Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic has commented on Rafael Nadal’s highly anticipated return to tennis in 2024, as well as the Spaniard’s form at Roland Garros next year.
Fans have gone crazy since Nadal announced he was hoping to make a comeback at the 2024 Australian Open. His hip injury kept him from playing in 2023 and he last played in January at the Australian Open, losing in the second round.
In a recent interview with MovistarPlus+The Spaniard has denied claims by Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley that he personally confirmed his return to next year’s Melbourne Slam.
Although the 37-year-old said he aims to make a comeback at the first Grand Slam of the year, it all depends on the impending circumstances.
“I didn’t think they would say that. I was the first to be surprised because I don’t even know myself (when I will return). I understand and appreciate the hope of the Open of Australia to have me there, my hope too is to be there, but until that becomes a reality there is still a long way to go,” he said. (Quotes are translated from Spanish)
Following this, Novak Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevichas spoken out on the subject, stating that Rafael Nadal will be dangerous at Roland Garros next year if he participates.
“I am convinced that Nadal will be good, he would not come back if he did not feel ready, and I am convinced that at Roland Garros he will be dangerous,” he told Croatian media. (Quotes are translated from Croatian)
Ivanisevic, who coached Djokovic to eight Grand Slam titles, added that the 22-time Major champion could aim for the double crown in Paris at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“It will actually be the most dangerous because nowhere else has anyone been as dominant as Nadal at Roland Garros, and it is possible that in the year of the Olympics he will aim for the double crown in Paris,” Ivanisevic said.
A look at Rafael Nadal’s historic 14th victory at Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal won his historic 14th French Open title at the 2022 edition of Roland-Garros. It was also his record 22nd Grand Slam trophy.
En route to the title, the Spaniard defeated Jordan Thompson, Corentin Moutet, Botic van de Zandschulp and Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first four rounds.
He then booked a clash with his arch-rival and reigning champion, Novak Djokovic, in the quarterfinals and beat the Serb after a four-set thriller, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 ( 4).
This was followed by a semi-final victory over Alexander Zverev, in which the German was forced to retire due to an ankle injury, with a score of 7-6 (10-8 ), 6-6, in favor of the Spaniard.
Nadal then met Casper Ruud in the summit clash and defeated the Norwegian easily in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to win his record 14th Roland Garros title and 22nd Grand Slam title.
That being said, the Southpaw is without a doubt the most successful player in clay court Slam history. He is followed by the American legend Chris Evert who has seven Roland-Garros titles to his credit.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
