Goran Ivanisevic, who spent five years coaching Novak Djokovic, has likened the world No. 5 to a shark or a snake that chokes its prey. In an interview with SportKlub, the 2001 Wimbledon champion said Djokovic is the most complete player and arguably the greatest tennis player of all time.
Ivanisevic: Djokovic is the most complete
“For me, Novak is one of the greatest athletes in history, and he is arguably the greatest tennis player,” Ivanisevic said. “If we take Federer, who plays the most beautifully, and who is nice to watch even when he plays badly, then Nadal, who always gives his all and to whom I would entrust a match if my life depended on it... Novak is the most complete.”
“He plays the best tennis. He is like a shark or a snake, he catches you and just chokes you, there is no going back.”
Behind the scenes: Djokovic's generosity
During their partnership, Djokovic often yelled at his coaching camp, but Ivanisevic understood it was just the Serb letting off steam. He also praised Djokovic's generosity, saying he is a big joker who wants to help others.
“He is the person that people perceive by what they see on the court, and that is wrong. He is a big joker and a person who wants to help. He founded a tennis association, foundations, he helps everyone, there is no one he has not helped,” Ivanisevic added.
“He has time and advice for everyone, I resented him several times because he would deal with everyone around half an hour before the match, but that's him. And then people say look at him, he yells… That's how he is, he yells, he is a person who says what others think, and then they turn out to be better – and they are not better than him, they just keep silent.”
Documentary on Djokovic's career
Djokovic will soon release a Prime Video documentary, NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The Wolf in Winter, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his career. Ivanisevic said: “Now that documentary of his is coming out, I am very interested in how it will look.”
