Novak Djokovic's 2023 Australian Open win hailed as 'definitely the best' by coach Goran Ivanisevic
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Published 29/01/2023 at 14:45 GMT
"97% of the players would have pulled out upon the MRI scan," said Goran Ivanisevic as he opened up on the severity of Novak Djokovic's hamstring strain that the Serb coped with during the Australian Open. Djokovic looked in trouble at times with the issue, but captured the title for the 10th time to land his 22nd major. Ivanisevic said he learns "new things" about his charge all the time.
Ivanisevic reacts to 'definitely best win for Novak' after Djokovic wins Australian Open
Novak Djokovic's 2023 Australian Open win has been hailed as "definitely the best" by the Serb's coach Goran Ivanisevic.
Djokovic was battling a hamstring injury throughout the tournament, which Ivanisevic said would've forced "97%" of players to pull out.
The Croatian former Wimbledon champion admitted he had been "scared" during his charge's tight third-round win over Grigor Dimitrov, and reflected - in the aftermath of Djokovic's eventual final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas - how well the Serb had done to maintain his focus, and labelled his achievements "crazier and crazier".
“Novak kept everything inside, and sometimes you need time to just explode and let it out," Ivanisevic said of Djokovic's tears on winning the title.
"Surprisingly, he was quiet for a set and half, not saying one word. He let everything out after that and it was very emotional.
“This is definitely the best win for Novak. Not just because of what happened last year, but also because of the last three weeks. I thought I’d seen everything when he won here in 2021, but this one was unbelievable. To play like that everyday, better and better, it’s so impressive.
“97% of the players would have pulled out upon the MRI scan. He’s from another planet, the way he works. He gave everything. I didn’t expect this; I was shocked. Against Dimitrov, I was scared, but he came through it all.
“[Being without his dad] was difficult [after the furore in the tournament's final days]. He was more emotional against Tommy Paul [in the semi-final]. He collapsed a little from 5-1 up, and that’s something he doesn’t normally do.
"Things happen, and fortunately, he was able to win the tournament despite everything.
“I learn new things about him all the time; he’s getting crazier and crazier. The guy is unbelievable. He’s won 10 Australian Opens.
“I think he can stay at the top level for two or three more years. He takes care of his body; it’s amazing. The level is incredible."
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After looking back on what had just happened, Ivanisevic also took the time to look forward to the French Open and the next episode of the 'GOAT race', where Djokovic and fellow men's singles slam record-holder Rafael Nadal will likely compete in a tussle to go clear on 23 majors.
Ivanisevic said: “His rivalry with Rafa is like a handball match between Spain and Serbia. It’s now 22-22. It’s going to be interesting this year.
"Rod Laver is Novak’s ‘home court’, and next we’re going to Rafa’s [Philippe Chatrier]. [Carlos] Alcaraz and the new guard are coming. But if Rafa plays at the French Open, he’s always the favourite.
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"There are many guys, like Novak, who can beat him, but it’s incredibly tough to beat a man who has got 14 titles.
“I said eight or nine years ago that Novak and Rafa would overtake Roger [Federer]. People thought I was crazy, but now they’re both tied on 22."
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The 2023 Australian Open was live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk
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