Novak Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevic, opened up on the questions about the Serbian’s future plans, dismissing any notions of retirement and instead signaling his intent to participate in the 2028 Olympics.
Djokovic scripted history on Sunday by winning the 2023 US Open men’s singles title as he surpassed Ken Rosewall to become the oldest player to win a tournament in the Open Era after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final of the New York Major.
When questioned about Djokovic’s future plans and potential satisfaction with his career if he secures another Major next year, Ivanisevic humorously responded, ensuring that his pupil harbors ambitions of participating in the 2028 Olympics.
“That question you have to ask him when he comes very soon. I don’t think so. No, no, he’s planning to play Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” Ivanisevic said with a laugh.
“When is this, 2028? You know what’s going on in his head. It’s like 24 hours something to achieve. So I don’t think so,” Ivanisevic added.
Novak Djokovic has been fortunate to have opponents like Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal to push him throughout his career, according to his coach Goran Ivanisevic, after the 36-year-old won the U.S. Open for his 24th Grand Slam title on Sunday.
The ‘Big Three’ have dominated men’s tennis over the last two decades, winning a total of 66 Grand Slam titles between them, but Djokovic has now surpassed the retired Federer (20) and Nadal (22), who is set to retire next year.
“He’s a winner,” former Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic told reporters.
“He’s the guy who is motivating himself. He had luck to have guys like Nadal and Federer, they came before him, so they pushed each other.
Ivanisevic, who has been Djokovic’s coach since 2019, called the Serb’s US Open victory, which tied him with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles, “the biggest achievement in sporting history.”
“He’s just enjoying, he likes the challenges. Like you ask me 25 (majors), yeah, if he wins 25 he’s going to think, ‘If I win 25, why not 26?’ It’s always one more, something more,” Ivanisevic said.
