Novak Djokovic winning 24 majors 'one of the biggest achievements in sporting history' - Goran Ivanisevic
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Updated 11/09/2023 at 12:09 GMT
More history was written inside Arthur Ashe Stadium as Novak Djokovic pulled level with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam wins in tennis. But the Serbian's coach Goran Ivanisevic feels this latest achievement from his charge is worthy of consideration as one of sport's most impressive feats. "He's one of a kind. Not too many people in this world like him sport-wise," Ivanisevic said.
Imperious Djokovic downs Medvedev to claim 24th Grand Slam title in New York
Novak Djokovic winning 24 majors is "one of the biggest achievements in sporting history", reckons his coach Goran Ivanisevic.
Djokovic claimed the latest slam of his sensational career with a straight sets win over Daniil Medvedev in the final of the US Open at Flushing Meadows.
The 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 victory on Arthur Ashe saw the Serbian move two clear of Rafael Nadal at the top of the all-time list of men's major tournament winners.
For Goran Ivanisevic, it was the eighth Grand Slam triumph he’s overseen as a coach in Djokovic’s corner.
Speaking about the world No.1’s desire to keep on fighting at the top level, Ivanisevic said: “I don't think you can work on that. You are born. You know, some people who are born, he's a genius. He's one of a kind. Not too many people in this world like him sport-wise.
“This is one of the biggest achievement in sport history. We're not talking about tennis. We are talking generally in sport.
“He's a winner. He's the guy who is motivating self. He had luck to have a guy like Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, they came before him, so they pushed each other.
“But he's a born winner. For him, when you tell him he cannot do something, it's even worse. Then he's going to show you that he can do it. It's no excuses. He always try to find a way how to win, how to fight, even when he's not feeling well, injured, not injured.”
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates with his team after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during the US Open tennis tournament men's singles final match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City
Image credit: Getty Images
At times during the New York showpiece, it seemed Djokovic was indeed “not feeling well”, as he regularly stretched out his legs and hips during the second set.
Ivanisevic admits Djokovic had to manage the game - and his body - perfectly in order to get the better of Medvedev and avenge his defeat to the Russian on the same court two years previously.
“Yes, yes. He had a little luck, because Daniil gave him a first set. That break in the second game was, like, gift”, Ivanisevic said.
“With Daniil, you know, you have to always be careful. You know, he has these games. But it was a lot of rallies. A lot of tough points.
“Then in the second set, actually, he was amazing how he won that set. You know, I thought was not looking well. He was little lucky with - I mean, not lucky. I don't say "lucky." He played some unbelievable shots actually in the end. Coming to the net. Some unbelievable volleys at the net. Set point for Medvedev. He read him well at the net.”
Despite having 24 major titles to his name and having clear breathing space in the all-time standings ahead of his long-time nemeses in Nadal and Federer, Ivanisevic had a stark warning for Djokovic’s rivals.
“He just enjoying, he likes the challenges. Like you ask me 25 [slams], yeah, if he wins 25, he's going to think, If I win 25, why not 26? It's always one more, something more.
“He's taking care of his body, he's taking care of everything, every single detail has to be perfect, prepared. He's never happy on the court. I don't know if that's good or bad, not good for us.
“Generally, you know, he just does drives him through and he wants more and more. That's why he wants to everything perfect to be on the court, on the practice, and that's why he has unbelievable results.”
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