2012 Australian Open: Exploiting the Weaknesses of Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic looks absolutely unstoppable at the moment, but he, like any other athlete, has a number of weaknesses that could eventually lead to his downfall.

Djokovic has a great all-around game and is especially adept at climbing out of early holes, so it is going to take more than just a first-set break to bruise his morale.

For upcoming opponents—specifically Andy Murray, as the two seem to destined to meet in the semifinals—the key is not rattling Djokovic early or breaking his serve just once, it's exploiting his weaknesses consistently.

An opponent who is able to that has a fighting chance against the world's top-ranked star.

Keeping the Ball at Shoulder Level

Novak Djokovic loves to smother the baseline, as it keeps the ball lower on rallies and decreases the time it takes to get his stroke back over the net.

If an opponent can find a way to get their return to bounce near his shoulders, it forces him further behind the baseline, where he is not as effective. It also creates an opportunity to hit a well-placed drop shot.

Rafael Nadal used to be especially skilled at keep Djokovic back, but the Serbian has countered by suffocating the baseline even more. His placement makes it harder to get the ball high, but not impossible.

Keeping the ball at Djokovic's shoulder leads to unforced errors and forehand winner opportunities, thus giving his opponent a better chance at coming out on top.

Returning First Serve to His Backhand

Novak Djokovic has a wicked first serve, and once he gets into a rhythm, he is near impossible to break.

The key to breaking his serve then? Get him out of his element.

While such a task is easier said than done, it is not impossible. Djokovic's first serve may be a monster, but he is susceptible and has a tendency to rack up double faults.

Returning his serve to his backhand side, even if it is not the strongest of shots, throws Djokovic off his game. When he steps to the line to serve, he is more conscious of his placement, determined not to allow his opponent to hit it to his backhand.

This splits his focus, and opens him up to handing out points on a silver platter.

Let Djokovic get into a rhythm on serve, though, and you might as well pack up your racquet early.

Don't Attempt to Overwork His Backhand

Back in 2009, Novak Djokovic was known for making an alarming number of unforced errors on his backhand. Such a reality is a thing of the past.

With Djokovic, continuously forcing a return down the throat of his backhand is not going to work. While it sends him for spin on a service return, he expects it over the course of a rally. The key so shaking up Djokovic is inconsistent ball placement, for lack of a better phrase.

Opponents must look to hit it to Djokovic's forehand more often than they have been. His mechanics on that side are usually impeccable, but if you have him deep, he has shown a tendency to come up short on his return.

Make no mistake that Djokovic's forehand is deadly, but under certain circumstances, it can be used against him. 

Charge the Net Continuously

Coming to the net consistently is extremely crucial when hoping to upset Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic tends to keep his balls short, and charging the net forces him to adjust such tactics. If he continues to hit it short with someone at the net, his opponent has an easy put-away, yet if he attempts a passing shot, he is liable to commit a number of unforced errors.

The 24-year-old isn't going to make many mistakes, unless he is under duress.

Coming to the net increases the likelihood he attempts a shot too difficult for his own good, which, in turn, creates opportunities for his opponent to put away as many points as possible.

When facing Djokovic, you cannot let him get away with hitting short balls. You must charge the net aggressively and often and force him to thread the needle on a difficult passing shot. 

Lengthy Rallies

It may sound a bit overly fundamental, but sometimes simply trading strokes and lengthening the rallies is the best way to get an edge on Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic has a history of breathing problems, which can become hindrance on longer points. The more strokes you trade with him, the more fatigue he experiences. As a result, Djokovic tries to end points early.

For someone to have a chance at upsetting him, they must keep Djokovic moving and the ball in play. Once again, this is obviously easier said than done, but overpowering the young Serbian isn't an option.

Longer rallies increase the likelihood of Djokovic making an unforced error, giving his opponent a chance to keep the match competitive for as long as possible.