Renowned tennis coach **Goran Ivanišević** believes that **Novak Djokovic**, despite being in the twilight of his career, remains a serious contender for major titles, even in the face of rising stars like **Jannik Sinner** and **Carlos Alcaraz**. The 53-year-old Croatian coach, who has worked closely with Djokovic for six years, is adamant that the Serbian legend, with his immense talent and competitive spirit, can still compete at the highest level.
Djokovic, a 24-time **Grand Slam** champion, is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis, with many placing him in the conversation for the title of **the greatest of all time** (GOAT). At 37, Djokovic’s ability to stay at the top of the sport—especially with younger, dynamic players like **Sinner** and **Alcaraz** emerging—has often been a topic of discussion. Yet, according to Ivanišević, Djokovic’s legacy is far from over, and he continues to have the potential to add more Grand Slam titles to his remarkable career.
### Ivanisević’s Belief in Djokovic’s Continuing Power
Speaking to **The Tennis Majors**, Ivanišević reflected on Djokovic’s current form and the potential for him to still compete for **Grand Slam titles** against the next generation of tennis stars. “I can’t know if he is motivated and how much, but the moment he decides to play, it means that he is eager to play,” Ivanišević said. While it’s clear that Djokovic’s level of motivation and hunger to compete can fluctuate, Ivanišević emphasized that when the Serbian is fully committed, he remains a formidable force on the court.
“You can never write him off,” Ivanišević added. “When Novak really wants to play, he is still the best in the world, in my opinion. Sinner and Alcaraz are convincingly above the rest of the field, but I put Novak in the group with them.” Ivanišević’s statement highlights his belief that Djokovic, with his incredible skill set, remains a peer of the sport’s most promising talents, even if he is facing more intense competition than ever before.
The former **Wimbledon champion** also noted that Djokovic’s ability to compete with the best is contingent on a variety of factors, such as his **motivation**, his **physical health**, and the timing of when he faces top players like Sinner and Alcaraz. “It depends on his ranking, the draw, and when he faces Sinner or Alcaraz. There are lots of factors, but can Novak do it? Yes, he can,” Ivanišević concluded. The Croatian coach’s unwavering faith in Djokovic’s abilities points to a belief that the Serbian star’s era is not yet over, despite the emergence of the next generation.
### Sinner and Alcaraz: The New Challengers
While Djokovic is still a major threat on the ATP Tour, it’s clear that the landscape of men’s tennis is evolving. Players like **Jannik Sinner** and **Carlos Alcaraz** have emerged as the dominant figures in men’s tennis, with both being hailed as the future of the sport. **Sinner**, the current **World No. 1**, has shown remarkable consistency and maturity in his game, with a playing style that combines power and precision. **Alcaraz**, the 2022 US Open champion, has been another revelation, bringing an exciting level of athleticism and flair to the men’s game.
Both players are regularly touted as the future of tennis, and the competition between them, Djokovic, and other established stars will likely shape the direction of the sport in the coming years. Alcaraz, with his explosive play and incredible mobility, has made a strong case for being the future face of the sport, while Sinner’s technical prowess and baseline consistency make him a formidable presence at the top of the rankings.
However, Ivanišević maintains that Djokovic is still capable of challenging these players for Grand Slam titles. The challenge for Djokovic, as Ivanišević pointed out, is maintaining the motivation to stay at the top of the game, especially when facing younger opponents who bring a different kind of intensity. “Jannik and Carlos are convincingly above the rest of the field,” Ivanišević said, acknowledging their brilliance, but he also made it clear that Djokovic remains a key part of the elite conversation.
### Djokovic’s Enduring Legacy and Potential for Future Success
Even as Djokovic faces the natural decline in athleticism that comes with age, there’s no doubt that his legacy in tennis is firmly cemented. His 24 Grand Slam titles place him alongside **Roger Federer** and **Rafael Nadal** as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport, and his dominance over the past decade has set a new benchmark for excellence.
Yet, Djokovic’s career is not just about the numbers. His mental toughness, his relentless work ethic, and his ability to perform on the biggest stages are qualities that have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. Whether or not he can continue to win Grand Slams in the face of younger challengers like Sinner and Alcaraz will depend on several factors, but his intrinsic drive to compete remains a key asset.
Ivanišević emphasized that motivation plays a pivotal role in determining Djokovic’s future success. “If he goes out on the court like that, then he can still win a Slam,” the coach explained. It’s clear that the Serbian champion is still driven to succeed, and whether or not he can add another major trophy to his collection will depend on how he manages his body, maintains his focus, and navigates the ever-increasing challenge from the new generation.
### The Role of Motivation and Djokovic’s Future
As Novak Djokovic continues to chase more titles, one thing is clear: his motivation will be crucial. With the pressure of competition from players like Sinner and Alcaraz, the drive to keep competing at the highest level will be a key determinant of whether Djokovic can continue to dominate in the way he has done for much of the past two decades.
For Ivanišević, it’s clear that Djokovic has the tools to remain a challenger at the top. However, with the rise of Sinner and Alcaraz, he will need to be at his very best—and stay motivated—to secure another Grand Slam win. “It’s all about motivation and the desire to compete,” Ivanišević concluded. “You can never write him off.”
### Conclusion: Djokovic’s Final Chapter Yet to Be Written
Despite the rising talent of Sinner and Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic’s place in tennis’ elite echelon remains secure. As **Goran Ivanišević** has made clear, the Serbian legend is still capable of competing for and winning major titles when motivated. With his immense skill and the unrelenting drive that has propelled him throughout his career, Djokovic’s final chapter in tennis has not yet been written—and it may still include more Grand Slam glory. As always, in tennis, no one is ever truly out of contention until the last point is played, and as Ivanišević believes, Djokovic is never a player to count out.