The return is a quick weapon in tennis.

Returning is one of Djokovic’s top weapons.

According to Infosys statistics, Djokovic has the highest rate of winning first serve return points on the court, up to 52%.

Since 2018, Djokovic’s one-point return rate has reached 33.5%, only less than Rafael Nadal’s 34.7%.

Delivery methods have changed over the past few decades.

Federer’s posture preparing to return in 2002 (left) and 2018 (right).

Djokovic is no exception.

Djokovic’s posture preparing to return.

He jumped up following the red arrow when the ball hit the server’s racket.

When landing, Djokovic rotates his ankles and body, focusing his weight in the direction of hitting the ball.

The difference between Djokovic and other players lies in his ability to predict when he jumps.

Djokovic studies statistics to study his opponent’s serving tendencies at specific times, from the way the ball is tossed to the movement of the server’s racket.

At the 2019 Wimbledon final, Federer held serve and was only one victory point away from the championship.

When the ball hit Federer’s racket, Djokovic jumped to his right, ready to return the serve.

Djokovic also predicted Federer’s serve direction correctly when he won a break in the same game.

When the ball hit Djokovic’s racket, Federer jumped on the spot.

Another key point leading to Djokovic’s outstanding performance in returning is the ball drop point.

The number of ball drops every time Djokovic returns a serve.

Competitive psychology is a weapon that complements Djokovic’s ability to serve.

Djokovic beat Federer 7–6(5), 1–6, 7–6(4), 4–6, 13–12(3) and won Wimbledon for the fifth time.

Djokovic’s return ability peaked in the 2019 Australian Open final, against Nadal.

Djokovic defeated Nadal in the 2019 Australian Open final not only thanks to his excellent return, but also countered his opponent’s return strategy.

Nadal is also considered one of the best return players in the ATP.

But Nadal’s strategy has disadvantages, for example, he is susceptible to opponents serving lowballs close to the net.

Djokovic’s return strategy has not revealed any weaknesses so far.

John Isner is the best serving player in the ATP, with the highest ace rate over the past year at 25.4%.