Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz: 3 deciding factors ahead of Wimbledon 2023 final

#2 Volleys and Drops

Carlos Alcaraz Drop Shots: The Championships - Wimbledon 2023

For years, Wimbledon has been known for its serve-and-volley style along with smartly placed drop shots. Although the grasscourts are not as fast as they use to be, the technique can still work if used effectively with on-target first serves.

Alcaraz serves with a very natural and significant follow-through towards the opponent. This makes it easier for him to reach the net for a volley. It will be interesting to see if he attempts the same on Sunday, as Djokovic's returns are usually deep, indicating they pass well over the nets.

Djokovic has employed the serve-and-volley this season to good effect. In fact, till a couple of years back, he used it extensively, one of the few modern-day players to attempt it. In the 2021 Rolex Paris Masters, he used the serve-and-volley 22 times against Daniil Medvedev. He won a point on 19 occasions.

Alcaraz has played some majestic forehands but has also shown his deft touches while playing well-disguised drop shots. It was his key weapon even in the French Open, which was surprising to see given the nature of the court. He even recorded a whopping 23 drop shots in a match against Musetti.

Djokovic has been good at sliding and reaching the ball, picking up the drop shots, and snatching a point against each of them. He does play a beautiful drop shot but the frequency and pattern are much different. The Serbian builds long rallies and throws a drop, to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.