Ivan looks back on five tumultuous years of cooperation: he is a genius and still supports his refusal to be vaccinated

Ivanisevic recently spoke about his five-year partnership with Djokovic. The Croatian coach said that period was one of the most successful stages of his professional tennis coaching career. However, he also described the collaboration as "turbulent".

Djokovic's partnership with Ivanisevic began in 2018 and ended in March 2024. In those five years, the Serbian star won 12 Grand Slam titles and was ranked number one in the year-end world rankings on several occasions, while setting several records. Although Ivanisevic later chose to work with Rybakina, Djokovic is proud to say that their friendship is still strong.

Ivanisevic recently reflected on his experience with Djokovic. The former Croatian professional spoke about his journey from Marin Cilic to the start of his coaching career and culminating in the most glorious phase of his career. In an interview with Talking Tennis, he mentioned the different stages of his collaboration with Djokovic.

"It all seemed to be going well, starting with Cilic. He won the US Open, followed by Berdych and Raonic . He recalls that these collaborations have earned him a reputation in tennis.

Subsequently, he mentioned that joining Djokovic's team marked the most important stage of his career. "Then there's the 'icing on the cake', as we call it – the greatest tennis player of all time. It's been a tumultuous five-year affair, full of fun and incredible. The 53-year-old former player added.

Ivanisevic stressed that tennis is an individual sport and players must push beyond their limits in every match to succeed. "Actually, it's a gladiator's sport, just without physical contact. You have to be 300% in the game. No one will ask about your fitness, no one will care if you are in the mood to play. Ivanisevich said.

In addition, Ivanisevic praised Djokovic as a talent, mainly due to his extraordinary drive and professionalism. He always seeks to improve his skills and is never satisfied with the status quo. For the Croatian coach, reaching his full potential is the key to greatness.

"When you work with a genius like that – I think Novak is a genius – you find that what is good enough for him today will not be enough tomorrow. Tomorrow we have to start all over again and everything has to be done better. You have to keep looking for a higher purpose. I'm not asking him to change anything, but to make the most of his existing abilities. He said.

Ivanisevic and Djokovic parted ways in March 2024. Since then, the Serbian has won just one trophy, but that is the honour he most covets – an Olympic gold medal. Subsequently, Djokovic hired his former rival, Murray, who retired last year, as his new coach. Their partnership has gone through some ups and downs, but is currently on a winning streak.

Although Ivanisevich made his first foray into the WTA, working with Rybakina, the collaboration did not last long. At the moment, the coach remains free and has not yet led new players.

Ivanisevic has publicly stated that he thinks Djokovic's stance on refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus may be correct. A few months after parting ways with the Serbian tennis superstar, the Croatian coach noted that many people were just following the vaccination rules "like a flock" at the time.

Djokovic has sparked a huge controversy over his refusal to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. In January 2022, the Serbian player was deported from Australia for not being vaccinated and was unable to participate in the Australian Open. Djokovic has said that he is willing to give up the opportunity to play rather than be forced to get vaccinated because personal choice is more important to him than the title.

Ivanisevic has always been on Djokovic's side: "Novak's refusal to be vaccinated and his willingness to give up his career for it is a decision that no other top athlete would make. The whole world condemned him, relentlessly criticized him, and even belittled him for standing firm in his convictions. However, he never wavered, and his unwavering determination is still admired today. ”(Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark)