where he lost in a heartbreaking manner. 

“I ended up losing in the final of the tournament. And I had a match point, sudden death juice, drive volley to win. And I missed it and completely capitulated after I lost the match.”

The Serbian star consoled Andy, saying he needn’t be too hard on himself. There’s no way an eleven-year-old could hit a successful drive-volley. In fact, he revealed that he himself still struggles with that shot in tennis. 

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“I think you’re forgiven, an eleven-year-old, drive volley, I think you were not really expected to make that one and win it. I still can’t make a drive volley”.

Novak Djokovic did start out as more of a defensive player, but he is pretty masterful at volleys now. However, he will always remain a natural baseline player. What is your opinion of Novak Djokovic’s volley?