WATCH: Djokovic crushes forehands in 2001

It’s safe to say that Novak Djokovic was already a stud, even at 14 years old. In a throwback video from 2001, you can see that not much has changed technique-wise from then to now.

Djokovic’s forehand has always been his “weaker” side, if you can even call it that. When compared to a new video from the 2020 Australian Open, you can see Djokovic has made a few necessary changes.

Even in 2001, Djokovic’s footwork and racquet preparation were textbook, but with his improved strength and flexibility, he now loads his back leg a lot deeper. His head is so still on contact you could balance a glass of water on it. Back in 2001, as well as early on in his career, Djokovic had a tendency to jerk his head on contact, particularly on his forehand. It’s easy to overlook something as simple as keeping your head still, but any good player or coach will agree that it’s extremely important.

A teenage Djokovic used a very extreme western grip. The now-32-year-old Djokovic is still using more a western than semi-western, but he made a slight change to his grip.

One thing that remains the same is his trademark focus and intensity. The 17-time Grand Slam champion never wastes an opportunity to improve. He'll have to get creative across these next few weeks, as the coronavirus pandemic has everyone self-isolating. The good news is that with the rankings freeze, the Serbian is sitting at No. 1 indefinitely.