'Very Smart': Djokovic Revolutionizes Prep with Top Biomechanics Expert Dr. Mark Kovacs

Aware His Body Isn't the Same, Djokovic's Strategic Shift with Dr. Kovacs Draws Expert Praise

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Arthur Millot

le 27/01/2026 à 10h29

2 min to read

Djokovic Novak

After a 2025 season marked by several physical alerts, Novak Djokovic realized he could no longer rely solely on his discipline and mental strength. He needed to go even further.

That's where Dr. Mark Kovacs stepped in, one of the world's leading experts in biomechanics and kinetic chain applied to tennis.

Before the Australian Grand Slam, Djokovic revealed he had worked "7-8 days" with him during his preparation in Athens.

"He's one of the most cited experts in tennis, he's published numerous books, gives conferences… We were looking for the most credible and relevant. So it's possible we'll work together again," he explains.

"A Very Significant Impact": Analysis from a Renowned Expert

Stephen Smith, founder and CEO of Kitman Labs, a global benchmark in sports science and performance intelligence, commented on the Serb's choice.

"I think this has a very significant impact, not only on his health but also on his performance.

They will examine the movements that underpin his stroke production and the way he moves on court.

They will analyze this from a technical standpoint to understand how he maintains his form but also where his power comes from, which shots are his most precise, what the mechanics look like during those shots.

I think he'll also look at biomechanical signs indicative of failure or fatigue. Can they start to see that, as fatigue sets in, his mechanics and movement patterns change?

So I think they'll examine it from both angles, and I think it's a huge step forward.

Having the maturity to think about your game this way, to invest so much in your body, protect yourself, stay healthy, and perform—I find that really intelligent," he told our colleagues at Tennis365.