Serena Williams’ ex-coach explains why he backs Novak Djokovic to win another Grand Slam in 2026

Rick Macci, the renowned coach who guided Serena and Venus Williams in their formative years, was recently asked whether Djokovic can win a Grand Slam in 2026. Posting on X, Macci made his stance clear:

“Asked if the Joker can win a slam in 2026. YES.

1. If Sinner/Alcaraz get upset or get injured.
2. If he does not have 5-set street fights and has time to recover.”

Macci added that Djokovic’s experience remains a powerful asset:

“Can the Serbian Sniper, the Rubber Band man, win another Slam? YES because he has been there, done that!”

His optimism stands in contrast to other pundits who believe Djokovic may soon step away from the sport — despite the Serb stating his intention to keep playing until at least the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Djokovic expected to maintain reduced schedule in 2026

Even without adding Slam No. 25, Djokovic delivered an impressive 2025 season: two ATP titles and semi-final runs at all four majors. But for a player widely regarded as the greatest ever, failing to convert any of those semi-finals into trophies will sting.

A major reason he was able to contend deep into the majors was his deliberately reduced schedule. Djokovic skipped many of the tour’s biggest events — including the Paris Masters, Italian Open, Shanghai, Canada and Cincinnati — to preserve his body and ensure peak performance at the Slams.

He is set to follow a similar blueprint in 2026. Having already chosen not to compete in any warm-up tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, Djokovic appears committed to a strategic, selective calendar aimed at making one more historic push.

Whether that strategy is enough to overcome the rising dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner remains uncertain. But as Rick Macci emphasises, Djokovic has defied expectations before — and few would dare declare his pursuit of a 25th major officially over.