Jessica Pegula’s coach and Jim Courier both make bold claims about Novak Djokovic’s serve

Novak Djokovic has a case for being the best men’s tennis player of all time.

Despite his greatness, serving hasn’t always been his best asset. In fact, the Serb has completely transformed that part of his game over the years.

Djokovic has put in the hard work to improve a weakness – and now serves as well as anyone on tour.

Jim Courier says Novak Djokovic’s serve has never been better

Speaking on the latest episode of ‘Beyond the Numbers’, Courier shared his thoughts on how far Djokovic’s serve has come.

“What’s amazing to me, I think his serve is better now after he had that [elbow] procedure, than it’s ever been,” he said.

Jessica Pegula’s coach, Mark Knowles, was in full agreement.

“1000%. Remember back to those times, there was a worry that he might not come back,” said Knowles.

“The elbow was struggling, the service motion was off. He was not serving well; it was kind of disjointed, you were like, ‘Wow, this might take him down.’

“I remember when he first came on tour, he had a heavy serve. Then he had the complications where he lost the rhythm and had the elbow problem. Now you watch him play and see how far it has come.”

His precision with his first serve has got so good over time and then his confidence in his second serve as well.”

Courier also highlighted Goran Ivanisevic’s role in Djokovic’s progress from 2019 to 2023.

Djokovic is now 38 but looks as sharp as ever when stepping up to the line.

This year hasn’t seen much of him yet – just appearances at the Australian Open and Indian Wells – but even in limited action, his serve stood out again.

The real test will be how that hold holds up through clay season where conditions are different compared to hard courts or grass – which fans will be keenly watching as more tournaments unfold.

Novak Djokovic withdraws from another clay-court event

Earlier this week, Djokovic provided a worrying fitness update ahead of the Madrid Open.

“I hope I can participate. I’m dealing with some physical problems, and I’m not sure yet if I’ll be able to compete, but I’m going to try,” he said.

And now, Djokovic has withdrawn from the Madrid Open.

“Madrid, unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta Pronto!” he said on social media.

The Serb will hope to feature at the Italian Open ahead of his trip to Paris for the French Open later next month.

Djokovic skipped Rome a year ago but played Monte Carlo and Madrid, where he failed to win a match.

This time around, it would make sense for him to play a warm-up event like Rome before heading back into Grand Slam action in Paris later next month. The 2026 French Open begins on Sunday, May 24th.

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