Coachless Djokovic & Rybakina X Ivanisevic | Mailbag

[@jonbonesmahomes7472]

As a Croatian,i still remember where i was on that 3rd Monday,when Ivanišević won Wimbledon as the lowest ranked player ever. Switched off my television so many times due to nerves. And then went outside to play some football on our playground which was surrounded by the 3 big skyscrappers,and i could listen to literally every point cos the balcony doors were open in every flat and tv’s were so loud . That was crazy. 16 years old back then,and playing tournaments at that time,leftie as well. Those were the times. Congrats Goran,you can do a lot with Rybakina.

[@jasko2356]

Novak doesn't need a trainer. At all. If Ivaniševič takes Rybakina she would make her unbeatable. She has capabilities as no one, but stability in play is her bigest ishue. Goran would fix it and add much more.

[@Zenavesta]

The Masters are too long! Tough to commit to following them. Used to be able to pick a Masters and watch a decent amount of matches; now it’s too much time spread out. And yeah, the player gym/training stuff too

[@carlosdias92]

Djokovic doesn't need to "reinvent" his game to beat Sinner and Alcaraz. He beat Alcaraz at the Olympics and made a good match against Sinner at Six Kings Slam, where both of them were playing for real. Also, Djokovic was clearyl injured at Wimbledon Final, where, yes, he was destroyed by Alcaraz. I think he only needs more focus against Sinner, in some aspects, especially at taking rhythm away from him. Sincerally, I didn't understand the first question from the subscriber, except the part about coach. I do think Djokovic should hire a coach, but doesn't need to reinvent anything

[@zetristan4525]

Well expressed!

[@jonbonesmahomes7472]

He beat Alcaraz at the Olympics just because Alcaraz wasnt on point that day,he didnt deliver . And because the tournament was a best of 3 tournament. I said at the beggining of 2024.Djoković will never win a slam again. Not because i hate him but because there is no way he beats either Sinner or Alcaraz in a best of 5 . Also ,there is no way he can win 7 best of 5 matches in a 2 weeks period. Thats it. He will never win a slam again.

[@anneryan2563]

@@jonbonesmahomes7472 I need to screen shot this comment, He injured himself in RG, Wimbledon he got to the final 3 weeks after surgery with limited movement which is why he couldn't beat Alcaraz. Won Olympics with both of them playing very high level tennis, There was nothing wrong with Carlos,, Both alcaraz and Djokovic went out early in US open because both or them were wrecked after the Olympics, Lets see how it plays out in 2025.. I think he will win one slam,,

[@zetristan4525]

@@jonbonesmahomes7472 Djokovic is still stronger than Sinner if they reach a 5th set. You could see esp an injured Djokovic beating Musetti and Cerundolo in 5, consecutively on clay this year. Astounding level to witness at the end.

[@jonbonesmahomes7472]

@ 😂😂😂 Djokovic loses to sinner in 3 sets every slam nowadays. Dont be silly

[@joannemoore3976]

Excellent mailbag Gill, balanced and thoughtful as ever. Also can I say a big thank you for the Draw, i look forward to that dropping each week and there's always something of interest

[@jackloughridge7617]

Great video as always Gill. Don’t agree that Murray had a better grass career than Nadal though. Nadal made 5 Wimbledon finals in a row (with one skipped through injury) and Murray made 3. I don’t think winning Queens can make up for that difference especially considering that Nadal skipped the lead ins after 2008.

[@TopEveryThing-yi3py]

Murray was better on grass won more on grass big titles

[@stephenhero77]

Rafa certainly had the higher peak. Playing peak Federer to 5 sets in 2007 and beating him a year later is more impressive than any single Murray achievement on the surface. However, consistency has to go to Murray. Overall resume is arguable either way for the case laid out on the pod and for the point you make here about finals appearances.

[@TopEveryThing-yi3py]

No emotions just check facts win percentage and 3 big titles murray leads Murray was better than nadal numbers and titles say both doesn't matter who nadal won against

[@djedd23]

Murray won an Olympic gold medal on the grass of Wimbledon! beat both Djokovic and Federer without dropping a set. You gotta count that.

