Goran Ivanisevic discusses ‘interesting’ Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz rivalry
Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic believes the Serbian will “still play a lot of finals” against Carlos Alcaraz despite the big age difference between the pair.
The former Wimbledon champion agreed with Djokovic’s assessment that Alcaraz shares qualities with him, as well as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Alcaraz overcame Djokovic in five sets in the 2023 Wimbledon men’s singles final earlier this month to claim his second major title, having also won the 2022 US Open.
The almost 16-year age difference between 20-year-old Alcaraz and 36-year-old Djokovic was the third largest gap in a men’s Grand Slam final in the Open Era.
Alcaraz and Djokovic have faced off at each of the last two major tournaments, with the Serbian prevailing in four sets in the semi-finals of the French Open.
The pair are comfortably the top two players in the ATP Rankings currently, with Alcaraz on top on 9,375 points and Djokovic second on 8,795 points. Daniil Medvedev sits third on 6,520 points.
In an interview with Dnevnik Nova TV, Ivanisevic lauded Alcaraz’s game and potential, while discussing the rivalry he could share with Djokovic.
“He is a mixture of all three and he has an incredible future ahead of him. If he continues like this, he has an incredible future ahead of him. He does it all with a smile, and we have the opportunity to watch him in the last three editions of this tournament (the ATP 250 event in Umag),” said the Croatian.
“Now everyone is expecting a new rivalry between Alcaraz and Novak. Although the age difference is big, they will still play a lot of finals. We have an interesting tennis era ahead of us.”
The former world No 2 admitted he was still disappointed about the Wimbledon final, but praised Alcaraz’s performance.
“I’m still a little sad, but it’s harder for Novak because he was on the court. But kudos to Carlos, he showed the world what kind of tennis player he is. A five-set match that went in his favour, but Novak took the chances you have to in such a final,” continued Ivanisevic.
Ivanisevic also spoke about the importance of the ongoing ATP 250 event in Umag to his home country of Croatia.
“Yes, Umag is more than a tournament, it has told so many stories all these years. It survives for so many years and offers something new every year. And last year’s Alcaraz-[Jannik] Sinner final may never happen again,” added the Croatian.
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