'The worst set that I saw him play,' Former coach Goran Ivanisevic revisits Novak Djokovic’s loss against Luca Nardi dishing out brutal criticism

Goran Ivanisevic, who coached Djokovic for over five years and helped him win as many as 12 Grand Slam titles, has hit hard at the Serbian claiming that the first set Djokovic played against Nardi was the worst set he saw him play.

Ivanisevic, who was relieved of his coaching duties a few days back, analyzed Djokovic’s early exit at the Indian Wells Open. The Croatian claimed that while Nardi was outstanding, Djokovic did not play to his potential, resulting in a heartbreaking loss for the Serbian ace.

To come back to this American swing, I think if (Aleksandar) Vukic believed more he probably could have beaten him as well. That first set against (Luca) Nardi was maybe the worst set that I saw him play in these five years that I’ve been his coach...Novak simply wasn’t ready for that battle, even though he really tried it just didn’t go his way. Goran Ivanisevic said to Tennis Majors.

Goran Ivanisevic claims Novak Djokovic can beat players on one leg

Goran Ivanisevic also revisited Novak Djokovic‘s struggles at the 2024 Australian Open. The Croatian admitted that it could have easily been a 3-0 defeat for the Serbian in the semifinal considering how he played on the way to the important match but he avoided a thrashing by winning the third set.

Ivanisevic then talked about Djokovic’s entire campaign at the year’s first Grand Slam and how the Serbian was not at his best. He then talked about Djokovic’s capability to beat his opponents on one leg when he is on song.

Throughout that whole period in Australia he was a bit hot and cold, first couple of rounds struggling, then against Mannarino and Etchverry better, against Fritz one or two good sets, then one or two bad sets… I mean his level is so high that he could beat those players with one leg. Goran Ivanisevic said.

Notably, Djokovic struggled to register wins right from the start of the tournament in Australia. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had to play back-to-back four setters in the first two rounds. While Djokovic managed to beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Adrian Mannarino in three sets, he was pushed to the limits by Taylor Fritz, whom the Serbian dominated 8-0 in head-to-head record prior to this match.

Djokovic’s struggles were further exposed in the semifinal against Jannik Sinner when the World No. 1 player was able to win only three games in the first two sets. Although Djokovic won the third set, he was taken to the cleaners in the fourth set losing it 3-6.