[@slightlybiasedrafaelnadalfan]

If you’re gonna say better grass career that’s fine just bc you then include queens and London Olympics but as far as what they did at Wimbledon that’d count for the most weighing this that’s where I’d also say the context of higher Nadal peak, undefeated h2h, and better overall top end results would usurp a consistency edge Nadal: 2 titles, 3 finals, 3 sfs, 5 early exits while competitive across 13 Wimbledons between 06-22 Murray: 2 titles, 1 final, 4 sfs, 3 qfs across 10 Wimbledons while competitive between 08-17 Unless you really really value making the qf that much more than those early exits I think it’s the most ticks in Nadal’s column at Wimbledon.

[@TopEveryThing-yi3py]

Bro Wheres 3 podcast Waiting patiently 🙏🏻😭❤

[@mireafelder8194]

The Era of the Big 3 will soon be gone for good now, and so is the 3 podcast.

[@Tuzzz94]

I think as far as new slam winners are concerned: All it takes is for Sinner to get suspended for a couple of months or his body breaking down somehow (which has happened in most of his losses this year), and Alcaraz underperforming like he does sometimes (he did in both the USO and AO), and Djokovic not to be able to perform anymore to the level he used to bring in 2023 and before. If those three things combine, then you only have Medvedev left as a former slam winner as a contender. But he only has a reasonable chance to win it in 2/4 slams anyway

[@creativestudio101]

As much as I don't like Novak's game style, after all, he's like my least favorite player on the ATP, maybe be except for Kyrgios, but Novak can most definitely win a slam, or two, he's the only one really that can give both Alcaraz and Sinner run for their money. So agree, any ups and downs by either of them and Novak is right in there.

[@SebastianLenehan-gw3fn]

Your two least favourites are my two favourites haha. Gotta love that.

[@creativestudio101]

@@SebastianLenehan-gw3fn funny 🤣😂

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

Đoković doesn't need a coach at this point. Ivanišević and Rybakina could work very well.

[@ZlatniPlast]

He will skyrocket Rybakina on hard courts and grass. Rybakina has weak mentallity

[@zetristan4525]

It's a pleasure to have commenters who write the names correctly🌍

[@stephenhero77]

I keep missing the mailbag! *sigh* I actually had a similar question to the one about new GS winners in 2025, but I think there's a difference (my question is not specific to 2025). A couple years ago, I asked who you thought would be the next first time Slam winner. You actually answered Rune over Sinner (which I think was perfectly reasonable in the moment given what seemed to be their trajectories at the time). I think it was clearly between those two players. Now I feel like this question is much harder to answer because of Rune's regression and because no one other than Zverev, at the moment, seems all that close and no one really trusts Zverev to pull it off. Would you go with Draper now over Rune or do you think it's going to be a while and it's more likely to be a prospect like Mensik? Or would you just default to Zverev? I honestly have no idea what the answer is!

[@mireafelder8194]

No one really trusts Zverev to pull it off? Guy is No.2 in the world right now, really played well for the last few months (having pneumonia nonetheless!). Next year he will turn 28 and he is running out of time, as there are only a few tennis players to win their first Slam after turning 28. He will go for it believe me. Draper, Rune, Mensik...Nah. Not next year.

[@joshforde698]

Glad you're optimistic about where Tsitsipas might go next year, Gill. I just can't make myself optimistic that Stefanos will get back to where he used to be and challenge for big titles away from Monte Carlo again, though I did think he looked good at the end of the year relative to the rest of the year on hardcourt.

[@Drubujo]

Hey Gill, I believe (and hope) that you are incorrect about still needing TC + as a separate package from the DTC streaming service. The news release on the TC website says that the new service will include all content previously available through TC+. I'm very excited about this!

[@MaxDangVu]

Just a tiny correction on Ruud: he also made the 2021 ATP Finals semi final (lost in straights to Medvedev).

[@rohitbalakrishnan5004]

Ruud is a finalist at 2022 ATP finals and semi finalist in the same in 2021. Gill keeps repeating this wrongly in so many places. It's not just one semi. It's one semi and one final.

