After consistent results in notable tournaments over the last 15 months, Novak Djokovic had a chance to become world number 2 for the first time in Hamburg in 2008. Facing the king of clay, Rafael Nadal, in the semi-final, Djokovic He gave it his all in a 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 defeat after three hours and three minutes.
Rafa prevailed with a great performance in the decider, although he had to make an effort at every point to come out on top and continue on the path to the title. Nadal converted just five more points than Djokovic and defended 15 of his 19 break chances to stay afloat.
The Spaniard crossed the finish line with five return games to his account, rallying after the second set and emerging on top. The two big rivals posted a similar number of winners, and Novak ranked above Rafa in the forced errors department.
However, the Serb squandered that advantage on the unforced error segment, pulverizing too many of them, often at crucial moments, to propel the Spaniard into a title clash against world number 1 Roger Federer. The match continues under the Center Court roof, and Novak earned early break chances with a game-winning volley in the second game.
He forced the Spaniard’s mistake to grab an early break and set a good pace. Finding his rhythm, Djokovic laid a forehand game winner down the line in the third game to cement the lead, winning 14 of the opening 18 points. Nadal trailed 30-0 in the fourth game and seemed powerless against a determined opponent.
Rafa capitalized on two break chances and brought the game home to put his name on the scoreboard. Novak wasted game points at 3-1 and lost serve when Rafa hit a forehand winner down the line. Nadal saved a break point in game six and held on for 15 at 3-4 to stay on the bright side.
The Spaniard got a break in the ninth game and serves for the set.
Djokovic’s offensive skills do not get due credit
Novak Djokovic’s offensive skills do not get due credit, says former player and tennis analyst Simon Rea, based on statistics from the 2023 Australian Open.
“I think it’s an area that we might often undersell Novak in,” Rea said. “We go to the return of serve or the defense but perhaps we overlook, at times, the offensive capability that this guy brings and the weapons that he does have, as well as being really hard to get at or ‘where would you start if you’re formulating a game plan against him’
This guy can generate and do some damage as well. It’s more testament to his ball-striking, the weaponry, the phenomenal timing, coordination, the ability to produce easy power that we see from him under pressure. Then you marry that up with some of the physicality that we often sing his praises for and it becomes almost an impenetrable fortress. Where do you turn to get past this guy?” Rea added.
