SHANGHAI — Novak Djokovic etched his name deeper into the tennis history books at the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters, securing a record-breaking 40th ATP Masters 1000 title with a commanding victory over Hubert Hurkacz. Yet, in the afterglow of this monumental achievement, the Serbian superstar revealed a persistent and "crazy" problem that continues to plague his performances, a shadow lurking behind the glittering trophy.
The final itself was a masterclass from the world No. 1, who dispatched Hurkacz 7-6(6), 6-3. The victory broke the tie he held with the retired Rafael Nadal for the most Masters 1000 titles and further cemented his status as arguably the greatest male player of all time. However, in his post-match press conference, Djokovic's focus quickly shifted from the celebration to a recurring technical flaw that he admitted nearly cost him the first set and has been a source of immense frustration.
The 'Crazy' Service Gremlin
The issue, as Djokovic described it, is a perplexing and inconsistent problem with his ball toss. Despite his legendary focus and technical prowess, the simple, fundamental act of tossing the ball for his serve has become an unpredictable variable. "It's crazy, honestly," Djokovic confessed to reporters. "I have this problem for a large part of my career. It comes and goes. It's really a matter of a millimetre, a fraction of a second, a tiny bit of a miscalculation where I toss the ball."
He elaborated that the problem is not a constant one but appears at the most inopportune moments, often under pressure. "It's not something that I feel all the time, but in important moments, I do feel it a bit more," he said. This was evident in the first-set tiebreak against Hurkacz, where a few wayward tosses contributed to uncharacteristic errors, allowing the Pole to stay in contention until Djokovic finally sealed the set with a combination of grit and superior baseline play.
A Battle of Nerves and Mechanics
For a player renowned for his mental fortitude, the fact that a technical glitch can be exacerbated by pressure is particularly vexing. Djokovic explained that the problem is a vicious cycle where the mental and mechanical aspects of the game collide. A bad toss leads to doubt, and that doubt can then trigger more bad tosses. He detailed the specific challenges it creates:
- Loss of Rhythm: The serve's timing is completely disrupted, forcing last-second adjustments in his motion that sap power and accuracy.
- Mental Drain: "You're not just thinking about the placement of the serve, you're actively worrying about executing the toss correctly, which divides your focus," he admitted.
- Increased Double Faults: The most direct statistical consequence, as seen in his semi-final match where he hit a handful of costly double faults at critical junctures.
This issue was starkly highlighted in his semi-final clash against the towering American, Sebastian Korda. In a tense third set, Djokovic's serve betrayed him at a pivotal moment, resulting in a break of serve that put Korda in a position to serve for the match. It was only through his unparalleled defensive skills and clutch returning that Djokovic was able to break back and eventually prevail in a final-set tiebreak. "Against Korda, I was lucky to survive," Djokovic stated bluntly. "The toss was all over the place in that third set. I had to really dig deep and find a way to win with my return and my legs, because my serve was not there when I needed it most."
Triumph Through Adversity
What makes Djokovic's record-breaking week all the more impressive is that he conquered this internal battle alongside his external opponents. The ability to win a prestigious Masters 1000 title, arguably the most stacked tournament outside the Grand Slams, while fighting a technical demon speaks volumes about his champion's mentality. His coach, Goran Ivanišević, a former Wimbledon champion known for his own formidable serve, has been working intensely with Djokovic to find a lasting solution.
"We have tried everything," Ivanišević was quoted as saying earlier in the tournament. "Sometimes it's perfect for months, then it comes back. With Novak, it is never about a lack of work. He is the hardest worker I know. It is a tiny, almost imperceptible thing in his rhythm that we are constantly trying to lock in." This ongoing struggle humanizes the player often viewed as an impenetrable machine, revealing a vulnerability that he must manage match in and match out.
The Road Ahead and Historical Context
With the 40th Masters shield secured, Djokovic's immediate focus shifts to the ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup Finals. The "crazy" problem with the toss, however, will undoubtedly travel with him. His ability to manage it could be the difference between ending the year as the undisputed world No. 1 and facing stiffer challenges from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
In a broader sense, this persistent flaw adds a fascinating layer to his legacy. It demonstrates that even the most dominant athletes are not perfect; they are simply the best at managing their imperfections. To have achieved a record once thought unbreakable while contending with such a fundamental and recurring issue underscores a level of mental resilience that may be his greatest weapon of all.
As Djokovic himself put it, looking at the massive Shanghai Masters trophy, "This one is incredibly special, number 40. But it's a reminder that no matter how many you win, the fight is never just against the player on the other side of the net. The biggest battles are often the ones you fight with yourself." For Novak Djokovic, the battle with a tiny, flying yellow ball continues, even in the midst of his greatest triumphs.