Top Seven Reasons Novak Djokovic Is Better Than Roger Federer Right Now

We hear this argument every time a superstar emerges in sports.

Is he the best all-time?

Is Kobe better than Michael Jordan? Is Alex Rodriguez better than Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron?

In tennis, the question is this: Is Roger Federer better than Pete Sampras or John McEnroe?

So, why would Roger Federer, winner of a record 16 grand slams, be compared to Novak Djokovic, a player who has won a mere two grand slams?

Right now, at age 29, Federer is not really showing signs that his play is diminishing. Of course, he has lost a few steps, but his form is just as perfect as ever.

However, Djokovic is at the prime of his career at age 24, and is waiting in the wings for Federer to show any signs of slippage.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of why Novak Djokovic is better than Roger Federer right now.

7. Djokovic Has Something to Prove

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PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 03: Novak Djokovic of Serbia towels down between points during the men's singles semi final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 3, 2011 i

A lot of people, including Djokovic, doubted Federer would put an end to Djokovic’s win streak at the French Open this year.

At Roland Garros, Djokovic gave up on the long rallies and underestimated Federer’s ability.

Djokovic will be ready this time and won’t look ahead to playing Nadal in the final, as he did in the French.

In addition, Djokovic is still trying to prove he belongs in the same discussion as Federer and Nadal. His only grand slam wins have come in the Australian Open.

Look for that to change this year at Wimbledon.

6. Better Backhand

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PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 03: Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a backhand during the men's singles semi final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 3, 2011 in Paris, Fr

Novak Djokovic currently has the best backhand in the game.

He used to rely on his backhand so much that opponents shied away from it and simply fed the ball to his forehand.

With an improved forehand, Djokovic doesn’t have too many weaknesses any more.

Federer has perfect form on his one-handed backhand, but with the way the game is being played right now, it is hard for anyone to have a one-handed backhand.

The game is played with so much power that it is hard for a professional to hold his wrist steady enough one-hander.

Only one person in the top ten rankings has a one-handed backhand, and that is Roger Federer.

The problem with Federer’s backhand is that if a player hits with a lot of spin, like Nadal, he must always take the ball on the rise, which is very difficult.

Djokovic doesn't have that problem.

5. Quicker

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PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 03: Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a backhand during the men's singles semi final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 3, 2011 in Paris, Fr

Federer and Djokovic are about tied in this regard.

Federer may have a slight edge in terms of pure court coverage.

However, Djokovic is quicker to the ball than Federer, which allows him to cover the court as well as anyone, even Rafael Nadal and Gael Monfils.

4. Younger

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WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: Roger Federer of Switzerland looks on during a training session ahead of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships on June 19, 2011 in Wimbledon, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

As I alluded to earlier, Federer is reaching the end of his career.

Djokovic is young enough (24) that he can still improve. Djokovic has gotten himself into much better shape and has worked to improve many aspects of his game.

Federer is five years older than Djokovic. That’s twenty more grand slam opportunities for Djokovic, and with only Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro to compete with, Djokovic has a chance to rack up many more grand slam titles.

3. Can Beat Nadal

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ROME, ITALY - MAY 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain shows his dejection after falling during the final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day eight of the Internazoinali BNL D'Italia at the Foro Italico Tennis Centre on May 15, 2011 in Rome, Italy. (Photo

Federer and Djokovic have no problems beating opponents with higher rankings than them, but there is one tennis player you have to beat: Rafael Nadal.

Neither Djokovic nor Federer have winning records against Nadal, but Djokovic has won his previous three matchups against Nadal.

The last three wins have all come in tournament finals, and two have been on Nadal's favorite surface, clay. Federer has lost his last three meetings against Nadal.

2. Better Baseline Player

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PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 03: Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a forehand during the men's singles semi final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 3, 2011 in Paris, Fr

This is tough because Federer and Djokovic are two of the best baseline players in the game.

But Djokovic is better.

He has improved his forehand, and Federer has a weaker backhand.

Djokovic and Federer both can create shots to put them in a good position to come to net, but Djokovic has a few more tools at his disposal.

1. Better Serve

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PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 03: Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves during the men's singles semi final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 3, 2011 in Paris, France. (P

This is being very nit-picky but Djokovic has a slightly better serve than Federer.

He can place it more accurately and he has a little more power.