Novak Djokovic has one of the best serves in men’s tennis.
But it wasn’t always his strongest shot.
In fact, before his elbow surgery in 2018, Djokovic struggled with his serve at times.
What is the one tennis result you would like to change?
Plenty to pick from!
Former world number one Jim Courier has now delivered his verdict on the evolution of Djokovic’s serve.
Jim Courier claims Novak Djokovic’s serve is better now than ever before
During the latest episode of ‘Beyond the Numbers‘, Courier said the following about Djokovic’s serve.
“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, agreed.
Novak Djokovic’s serving stats before and after 2018
| Year | Serve Rating | First Serve % | Win % on 1st Serve |
| 2016 | 282.3 (10th on ATP Tour) | 65.0% (10th on ATP Tour) | 73.3% (30th on ATP Tour) |
| 2017 | 278.0 (16th on ATP Tour) | 66.0% (6th on ATP Tour) | 72.6% (39th on ATP Tour) |
| 2018 | 287.3 (8th on ATP Tour) | 66.2% (6th on ATP Tour) | 74.3% (26th on ATP Tour) |
| 2019 | 289.5 (17th on ATP Tour) | 65.9% (12th on ATP Tour) | 75.9% (17th on ATP Tour) |
| 2020 | 281.6 (9th on ATP Tour) | 64.3% (15th on ATP Tour) | 75.4% (9th on ATP Tour) |
| 2021 | 288.1 (11th on ATP Tour) | 64.9% (24th on ATP Tour) | 76.5% (11th on ATP Tour) |
| 2022 | 290.7 (10th on ATP Tour) | 65.6% (22nd on ATP Tour) | 77.2% (10th on ATP Tour) |
| 2023 | 291.8 (7th on ATP Tour) | 64.0% (28th on ATP Tour) | 77.1% (7th on ATP Tour) |
| 2024 | 284.4 (16th on ATP Tour) | 63.7% (33rd on ATP Tour) | 75.4% (16th on ATP Tour) |
| 2025 | 294.0 (4th on ATP Tour) | 66.6% (10th on ATP Tour) | 76.7% (9th on ATP Tour) |
“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, had the elbow problem.
“You watch him play now, he has a huge first serve and a very big second.”
“His precision with his first serve has gotten so good over time, and his confidence in his second serve…” added Courier.
The American was also keen to credit Goran Ivanisevic for his efforts in improving Djokovic’s serve.
“Goran Ivanisevic, when he came on board, his serve definitely improved,” said Courier.
Djokovic’s serve is arguably better at 38 than ever before.
He has only played two tournaments this year: The Australian Open and Indian Wells, but at both events, his serve looked impressive.
Novak Djokovic’s serving stats in 2026 (Averages)
| Tournament | Aces | Double faults | 1st Serve % | Win % on 1st Serve | Win % on 2nd Serve |
| Australian Open | 8.2 | 2.7 | 69% | 76% | 58.7% |
| Indian Wells | 5 | 3.7 | 65.3% | 72.7% | 66% |
We are, however, yet to see how Djokovic’s serve holds up on the clay.
Novak Djokovic skips another clay-court tournament
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.
When do you think Novak Djokovic will return?
He still hasn't played a match on clay this year…
“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.
It’s unclear when and where Djokovic will return to tennis, but there’s a good chance we will see him in action at the upcoming Italian Open.
Djokovic skipped Rome a year ago, but played Monte Carlo and Madrid, where he failed to win a match.
- 2025 Monte Carlo Masters – Lost to Alejandro Tabilo
- 2025 Madrid Open – Lost to Matteo Arnaldi
Continuing to play a reduced schedule as he nears his 39th birthday, it would make sense for Djokovic to play a warm-up event (Rome), before he travels to Paris for the French Open.
Only time will tell what Djokovic will do on clay this year, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
The 2026 French Open begins on Sunday, May 24.
