By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, January 30, 2023

Melbourne Park is a launching pad and Novak Djokovic will continue this major ascent for at least a couple more years, says his coach Goran Ivanisevic.

The 35-year-old Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to capture his record-extending 10th Australian Open crown and 22nd Grand Slam championship, equaling rival Rafael Nadal's men's major mark.

More: Djokovic Sweeps to 10th AO Title

Djokovic is riding high with a 28-match Melbourne Park winning streak and his coach believes he can sustain peak play for another two to three years.



Ivanisevic says Djokovic's complete game and commitment to fitness, nutrition and recovery will empower him to continue competing for Grand Slam silverware.

"Definitely two, three more years. The way he's taking care of his body, the way he approach about everything, the food, it's amazing," Ivanisevic told the media in Melbourne. "It's unbelievable the level.

"We talking about young guys. They're here, it's great for tennis, great for the future of tennis."

In addition to matching Nadal's major mark, Djokovic collected his 93rd career title surpassing the Spaniard for sole possession of fourth place on the ATP all-time title list behind only Jimmy Connors (109), Roger Federer (103) and Ivan Lendl (94).



Ultimately, the major race between Djokovic and Nadal—with both men taking aim at Margaret Court's all-time Grand Slam record of 24 majors—is the major motivator, says Ivanisevic.

The iconic champions have combined to collect 16 of the last 19 Grand Slam championships and now each major is magnified as the Grand Slam race intensifies.

Djokovic held major serve on his home court. This spring Nadal, if healthy, will play for a 15th Roland Garros championship as he aims to edge ahead with a 23rd Grand Slam title.

"You still have these two guys battling. This was Novak home court, and now we going next one to Rafa home court in this handball match of 22-22," Ivanisevic said. "Yes, they are coming, Alcaraz, unbelievable. Still, if Rafa steps on the court on the French Open, for me he's always the favorite to win the tournament.

"There are a lot of guys who can beat him, also Novak. But Rafa, it's 14 times to win a tournament. You cannot even win a tournament 14 times in a row. It's amazing. They really push each other."

Photo credit: Lintao Zhang/Getty