An overview of the home nation's hero, Kei Nishikori, covering his journey to the Olympics, his matches so far and determining his chances against Novak Djokovic on Thursday.
I love your content! Very clear! Thanks a lot. I have one question for you: Why since his incredible come back at Wimbledon 2018, PCB & RBA are difficult match-up to Djokovic (in addition both player don’t have any advantage with their serve). Thanks!
Hi Drew, thank you very much for saying that, always means a lot to get good feedback as it means I'm doing something right!
PCB: I don't think Djokovic has really struggled with PCB quite as much as he has against RBA. I have little doubt Djokovic would have won that US Open match had he not decapitated the lineswoman.
RBA: Most of the things that work for RBA apply to PCB, just to a lesser degree, as they both hit a similar ball (fairly flat on both sides, under par serves, RBA a little flatter though with a bit more fitness). RBA has the patience, consistency and fitness to run Djokovic into the ground - try to hit through him with a flat ball and you'll eventually miss, part of the reason the head to head between Djoko and Delpo is so lopsided. The backhand-to-backhand dynamic cross-court works for Djokovic against most players but RBA takes that advantage away from Djokovic as he has a solid, reliable, flat backhand that isn't easily attackable should Djokovic want to be the aggressor.
Basically, in short, backhand advantage is removed (this one is super important, RBA actually favours serving to the backhand in this match-up because the ball is more likely to come back to his own backhand) fitness is no longer an issue for the other player and the ability to out-consistency his opponent is also removed - RBA is essentially Djokovic with an inferior serve and less explosive groundstrokes.
Hello! Thanks for these very clear explanations. So the most part of that is the (good) flat backhand which don’t allow Djokovic to attack this ball? Because, logically, Djokovic should be able to take the advantage on the return due to the weak serve (contrary to Med). So it’s due to the flat groundstroke and the fitness ability?
I love your content! Very clear! Thanks a lot. I have one question for you: Why since his incredible come back at Wimbledon 2018, PCB & RBA are difficult match-up to Djokovic (in addition both player don’t have any advantage with their serve). Thanks!
Hi Drew, thank you very much for saying that, always means a lot to get good feedback as it means I'm doing something right!
PCB: I don't think Djokovic has really struggled with PCB quite as much as he has against RBA. I have little doubt Djokovic would have won that US Open match had he not decapitated the lineswoman.
RBA: Most of the things that work for RBA apply to PCB, just to a lesser degree, as they both hit a similar ball (fairly flat on both sides, under par serves, RBA a little flatter though with a bit more fitness). RBA has the patience, consistency and fitness to run Djokovic into the ground - try to hit through him with a flat ball and you'll eventually miss, part of the reason the head to head between Djoko and Delpo is so lopsided. The backhand-to-backhand dynamic cross-court works for Djokovic against most players but RBA takes that advantage away from Djokovic as he has a solid, reliable, flat backhand that isn't easily attackable should Djokovic want to be the aggressor.
Basically, in short, backhand advantage is removed (this one is super important, RBA actually favours serving to the backhand in this match-up because the ball is more likely to come back to his own backhand) fitness is no longer an issue for the other player and the ability to out-consistency his opponent is also removed - RBA is essentially Djokovic with an inferior serve and less explosive groundstrokes.
Hello! Thanks for these very clear explanations. So the most part of that is the (good) flat backhand which don’t allow Djokovic to attack this ball? Because, logically, Djokovic should be able to take the advantage on the return due to the weak serve (contrary to Med). So it’s due to the flat groundstroke and the fitness ability?