Former Coach Explains Reason Why Novak Djokovic Is A ‘Genius’ “Tennis is…

Since their split, Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic have maintained a positive relationship, as evidenced by the Croatian’s recent tribute to the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Ivansevic worked with Djokovic for nearly five years and was quite successful. They have won nine Grand Slams together, including three in 2021 and 2023. Only an incredible five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 Wimbledon final prevented him from completing the Calendar Grand Slam.

Their success and close relationship meant many were surprised when the pair announced they had split in March 2024. The decision was mutual, and Djokovic has only had good things to say about his former coach since.

Ivanisevic’s respect for Djokovic was shown during an interview with Arena Sport. He said the Serbian was a genius because he was never satisfied with what worked well on one day and always wanted to improve.

“Tennis is an individual sport. In fact, it’s a gladiator sport, it just doesn’t have contact. And you have to be at 300% every day. Nobody asks you about your health, nobody asks you if you feel like it.”

“And when you come to a genius like that, I think Novak is a genius because what was good for him today, is no longer good tomorrow. Tomorrow we have to do everything again. It has to be better, you always look for something better. I’m not for him to have to change anything. You have to manage to make the best possible out of what you have.”

Djokovic is broadly considered the greatest player in tennis history. Achieving that title would be impossible without an elite mindset, the kind Ivanisevic described in those comments.

The tennis legend has not won a Grand Slam since Ivanisevic left as his coach more than a year ago. That decline means some think the Croatian’s influence on Djokovic was not fully understood until he left.

However, that period without a Grand Slam might just be down to Djokovic now being almost 38 years old. His place at No. 5 in the rankings at that age is already a great achievement, but expectations for Djokovic are naturally high because of his incredible career.

The ten-time Australian Open champion’s level was excellent throughout the 2025 Miami Open. Making his first appearance at the tournament since 2019, Djokovic finished as the runner-up to Jakub Mensik.

While not getting over the line was disappointing, that run could give him confidence for the rest of the season. The final was also his first with Andy Murray, who became Djokovic’s coach at the start of the 2025 ATP season.

During the 2024 off-season, Ivanisevic collaborated with Elena Rybakina. However, their collaboration ended after the Kazakhstani’s fourth-round loss to Madison Keys at the 2025 Australian Open. In a recent interview, Rybakina expressed her desire to add former coach Stefano Vukov to her team, despite his WTA ban for mistreating her.