Novak Djokovic’s Coach Goran Ivanisevic feels Rafael Nadal comeback is “the best news in tennis” and added that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be a real threat after resuming the charge from where he left.
Longtime Djokovic coach admitted no one on the tour would want to see Nadal in the first round of tournaments while suggesting the 2024 season will be both competitive and interesting.
The Spaniard has not played since suffering a hip injury in the R2 loss against American Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open back in January. He underwent hip surgery on the issue in June and has been recovering since then.
Nadal was forced to postpone his originally planned return during the clay-court season and had to withdraw from his beloved Roland Garros for the first time since 2004. While announcing his absence from the French Open, the 37-year-old also revealed that 2024 would be his farewell tour.
Nadal won his most recent Grand Slam title at the 2022 French Open where he dismantled Casper Ruud in the straight sets to seal a record-extending 14th Roland Garros title. Last week, the former World No.1 confirmed that he has undergone a significant progress in his training and a return is very much on the cards now.
“Until now, I didn’t know if I would ever play tennis again and now I think so. What has changed from a few weeks ago to now is that now I know that I am going to play tennis again,” revealed the former World No.1.
“I didn’t know it before, but now, honestly, I know it because the evolution is positive. Big steps have been taken lately. I’m not yet ready to say where. When I know, I will be the first to say it. It’s a good period of my life. It’s a step forward, without a doubt, and it means a lot.”
With Ivanisevic in his box, world No 1 Djokovic overcame local hope Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 to clinch a record seventh ATP Year-end final trophy on Sunday.
Speaking in a press conference after Djokovic’s victorious run in Turin, the Croat Coach discussed the upcoming 2024 season as his charge is ready to compete with the young guns and the returning Mallorcan.
“I mean, he beat them. Like I said before, I think Carlos didn’t play his best tennis. Still you need to beat him. ‘Nole’ lift his game. He came ready. He knew how to play unbelievable matches this year. Carlos already won two Grand Slams and he’s future of tennis,” said the 2001 Wimbledon Champion.
“Jannik really step up this year. He showed the world and himself that he’s ready next year to win Grand Slams, and he’s not afraid of anybody. I think they going to both of them practice hard. The season is over. Not for Jannik, he has Davis Cup. But for Carlos.
“I think next year’s going to be very, very competitive and interesting year. If [it] is true that Rafa is coming [back], this is for me the best news in tennis. I love Rafa. Is going to be interesting, Rafa not seeded.
“He can play first round anybody. You don’t want to see Rafa first round in the hotel (smiling). It’s great for tennis. Rafa will come only if he’s 100% ready. And when Rafa is ready, I think he still has something to say in this left arm.”