‘Rafael Nadal has no chance against Novak Djokovic in these conditions,’ says Serb’s coach
Goran Ivanisevic says Rafael Nadal would have ‘no chance’ against Novak Djokovic in the current conditions at Roland Garros.
Ivanisevic, who coaches Djokovic, believes the Serb has ‘got into Nadal’s head’ and is the big favourite to win the tournament.
Both players first have to get through semi-finals, but if they meet in the final, Ivanisevic has gone big on his predictions.
“I’m counting on Novak – Nadal in the final, in which, in my opinion, Nadal has no chance in these conditions, on this clay and with Novak, who has got into his head,” Ivanisevic told HRT.
“I went a little too far, but in my opinion Novak is the number one favourite. He brought his body, his head and preparation to perfection.
“He prepares everything in detail, from tactics, technique, to nutrition, and he adheres to it.
“That’s the most important thing because I couldn’t stick to half of it.
“But he knows it makes him better, he wants to progress every day and it’s very interesting to work with him because he wants something better every day, at least 0.00001 percent, but something has to be happening.
“I have never seen such a mentality in my life.”
Rafael Nadal faces Diego Schwartzman in his semi-final with Djokovic drawn against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
- Join the tennishead CLUB and receive £250/$350 of FREE GEAR including ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 trainers, shorts, shirt & socks
- Keep up to date with the breaking news & tennis action at our tennis news section
- Win amazing prizes by entering our competitions
- Learn more about your favourite players including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic
- Check out the latest tennis equipment with our tennis gear reviews
- Receive regular updates in our legendary free newsletter
- Read in depth features with stunning photography in tennishead magazine
- Can’t visit the tournaments you love? Check out our guide on how to watch tennis on TV
- Don’t miss a thing with our Live Scores service
- Follow tennishead on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
- EXCLUSIVE 5% DISCOUNT for all tennishead readers on tennis rackets, balls, clothing, shoes & accessories with All Things Tennis, our dedicated tennis gear partner