Goran Ivanisevic was Novak Djokovic‘s coach and is convinced that this Sunday the Serbian will play in the Wimbledon final for the eleventh time.
‘He’s never lost to Sinner here,’ Ivanisevic said in a recent interview with Sasa Ozmo for CLAY and RG Media.
The Croatian is convinced that the veteran Serbian will defeat the Italian, world number one, to seek his eighth title at the All England, which would equal Swiss Roger Federer, eight-time champion.
‘OK (Djokovic lost to Sinner) in Australia and Paris, but here Novak has already beaten him twice. For me, Novak is the favourite, as sentimental as that may sound. Alcaraz beat him twice, but last year Novak was coming off knee surgery, and in 2023 we all remember how close he came.’
Ivanisevic spoke, of course, before the uncertainty generated by the Serbian’s slip during his quarter-final victory and the subsequent cancellation of his training session on Friday.
At 38, the winner of 25 Grand Slam titles has been hinting that the end of his career is not far off, although he also talks about competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Ivanisevic sees the latter as more likely.
“Everyone says this is his last chance — I don’t believe it.
Besides, he’s the best player on grass, he has experience, he knows exactly what it takes here. It’s going to be very interesting.”
Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion, coached Djokovic for six years, between 2018 and 2024. Today he coaches Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas, but he remains in awe of the Serbian’s talent.
‘What ease of movement, of play — the ball comes out at 300 km/h thanks to his technique and timing. If you go by that, he can play all the way to Los Angeles. Motivation is another thing — showing up, training — he’s 38. But here he looks ready, he’s playing well, I have a feeling he sees his opportunity.’
Any issues Djokovic needs to watch out for? Ivanisevic is clear: ‘He just has to manage his nerves — sometimes that… I’m not saying it “consumes” him, but it does affect his performance. And it’s not his last chance — he also has a chance at the US Open. In Melbourne this year — if he hadn’t been injured, there’s no way Zverev would have beaten him, and the final with Sinner would have been interesting.’
