Goran Ivanisevic has predicted which he thinks is currently leading the race for the 2024 US Open.
With the Olympic Games now in the rearview mirror, attention now turns to the North American summer hard court swing.
Tournaments in Atlanta and Washington D.C have already been played and this week the Masters 1000 circuit resumes in the Canadian city of Montreal.
This is all building up to the US Open, when all eyes will be on Flushing Meadows in New York for the final Grand Slam of the year.
Who does Goran Ivanisevic think is the favourite to win the US Open?
Ivanisevic has kept a close eye on tennis despite no longer being Novak Djokovic’s coach. He watched Djokovic win the Olympic gold medal for the first time by defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
The 24-time Grand Slam champion produced a vintage performance to earn his fourth win over the Spaniard and become just the fifth player to win all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.
Therefore, Ivanisevic has seen enough to predict that Djokovic is the favourite to lift the US Open title for a record-equalling fifth time.
“I am so glad that he finally won this gold,” he told Tennis Majors. “I wish him 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he will never retire, this guy.
“I think he can find the motivation, the gold will lift him. If he plays like this, he is the man to beat at the US Open.
“At Wimbledon, it was a miracle that he even played, let alone reached the finals, but we never know if something similar to this year’s Australian Open can happen.
“Against (Jannik) Sinner there, he didn’t show up – we don’t have a crystal ball, but if he is motivated like here, he will be the favourite in New York.”
How long did Goran Ivanisevic coach Novak Djokovic for?
Djokovic and Ivanisevic’s working relationship began in 2019 and they had a successful five-year partnership.
The World number two claimed an astonishing nine Grand Slams with the Croatian in his corner, including three Wimbledon titles.
During this time he broke the record for the male player for the most number of majors and equalled the overall record set by Margaret Court with 24 after winning the 2023 US Open. But following a poor start to the 2024 season, Ivanisevic’s run as Djokovic’s coach came to an end in March.
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” Djokovic said at the time. “Our on court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid.
“In fact, I’m proud to say (not sure he is) that apart from winning tournaments together we also had a side battle in Parchisi going on… for many years. And that tournament never stops for us. Sefinjo, thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
