
Diminishing returns: Novak Djokovic’s famed service return game shows signs of cracking
The HinduOver the last two decades, Novak Djokovic has built the reputation of being the best returner tennis has ever seen. The US Open semifinal in 2011, where he saved two match points against Roger Federer; the Australian Open final in 2012, where he came from a break down in the final set to beat Rafael Nadal in the longest match in Grand Slam history; and the summit clash at Wimbledon in 2019 where he again saved two match points against Federer are some of the various noteworthy instances where Djokovic has shown that he is never out of the contest even when he doesn’t have the serve. On hard courts, which is considered Djokovic’s preferred surface as he has clinched 14 of his 24 Grand Slam titles on it, it is just 29.7 per cent in the last year. The 6’3” Jannik Sinner, 6’5” Alexei Popyrin, 6’11” Reilly Opelka, 6’5” Matteo Berrettini and most recently, 6’3” Botic van de Zandschulp in second round at Indian Wells, have all made life difficult for Djokovic. We haven’t seen that in the past from Novak too often, but now that he is playing less, it is a little more challenging to get in a match rhythm,” the 61-year-old Annacone told Sportstar.
History of this topic

Tennis-Djokovic building bond with Murray over golf, dinners
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Miami Open: Novak Djokovic scripts history, Mirra Andreeva's fairytale run ends
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Miami Open: Novak Djokovic snaps winless streak, Carlos Alcaraz makes shock exit
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'Don't see Novak Djokovic winning another Grand Slam': Alarm bells sounded for Serb in ominous 'he's in decline' verdict
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Novak Djokovic's biggest opponent is his own body, cannot cheat time and escape 'tennis death': Ex-Russian tennis star
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Novak Djokovic exits Indian Wells in first round after going down to lucky loser
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Novak Djokovic crashes out of Indian Wells opener
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Novak Djokovic again stunned by a lucky loser at Indian Wells
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Djokovic crashes out at Indian Wells as Alcaraz sails through
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Indian Wells: Novak Djokovic slumps to yet another first-round exit after shock defeat
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Stefanos Tsitsipas ends losing streak in ATP 500 finals with maiden title at Dubai Tennis Championships
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Djokovic Crashes Out! Berrettini Stuns World No.1 in Qatar Open Shock
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Novak Djokovic loses in Qatar Open return from injury, Alex de Minaur wins through to second round
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Fully fit Novak Djokovic handed shock Qatar Open exit by Matteo Berrettini
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Novak Djokovic delivers update on his partnership with Andy Murray after the Brit worked as his coach during the Australian Open
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Novak Djokovic makes big revelation on his availability for Qatar Open: 'I'm ready to go for more...'
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Fit-again Novak Djokovic ready for Qatar Open comeback in February, eyes 100th title
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Novak Djokovic says injury ‘almost 100 per cent healed’
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US tennis legend offers Novak Djokovic advice after 24-time Grand Slam winner booed by fans in Australian Open
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Rafael Nadal rises in ATP rankings despite retiring from tennis two months back
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Novak Djokovic pulls out of Serbia's Davis Cup tie vs Denmark as hamstring injury persists; set for French Open return
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Novak Djokovic to get Rafael Nadal-like honour at Melbourne Park, but Australian Open boss' call divides tennis world
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Australian Open: Djokovic climbs in rankings, lucky loser gains big after dream run
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Australian Open director Craig Tiley confident Djokovic will return in 2026
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Novak Djokovic slams injury ‘experts’ by posting his MRI scan: 'Thought I’d leave this here'
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Novak Djokovic retires hurt in Australian Open semi-final, 25th Grand Slam dream put on hold
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Djokovic retires hurt to send Zverev into Australian Open final
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Novak Djokovic pulls out of Australian Open semifinal due to injury, Alexander Zverev gets walkover
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Novak Djokovic knows his 'biggest enemy' threatens his Australian Open future
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Djokovic retires hurt to send Zverev into Australian Open final
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Novak Djokovic to pull out of Australian Open semifinal vs Zverev? Serb sets off alarm bells, misses training again
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Djokovic's inspired comeback against Alcaraz draws Agassi comparison from Courier: 'Born out of necessity'
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Tennis legend questions Djokovic's injury during Australian Open quarter-final win over Alcaraz: 'Don’t be fooled'
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Novak Djokovic showcases generational ability to thrive in chaos after outduelling Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open epic
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Novak Djokovic reveals injury nearly forced retirement during ‘epic’ win over Carlos Alcaraz
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Djokovic’s passion, remarkable returning and stunning groundstrokes propel him past Alcaraz and into Aus Open semis
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Novak Djokovic hits back to beat Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open thriller
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Australian Open 2025: Djokovic outlasts Alcaraz to enter semis
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Australian Open: Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz and gets closer to a 25th Grand Slam title
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Australian Open 2025: Ageless Novak Djokovic dumps out Carlos Alcaraz for special 50
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Novak Djokovic knocks Carlos Alcaraz out to qualify for Australian Open semifinals
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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz’s generational tennis rivalry and a Australian Open fever dream
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Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open in display of physical and tactical fortitude
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Djokovic beats Alcaraz at Australian Open; will play Zverev in semifinal
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Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz in ‘epic’ Australian Open quarterfinal
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Djokovic ‘reminded of Nadal’ ahead of blockbuster Australian Open clash vs Alcaraz: ‘2 uneven encounters between us’
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Australian Open: Ruthless Djokovic sets up blockbuster quarter-final vs Alcaraz
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Novak Djokovic has trouble with his body and a fan but moves into the Australian Open’s 4th round
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