Chris Eubanks reveals what ATP players really think of Novak Djokovic’s serve

Novak Djokovic has been rewriting the script on the ATP Tour yet again this season.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is still chasing an elusive 25th major, a number that would move him past Margaret Court’s all-time record.

He came close at the 2026 Australian Open but was beaten in the final by Carlos Alcaraz, who made history by becoming the youngest player ever to complete a men’s singles Career Grand Slam.

Now 38, Djokovic continues to play at a remarkable level, and his serve remains one of his most effective weapons in big moments.

ATP Players call Djokovic’s serve ‘clutch,’ says Chris Eubanks

Djokovic has always had a knack for stepping up when the pressure is on.

That reputation was on full display during his Australian Open semi-final, where he rallied from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner.

Chris Eubanks, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023, has spoken about what Tour players say about Djokovic’s game – especially his serve.

Speaking on the Served podcast with Andy Roddick, Eubanks said: “Many players who I have spoken with who have played this person say the one area of his game that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough is Novak.

Novak Djokovic believes his serve doesn’t get the recognition it deserves

Novak Djokovic spoke openly about his serve after landing 51 of 57 first serves during a semi-final victory over Grigor Dimitrov at the 2025 Miami Open.

He said: “Obviously I’m a baseline player. Most of my career return and backhand are probably the shots that have been talked about the most when it comes to my game and success.

“Maybe the serve has been a bit underrated, but I always liked my serve, particularly when it comes to accuracy and precision. That’s what I was looking for.”

He added: “I was never really looking to ramp up the miles per hour on the serve. I mean, it’s great if you can serve 130-miles-an-hour serve, but I’d rather serve 120 miles an hour and hit the line and hit the perfect spot in the box because that’s what either wins you a point or gives you an easy first shot in the rally.”

The Serbian further stated: “I think I’ve been serving pretty well this year. Maybe some other elements in my game haven’t been working particularly well, but [my] serve was solid.”

Djokovic went on to lose the Miami Open final against Jakub Mensik, with Mensik claiming his first-ever Masters title following a straight-set win (6-7, 6-7).

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