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Goran Ivanisevic has noticed what Carlos Alcaraz does while playing tennis which is so different to Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic

Split image of Jannik Sinner of Italy and Novak Djokovic of Serbia meet at the net prior to the Men's Singles Finals on day eight of the Nitto ATP ...
Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images/DAVID GRAY / AFP
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Goran Ivanisevic still keeps an eye on the top players on the ATP Tour, despite no longer coaching Novak Djokovic.

Ivanisevic and Djokovic parted ways last year, after winning 10 Grand Slam titles in the near six years that they worked together.

Despite no longer being by his side, Ivanisevic has still shown support to Djokovic, even when he started to coach former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

Due to unforeseen circumstances this partnership did not last long, as Ivanisevic split from Rybakina after just two tournaments together.

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Goran Ivanisevic notices difference in Carlos Alcaraz to Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic

With Ivanisevic now away from the coaching game for the time being, he has found the time to speak on a podcast with football manager and compatriot Slaven Bilic.

During this conversation, Bilic asked Ivanisevic about how different players have different approaches to matches, citing Roger Federer as a very positive player.

Ivanisevic was known to be volatile at times during his on-court career, and revealed that he used to try and find someone in the crowd to help him.

When continuing his response to Bilic, Ivanisevic compared world number one Jannik Sinner to Novak Djokovic due to their ruthlessness.

However, he suggested that Carlos Alcaraz can be a bit more up and down, but admitted that he prefers to watch the Spaniard.

“It’s not easy but you just get used to it,” said Ivanisevic. “Everyone has a ritual. I had a ritual of looking at the crowd and finding someone. It calmed me. Some watch people, some sing something.

“Everyone has their own way, everyone calms down differently. It all changes really, fast. Really, really fast. Especially when playing the best. You can’t allow yourself even a little [break]. They eat you up like a shark. Once they smell blood you’re done.

“For example Novak. Sinner is like that. Alcaraz isn’t. Alcaraz plays one set and you may not win a single point. But then he gives you the next. I prefer watching him.

“Sinner is more like Novak. When Sinner grabs you, you might as well leave. You have no chance and he doesn’t let go. He is always the same, just grinds you down.”

Alcaraz proved this against Francisco Cerundolo in his latest match, dropping the first set before going onto drop only one more game.

How many matches has Carlos Alcaraz won in straight sets in 2025?

Alcaraz has had mixed results so far in 2025, but has been able to return to winning ways in his first ever victory at the Monte Carlo Masters.

However, the 21-year-old did not have it all his own way, with Alcaraz making mistakes against Cerundolo in the first set.

This supports what Ivanisevic claimed about Alcaraz, who has only won 50% of his matches this year in straight sets.

While Sinner, who is currently banned and has only played seven matches this year, has won 71% of his matches in straight sets.

Ivanisevic claimed that Djokovic is more similar to Sinner, but he has actually matched Alcaraz this season with only 50% of his matches resulting in a straight sets win for himself.

ATP TourJannik SinnerCarlos AlcarazNovak Djokovic
Matches Played72018
Matches Won7 (100%)16 (80%)12 (67%)
Matches Won in Straight Sets5 (71%)10 (50%)9 (50%)

All three players will reunite at the next month, when Sinner returns at the Italian Open following his three month ban.

Despite not being able to compete since January, Sinner is predicted to win the Italian Open and return straight back to form.