“9 years ago I said that Nadal and Djokovic would surpass Federer and people were surprised”

Goran Ivanisevic has undoubtedly been one of the great architects in the shadow of Novak Djokovic’s victory at the Australian Open. The Croatian has been a key player in the Serbian tennis player’s team when it comes to winning one of the most special tournaments of his career.

In statements collected by the ATP after the tournament, Ivanisevic spoke of the rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic and recalled the prediction he made about both. “Eight or nine years ago I said that Nadal and Djokovic would surpass Federer. People looked at me strangely, but now they are both tied at 22. They are two incredible competitors and two impressive tennis players. What they have done for this sport is brutal. I want both to continue in top form and, if they continue, the battle is served with them and the youngsters who want to close the gap. But as long as Nadal and Djokovic continue, they are going to be the ones who have the last word.”

Ivanisevic also points out that, despite the appearance of young tennis players, Djokovic and Nadal are still the big favorites for the big tournaments, and he points out that he sees the Spaniard as the big favorite again at Roland Garros. “It’s good for tennis that there are young guys like Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz, but we still have Nadal and Djokovic fighting. The Australian Open is the home of Djokovic and now we will go to Roland Garros, the home of Nadal, in this handball match that goes 22-22. There are many strong youngsters like Alcaraz, who is incredible. But if Rafa Nadal takes to the court at Roland Garros, for me he is still the favorite to win the tournament”.

Finally, Ivanisevic valued Djokovic’s victory at the Australian Open and how surprised he was by winning the title in this edition. “I agree with what Djokovic said. Without a doubt, it is his most special title, not only because of what happened last year, but also because of what he experienced in the last three weeks. They were very hard. I thought I’d seen it all in 2021 when he won here with an abdominal tear, but this has been incredible. That every day he has played better is impressive. He is an amazing dude. I know that he is very passionate on the track. And how he has won this tournament. There were moments of good tennis and bad tennis, but it doesn’t matter, because he has already won his tenth Australian Open”.