Goran Ivanisevic on Novak Djokovic: "The only one who can manage the calendar Grand Slam"
Goran Ivanisevic reviewed the battle between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in an interview and spoke about the chances of his protégé to win four Grand Slam titles this year.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jun 16, 2021, 11:58 am
And again it was the eternal Novak Djokovic, the eternal fighter, the eternal walker, who, as so often in his career, should make up for a significant deficit and win only his second title at the Bois de Bolougne in the final of the French Open 2021. It is already the second major title for the Serbs in the current season - the chance of the historic "Calendar Grand Slam" is alive and well.
Goran Ivanisevic also knows the chance, who told Tennis Majors: "It's been a long time since I said that Djokovic is the only player who can reach a Grand Slam in a calendar year: God knows whether that will happen or not , but if anyone can do it, it's Novak, "explained the trainer for the 19-time champion.
Djokovic in Mallorca
Now for Ivanisevic, alongside Djokovic, it is first off to Mallorca, where preparations for Wimbledon, which will start in two weeks' time, will begin: "Novak Djokovic knows his goals. On Wednesday it will go to Mallorca, and then to London. This title will only make him more motivated, "said Goran Ivanisevic. Despite the exhausting French Open, he'll be fit - because "he has to" after all.
The fact that Roland Garros achieved historic success over 13-time winner Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals would not have bothered Djokovic in preparation for the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas, as Ivanisevic explained: "Novak is exceptionally professional. Had he lost the final , A win against Rafa wouldn't have meant anything. Yes, it was a nice feeling to beat Rafa at the French Open, but after an hour you have to forget that. "
Djokovic dominates Nadal
The game against the Spaniard was meanwhile a masterpiece of his protégé - although the signs initially pointed to a repetition of the final from 2020, in which the Serb Nadal was clearly defeated in three sets. "But this time it was like Novak had reset himself when he was 5-0 down in the first set. He almost fought his way back into the set and I knew we were going to see a completely different match second, third and fourth set happened: I've never seen Rafa so powerless in Roland-Garros. I have the feeling that Novak could have won the third set earlier, but overall his tennis was perfect, "said the Croatian visibly impressed .
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Djokovic used a different tactic when he met Nadal again, as Ivanisevic explained: "He was ready to stay on the pitch for 20 hours if that was what it took to win. Novak did not appear in the 2020 final, he kept trying to shorten the points. This time he was ready to run and run, he was prepared for a physically grueling fight. "