Goran Ivanisevic explains why coaching Novak Djokovic can be stressful

Goran Ivanisevic explains why coaching Novak Djokovic can be stressful

Novak Djokovic and his coach Goran Ivanisevic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has booked his place in the quarterfinals of the 2021 US Open after beating America’s Jenson Brooksby in the fourth round. The 20-time Grand Slam is just three more hurdles away from creating history in New York.

While the Serbian superstar did win the first three Grand Slams of the year, many experts questioned on how Djokovic will fare at the final Grand Slam of the year. That said, speaking to ATP tour.com, coach Goran Ivanisevic talked about how his charge embraces challenges and often conquers them.

“A lot of people will crack. A lot of people will say, ‘Okay, I don’t know’. But him? He says, ‘Bring it on, I’m going to show you who I am on the court.’ Look at him, three Grand Slams in a row. He’s already made history and can make even bigger history. He’s an amazing person. You can learn a lot of things from him,” the Croatian explained.

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Upon asked to comment on his experience of coaching Djokovic, the 2001 Wimbledon winner had little hesitation in stating that it was much easier playing the game as compared to coaching someone who is forever hungry for success.

“Honestly yes, [it is more pressure to coach]. It’s much easier to play because you play for yourself. You get your frustrations and emotions out on the court. As a coach, you’re sitting there, especially coaching a player for whom a final is not good enough. Only victories count, titles and he is on the road to making tennis history.”

Goran’s learnings from Novak

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Ivanisevic further added that while it can be stressful coaching the top-ranked player, but he also quickly pointed out on the learnings he has received from Djokovic’s greatness over the years.

“I’m grateful for being part of the team to witness it from the first row. They ask me how it is. It is an honour, it is a pleasure. But is it easy? Not at all. It’s very stressful, but I like that. All your life some kind of stress [is good] and that drives you to be better and coaching a player like him, you can always learn something new every day.”

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