Bartoli reveals why Djokovic’s isn’t the key factor for his speed

Former World No 7 Marion Bartoli believes that Novak Djokovic’s ability to read the game more than compensates for any slow down in his physicality

Bren Gray

January 1, 2024

Former world No 7 Marion Bartoli believes that heading into the Australian Open this year, Novak Djokovic is moving the same as he always has despite being on the cusp of turning 37.

The 2013 Wimbledon champion shared on Djokovic’s movement as part of Tennis Major’s latest ‘Match Points’ episode, which was released earlier this week on tennismajors.com.

“He moves the same way because he anticipates better, he reads the game even faster, if that’s even possible,” Bartoli explained to host Josh Cohen.

Djokovic no longer able to rely on pure athleticism

The results of Djokovic are undeniable. In 2023, the 24-time Grand Slam champion had one of the best years of his illustrious career, winning four of the five major titles up for grabs and finishing the year No 1 for the eighth time.

This was not the first time the Serbian has had a standout year, with Djokovic also picking up three out of four Grand Slams in 2011, 2015 and 2021.

“I think before it was due to pure athleticism, which is normal,” Bartoli explained on Match Points. “You’re 26, you’re in the peak of your form, that’s where you’re the most explosive, have the most strength as well, that’s where you recover is still very quick, when you’re in your 20s.”

However, at the ripe age of 36, the question of his athleticism is often the one that comes under the most scrutiny.

“I think now, probably the muscle twitches are slightly slower,” confessed Bartoli

Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati (Zuma/Panoramic)

Reading of the game aids Djokovic’s movement, says Bartoli

As Bartoli argues, what he may lack in sheer athletic ability, he makes up for with his knowledge of the game now.

“Because he reads the game faster, it’s the same pace of movement. The exact same thing,” said the Frenchwoman.

“To an opponent, you feel there is no gap on the court. You feel like he makes the court so small for you, so small that there is no major space on the court where you can hit. That’s due to the anticipation, as well as obviously knowing the tactics and the pattern of your opponents, and knowing on crucial points where they’re going to play.

“It’s playing wiser, having won a lot more than when he was 26 too.”

Djokovic will be pursuing a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown this January, with the Serb heading to Melbourne as the defending champion after winning the tournament for the loss of only one set last year.