Novak Djokovic has the "complete game" of Federer and "tenacity" of Nadal, says Serb's former coach Marian Vajda
Novak Djokovic's former coach Marian Vajda has opined that the current World No. 1 is a mixture of both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Vajda started working with Djokovic in 2006. He was on the Serb's side for the first 20 Grand Slam title wins of his career as the duo enjoyed an illustrious 15-year spell. They initially parted ways in 2017 before reuniting in 2018, only to end their partnership again in December 2021. Vajda has since become the head coach of Alex Molcan.
While the Serb and Vajda have been separated since late 2021, the latter has nothing but admiration for the 22-time Grand Slam champion. In a recent interview with Ole Tennis, the Slovak coach observed that the Serb has Nadal's "tenacity" and "complete" game of Federer, making it a "deadly" combination.
"Each one has its character, but Novak is a mixture of both. He has the complete game of Roger and the tenacity of Nadal, and that combination is deadly," said Vajda.
During the interview, Vajda was asked whether he felt his former student would end up with the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era. The 57-year-old opined that the Serb could make it happen if he "remains physically stable."
"That's your goal. It has no limits and that seems incredible to me. He is physically well and for that he needs to be like this. If he doesn't have injuries and remains physically stable, he already showed at the Australian Open what he is capable of," the Slovak asserted.
The Serb is currently tied with Nadal for the highest number of Grand Slam titles at 22.
"They were and still are the best" - Marian Vajda on the Big 3 of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer
Marian Vajda has showered praise on the Big 3 including Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, as he feels that they are "still" the best in professional tennis.
Vajda emphasized that the "mentality" of the three players has been the "key" factor that has pivoted them to the top. He also pointed out that the fierce rivalry motivated each other to stay consistent over the years.
"They always play well and the objectives are the same: to be the best. They always want more and more and go forward. For 15-20 years they were and still are the best. There the mentality is the key and I think the rivalry helped them: it is the fuel they have to continue," conveyed Vajda.
Roger Federer retired with an impressive 1251-275 record. Meanwhile, Nadal and Djokovic are still battling on, posing major threats to the younger players.