Watching Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic team up for doubles ignites excitement, especially given their unique playing styles. The dynamic duo, typically focused on singles, created quite a spectacle by seamlessly blending their aggressive instincts with a strategic approach to doubles play. Beyond the entertainment factor, their collaboration offers valuable lessons that any player, regardless of skill level, can adapt.
Optimal Positioning and Timing
Let’s begin with positioning and the importance of timing. When Kyrgios prepares to return serve, he starts in a conventional position behind the baseline. But, as the ball rises, he effectively takes a big step forward into his split step. This adjustment does more than just enhance his court position; it also reduces the time frame available for his opponents to react before he hits the ball.
By moving forward, Kyrgios can adopt a more compact takeback instead of a large, sweeping motion. The energy from the opponent's serve is already sufficient, allowing him to redirect that pace back at them with confidence. Interestingly, during this process, Djokovic shifts his focus away from his partner and directs his attention toward the opponent most likely to intercept the ball. This forward-thinking awareness is what elevates a good doubles team to greatness.
Smart Targeting While At the Net
When it’s Djokovic’s turn to attack a floating return, he approaches the net with a variety of options—sharp angles, deep corners, or threading the ball through gaps between the opponents. However, he opts for the most strategically sound choice: aiming directly at the feet of the nearest opponent. This tactic, while unassuming, is a stroke of genius. A shot aimed at the opponent’s feet forces them to react awkwardly, giving either Djokovic or Kyrgios an opportunity for an easier follow-up.
Throughout their match, the theme of controlling the middle of the court emerges consistently. Many players acknowledge the value of the middle but fail to adequately cover it. When Kyrgios finds himself pulled wide off the court, Djokovic initially remains static. Upon recognizing the vast space opening in the middle, he quickly shifts over to cover that critical area, demonstrating the importance of anticipating where the opponents are likely to strike.
In a subsequent exchange, Kyrgios exemplifies this even further. When Djokovic is stretched, Kyrgios doesn’t hesitate to shift over to his partner’s side, despite leaving some angles exposed. His quick adjustment shows a keen understanding that controlling the middle is vital, particularly when a partner is compromised in the rally.
Playing to Strengths
Kyrgios and Djokovic faced tough opponents who excel in doubles. Instead of attempting to outmaneuver these skilled net players, they leaned heavily into their strengths as baseline players, managing to win points from deeper positions on the court. This strategy isn’t a sign of weakness; even the most seasoned doubles specialists recognize when it’s beneficial to play from the baseline. Knowing and sticking to your strengths while resisting the urge to mirror your opponents’ style can be advantageous.
When a situation arises, such as a server choosing to stay back rather than serve and volley, Kyrgios quickly capitalizes on the opening. After Djokovic plays a safe crosscourt shot, Kyrgios sprints into an attack, transitioning from a defensive stance to offensive momentum. This shift transforms the matchup, allowing the attackers to leverage their skills against the defenders.
Maintain Pressure at the Net
Once you've established a position of advantage at the net, it's crucial not to remain static and merely wait. After delivering a shot aimed at an opponent's feet, Djokovic astutely advances toward the net instead of standing still. By doing so, he not only shortens the reaction time for his opponents but also places himself in an optimal spot to finish the rally, capturing the point decisively.
The chemistry between Kyrgios and Djokovic certainly made for an entertaining display, but their tactical insights are what truly stand out. They effectively exemplified key doubles strategies: reduce the opponent's reaction time early on, aim for the feet during set-ups, prioritize middle coverage, play to personal strengths, and continue pressing the advantage after a successful play.
These lessons offer a practical playbook for those looking to enhance their doubles game. The next time you're on the court, remember: effective positioning and smart shot selection can markedly improve overall performance.
Your Coach,
-Ian
