By Zülal Tasdemir / Vol.at – 16.05.2024 18:24 (Updated 16.05.2024 18:24)
Coaching legend Ivanisevic says goodbye to tennis ©AP/Mark Baker, AP/Alberto Pezzali, APA/AFP/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC
At the end of March there was a surprising separation between Novak Djokovic and his coach Goran Ivanisevic. The Croatian now commented on this in a conversation with CH Media.
Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s former coach, recently reflected in Switzerland on the surprising separation at the end of March 2024. During their five years together, they won nine Grand Slam titles and shaped tennis history. Ivanisevic, formerly successful as a player and now as a coach, also remembered previous encounters in Switzerland, including games against tennis legends and a formative encounter with the young Roger Federer in Basel.
Separation was necessary
Ivanisevic shared that he supported Djokovic not only as a player but also through challenging times, including a disqualification from the US Open and difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the successes, Ivanisevic admitted the pressure was enormous, particularly with high expectations and the constant need to improve. This strain eventually led to mutual exhaustion, which made separation necessary.
Remaining friendship
However, as he told CH Media, the relationship between Ivanisevic and Djokovic remained friendly. Ivanisevic emphasized that their separation was without argument and that they would remain friends. He joked about his current need for a long break and his plans to take some time off and enjoy football.
A life-changing victory
Ivanisevic also remembered his own tennis career, especially his surprising victory at Wimbledon in 2001, where he triumphed as an underdog. He highlighted how this achievement defined his career and helped him gain widespread recognition in Croatia.
©REUTERS / Ian Waldie
2024-05-16 16:24:00
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