EXCLUSIVE: Mats Wilander makes bold Novak Djokovic prediction ahead of Australian Open final
Tennis legend Mats Wilander believes Novak Djokovic could be unbeatable in the Grand Slam tournaments in 2019, as the Serb looks to start his year with victory against Rafael Nadal in Sunday’s Australian Open final.
Djokovic is aiming to win a third successive Grand Slam title after his triumphs at Wimbledon and the US Open last year, with seven-time Grand Slam champion and Eurosport expert Wilander suggesting the world No.1 is unstoppable force in best of five set matches.
“I believe he has the game and the mindset in slams that he can win literally all four this year, I really do. And I don’t say that about anyone else,” Wilander told Tennis365.com.
“He has that game and when he’s playing majors he’s a different guy and his game is suited to all conditions: night time, daytime, slow, fast – it doesn’t matter.
“So, he’s going to dominate the slams I believe, but even now Rafa has thrown something else in the mix, changing his serve.
“It’s like Roger in 2017, when he came here with a hugely improved backhand. We always base it on the last season and then the players show up here and they are better than ever before. The only one that hasn’t changed anything is Novak but he’s more relaxed and more determined than ever. It’s so interesting for me how much it changed in the last couple of years.
“While I think Djokovic is tough to beat in a five set match, I don’t think he is as invincible to the locker room as we think he is. They’ve seen him lose to Karen Kachanov, Alex Zverev, Roberto Bautista Agut recently and it shows he is beatable.”
Wilander believes Djokovic’s sensational performance to dismantle Lucas Pouille in his semi-final at the Australian Open was one of his best displays, but he is still excepting Nadal to challenge him in what could be an epic final.
“I was out there on the side of the court and you cannot get a ball past him, he moves so well on this court,” he added. “I can’t even explain how good that is, I don’t know how you play tennis to beat someone like that.
“When he serves that well as well you don’t have a chance to attack the second serve. For Lucas Pouille he would have had to serve an 80-85% first serve and he still gets beaten. Novak Djokovic, he said it himself, that’s the best match he’s ever played one the Road Laver arena so what can you do.
“Nadal probably the only man capable of beating Novak in the draw and we have known that from the start. We have seen some epic battles between these two guys down the years and hopefully we will have another one on Sunday.”
Watch the Australian Open LIVE and exclusive only on Eurosport and Eurosport Player
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Pat Cash: British tennis blew a big chance to capitalise on Andy Murray’s success
-
-
Exclusive: Mats Wilander gives his verdict on rising superstar Stefanos Tsitsipas to Tennis365
-
Comment: Alexander Zverev’s disdain for Stefanos Tsitsipas sows the seeds of great rivalry
-
Super-coach Patrick Mouratoglou opens up the impact he has had on Serena Williams
-
Latest
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”
-
WTA Tour
‘Pretty proud’ Iga Swiatek opens up about ‘being the target of many players’
“It was pretty crazy. I’m pretty proud of the way I adapted to all these challenges that I had to face.”