Before Djokovic goes to Wimbledon (June 27 to July 10), he will probably not play another tournament. In view of the associated break in competition of around four weeks, this is a daring strategy, but Team Djokovic has high hopes for it.
The main reason is mental regeneration. “We’ll see, but at the moment it’s important that he recovers mentally,” explained Ivanisevic. “Novak is a genius with a different attitude than most of us.”
While the 20-time Grand Slam champion typically takes less time than his competition to recover to form, he too needs to slow down.
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“He’s had to recover from difficult defeats in the past and I’m sure he’ll be ready for Wimbledon,” emphasized the 50-year-old.
Djokovic wants to keep up with record Nadal
A break before the tournament should therefore suit the number one in the world. Even if there will be no world ranking points for the venerable grass field tournament in Great Britain, Djokovic has almost no alternative to participating. In order not to lose touch with record holder Nadal in terms of Grand Slam victories, the Serb has to start in London. Like Roger Federer, Djokovic has 20 Grand Slam titles, Nadal made number 22 perfect in the French Open final on Sunday).
“He’s the biggest favorite at Wimbledon, just like Rafa was in Paris,” Ivanisevic continued. “Novak now needs to prepare physically and mentally for Wimbledon. I’m sure he’ll win, I have a good feeling about that.”
So far, Djokovic has secured the coveted lawn trophy six times. In fact, his previous successes were always preceded by painful French Open defeats. Whether the final defeats in 2014 and 2015 against Nadal and Stan Wawrinka or the semi-final defeats against Dominic Thiem (2019) or Roger Federer (2011).
A circumstance that Ivanisevic does not have too much of an impact on Djokovic. The Serb has no choice but to recover from such setbacks: “He has no other choice, you have to be honest.”
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