Novak Djokovic experienced an intense Australian Open. First, due to the long quarantine upon arrival, like the rest of the players. Later, due to physical problems in the tournament that were close to causing his withdrawal. And, to top it all off, one more title to his award-winning record, the 18th Grand Slam that places him two from Nadal and Federer, the dominators in this regard. After the tournament, his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, spoke of his ward and defended him from the accusations received. “He has tried to help the players, but he was always pointed out. It was all his fault and everyone was attacking him “, said in a statement collected by Break point.
On the injury Novak suffered during the tournament, especially in the duel against Friz, Ivanisevic was also surprised. “Those problems came from nowhere. To be honest, I didn't expect to be here speaking as coach of the 2021 Australian Open champion.. Some even doubted his injury, and a doctor confirmed that he had it. Some players can bear more pain in the middle of the competition and others less, “said Ivanisevic, defending the Serbian. “It was not easy to deal with so much criticism, but he showed the world what a great player he is.”
With this new conquest, the ninth in Australia, Djokovic showed his power in this tournament. “After the disappointments of the US Open and Roland Garros, I needed something like that. This is his tournament, like Roland Garros is Nadal's. ”Meanwhile, the fight to be the player with the most Grand Slam titles continues: “I am amazed by all three (Nadal, Federer and Djokovic) every day. It's incredible what they do on the court. I look forward to Roger's return soon. A couple of years ago I said that Novak and Rafa were going to surpass the Swiss, and I still believe it. “