Novak Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, is incredibly confident about Djokovic’s chances at Wimbledon, even amidst challenges from Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and he also has a strong opinion on how peak Rafael Nadal would fare against today’s top players on clay.
Djokovic’s Wimbledon Chances: Ivanisevic’s View
Many are unsure if Novak Djokovic can secure his 25th Grand Slam at Wimbledon, especially with rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the mix. However, Ivanisevic remains optimistic, calling Djokovic the clear favorite.
Ivanisevic believes no one can defeat Djokovic before the semi-finals at Wimbledon. He points out that Djokovic has a strong record against Sinner on grass, having beaten him twice there before.
He acknowledges that Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic twice recently, but stresses that Djokovic was recovering from knee surgery in one match and the other was incredibly close. Ivanisevic dismisses the idea that this is Djokovic’s “last chance,” emphasizing his unparalleled experience and skill on grass courts.
The “New” Spectator Experience for Ivanisevic
Watching Djokovic play now, no longer as his coach, has been a new experience for Ivanisevic. He recently enjoyed observing Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas practicing together.
He noted Djokovic’s effortless movement and powerful play, suggesting his technique allows him to continue playing for a long time. While motivation can be a factor for any 38-year-old, Ivanisevic senses Djokovic’s readiness and focus on the opportunity at Wimbledon.
Ivanisevic believes Djokovic just needs to manage his nerves, which can sometimes impact his performance. He also highlighted that Djokovic has other Grand Slam opportunities, like the US Open, and stated that injuries prevented him from winning more earlier this year.
Peak Nadal vs. Today’s Young Guns
Ivanisevic strongly refutes claims that a peak Rafael Nadal would struggle against Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner on clay courts. He calls such theories “nonsense.”
He firmly believes a prime Nadal would defeat both Alcaraz and Sinner on his preferred surface. Ivanisevic emphasizes that playing Nadal is uniquely challenging due to his lefty spin and how it affects the ball’s bounce.
The Dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner
Looking ahead, Ivanisevic was asked if anyone else could truly challenge Alcaraz or Sinner at major tournaments. He admitted it’s unlikely at a Grand Slam event.
He cited the Australian Open final, where Alexander Zverev, a top player, had “zero chance” against Sinner. Similarly, he described the Roland Garros final, featuring Alcaraz, as “otherworldly tennis.”
Ivanisevic concludes that outside of Novak Djokovic, he doesn’t see anyone else capable of consistently breaking the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner at the highest level of the sport.
- Goran Ivanisevic sees Novak Djokovic as the favorite to win Wimbledon.
- He believes peak Rafael Nadal would beat Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner on clay.
- Ivanisevic feels only Djokovic can challenge Alcaraz and Sinner at Grand Slams.
This Wimbledon tournament promises to be an exciting one, with key players looking to make their mark on the historic grass courts.
