5 revolutionary shots and tactics in modern tennis

#3 Novak Djokovic – sliding forehand and backhand

Novak Djokovic

Back in 2015, a joint study conducted by Samir Bencic and Health Fitness Revolution, decided who was the greatest athlete from a list of sporting icons.

On top of that pile, came Djokovic. This pile included the likes of Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Phelps and LeBron James, making Djokovic’s athletic ability seem even more spectacular.

The greatest example of this in action is with Novak’s sliding forehand and backhand. The Serb’s flexibility allows him to stretch every muscle and joint in his body, to retrieve and hit passing shots from near-on impossible angles, and in situations where most would surrender the point.

For many players, relying on defence is dangerous. However, with Djokovic’s speed around the court, and his ability to do slide into shots, his amazing defence is a truly reliable tool. This is a style copied by Hyeon Chung, who has a style that mirrors his “idol” Djokovic.