Infosys ATP Beyond The Numbers: Djokovic On A Roll

Novak Djokovic is on an unprecedented roll. In winning Miami last week, the World No. 1 reached a record 11th consecutive ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final, compiling a scorching 56-2 record along the way.

Next victim – Monte Carlo. Djokovic dropped just one set to win the 2015 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, defeating eight-time champion Rafael Nadal, 6-3, 6-3, in the semi-finals.

An Infosys ATP Beyond the Numbers analysis of Djokovic’s successful 2015 campaign reveals 10 interesting insights into his game that we can look for again this year.

1. Aces/Double Faults

In 49 service games, Djokovic only hit nine aces, while committing just seven double faults. This is about the only area of his game he was not immediately leaning on his opponent.

2. Serving Scenarios

Djokovic served with new balls five times, and held every time. He won 88 per cent (7/8) of his service games when serving for the set, and won 85 per cent (17/20) holding serve after breaking his opponent’s serve.

3. Better Converting In The Ad Court

When returning, the super Serb played 77 per cent (40/52) of his break point opportunities in the advantage court, where he was almost twice as successful converting break points. He converted 48 per cent (19/40) of his break points in the ad court, and only 25 per cent (3/12) in the deuce court.

4. Holding Serve

Djokovic proved impossible to break when he stretched his lead to two points when serving. He held every time when he led 30/0 (19/19), and also 40/15 (20/20).

5. Score = 30/30

Djokovic put up fairly similar numbers at 30/30 when he was serving and receiving. He won 75 per cent (12/16) of his service games from 30/30, and broke 62 per cent (8/13) when returning at the same score.

6. Solid Second Serves

Overall, on break points, Djokovic made a first serve 68 per cent (13/19) of the time. He saved 70 per cent (9/13) of his break points behind a first serve, and a very high 67 per cent (4/6) after hitting a second serve.

7. Breaking = Better Versus Second Serves

Making a first serve dramatically helped opponents save break points against the world’s premier returner. Djokovic broke 40 per cent (11/28) of the time against a first serve, but a substantially higher 65 per cent (11/17) when he got a look at a second serve.

8. Average Set Time

The average set time in Monte Carlo last year for Djokovic was 43 minutes – just two minutes longer than his 2015 season average on all surfaces.

9. Average Winning Match Time

Even though playing on clay at sea level, the Serb basically raced through his matches in Monte Carlo, winning the five matches in an average of 95 minutes. His 2015 season average was a full 12 minutes longer, at 107 minutes.

10. Second Serve Domination Versus Nadal

Djokovic won a commanding 68 per cent (8/14) of his second-serve points against Nadal, and also won 53 per cent (12/23) of the Spaniard’s second-serve points as well. Djokovic broke Nadal four times, with all four coming behind Nadal’s first serve.

Read more insights at Infosys ATP Beyond The Numbers