Djokovic's slow starts in slams....what's the deal?

It finally caught up to him. But here are some notable examples:

2011 RG semi: was broken at love by Federer in the opening game (eventually broke back, but lost the match)
2011 U.S. Open Semi-Final: dropped the first 2 sets and had to come back in 5 against Federer
2011 U.S. Open Final: was broken immediately to begin the match (Nadal went up 2*-0, but then Djoker won the next 6 games)
2012 RG: dropped the first 2 sets against Seppi, went down 2 sets to 1 against Tsonga, was broken first by Fed, dropped the first 2 sets to Nadal, etc.

Anyone have any theories as to why Novak takes so long to get into some of his matches? Federer, for example, is on his game from the word "go" forcing his opponents to keep up. Novak seemingly "comes alive" when attempting to mount a comeback but it certainly doesn't bode well for him when the outcome becomes less certain the longer the match progresses.

But it's almost like a Catch-22 with him: if he steamrolls in the first set (a la Tsonga & Bavcic), he cools off substantially and is immediately put under pressure by his opponent. Is it a lack of focus or does the ease make him think that he can just relax?

He's declining.

Poor serve, I think.

Thread worthy for sure.

In regards to daytime matches, he's been a slow starter for several years, it's not a new revelation :shrug:

Takes a while for the egg to kick in.

I think it's mental. He can elevate his game to an extremely high level, but only seems to be capable of doing it when he really can't afford to miss anymore. Doing it from the first point, it's tough to have that focus. It's his greatest strength and weakness.

A combination of psychophysical factors not exclusive to him.

Next.

If he plays under the sun he is much weaker than Fedal.

Too much Respect for Federer and Nadal. He walks into the match thinking they are better and he kindof feels apologetic for having to defeat Federer and Nadal. That over respect comes across in almost all his elongated interviews.

Actually the legacy that Federer and Nadal have left has some sort of a negative impact on rest of the players. Most of them are just in awe when they play them. Djokovic included. There are just too many talented players just playing in the shadow of Federer and Nadal. Andy Murray is one of them.

They should just play their best from Ball one. Bollocks to their Legacy. Legacy is what is outside the Tennis COurts and not inside them.

Djokovic left the awe and look how he played in the third set against Nadal. I wouldnt mind one of them to complain about Nadal's time wasting Tactics just to show them that the whole ATP Set Up is not made for them.

Djoker's timewasting tactics are legendar

MP ; Bounce, boune, ounce, bounce, bounce . .

Some players are just slow starters. Laver also tended to be one, & I remember reading on the ATP site that Laver & Djokovic have the 2 highest Open-Era winning percentages in matches when they've lost the 1st set. Both of them need a bit of time to find their range, loosen up, & go for their shots.

Some players are just slow starters. Laver also tended to be one, & I remember reading on the ATP site that Laver & Djokovic have the 2 highest Open-Era winning percentages in matches when they've lost the 1st set. Both of them need a bit of time to find their range, loosen up, & go for their shots.

Hmmmm...interesting. Didn't know that about Laver.

He just likes to come back especially from mp so that he can show how good he is :p

Poor serve. He's vulnerable to get broken early and get himself in trouble.

Diet? Bird Flu?

Off the top of my head, in their last three slam finals, Nadal has broken first in 7 of the 13 sets he and Djokovic have played. In each of those sets Djokovic at least got back on serve and he actually won four of them.