Novak Djokovic continued his perfect record at the Australian Open by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets in the third round.
Djokovic is yet to drop a set at the Australian Open, but the 10-time winner of the event was given his toughest test yet against the hard-hitting Dutchman.
The Serbian looked frustrated for the final two sets, and Djokovic even narrowly avoided Australian Open disqualification after a burst of anger.
During his on-court interview, Djokovic cut a more laid-back figure as he chatted to Jim Courier about the match.
Djokovic even took the time to heap praise on rising WTA star Iva Jovic, who he believes will be world number one.
Novak Djokovic says Iva Jovic is a ‘future number one’
Iva Jovic is enjoying a breakout Australian Open and Djokovic has taken a vested interest in the American, partly due to her Serbian heritage.
Jovic is still in the Melbourne event, having defeated Katie Volynets, Priscilla Hone, and Jasmine Paolini without dropping a set.
The teenager is widely considered one of the most exciting prospects in the sport and Djokovic has tipped her for greatness.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
Speaking on-court at the Australian Open, Djokovic said:”I got to know Iva last year for the first time. She is so young and she is already making great strides in the rankings and some great results.
“We ran into each other and the press area and I got to share some of my observations in her game. I guess that stays between us. I saw she did give away in her press conference what I told her, that’s fine.
“It’s up to her if she wants to share. I really like her, she is a great girl and a really nice family. I feel more emotionally connected to her because of her Serbian background. She has all the tools to be the future champion and future number one so that’s exactly what I wish for her.”
Jovic plays Yulia Putintseva in the fourth round, a player who is currently ranked 48 places below her in the WTA Tour live rankings.
Novak Djokovic is not alone in tipping Iva Jovic for the very top
Plenty of former professionals and experts have put their neck on the line when it comes to the talented teenager.
After she won her first WTA title at the Guadalajara Open in 2025, Serena Williams’ former coach called her the ‘real deal’.
Likewise, Nick Kyrgios also took to social media after the win to say the ‘sky is the limit’ for Jovic in the sport.
What is your bold prediction for the 2026 tennis season?
After their match at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova was stunned by Jovic’s level.
Speaking on-court after digging out a 6-4 3-6 6-2 victory, the Czech star said: “I wish I played like her when I was 17. I feel like she’s [going to have] a great future ahead of her.”
Djokovic is the next in a long line of tennis legends to predict very big things for the rising star from California.
