"When Novak Djokovic really wants it, nobody can beat him" - Goran Ivenisevic on Serb's 'flying, dancing' over Carlos Alcaraz in Olympics final
After Novak Djokovic clinched his maiden Olympic gold in Paris by defeating Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, August 4, his former coach Goran Ivanisevic showered praise on him. The Serb put up an impressive performance in an evenly contested match, winning both sets in tie-breakers with final scores of 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
Ivanisevic spoke about Djokovic's recent triumph, lauding the Serb for his aggressive style of play.
“When he really wants it, nobody can beat him, regardless of who is across the net. He was smart, he played aggressively and hit every shot with conviction. Alcaraz hits hard, but Novak hits even harder! I think that surprised Carlos, made him a bit nervous. It is easier said than done, but that’s the key – to make Alcaraz nervous and to force him into some errors," Ivanisevic said (via Tennis Majors).
He pointed out that Djokovic was playing his first Olympic final at the age of 37, and also didn't rule out the possibility of the 24-time Major winner to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Ivanisevic added:
"Novak was flying, Novak was dancing. People forgot that this was his first Olympics final, he felt that this is it, that he has to seize this opportunity. Although, considering how crazy he is, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him in Los Angeles in 2028 as well.”
Goran Ivanisevic was a pivotal figure in Novak Djokovic's career. He coached the former World No. 1 from 2019 to 2024. The Serb won 12 Grand Slam titles during his partnership with the Croatian.
"Novak Djokovic is the man to beat at the US Open" - Goran Ivanisevic confident of Serb's chances at the 2024 US Open
Novak Djokovic will now set his sights on the 2024 US Open, starting later this month. The Serb will be eager to win his 25th singles Grand Slam in New York.
In the same interview, Ivanisevic weighed in on Djokovic's chances at Flushing Meadows, saying the World No. 2 was 'the man to beat.'
"I am so glad that he finally won this gold. I wish him 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he will never retire, this guy. I think he can find the motivation, the gold will lift him. If he plays like this, he is the man to beat at the US Open," Ivanisevic said.
The US Open is set to begin on August 26, and Novak Djokovic will be joined by some of the biggest names in tennis such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and more, as they eye the coveted title in New York.