Ivanišević Backs Djokovic for 25th Slam Despite Doubts

Former coach believes Serbian legend can overcome physical challenges to win another major title.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:36am

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Despite being nearly 40 years old, former coach Goran Ivanišević remains confident that Novak Djokovic can win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Ivanišević, who worked with Djokovic from 2019 to 2024, says the Serbian's mental resilience and focus make him capable of overcoming any physical limitations. Other coaches like Patrick Mouratoglou have questioned whether Djokovic is still motivated enough, but Ivanišević dismisses those doubts, stating that with his mindset, 'there's nothing he can't do'.

Why it matters

Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won 24 Grand Slam titles. His pursuit of a 25th major has become one of the biggest storylines in men's tennis, with younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner emerging as potential threats to his record. Ivanišević's confidence in Djokovic's ability to overcome the physical challenges of his age and win another major adds an interesting perspective to this ongoing debate.

The details

Djokovic, who is currently 38 years old, has played in a total of 38 major finals, winning 24 times. Since reaching his first major final in 2007, he has reached at least one major final every year except for 2009, 2017, and 2025. Ivanišević, who coached Djokovic to 9 major titles from 2019 to 2024, says the Serbian's mental resilience and focus make him capable of overcoming any physical limitations. Other coaches like Patrick Mouratoglou have questioned whether Djokovic is still motivated enough to win another major, but Ivanišević dismisses those doubts.

  • Djokovic last won a major title at the 2023 US Open.
  • Djokovic reached the final of the 2024 Wimbledon, losing to Carlos Alcaraz.
  • Djokovic reached the semifinals of all four majors in 2025, but was unable to win his 25th title.

The players

Novak Djokovic

A 38-year-old Serbian tennis player who is one of the greatest of all time, having won 24 Grand Slam titles.

Goran Ivanišević

A former Croatian tennis player who coached Djokovic from 2019 to 2024, helping him win 9 major titles.

Carlos Alcaraz

A 22-year-old Spanish tennis player who has already won 7 major titles and is seen as a potential threat to Djokovic's record.

Jannik Sinner

A young Italian tennis player with a similar playstyle to Djokovic, who has also been mentioned as a potential record-breaker.

Patrick Mouratoglou

A respected tennis coach who has questioned whether Djokovic is still motivated enough to win another major title.

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What they’re saying

“If I hadn't worked with Novak Djokovic, I would've said a 25th Grand Slam isn't possible. Since I've known him, the words 'I can't' and 'impossible' don't exist with him.”

— Goran Ivanišević, Former Coach

“If he's mentally ready and focused, there's nothing he can't do.”

— Goran Ivanišević, Former Coach

“The real reason Djokovic hasn't won his 25th major yet is that he isn't motivated enough for another major, like he was for the 2024 Olympics, or he would have won it already.”

— Patrick Mouratoglou, Respected Coach

What’s next

Djokovic is currently out of action, recovering from a right shoulder injury that kept him out of the Miami Open and the Monte-Carlo Masters. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the tour to see if he can finally capture his 25th major title.

The takeaway

Despite his age and physical challenges, Djokovic's mental resilience and focus make him capable of overcoming the younger stars and winning a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. However, his motivation and ability to stay healthy will be key factors in determining whether he can achieve this historic feat.