"We talked a million times; it doesn't bother me" - Novak Djokovic's coach dismisses media criticism of Serb's on-court behaviour as 'nonsense'
Over the years, Novak Djokovic has been accused of being arrogant towards his coaching staff due to his frequent outbursts on the court. However, Goran Ivanisevic, his coach, has refuted the media's portrayal, calling it "nonsense."
Earlier this month, the 23-time Grand Slam champion lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. Djokovic later withdrew from the 2023 Canadian Open, citing fatigue.
On several occasions during his career, Novak Djokovic has been seen arguing with his team, including Ivanisevic. But in a recent interview with Sportske Novosti, Ivanisevic shed some light on this issue and clarified that he can't even hear the Serb usually.
The Croat added that Djokovic needs to let out his emotions, and that that is his way of doing so.
"No, that's nonsense. First of all, I can't hear half of what he says. These are huge courts, the crowd is shouting, and you can't hear. It doesn't bother me, it's emotions, he has to get it out somehow," he said.
Ivanisevic also said he doesn't have any problem with Djokovic's reactions and that he has talked to the Serb about it.
"It's constantly reported, 'he shouted again, this again, that again...' We've talked a million times and I don't have a problem with it at all. I was also a tennis player once, sometimes it's difficult to say a technical thing in two seconds. What's important is that he plays as well as he possibly can," Ivanisevic added.
"Novak Djokovic had a bit of a break, but now the preparations for the US tour are starting" - Goran Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic went on to confirm that Novak Djokovic has started planning for the US hardcourt swing. In the same interview, the Croatian coach reflected on the Serb's preparations for his next tournament.
The World No. 2 withdrew from the Canadian Open and is most likely to return to the tour at the Cincinnati Open, scheduled to take place in the middle of August.
"He had a bit of a break, but now the preparations for the US tour are starting. Preparations begin at the end of the week, he's slowly starting with the fitness, and then the tennis. I don't know exactly, the week after, mid-next month, he will leave for Cincinnati," Ivanisevic said.
Djokovic's last appearance in Cincinnati came in 2020, when he defeated Milos Raonic in the title clash 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.