Goran Ivanisevic picks Djokovic as US Open favorite after Olympic Gold

Goran Ivanisevic chose Novak Djokovic as the favorite for the US Open after winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games. The former coach of Djokovic closely followed the Serbian's journey in Paris 2024 and acknowledged his excitement after Djokovic's 'sweetest' success.

The former world No. 2 commented that when Djokovic sets his mind to it, "nobody can beat him" and noted that it wouldn't surprise him to see Djokovic competing at the Olympics again in Los Angeles 2028, even though Nole will be 41 years old by then.

Ivanisevic predicts US Open glory for Djokovic

Despite the doubts surrounding Djokovic after an irregular season, the victory over Alcaraz revitalized his career: "Only a crazy person would say that he doesn’t have it in him anymore," Goran Ivanisevic told Tennis Majors. "When he really wants it, nobody can beat him, regardless of who is across the net."

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“Novak didn’t show up in the Wimbledon finals, but here you could tell...If they stayed for five more hours on that court, the outcome would have been the same. Novak was flying, Novak was dancing,” his former coach added. “People forgot that this was his first Olympics final, he felt that this is it, that he has to seize this opportunity. Although, considering how crazy he is, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him in Los Angeles in 2028 as well.”

Ivanisevic worked with Djokovic for five years as part of his team, during which time Nole won 10 Grand Slam titles. They decided to part ways this year, although both acknowledged they maintain a close and friendly relationship.

Novak Djokovic after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

“I am so glad that he finally won this gold,” commented the 2001 Wimbledon champion. “I wish him the 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he will never retire, this guy. I think he can find the motivation, the gold will lift him.”

“If he plays like this, he is the man to beat at the US Open. At Wimbledon, it was a miracle that he even played, let alone reached the finals, but we never know if something similar to this year’s Australian Open can happen. Against Sinner there, he didn’t show up – we don’t have a crystal ball, but if he is motivated like here, he will be the favorite in New York.”

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“This is just incredible, it was written somewhere that it had to happen like this,” said Ivanisevic. “First trophy this season – Olympic gold! This scenario is the best, the sweetest. Injury, surgery, bad Wimbledon final, but on Sunday we saw what will and desire can make you do. When Novak plays the way he can, he is the best in the world, nobody can touch him,” Ivanisevic concluded.