[@FullOnK1]

The conversation about Djokovic here today is interesting. The talk makes it feel like he is in his mid 20s when things like wanting to ask him if he plans to play head coachless for "the rest of his career" That might be 6 months. Maybe a year. It could be over in early February or sooner. He is not going to continue swallowing losses and NOT winning a major or even a big Masters event. Every loss is devastating. Just it was watching Rafa look plain on clay this year. At this point in his career losing in the SF or F of a major event might be tougher to handle than getting punched out earlier. He will be done sooner rather than later. If he fails to win at the AO (I predict he won't) he may call it a day. It would not surprise me at all. He is done winning majors except I think he has one more shot to take one at the AO this year.

[@POK2008]

Now that Murray has retired, Novak should call him up to see if he’s interested in coaching

[@POK2008]

Did I call this or what?!?

[@catherinemao5007]

this is wild LMFAO

[@sadidshaikh_005]

damn can you predict stock market with this accuracy ?

[@POK2008]

@@sadidshaikh_005 If I could, I would not be at work right now lol

[@nunomartins4265]

novak basically changed his whole team in march, nobody really knows why but he seemed to be cutting costs, only travelling with a couple of guys...it doesnt inspire much confidence tbh lets see if he rebuilds it in the offseason and hires a coach, if he does it means he is serious about tennis if not i dont think he plays much longer, might even retire next year

[@TopEveryThing-yi3py]

I think marian vajda can be great again for djokovic

[@wheresbaby7783]

Hi Gail, I think you’re right on with tipsy pass. I remember him saying once in a press conference that he is motivated by Alcarez beating him, but deep down it’s exactly what you said you know he thought he was gonna be the guy we all thought he was gonna be the guy and he is not the guy and that causes last lack of motivation. Lack of confidence. Certainly you know when I see him miss backhand on the court that I can make, you know is frustrating for me. I think that he hast to develop a better slice backhand. Most of these guys that have you know one hand have a much better slice backhand that sits fast and he doesn’t really slice of

[@charlesfaure1189]

'Tough love' is what abusive parents call their maltreatment of their kids. And the stress of an abusive relationship, with the attendant gaslighting ("I'm doing this for you"), can indeed lead to physical breakdowns and illness. We'll see how Elena does without this creep casting his shadow over her.

[@blainehaze]

Hi Gill. I am a new subscriber, sorry if you already answered this question. Why do you not cover often wta tournaments? It's a matter of time or are you less interessed? I very enjoyed the wta matches these year and i would like to hear your opinionis about the players and the matches.

[@HeavyTopspin]

Let's remember that GMP didn't play an ATP main draw in 2024 until Lyon - all his matches were Challengers and Qualifiers. Now he's going to be entering most tournaments with a seed, and should have a relatively easy path to the top 20 by the time RG rolls around, just by playing well - win a 250 or two, play to his seed in the 500s and 1000s, and make it to the second week of AO he'll be in the top 20 by spring.

[@mireafelder8194]

Yeah, let's just see if he does playing well next year, shall we.

[@asud2571]

Gill do you get T2 with the TC sub or just main channel?

[@mariepelletier3020]

you forgot to add that Djokovic was fried at the US Open from going to the Olympics in Tokyo and then getting to the finals (6 matches played) and he was spent. Had he not gone to the Olympics he probably would have won his career Grand Slam.

[@Tuzzz94]

Is it even best that Novak gets a coach that motivates him? We all act as if more motivation and discipline and work ethic is always better. It is maybe if you want to get the best results, but is it still the wisest choice for Novak to have his main aim in life to get the best results out of tennis? Maybe the genuine best choice for Novak would just to naturally let his motivation slip away and get ready for the next chapter of his life

[@derien5433]

A very smart comment - it always depends on your point of view on the matter

[@guychet7146]

Not an attitude that produces championships, or even wins.

[@talbarak4522]

What did Andy Murray do to set his legacy at Wimbledon? He beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the 2013 final! This was the only time Djokovic lost a Grand Slam match in straight sets during his best 6-year period (2011-2016). BTW Ruud made more than 1 indoor hard court SF. He also reached the SF stage of the 2021 ATP finals edition.

[@anonymoustennisfollower6038]

Hi Gill, just want to say your pronunciation of "Zheng Qinwen" is a lot better! Just one thing, the "e" in "wen" sounds just like the "e" in "Zheng", so it should be pronounced "w-uh-n" instead of "when". Other than that, your pronunciation of "Zheng" and "Qin" are great!

