Ivanisevic is behind 12 of Nole’s 24 Grand Slams
Ivanisevic half-joked in Paris, when asked about the feeling every time Djokovic returned to the team’s technical area and shouted: “Actually, this is very complicated. Novak tortured us, he pulled out his nails.” “There’s so much more, I can’t tell you… But we’re still here, we’re still alive.”
In Turin, late last year, the Croatian coach gave a speech to journalists clearly describing Nole’s special personality.
There, after losing to Jannik Sinner in the second group match and on the verge of being eliminated from the ATP Finals, Djokovic disappeared from the arena.
“Tuesday night ended late. By Wednesday, we hadn’t seen him all day. We didn’t know what was going on until Thursday. We were in the dressing room and didn’t know if we would have to go home.” We often warm up because we have a match with Hurkacz,” Ivanisevic expressed.
“But who am I to be angry with him? Novak is better than ever. He just makes me angry when he yells at us for no reason. He is number 1 and always wants more.”
From there, according to the Serbian press, things became complicated. In Melbourne earlier this year, the attrition continued and Indian Wells marked a significant step backward.
Something has broken. After his ambition to win an 11th Australian Open was blocked in the semi-finals, Djokovic suffered one of the most inexplicable defeats of his career in California: to 18-year-old Luca Nardi, ranked 123rd in the world and less than 10 elite matches.
Immediately after leaving Indian Wells, Nole resigned from playing the Miami Open. He stayed with his wife and children to reflect, walk on the beach and analyze.
Another important decision was made. Ivanisevic left the team after 6 years, with the aim of perfecting his ability to serve the player with the most Grand Slams in history.
Djokovic will enter a new phase after restructuring his team
Djokovic and Ivanisevic won 12 Grand Slam: 4 Australian Opens, 2 Roland Garros, 4 Wimbledons and 2 US Opens. Together, they also won 10 Masters 1000 and 2 ATP Finals.
The king of tennis believes that his present requires another stimulus that allows him to face challenges from the younger generation, notably Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner.
About to turn 37 (May 22), Nole said he wants to spend more time with his family and choose a competition schedule to stay in shape.
According to Sport Klub media, this week he was seen on the slopes of a jungle in Belgrade with Nenad Zimonjic, the famous doubles player with whom Nole has a close friendship, retiring from 2021.
“There’s a part of me that’s a fierce competitor, but at the same time, I’m trying to enjoy myself more off the track. Maybe I’m a bit robotic,” Nole said at Indian Wells.
Now, after parting ways with Goran, he focuses on preparing for other adventures starting from clay.