“So why not around 27 titles at the end of the day?” American coach Brad Gilbert makes a bold prediction about Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally
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Novak Djokovic and Brad Gilbert
Brad Gilbert has been a tennis coach for over two decades now and has been described as the “greatest coach of all-time” by 8-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi.
Gilbert himself was a Pro on the tour from 1982 to 1995 winning 20 titles and also won the Bronze Medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He made it to the quarter-finals of the Wimbledon in 1990 and the US Open in 1987, which remain his best Grand Slam results. He was a hardcourt specialist winning 17 titles on Hardcourts while his remaining 3 came on Carpet.
Gilbert turned to coaching in the penultimate season of his career and joined Andre Agassi in 1994 as his head coach. Gilbert helped Agassi to 6 of Agassi’s 8 Grand Slam titles and was a great influence on his compatriot who became one of the greats of the sport.
Speaking about the recent success of Novak Djokovic at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, where the current World No. 1 won his 20th Grand Slam title and 6th Wimbledon title, Gilbert was full of praise for the Serbian.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if, over the next three seasons, that is, the next twelve-thirteen Grand Slam tournaments, Novak were to win between five and seven more. So why not around 27 titles at the end of the day? At 34, he’s stronger than at 24! I think he has improved incredibly on serve,” said Gilbert about Djokovic’s chances at becoming the all-time leader in Grand Slams.
Novak Djokovic chasing a Calendar Golden Slam this year
Novak Djokovic has been in great form this year having all 3 of the Grand Slams held so far. He started off the season winning the 2021 Australian Open for a record 9th time, then went to Paris and won the 2021 French Open for the 2nd time and then came to 2021 Wimbledon winning his 3rd consecutive title at the All-England Club.
“And then Novak is still moving as well and I also find him more open-minded in his approach to the Majors. In fact, it continues to evolve; every match, every opponent, teaches him something,” said Gilbert who was full of praise for the Serbian.
Novak stands a great chance to become the second male player to win all the Grand Slams in a single year and the first to win all Slams in a single year since Steffi Graf achieved the feat back in 1988. If he decides to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is able to win the Gold Medal, he will join Steffi Graf to become the only 2nd player in tennis history to achieve the Calendar Golden Slam
Also Read: Novak Djokovic becomes the first player to qualify for ATP Finals at Turin
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