‘He’s getting crazier and crazier’: Novak Djokovic’s coach hails Aussie Open champ’s relentless approach

Novak Djokovic’s coach says there is one “unbelievable” reason the Australian Open champion has years left at the top.

Novak Djokovic is in a league of his own. Picture: AFP

Novak Djokovic is becoming increasingly relentless with his preparation and could be the dominant force on the men’s tour for three more years, his coach says.

Former Wimbeldon champion Goran Ivanisevic says the 36-year-old is becoming “crazier and crazier” as he remains a level above his opponents, with the grand slam men’s singles titles record well within his reach.

“(Djokovic has) definitely two, three more years,” Ivanisevic said after the star’s straight sets final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“The way he’s taking care of his body, the way he approaches everything … the food, it’s amazing. It’s unbelievable, the level.”

Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic said he was shocked by the Australian Open champion’s unbreakable will during the tournament. Picture: AFP

Ivanisevic, who is entering his fifth year as Djokovic’s coach, said he ranked Sunday’s victory as the Serbian star’s greatest ever.

“Definitely the best one, not only because all what happened last year and he came back, but last three weeks, they were extremely hard,” he said.

“I thought I saw everything in 2021 when he won here with the abdominal tear. This one was unbelievable.”

Ivanisevic said he could not wait for the French Open in May when Djokovic will square off against Rafael Nadal, with the legendary duo locked at 22 majors apiece.

Djokovic celebrates with Ivanisevic (right) and friends and family after his 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 victory over third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. Picture: Getty Images

Young stars including world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz were clearly coming for the ageing pair, but Djokovic’s ascendancy on hardcourt and Nadal’s mastery of clay meant it was inevitable one of them would reach a new record of 23 slam victories, he said.

“Yes, they are coming, Alcaraz, unbelievable. Still, if Rafa steps on the court on the French Open, for me he’s always the favourite to win the tournament,” Ivanisevic said.

“Battle of Spain against Serbia, it’s like a handball match, 22-22 for the moment. Now it’s going to be interesting this year.”

Ivanisevic said the champion “gave everything” during the tournament when most players would have been forced out by the same hamstring injury Djokovic suffered.

Djokovic at full stretch in Sunday night’s final despite complaints of a significant hamstring injury that hampered him throughout the Open. Picture: AFP

“Let me put it like this. I don’t say 100 per cent, but 97 per cent of the players, on Saturday when you get results of the MRI, you go straight to the referee’s office and pull out of the tournament but not him,” he said.

“He is from other space. His brain is working different. I’m with him four years, but it still sometimes how his brain work.

“He gave everything, 77 therapies a day. Every day was kind of better and better. I didn’t expect this.

“The first two rounds OK, but then against Dimitrov was very scared. But he got through and in the end he won the tournament.”

Originally published as ‘He’s getting crazier and crazier’: Novak Djokovic’s coach hails Aussie Open champ’s relentless approach