'Novak Djokovic is still the best player in the world'- Former coach Goran Ivanisevic backs Serbian ace

Goran Ivanisevic was Novak Djokovic’s coach from 2019 till 2024.

Novak Djokovic’s 2025 season could witness him win more accolades, feels his ex coach Goran Ivanisevic. The former Croatian player in recent interview opened up on his new coaching venture with Elena Rybakina and expressed that he still had faith in Djokovic. Ivanisevic had been the Serbian’s coach from 2019 till March this season.

On being asked about Djokovic winning more grand slams in 2025, Ivanisevic spoke about Djokovic giving his all whenever he steps on the court. He said ‘Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are convincingly above the rest of the field, but I put Novak in the group with them, because when Novak really wants to play, he is still the best in the world, in my opinion.’

Ivanisevic went on to talk about the Paris Olympics 2024 where Djokovic proved his mettle yet again by winning gold without dropping a set. He felt that the 37-year-old could again win a grand slam if he plays the same way. The 2001 Wimbledon champion revealed that he is still Djokovic’s fan and would never write him off from the ATP tour.

Ivanisevic’s coaching tenure with Djokovic saw him capture 12 grand slam titles. Now the former serving giant will begin a new chapter with Rybakina on the WTA tour from the 2025 season.

Also Read: Elena Rybakina hires Goran Ivanisevic as coach ahead of WTA Finals 2024

Novak Djokovic to end season outside top 5 of the rankings for first time since 2017

Djokovic had recently announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals 2024. The two-time defending champion will now be losing over 1,300 ranking points due to his absence in the event. The season ending championship will witness few changes in the rankings as Djokovic will be dropping out of the top five.

The Olympic champion had been finishing inside the top five since 2017 where he ended the season early in July. The previous instance of Djokovic finishing a full fledged season outside the top five was in 2006 when he was ranked No #16. This time he could end up being ranked in the bottom of the top ten rankings.

Djokovic had pulled out of the season ending championship with an undisclosed injury. Although he has not yet announced when he will be back on the court. Fans will be expecting to see him in action at the Australian Open next season as he will be taking a break till then.

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