At least if you believe a former member of his support team. Craig O’Shannessy, strategy coach on the ATP tour, gave an insight into the Serb’s world of thought before the final on Sunday (3 p.m.). During his two defeats against Kyrgios in 2017, he was looking for information on the wrong track. Djokovic now confirmed the impending danger.
Djokovic, who is aiming for his 21st title in a Grand Slam tournament, is considered the best setback in current tennis. Still, he has the utmost respect for Kyrgios’ serves. “His movement is so fluid and just insanely fast. It’s difficult to read,” said the Serb. He expects an extremely close duel. “Small differences will decide the game.”
The past proves him right. 25 aces in the first duel in Acapulco, 14 in the second in Indian Wells – “Showman” Kyrgios made life extremely difficult for Djokovic in the only previous duels between the two and decided them with 6: 4, 7: 6 (3) and 7: 6(9),7:5 also for himself. It was O’Shannessy’s job to analyze the Australian’s serve. “His footwork, throwing the ball – anything that might tell you where he’s serving,” O’Shannessy told Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald.
Alone, it did nothing. “Novak was convinced that something could be made out of it, but we just couldn’t find anything,” O’Shannessy was quoted as saying. “The throw is exactly the same on the wide serve and the center serve. And because Nick’s movement is so fast, it’s unreadable.”
“Novak dreads that service game. It’s obvious, after all he has called Nick the best service player he’s ever played against.” However, Kyrgios’ second service is almost more dangerous. “It’s probably an even bigger weapon because Nick has the confidence and the will to change things. Nobody else does that.” O’Shannessy’s prognosis: “He really has what it takes to trouble Djokovic and make it happen.”
Source: Nachrichten
