Not many are sure about Novak Djokovic’s chances at winning his 25th Grand Slam title by lifting the Wimbledon trophy, especially due to the presence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but his former coach Goran Ivanisevic is confident.
“Looking at the draw, I don’t think no one can beat Djokovic before the semis, and he’s never lost to Sinner here,” Ivanisevic told Clay. “OK, Australian Open and Roland Garros, but here Novak’s beaten him twice. In my view, Novak’s the favorite, no matter how sentimental that sounds. Alcaraz has beaten him twice, but last year Novak came after knee surgery, and in 2023 we all remember how close it was. Everyone says this is his last chance — I don’t agree. Plus, he’s the best grass-court player, experienced, he knows exactly what it takes here. It’ll be fascinating.”
Ivanisevic also spoke about the experience of watching Djokovic play at Wimbledon without the pressure of being his coach.
“The other day he and Tsitsipas practiced together. It was a joy to watch, especially now that I’m on the other side. When I was his coach, it was great, but you’re always focused — what will he say, what to look for. Now I could just enjoy it. Such ease of movement, ease of play — the ball flies at 300 km/h thanks to his technique and timing. If you look at that, he can play until LA.
“Motivation is another matter — showing up, training — he’s 38. But here, he looks ready, playing well, I get the sense he sees his opportunity. He just has to manage the nerves — sometimes that… I won’t say it “eats him up,” but it affects his execution. And it’s not his last chance — he has a shot at the US Open too. In Melbourne this year — if he hadn’t gotten injured, no way Zverev beats him, and the final with Sinner would have been interesting.”
Ivanisevic also rubbished theories that Alcaraz or Sinner would beat peak Rafael Nadal on clay courts.
“I see people saying Nadal would have no chance against Alcaraz or Sinner, but that’s nonsense. I’d bet on peak Nadal against either Carlos or Jannik. Playing Nadal is different — he’s a lefty, the ball bounces differently.”
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Beyond Djokovic, Ivanisevic was asked about the immediate future in tennis, namely whether anyone else can beat Alcaraz or Sinner.
“At a smaller event — maybe. At a Slam — no. I don’t see anyone who can do that — unless someone beats them up the night before (laughter). I don’t see how. Look at the Australian Open final — you had Zverev, world No. 3, a phenomenal player, and that final was a joke — Sascha had zero chance. Then you see the Roland Garros final — that was otherworldly tennis. The only one who can come between them is Novak. Maybe I’m a bit emotional, but he’s a contender to win.
