"I said Djokovic and Nadal would win more Grand Slams than Federer" - Ivanisevic

Monday, 01 August 2022 at 08:00

Updated at Tuesday, 03 December 2024 at 19:54

bySam Frape

Goran Ivanisevic has come out to remind people that he, right from the start, predicted both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal would end up with more Grand Slams than Roger Federer.

Despite starting working with the Serbian great in 2019, Ivanisevic is keen to make clear that he knew of Djokovic and Nadal's potential to reach the very top long before that.

Nadal, who claimed his 21st and 22nd Grand Slam trophies this season (Australian and French Opens), has overtaken the Swiss (20) to claim the top spot in the all-time ranking list.

Behind him in second place, Djokovic recently added his 21st Slam to his collection at Wimbledon, putting himself within touching distance of the Spanish great. Experts are predicting the Serb will finish on the higher amount due to him appearing to be in better health.

Speaking on the pair overtaking the one who many regard as the greatest of all time (GOAT) of the sport, Ivanisevic said he predicted it all along.

"Even before I became Djokovic's coach, I said that, together with Nadal, they would end up winning more than Federer. If they are healthy, they have no limits. I think they will continue to win."

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The relationship they share is a strong one simply due to knowing each other for many years before actually starting to work together. Ivanisevic explained further:

"I spoke with Djokovic the first time we met when he was nine years old. It wasn't until he was 13 that we started working together. Now we have been collaborating for 18, which is a very long period. He repeated every time his desire to reach 30 Grand Slams, that's what he wants. He will play the next five years and he will have a chance to get that milestone.”

Djokovic currently can't play at the US Open, and he missed the Australian Open, which are obstacles making it hard for Djokovic to pursue 30 majors. But he will try. That much is certain.