Legendary coach makes big Novak Djokovic Grand Slam prediction

Ewan West 20 Sep 2023 1:25 PM

Novak Djokovic wins a 24th Grand Slam title

Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci believes Novak Djokovic can win “at least four more” Grand Slam titles following his 24th major triumph at the 2023 US Open.

Macci described Djokovic as “the rubber band man” and highlighted that staying healthy will be “the master key to the majors front door” as the great Serb looks to add to his tally.

The American coach has worked with five players who achieved the world No 1 ranking in their careers: Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati and Andy Roddick. Macci also coached major champions Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina and Sofia Kenin.

Djokovic claimed a men’s record-extending 24th Grand Slam title with his victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final of the US Open earlier this month. The 36-year-old has now won two more majors than his great rival Rafael Nadal – who sits second on the all-time men’s list with 22.

The world No 1 won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments this year, while also losing the Wimbledon final in five sets to Carlos Alcaraz. This is the fourth season of his career where he has secured three majors – a men’s record.

In a post on X / Twitter, Macci made a bullish claim on Djokovic’s chances of extending his Grand Slam record even further.

“Was asked how many more Slams can the @DjokerNole win. If the rubber band man stays healthy which is the master key to the majors front door I feel the Serbian sniper can fire at least four more,” said the 68-year-old.

Was asked how many more Slams can the @DjokerNole win. If the Rubber Band Man stays healthy which is the Master key to the Majors Front Door I feel the Serbian Sniper can fire at least Four More.

— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) September 17, 2023

In an interview with Sportskeeda in June, Macci explained that he places Djokovic above his two greatest rivals and on top in the tennis ‘GOAT’ debate.

“As I tell everybody, [Roger] Federer looked the best, Rafa ground the best, but ‘Djoker’ is the best. And remember, he didn’t play a few of these Grand Slams because of the pandemic because of the vaccine mandates,” assessed the American.

Djokovic represented Serbia at the Davis Cup Finals group stage in Valencia last week. He defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-4 on Friday to help his nation eliminate hosts Spain and qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition, where they will face Great Britain.

The 36-year-old has withdrawn from next month’s ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai.