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

Novak Djokovic's coach, Goran Ivanisevic, wants Rafael Nadal to be in the best shape 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, having to undergo surgery in June and missing 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 more 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. "Things are 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 another 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 24 Grand Slams. The chance to close the gap or equal Nadal's Grand Slam record is still there, if he is in good shape next year.

Coach Ivanisevic has been in the media spotlight in recent days after Nacional revealed his earnings as coach of Nole. Specifically, the Croatian coach receives between $300,000 and $500,000 a year, plus a 10% bonus if Djokovic wins a Grand Slam. Thus, in 2024, the 2001 Wimbledon champion's earnings could reach $1 million. Nacional's information has yet to be verified, as neither Nole nor his coach have made the matter 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, which starts early next week.

Vy Anh

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