‘It’s Difficult Mentally’ – Goran Ivanisevic Reveals why Novak Djokovic Lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at Monte Carlo Masters 2022

Former Croatian tennis player Goran Ivanisevic has been an influential coach throughout his coaching career. Under his coaching, another Croatian, Marin Cilic, won his first-ever Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2014. Since 2019, he has been working with the current world no.1, Novak Djokovic. It’s safe to say they have formed a pretty great partnership with plenty of titles. Recently, Ivanisevic opened up about Djokovic’s struggling form at the Monte Carlo Masters. 

Goran Ivanisevic talked about Novak Djokovic and his struggles 

At Monte Carlo Masters, the World no.1 fell to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round. After the match, Djokovic talked about collapsing physically during the match, particularly in the third set. Now, his coach, Ivanisevic, opened up on the Serb’s physical condition and mental health in a recent interview with Ubitennis.

“He wasn’t feeling well before he came here. He was sick. Let’s say he’s not fit one hundred percent to compete. First of all in this situation. Three weeks ago he was not allowed to play here because of the Covid decision. Then France opened and he was allowed. And it’s difficult mentally,” the Croatian coach revealed. 

Read More: ‘I’m Going to Look With My Team’- Novak Djokovic Says He Is Struggling Physically After the Monte Carlo 2022 Loss

“You can play to the semifinals. But you can’t prepare the way you would need to. And then he got sick. And, to be honest, I didn’t expect something spectacular from this tournament. But he’ll be going to the French Open in five/six weeks, he’s got a couple more tournaments and he will be ready,” Ivanisevic further said about Djokovic. 

Meanwhile, Djokovic parted ways with his long-term coach Marian Vajda earlier in March this year. Currently, he continuing with the Croatian tennis coach. 

Can Djokovic defend his title at the French Open?

Last year, Djokovic made a miraculous recovery against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final at the French Open. After going down in two sets, he won three back-to-back sets to win his 19th Grand Slam title. Earlier, in the semi-final, he also beat the King of Clay Rafael Nadal in another spectacular match. 

However, this time the situation is not in his favor, as he lacks match practice. He played only his fourth match in 2022 at Monte Carlo. According to Ivanisevic, Novak will play two more tournaments before the French Open.

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How far Novak will go at the French Open? Let us know in the comments.