[@slow_build]

Gill's pronunciation of "Wen" is fine, "Wen" is actually pretty close to "when" in English. However, the initial sound "Zh" in "Zheng" needs to be a little harder, it's more like the "g" in "giraffe" or the "j" in "jar".

[@anonymoustennisfollower6038]

@slow_build I'm a Chinese speaker, so I can say with certainty that the Chinese "wen" and "when" do not sound the same. The "e" sound in "when" sounds more like an "eh", not like the "e" in "wen" which sounds more like "uh", like the sound you make when you are thinking or hesitating. Agree with you about the "Zh" though, now that I've heard it a second time.

[@slow_build]

@@anonymoustennisfollower6038 Sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect to you, I just think the pronunciation of the initial "zh" is a bigger problem for English speakers. Most commentators are not even close when they try to pronounce Zhang Zhizhen's name, for example.

[@VARMOT123]

Nishesh basavareddy is coming . Most technically correct american talent in ages . Mini nole . If he improves his serve ,sky is the limit

[@johnandersson8258]

Djokovic uptight because he was "going for the career Grand slam" against Medvedev? I've never heard of anyone's being nervous about achieving something being delayed until some 5 years after they actually achieved it. But that sure would explain a lot of Djokovic's nerve management and clutchness in tight situations. 🤣He was going for _the_ Grand slam, i.e. the year one.

[@creativestudio101]

Gill.. all great comments and breakdowns on a variety of topics, but I have to add, or perhaps, prioritize Becker's drastic influence on Novak's serve, to the point that it became one of the best serves in the ATP. He took, what was literally the weakest part of Novak's game, to an elite level. By the time Goran came into Novak's camp, his serve already was top-notch level. Goran may have improved some aspects of it, or his game in general, but really, the kick-ass work was done by Becker, not Goran. So I most respectfully "disagree" on that, as far as the serve, I mean 😂

[@EmilTennis00]

Nadal is a better grass court player. He beat Murray three times at Wimbledon: 2008, 2010, 2011.

[@tennishistoryandresultsdat4540]

Whoever claimed that Murray has better Wimbledon resume than Nadal has been engaging in some mental gymnastics. I fail to find any significant stat that would back up Murray's case.Truth of the matter - Nadal was in 5 W finals, Murray was in 3. Nadal has 82.85% wim-loss percentage in W, Murray has 82.43%.

[@rohitbalakrishnan5004]

Gill, Ruud is a finalist at 2022 ATP finals and semi finalist in the same in 2021. You keep repeating this wrongly in so many places. It's not just one semi. It's one semi and one final.

[@4zafinc]

Is Flis the Batista Agut of this generation?

[@WickedRichie]

That election to tennis analogy was just silly

[@angelatanurdzic7508]

I don't interfere in their choice of coach.

[@creativestudio101]

Gill... Gill... No, you shouldn't have said that... "Put your mortgage on Perricard"!! But you did, so i will go ahead and go all in!! :)) But he does have a Hell of a lot more raw talent and athleticism than the Mummy Isner ever had 😂😂😂🤣

[@nanobots3336]

Why is Novak playing without a coach? He is playing the last tournaments of his career, and he just doesn´t want to share his earnings with a coach.

[@ayandas874]

20:00, well, that could also happen in an electoral college system. Maybe more people are thinking like you at 40-0 than you realise, so since you all didnt try hard, you would never know whether you would have won the point (both in tennis and in elections in deep blue or red states).

[@creativestudio101]

On Tsitsipas... Yes, lack of confidence, due to his flawed backhand, that's about it :))

[@HeavyTopspin]

Even when he was #4, there's one thing that really stood out: he tended to be the "first top 10 win" for a LOT of players. Consistency is important, and I'm worried that we're seeing something similar with Alcaraz now, to somehow only be #3 after winning half the grand slams.

[@akshaydk6794]

Whenever Murray meets rafa on grass he is defeated soundly...so why is there a discussion.. yes Murray had some titles when fed and rafa were out of form annd Djokovic being the only legit opponent for him.. Murray is over rated ..not his fault..British media fault and they remember all those times rafa defeated their champ...

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

Davydenko has a positive h2h against Nadal, so that means Davydenko is better than Nadal?