Australian Open: Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach predicts if ‘genius’ can challenge Jannik Sinner

Pictured: Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Goran Ivanisevic.
Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Goran Ivanisevic.

Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic believes the Serbian can challenge “best player in the world” Jannik Sinner and win more Grand Slams.

No man in history has won more major titles than Djokovic, who has 24 Grand Slam victories to his name.

The Serbian won three Grand Slam titles in 2023 but failed to win a major in 2024, his first Slamless season since 2017.

However, Djokovic has roared into contention at the Australian Open, battling back to beat Carlos Alcaraz in a four-set quarter-final victory.

The world No 7 will face second seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the final, with world No 1 and defending champion Sinner potentially waiting in the championship match.

Ivanisevic coached Djokovic for five years and guided the Serbian to some of his greatest career successes before they split in 2024.

Speaking to The Tennis, the former world No 2 revealed he would always “put my money” on his former charge.

He said: “Yes, he can win [another Slam].

“I mean, Sinner is the favourite, he’s the best player in the world at the moment. But, Novak is Novak, and when he’s present on the court, I always put my money on Novak.”

In the interview conducted by former world No 5 Daniela Hantuchova, Ivanisevic also offered further insight into what it was like to work with Djokovic over a lengthy period.

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Describing the former world No. 1 as a “perfectionist” and a “genius,” Ivanisevic revealed how the Serbian gained an advantage over Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray.

“He [Djokovic] is a genius. He’s a perfectionist who wants everything to be 100 percent every day,” added Ivanisevic.

“What was good today is not good tomorrow. You need to be ready, you need to always be 24 hours alert. But it’s okay – and I learnt that.

“And with him, it’s how he approached the matches, how he approached the practice, how he takes care of his body. Because if you see his career, he is probably, among Rafa, him, Roger and Andy, he was always most fit and least injured.

“That’s why he was caring with his body, with his eating, with his exercise – and he’s still here.”

Aged 37 years and seven months, Djokovic would become the oldest man in history to win a Grand Slam singles title with a victory in Melbourne.

The current record holder is Ken Rosewall, who was 37 years and one month old when he lifted the 1972 Australian Open title.

However, Djokovic is facing an injury scare ahead of his semi-final against Zverev, who he has beaten in eight of their 12 meetings.

The Serbian was struggling with injury in his quarter-final and has reportedly not practised in the two days since his win versus Alcaraz.

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