Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach delivers ‘best in the world’ verdict despite difficult 2024

Oli Dickson Jefford 05 Nov 2024 2:04 PM

Novak Djokovic and former coach Goran Ivanisevic.

Novak Djokovic is still the “best in the world” when he is eager to compete, claims ex-coach and former world No 2 Goran Ivanisevic.

2024 has proven a turbulent year for Djokovic, who has called time on his season by confirming his withdrawal from the upcoming ATP Finals.

This has marked the first year since 2017 that the former world No 1 has failed to win a Grand Slam, following a 2023 season that saw him lift three out of four major titles.

The Serbian has fallen to fifth in the rankings, though did manage to win the Olympic gold medal that had previously eluded him.

Djokovic split with long-term coach Ivanisevic earlier this season, after a five-year partnership that saw the 37-year-old win nine of his 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

And, speaking to Tennis Majors, former Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic believes that his former charge is still capable of contending for Grand Slam titles in 2025.

He said: “I can’t know if he is motivated and how much, but the moment he decides to play, it means that he is eager to play.

“Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are convincingly above the rest of the field, but I put Novak in the group with them, because when Novak really wants to play, he is still the best in the world, in my opinion.

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“The other thing is how much he wants to play and when – we saw at the Olympics – if he goes out on the court like that, then he can still win a Slam.

“Also, it depends on his ranking and the draw, when does he need to face Sinner or Alcaraz, lots of factors, but can Novak do it? Yes, he can. You can never write him off, I would never do that.”

Ivanisevic’s quotes were reported shortly before Djokovic confirmed his withdrawal from the year-end championships, ending weeks of speculation as to whether he would play in Turin.

The Serbian had not played since losing the Shanghai Masters final to world No 1 Jannik Sinner, having withdrawn from the Paris Masters ahead of the event last week.

Djokovic is the defending ATP Finals champion and would have been competing to try and win a record-extending eighth title had he decided to play.

“It’s quite an honour to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week.

“Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!”