“Rafael Nadal is favorite as long as he can walk,” Goran Ivanisevic discusses Novak Djokovic’s chances on Clay this year
Nadal, Alcaraz and Zverev are some of the biggest competitors for Djokovic, according to Ivanisevic.
Follow Us
After forcibly pulling out of the Indian wells and Miami Open, Novak Djokovic will resume his season on clay. The Serb is currently preparing for his return to clay. Goran Ivanisevic, his coach, explained Djokovic’s strategy to make a better start in a recent interview. The World No.1 suffered from an injury during the Australian Open, which led to much trouble for him.
Ivanisevic also listed players, other than Rafael Nadal, who could pose a difficulty for Novak on clay. Djokovic, evidently known for his mastery on the hard court, has not fared as well on clay. Nevertheless, he is determined to return in form after being denied entry into the US. Djokovic and Nadal aim to extend their joint record of 22 Grand Slam wins.
Ivanisevic termed 2022 as ‘incomparable’ for the Serb. Djokovic’s deportation from Melbourne due to his unvaccinated status had severe psychological repercussions. a year no ordinary human being would “survive” said the coach. The extent of Djokovic’s mental state also impacted his physical health. Reportedly, Novak was bedridden for almost 10 days due to it.
His clay season in 2022 was not up to mark. The two-time French Open winner couldn’t play in complete form at the Monte Carlo Open. Djoko hopes to compete better at this year’s edition. Ivanisevic explained that Novak has the ability to adapt regardless. The only formidable opponent he faces on clay is Nadal. Ivanisevic substantiated the fact by recalling last year’s French Open quarter-final.
“I still find that match a bit odd. Novak just wasn’t mentally ready to fight Nadal.” He conceded that Nadal was definitely the more competent player that day. Ivanisevic hopes to change the tides this year at Roland Garros. “..the most important thing is to stay healthy…Nadal is the favorite on clay as long as he can walk, but if Novak is mentally up for it, he can beat anyone.”
Ivanisevic lists Djokovic’s major competitors on clay
Ivanisevic labeled Carlos Alcaraz as the main competitor other than the most obvious one-Rafael Nadal. The young Spaniard’s dominance on the clay is evident in his five clay-court ATP titles. The former player-turned-coach also nominated Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas as other potential opponents.
Djokovic’s coach is confident about the former’s ability to dominate, regardless. Ivanisevic stated humorously, “There are a lot of guys hungry for success, who want it badly and believe that they can do it, only to the point where they see that they can’t.” The team’s ultimate goal is to win in Paris.
In case you missed it:
“He’s like the anti-hero,” Chris Evert comments on Novak Djokovic’s mental ability and determination
Stay Updated!
Tanisha Mohanty
(172 Articles Published)