Goran Ivanisevic casts fresh doubts over Novak Djokovic’s future with telling comment
Goran Ivanisevic has cast fresh doubts over Novak Djokovic’s future in tennis, as the former world No 1’s coach has admitted he “doesn’t know how much longer he plans to keep on playing”.
The first comments served up by Ivanisevic after his exit as Djokovic’s lead coach were always going to be revealing and the Croat didn’t disappoint as he spoke to Sport Klub.
Ivanisevic became Djokovic’s main coach in March 2022, having previously worked alongside Djokovic’s long-time mentor Marian Vajda for several years.
The world No 1 posted a heartfelt message of thanks to Ivanisevic as he announced their parting on Instagram.
“I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team. It was back in 2018, and Marian and I were looking to innovate and bring some serve magic to our duo,” said Djokovic.
“In fact, not only we brought serve, but also lots of laughter, fun, year-end no1 rankings, record-breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams (and a few finals) to the count since then. Did I mention a bit of drama too?
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago. Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid.
“In fact, I am proud to say (not sure he is) that apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in (the board game) Parchisi going on… for many years. And – that tournament never stops for us. Thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”
Now Ivanisevic has offered some insights into the mind of the 24-time Grand Slam champion, as he confirmed the suspicions that Djokovic has been struggling for motivation in the opening weeks of 2024.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic’s next coach: Who is Nenad Zimonjic – the man tipped to replace Goran Ivanisevic?
After dominating the men’s game and winning three more Grand Slams in a dominant year that ended with him winning the ATP Finals last November, the fire appeared to have dimmed in Djokovic in his opening two tournaments of this year.
He struggled to play his best tennis and was well beaten by Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals, before he slumped to a shock defeat against world No 123 Luca Nardi at Indian Wells.
Confirmation that he pulled out of the Miami Open to spend more time with his family sparked a debate over whether Djokovic was losing some of his desire to challenge for more titles as he approaches his 37th birthday.
Now Ivanisevic has revealed Djokovic has been struggling to raise himself to compete at the highest level, in comments that suggest his retirement from tennis may be sooner than many expected.
Djokovic’s fellow Serb Nenad Zimonjic had filled Ivanisevic’s shoes as he prepared to play in Monte-Carlo, with that choice applauded by former Wimbledon champion.
“I don’t know for how much longer Novak plans to keep on playing, but the perfect person is with him at the moment – Ziki (Nenad Zimonjic),” said Ivanisevic.
“He is a great friend of mine, we went through a lot together and I love him. He has vast tennis knowledge, but what is most important – he knows Novak really well.
“At the moment, Novak doesn’t need someone completely new, who is yet to get to know him. Let’s say 10 days pass, Novak ‘goes crazy’ and this new coach is left wondering what is going on.
“I believe that Novak will find motivation, I am sure of it. I wish him Olympic gold with all my heart, even more than the Slams.
“It’s something that he wants, he feels like he owes it to someone, although he doesn’t owe anyone anything… I wish for him to succeed in the Olympics.
“When Novak is the DJ, everybody dances to his tune. The sooner he takes over the DJ’s place, the sooner others will start to dance.”
Djokovic’s hunger and desire have rarely been questioned over the course of his career, but it is clear that he now has questions to answer on his desire to claim more glory heading into the European clay court season.
