Chris Eubanks Uncovers Novak Djokovic's Underrated Serve: A Masterclass in Precision and Clutch Performance
In the illustrious career of Novak Djokovic, few aspects of his game have gone unnoticed. A 24-time Grand Slam champion, currently chasing an unprecedented 25th major, Djokovic continues to defy age and expectations, consistently performing at the pinnacle of professional tennis. Yet, amidst the praise for his legendary return game, ironclad backhand, and unparalleled mental fortitude, one critical weapon in his arsenal has remained surprisingly underappreciated by many outside the ATP locker room: his serve.
Recently, American tennis star Chris Eubanks, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2023, shed light on this very topic. Speaking on the "Served" podcast with former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, Eubanks revealed what fellow players truly think of Djokovic's game, pointing specifically to the often-overlooked power of his serve. According to Eubanks and numerous Tour colleagues, Djokovic's serve is not just good; it's one of the most clutch and strategically brilliant serves in the history of the sport, a silent assassin that has been instrumental in his sustained dominance.
The "Underrated Weapon": Why ATP Players Rate Djokovic's Serve So Highly
The conversation around Novak Djokovic often gravitates towards his incredible defensive skills, his ability to turn defense into offense, and his seemingly impenetrable return of serve. However, Chris Eubanks' insights offer a different perspective, one echoed by many who have faced the Serbian maestro across the net. "Many players who I have spoken with who have played this person say the one area of his game that doesn't get talked about nearly enough is Novak," Eubanks stated on the podcast. He elaborated, "They say he’s one of the most clutch servers of all time. Seeing what he used to do on serve and what he’s capable of today is incredible."
This sentiment challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Djokovic, who has historically been more celebrated for his returning prowess than his serving might. However, as Eubanks highlights, this perception is a disservice to the meticulous development and strategic application of his serve. For players on Tour, who experience the pressure and precision firsthand, the serve is a key component of Djokovic's longevity and ability to win crucial points under immense pressure. It's a weapon that, while perhaps lacking the raw speed of a Reilly Opelka or a John Isner, more than compensates with its uncanny accuracy and tactical brilliance. This insider view profoundly reshapes our understanding of Eubanks: Djokovic's Serve Is Among the Most Clutch of All Time.
Precision Over Power: Djokovic's Own Philosophy on Serve Mastery
Intriguingly, Djokovic himself has acknowledged the understated nature of his serve. Following a dominant serving performance at the 2025 Miami Open semi-final, where he landed an astonishing 51 out of 57 first serves against Grigor Dimitrov, he spoke candidly about his approach. "Obviously I’m a baseline player. Most of my career return and backhand are probably the shots that have been talked about the most when it comes to my game and success," Djokovic admitted.
He continued, offering a crucial glimpse into his strategic mindset: "Maybe the serve has been a bit underrated, but I always liked my serve, particularly when it comes to accuracy and precision. That’s what I was looking for." Djokovic explicitly stated his preference, "I was never really looking to ramp up the miles per hour on the serve. I mean, it’s great if you can serve 130-miles-an-hour serve, but I’d rather serve 120 miles an hour and hit the line and hit the perfect spot in the box because that’s what either wins you a point or gives you an easy first shot in the rally."
This philosophy reveals a deep understanding of tennis strategy. While sheer power can overwhelm, precision offers consistency and tactical advantages. By consistently hitting spots, Djokovic forces opponents into awkward returns, allowing him to immediately dictate the subsequent rally. This focus on accuracy not only secures holds but also conserves energy, a vital factor for a player competing at the highest level at 38 years old. His assessment that his "serve was solid" even when "some other elements in my game haven’t been working particularly well" underscores its reliability as a foundational element of his game.
Practical Tip for Aspiring Players: Djokovic's approach offers a valuable lesson: raw power isn't the only path to an effective serve. Developing consistency, spin, and the ability to hit precise targets can be just as, if not more, impactful, especially when setting up the rest of your game.
Deconstructing the "Clutch Serve": How Djokovic Delivers Under Pressure
The term "clutch" is often reserved for players who perform their best in high-stakes situations. For Djokovic, his serve epitomizes this quality. Eubanks' observation that he's "one of the most clutch servers of all time" is backed by countless moments where Djokovic has saved break points, closed out sets, or regained momentum with an unreturnable serve.
Consider his incredible display in the Australian Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner, where he rallied from two sets down, demonstrating not just resilience but a relentless ability to hold serve in critical moments to claw his way back into the match. While he ultimately fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the final, the journey there showcased his unwavering resolve and the reliability of his serve under duress.
What makes his serve so clutch? It's a combination of factors:
- Strategic Variation: Despite not aiming for max speed, Djokovic utilizes an intelligent mix of flat, slice, and kick serves. He can hit the corners, body serves, or wide serves with remarkable consistency, keeping opponents guessing.
- Unwavering Focus: In pressure situations, his mental strength shines. He doesn't crumble, but rather focuses intently on executing his precise targets, often resulting in aces or weak returns.
- Mastery of the Service Box: He understands angles and trajectories, making the ball bounce in ways that challenge even the best returners. His ability to hit the "perfect spot in the box" often gives him an immediate advantage.
This ability to turn his serve into a true weapon, particularly when it matters most, showcases how much How Djokovic Transformed His Serve into a Winning Weapon, Says Eubanks.
The Symbiosis of Skills: How the Serve Elevates Djokovic's Overall Game
While the serve is a standalone skill, its true impact within Djokovic's game is how it synergizes with his other exceptional abilities. A reliable serve allows him to play with more freedom on return games, knowing that even if he pushes for a break and loses his own serve, he has the capability to get it back. It also sets up his devastating baseline game, providing easy first balls for him to attack or build points from a neutral position.
His legendary return game, often hailed as the best in history, complements his serve beautifully. If an opponent struggles on serve, Djokovic capitalizes ruthlessly. Conversely, his own consistent serving minimises break opportunities for his rivals, creating a constant pressure cooker where they must hold serve to stay in contention. This balance contributes significantly to his unmatched longevity and sustained success, allowing him to dominate physically demanding matches and tournaments even into his late 30s.
Conclusion
Chris Eubanks' candid observations, backed by the consensus of ATP players and Djokovic's own words, paint a clearer picture of one of tennis's greatest champions. Novak Djokovic's serve, far from being a mere functional shot, is a strategically brilliant, precision-focused weapon that has played a pivotal, yet underrated, role in his historic career. It’s a testament to his continuous evolution as a player and his unwavering commitment to perfecting every aspect of his game. As Djokovic continues to rewrite the record books, recognizing the quiet power of his serve adds another layer to understanding the enduring greatness of the man often considered the GOAT. The insights from Chris Eubanks remind us that even the most celebrated athletes hold secret weapons, and for Novak Djokovic, that weapon is his often-overlooked, yet utterly clutch, serve.