"Then Novak Djokovic can retire, although he will never retire” - Ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic calls Serb the 'man to beat' for 25th Slam at US Open 2024

Novak Djokovic's ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic wished for the Serb to break the record for most Grand Slams stating how he would be the 'man to beat' at the US Open 2024. Ivanisevic also said he could retire after reaching the unprecedented 25th Major but joked how the Serb would never retire.

Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a brutal two hours and 51 minutes match to win 7-6(3), 7-6(2) and become the fifth player in the Open Era to complete the career Golden Slam, which is winning all the Majors and the Olympic gold medal at least once.

Ivanisevic and the Serb ended their successful partnership in March this year. During their time together, the duo clinched 12 Grand Slams and two Nitto ATP Finals, among many other accolades. However, this hasn't affected the relationship between the two men as the Croat recently expressed his happiness at the World No. 2 finally clinching the elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

The 52-year-old sat down for a conversation with Tennis Majors where he expressed elation and later wished for him to clinch the unprecedented 25th Major. He later said that the Serb could retire soon but joked that he would never retire. Ivanisevic felt that if the 37-year-old could continue to take his form into the US Open, he would be the 'man to beat'.

“I am so glad that he finally won this gold. I wish him 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,” Ivanisevic said.

Djokovic will be the defending champion in New York. He defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets last year to win his 24th Major.

"We don't have a crystal ball, but if Novak Djokovic is motivated, he will be the favorite in New York" - Goran Ivanisevic on the Serb's chances at the 2024 US Open

Novak Djokovic celebrates his Olympic Gold in front of the Eiffel Tower (Image source: GETTY)

Continuing his thoughts, Goran Ivanisevic also mentioned how it was a miracle that Novak Djokovic made it to the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships merely weeks after his knee surgery.

He then said that although an unfortunate performance like the one against Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open this year was possible, the Serb would be the favorite at Flushing Meadows if he displayed the same motivation he showed at the Olympics.

“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 (Jannik) 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 favourite in New York.”

Djokovic is slated to kick off his North American hardcourt swing at the Cincinnati Masters where he is the defending champion. He prevailed in a three-hour and 49-minute long three-setter against Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the title.