Coach Ivanisevic: 'Nadal will be dangerous when he returns'

Novak Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic wants Rafael Nadal to be in top form when he returns to compete with his student.

"I believe Nadal will be fine, he will not return if he does not feel ready," coach Ivanisevic told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti . "I believe he will be very dangerous, especially at Roland Garros. Next year the Olympics are in Paris and he can aim for a double championship there."

Nadal holds the record for most Roland Garros titles with 14. Photo: AP

Nadal has not played since suffering a hip injury in the second round of the Australian Open in early 2023. The 37-year-old then struggled with treatment, had to undergo surgery in June and missed the entire season. He had announced his plans to retire in 2024, after a series of persistent injuries. Recently, according to Nadal and his uncle, the Spaniard is training with increased intensity to prepare for the 2024 Australian Open - a Grand Slam early next year.

"Nadal's return is the best news for tennis right now," Djokovic's coach added. "Everything is going well, but we still have to wait for Nadal to confirm it. Only then will we be sure about his return. Hopefully in at least one more year, Nadal will create great competition with Djokovic."

Nadal was still the Grand Slam record holder at the start of the year with 22 titles. But in the year Nadal was injured, Djokovic won the Australian Open, Roland Garros and the US Open to take the record for the most Grand Slams with 24. There is still a chance to close the gap or even equal Nadal's Grand Slam record, if he is in good shape next year.

Coach Ivanisevic has been the subject of media attention in recent days, after Nacional revealed his income when leading Nole. Specifically, the Croatian strategist receives from more than 300,000 USD to 500,000 USD per year, along with a 10% commission on bonuses if Djokovic wins a Grand Slam. Thus, in 2024, the income of the 2001 Wimbledon champion could reach one million USD. Nacional's information has not been verified so far, because neither Nole nor his coach have made this issue public.

Coach Goran Ivanisevic (left) helped Djokovic significantly improve his serve and other shots. Photo: AP

Djokovic is four weeks away from his 400th week as world number one. After more than a month and a half off the court, he will return to action at the ATP 1000 Paris Masters starting early next week.

Vy Anh

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