Goran Ivanisevic spoke to the media in Melbourne after Novak Djokovicwhom he has led as head coach since 2022, after the departure of Marjan Vajda, will be proclaimed champion of the Australian Open, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
Among other things, the Croatian spoke about responsibility and how difficult it is sometimes to work for the winner of 22 Grand Slams.whose temperament makes him reproach his team for some things during games. “I could talk about it for ten days. I was a tennis player and I was also a bit crazy. I understand how you feel. I understand emotions. This is the final of a Grand Slam. I don’t care what happens, if that’s going to help you, we already talked about it many times. Nothing happens”, says Ivanisevic.
The 2001 Wimbledon champion gave a very clear example of what Djokovic’s coach knew how to be: “I told him, you can tell me whatever you want, but you have to win, otherwise you have a problem. As long as you win, it’s fine (laughs). Last year was not easy. Nothing is easy. But it’s like if you’re a soccer coach for Real Madrid, you need to have that pressure. If you don’t win one or two games, you get fired.”
maximum requirement
Ivanisevic is clear that his pupil is only worth winning and winning: “In his tennis life, it’s good to be in the final, but he needs to win. Only the Grand Slams count, only the record counts. However, it is a good challenge. I got used to it. I’ve been there for four years, in the team. It’s okay. I’m used to it”.
