Novak Djokovic's 'reckless' tactic under microscope after Nadal loss
The tennis world has questioned whether it was deja vu for Novak Djokovic after he persisted with the drop shot tactic that didn't appear to be paying off during his epic loss to Rafa Nadal at the French Open.
While Djokovic stole the second set in what was an epic fightback, Nadal produced a similar comeback in the fourth to win a thrilling quarter-final clash 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 in the early hours of the morning.
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As expected, Nadal and Djokovic traded epic rallies and produced remarkable shots during the more than four hour marathon.
However, many fans noticed that Djokovic had reverted to a tactic against Nadal that didn't pay off a few years ago in the final.
In 2020, Djokovic used the drop shot to good effect in the first set during the French Open final.
However, Nadal became accustomed to coming to the net and the tactic backfired later in the match with Djokovic only winning 13/28 drop shots.
Djokovic again reverted to the drop shot against Nadal in their 2022 quarter-final classic.
However, from the off, the commentators noted that the tactic was not working.
They even questioned whether it was the stubbornness of Djokovic that prompted him to keep using the shot.
Fans also took to social media to question the strategy.
Coincidentally, Nadal tries a drop shot and it hits the net. Djokovic gets a break back.
— Shahid Judge (@shahidthejudge) May 31, 2022
These long rallies are making Djokovic reckless. He’s staying in the game with the ground strokes and when Nadal returns all the balls, he gets confused and throws in a ridiculously needless drop shot. Smh #rolandgarros
— Lexis Bill (@lexisbill) May 31, 2022
The drop shot just isn’t working for Djokovic but I’d keep going for it assuming he can extend this match
— Mrtn (@PickAndTrolls) May 31, 2022
Drop shot killing Djokovic. Whether he’s playing it or receiving it
— Kemz (@Kek_kem) May 31, 2022
The Drop shot getting the better Djokovic again and again and again and again and …#rolandgarros #FrenchOpen2022 #NadalvsDjokovic https://t.co/bG0CTBgny9
— Segal (@arsenear) May 31, 2022
Djokovic won't let this drop shot go😭😭 #RolandGarros
— Masole Moerane (@SoletheBanker) May 31, 2022
Djokovic that must be your last drop shot for the night.
Please stop this nonsense i need to go to bed soon enough.— Luigi Riva💡 (@TundeVorm) May 31, 2022
#Djokovic should simply take his drop shot and his slice backhand and put those clubs back in his bag. Just. Don't. Try. Either. #RolandGarros
— James Fawcette (@TheFawcette) May 31, 2022
While Djokovic's drop shot wasn't on song, Nadal's placement of his forehand and hard-hitting proved too much for the World No.1.
“Very happy,” Nadal said post-match.
“A very emotional moment for me; it’s incredible to play here…The support was incredible for me, everybody knows how important it is for me to play here; it’s the most important tournament of my career, and it will remain a special tournament for me.
“[It was] a very tough match….Novak is one of the best players in history without doubt; so always playing against him is an amazing challenge with all the history we have together."
Novak Djokovic cops heavy treatment from crowd
While viewers were treated to an absolute epic tennis match, which saw both players fight back in different scenarios, the crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier were certainly on Nadal's side.
The French Open crowd was delighted to see Nadal move one step closer to his record-extending 22nd major title and advance into the semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
However, their treatment of Djokovic left many with a sour taste in their mouths.
The World No.1 was loudly booed as he made his way onto court and was jeered by fans throughout the match.
There were loud boos once again when Djokovic smashed the net with his racquet in an ugly outburst in the fourth set, while some fans even took aim at the Serbian star when he won points.
Needless to say, Djokovic wasn't happy with the crowd's antics and showed it during his post-match exit.
The 20-time grand slam champion quickly packed his bags and made his way off court, failing to acknowledge fans with a customary wave.
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