Roger Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic has expressed that he is looking forward to seeing Rafael Nadal back in 2024 so he can give Novak Djokovic “some heat.”
The former world No 3 described Djokovic as “incredible” and believes it is “remarkable” that the Serbian legend looks like the same player now as he was 10 years ago.
Ljubicic coached Djokovic’s great rival Federer from 2016 until his retirement in 2022, during which time the Swiss icon won his 18th, 19th and 20th Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam events, the ATP Finals, two Masters 1000 tournaments and the Adelaide ATP 250 in an amazing 2023 season.
The 36-year-old’s triumph at the 2023 US Open in September saw him secure a record-extending 24th men’s Grand Slam title, having surpassed Nadal’s tally of 22 with his French Open victory.
Nadal’s most recent Grand Slam title – and tournament victory at any level – came when he secured a 14th crown at the 2022 French Open.
The 37-year-old great has not played since sustaining a hip injury in his second round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open in January.
The Spaniard is set to make his comeback at the Brisbane International – an ATP 250 event which will run from December 31 until January 7 – ahead of the 2024 Australian Open.
Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to claim a 10th Australian Open title in 2023, while Nadal overcame Daniil Medvedev in a five-set final in the 2022 edition of the Melbourne Grand Slam.
Ljubicic highlighted Djokovic’s statistical dominance and his status as the player to beat when asked about the tennis GOAT debate, while revealing he hopes Nadal can challenge the Serbian in 2024.
“I think the most successful one is definitely Novak, at least on the male side. He keeps winning, he is not stopping and I am really curious and I will love to see Rafa back in 2024 to give him some heat,” the Croatian said on an episode of the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast.
“So we keep talking about it. Novak is incredible. I mean, when you look at the way he is playing now and you look at 10 years ago, you will see the same person, which is remarkable, knowing how old he is.”
Ljubicic won 10 ATP titles during a stellar 14-year professional career that spanned from 1998 to 2012.
