Novak Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevic, has dismissed rumors suggesting that the Serbian player was not in good health during his Australian Open semifinal loss to eventual champion Jannik Sinner last month.
The World No. 1, who boasts a remarkable 10-time championship record at Melbourne Park, had previously been undefeated in 10 semifinals at the tournament. However, Djokovic faced a formidable challenge in Sinner, winning just three games in the first two sets before rallying to save a match point in the third set tiebreak to prolong the match.
Despite Djokovic’s efforts, Sinner ultimately asserted his dominance in the contest, securing victory with a lone break of Djokovic’s serve to advance to his first Major final. Subsequently, Sinner triumphed over Daniil Medvedev in the final, overcoming a two-set deficit to claim the championship title.
Following Djokovic’s unexpected defeat to Sinner, speculation arose regarding the Serbian’s physical condition during the match. However, Ivanisevic has refuted such claims, asserting that Djokovic was simply outplayed by a superior opponent on the day.
“It was inevitable that he would eventually face defeat; we were all aware of that. Unfortunately, it unfolded in this manner, but when facing Sinner, if you’re not operating at full capacity, there’s little room for expectations,” Ivanisevic stated via Sportklub.
“Even when performing at your peak, defeat remains a possibility. Nevertheless, Djokovic’s entire Australian Open campaign seemed off from the outset, starting from the first round. Nonetheless, we must move forward; it’s not a calamity.”
Regarding Djokovic’s physical condition, Ivanisevic emphasized, “No, there were no issues affecting his health; it was simply an off day. … Even though he can experience setbacks; he is human, after all. Nonetheless, if defeat was inevitable, then I’m content that it was to Sinner.”
Djokovic currently boasts a 9-1 record for the season, while the newly crowned Australian Open champion, Sinner, maintains a flawless 7-0 record.
