Indian Wells
Majchrzak excited for ‘PlayStation’ Djokovic problem: ‘You need to study from the most effective’
Pole particulars what makes Djokovic such a troublesome opponent
March 07, 2026
ATP Tour
Kamil Majchrzak has climbed as excessive as No. 55 within the PIF ATP Rankings.
By Andrew Eichenholz
A memorable second in Kamil Majchrzak’s profession got here in 2022 at Wimbledon, the place the Pole had the chance to coach along with his idol: Novak Djokovic. Majchrzak had watched the Serbian play numerous matches and eventually, he stood throughout the online from him.
“It was amazing to practise with Novak and to witness his ball and the quality of his shots, but also his attitude and also the general presence and the way he prepares for the practice,” Majchrzak instructed ATPTour.com. “The way he practises, how careful he is with any move he makes and how precise, everything is just top tier. I was trying to get as much as possible for myself out of this practice, and that’s what I’m going to do on Saturday as well.”
Saturday is when Majchrzak faces Djokovic in a match for the primary time. They will open their Lexus ATP Head2Headvert sequence within the second spherical of the BNP Paribas Open.
“I’m actually really excited to play against Novak. He’s one of the greatest tennis players ever, and if you want to learn, you want to learn from the best,” Majchrzak mentioned. “I never had a chance to play against Rafa or Roger, so I was really hoping at some point I could play against Novak to witness the highest possible level of anything. I’m really happy about that challenge.”
Djokovic is a file 40-time ATP Masters 1000 titlist and tied for probably the most Indian Wells triumphs with Roger Federer (5 every). What stands out probably the most about his recreation?
“His ball speed and ball quality are incredible. He can play any ball from any position,” Majchrzak mentioned. “He’s moving very well. He’s just extremely precise and sometimes even robotic, like somebody plays PlayStation with him. So he was always extremely consistent. It is not easy to get the advantage against him.”
Majchrzak will take confidence into the match figuring out he’s World No. 57, simply two locations off his career-high No. 55 within the PIF ATP Rankings. The nine-time ATP Challenger Tour champion believed he has improved a variety of issues, beginning along with his serve and taking part in extra aggressively, particularly in crucial moments.
“My main focus in the practice [has been] to take more action into my hands and to play myself instead of letting the play go and just run and hit,” Majchrzak mentioned. “Obviously, it goes up and down, however that is the course we set with my coach, and doubtless that is one of many causes I’m doing higher and higher.
“Normally, when it was getting shut, I used to be letting the opponent determine and dictate the play. Now I’m attempting to do the alternative, and lots of instances it really works, many instances it does not. But that is our basic goal and aim: to be extra aggressive.”
Majchrzak started working with coach Christopher Kas in September 2024 when the Pole was effectively exterior the Top 100. By specializing in not simply understanding the best way to play in key conditions however convincing Majchrzak to execute in these moments, Kas has helped his cost turn out to be a constant presence on the ATP Tour, reaching the fourth spherical at Wimbledon and the third spherical of the US Open final yr.
Now Majchrzak will attempt to upset 101-time tour-level champion Djokovic in one of many largest matches of his profession.
“I’m really excited that normally I just watch his matches just to see the matches,” Majchrzak mentioned. “Now I will watch it carefully to prepare the strategy and to prepare what to do on court, and I will do my best to give him a hard time and possibly win.”
