Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis titan with 24 Grand Slam titles, is widely regarded as the greatest player to ever grace the sport. His relentless drive, mental fortitude, and unparalleled consistency have redefined tennis excellence. Yet, even legends have their quirks, and Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, recently pulled back the curtain on a surprising flaw that has long been an open secret among those close to the champion: his chronic tardiness. “He is special, he is different from everyone else and he is the best ever,” Ivanisevic said in a candid interview, his admiration for Djokovic palpable. “However, his main flaw is that he is always late. He is never punctual and everyone knows it, they are used to it.”
Ivanisevic, who coached Djokovic from 2019 to 2024, guiding him to nine major titles, shared this lighthearted revelation during a reflective discussion about their time together. The Croatian, a 2001 Wimbledon champion, described Djokovic’s punctuality struggles as a trait that, while endearing, often left his team adjusting to his unpredictable timing. This quirk was even noted by young Danish star Holger Rune, who once playfully teased Djokovic about his habitual lateness, a sentiment echoed by Ivanisevic’s wry observation that “no one can rectify it.” Despite this flaw, Ivanisevic emphasized Djokovic’s extraordinary qualities, particularly his insatiable hunger for improvement. “His desire to improve is crazy and everyone can learn from a legend of his caliber,” he said, underscoring the work ethic that has kept Djokovic at the pinnacle of tennis at 38.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a study in contrasts. After a glittering 2023, where he won three of four Grand Slams under Ivanisevic’s guidance, the Serbian has yet to claim a major title this year. His decision to skip both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters 1000 for the second consecutive year has raised eyebrows, especially as he prepares for the US Open with no competitive hard-court matches since his loss to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final. Instead, Djokovic opted for rest in Croatia and Greece following a Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1. Ivanisevic, reflecting on Djokovic’s challenges, noted the physical toll of age. “When you are not 100% with Sinner, and even when you are, your chances are not many,” he said of the Wimbledon loss, acknowledging the rise of younger stars like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have dominated recent majors.
The Serbian’s absence from Cincinnati, a key US Open warm-up, has fueled speculation about his strategy as he aims to become the oldest Grand Slam champion in history. Ivanisevic, who parted ways with Djokovic in March 2024, believes the Olympic gold medal Djokovic won in Paris could reignite his fire. “I am so glad that he finally won this gold. I wish him 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he will never retire, this guy,” Ivanisevic said, his tone blending hope and humor. He predicted a strong US Open showing, noting, “If he plays like this, he is the man to beat in New York.” Djokovic’s mental toughness, a hallmark of his career, remains his greatest asset, according to Ivanisevic. “His mental fortitude is the cornerstone of his success,” he said, recalling how Djokovic’s ability to stay calm under pressure turned matches like the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals, where he outclassed Sinner in the final after a group-stage loss.
Despite their split, Ivanisevic’s respect for Djokovic endures. Their partnership, though occasionally turbulent—marked by Djokovic’s on-court outbursts and intense practice sessions—was wildly successful, yielding 12 Grand Slams and countless records. Ivanisevic dismissed claims of a rocky relationship, explaining, “His shouting, half of it I couldn’t even hear… those are big courts, there’s a lot of noise.” He recalled a 2023 Adelaide final where Djokovic’s frustration gave way to a comeback against Sebastian Korda, proving his ability to channel energy constructively. “That’s what worked for him,” Ivanisevic said, shrugging off the intensity as part of Djokovic’s process.
As Djokovic prepares for New York, now coached by Andy Murray, the tennis world watches to see if he can overcome the “Sinner-Alcaraz era” and add to his legacy. His tardiness, a minor blemish on an otherwise impeccable career, only adds to the human side of a player who has transcended the sport. With Ivanisevic’s insights illuminating both his greatness and his quirks, Djokovic’s quest for a 25th major promises to be a compelling chapter in his storied journey.
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