Tennis is a demanding game, both physically and mentally; a player has to endure many emotional challenges. And in an individual sport, the role of a coach is much more than just a tutor throughout the player’s career. Talking about the critical phases in the career, one tennis player who went through a lot over the last few months is the current world number 1, Novak Djokovic.

One person who stood by Djokovic’s side when he was going through all this was his coach, Goran Ivanisevic. In a recent interview, he spoke in detail about his relationship with Djokovic and gave a first-person account of the challenges they faced as a unit.

Goran Ivanisevic on Handling Novak Djokovic’s Anger

The Croatian has been accompanying Djokovic for three years now. Over the years, the two have gelled-up really well and have seen outstanding success. However, at times the coach also has to be careful about their pupil’s behavior on the court.

Speaking about the same Ivanisevic told how he tries to calm Djokovic down in such stressful situations. Although it is tough because there’s a lot of noise in the game.

 “First of all, many times I can’t hear him because the stadiums are big and the crowd is loud. And then, the big question is how to respond. You cannot say a million things, because it is too much information and it is not allowed by the rules. The umpire is watching. I try to say one or two things to calm him down.” He said.

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However, since much can’t be spoken there, they have an agreement to discuss a few things once the match ends. “We have an agreement that he always comes back to one or two things. He stabilizes himself pretty quickly.” He added.

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However, being a former tennis player, he understands what a player goes through, and at times, the player must vent out his emotions. “I know what it is like down there, I was a player myself. Emotions are sometimes overwhelming and you just need to let it all out.” He concluded.

Novak Djokovic in Roland Garros 2022

Djokovic has shown a tremendous form in the ongoing French Open. The world number 1 marched into the fourth round with three consecutive straight-set victories. In the third round, he defeated Aljaz Bedene 6-3,6-3,6-2.

Next, he will compete against Diego Schwartzman in the fourth round. However, with the form Djokovic has shown, there’s a high possibility of him facing the king of clay Rafael Nadal in the Quarterfinals.

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Notably, the 35-years-old defeated Nadal in last year’s French Open Semifinal on road to lifting the title. It will be interesting to see the two heavyweights clash again.