Novak Djokovic’s former coach Goran Ivanisevic believes that it is ‘stupid’ to panic about the Serbian star. The world No 1 is playing a reduced schedule this year and has already skipped several tournaments Djokovic has an 11-4 record for the season so far and is yet to reach the final of any event. As a result, questions have been raised about whether the 36-year-old is starting to wind down after a phenomenal spell at the top.

Djokovic was set to compete at the Masters 1000 events in Miami and Madrid but pulled out of both, sparking further concerns among supporters. However, Ivanisevic has rubbished the speculation and believes that he will be back to his best in no time in an ominous warning to Djokovic’s rivals.

Speaking to Sportal, Ivanisevic said: “It’s stupid to even talk about panic. He also won the first cup in Rome in 2022. What a panic, he is the best in the world, he is not 50th on the ATP list.

Everything depends only on him and on which Novak appears on the field. If the right, focused one appears, then on any surface to play, everyone can pack up and go home. And if the other one appears, then it’s a different story. We know what his goals are, and I think he will be ready for the Olympics.

Djokovic and Ivanisevic parted ways earlier this year, with their announcement sending a shockwave through the sport after five very successful years together. The tennis star remains without a coach still, though numerous available options have been tipped to join forces with one of the all-time greats.

Djokovic has made it no secret that he is keen to secure a historic victory at the Olympics this year, and Ivanisevic is confident that the 24-time Grand Slam winner will lay down a strong challenge in the competition this summer. He continued: “When he plays for Serbia, he is 100 percent motivated, and I know that he will be 800 percent ready and motivated.

“If there’s a man who knows how to handle pressure, it’s Novak. I don’t think there is any pressure, it’s just a big desire. It is important that he is ready in his head. However, there is no space for warming up in Paris, he has to be maximally motivated and ready immediately.