“Novak Djokovic was affected by everything,” Goran Ivanisevic reveals USA’s decision to deny entry was known before the Dubai clash against Daniil Medvedev

Novak Djokovic‘s coach, Goran Ivanisevic, recently opened up about Djokovic’s recent performance at the Dubai Tennis Championships and his hopes for the upcoming tennis season. In an interview, Ivanisevic discussed Djokovic’s matches in Dubai, stating that while his first match was average. Ivanisevic was impressed by the level of play from Thomas Machac. Djokovic’s next two matches against Tallon Griekspoor and Hubert Hurkacz were described as remarkable

However, Ivanisevic also mentioned Djokovic’s match against Daniil Medvedev, stating that he felt Djokovic wasn’t mentally present during the match, likely due to the recent news that he wouldn’t be allowed to enter the United States. Ivanisevic explained that Djokovic’s impatience during the match resulted in him giving away a lot of points to Medvedev, who he considers the second-best player in the world at the moment, after Djokovic himself.

Speaking about the match, Ivanisevic said, “I felt like he wasn’t mentally present the way he should have been. Namely, I think he was affected by everything that was going on regarding the exemption to come to the United States. He gave away a lot of points in that match.

“When playing against Medvedev, you need to be patient and ready to play for 300 days if that’s what it takes, and Novak was impatient. In those moments when he did play the right way, Medvedev had some extraordinary answers,” concluded the Croat.

Related: “He’s like the anti-hero,” Chris Evert comments on Novak Djokovic’s mental ability and determination

Novak Djokovic is still optimistic about entering the USA

Despite this setback, Goran Ivanisevic remained optimistic about Novak Djokovic‘s future in the sport. He revealed that Djokovic had a strong desire to play in the US this year. When asked if the Djokovic camp knew about the decision beforehand, Ivanisevic confessed to it.

“Unfortunately – yes. He has a strong desire to play in the U.S. this year, and the good thing is that it seems that the rule preventing him from entering will be abandoned in May. If that will be the case, Novak should be able to play the more important part of the year in the States: the US Open and the tournaments before New York.

The current rules will see Djokovic being allowed to enter the USA from mid-May. His desire to however play in the Miami Masters remains alive after being forced to withdraw from Indian Wells as his exemption request was denied.

Article by: Yash Jindal

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