News Flash: Djokovic, on Tsitsipas and the Signing of Ivanisevic – “He Has Many Doubts in His Tennis”
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the tennis world, Novak Djokovic has spoken candidly about Stefanos Tsitsipas’ recent decision to team up with Goran Ivanišević as part of his coaching overhaul. The Serbian world No. 1 didn’t mince words when he addressed the Greek star’s ongoing struggles, remarking, “He has many doubts in his tennis right now.”
Djokovic, known for his brutal honesty and deep understanding of the mental battles within the sport, suggested that Tsitsipas’ recent partnership move was more about searching for stability than actual strategic evolution. “Goran is a great coach and person, and I have huge respect for what we achieved together,” Djokovic said, referring to his own long-term collaboration with Ivanišević that ended earlier this year. “But for Stefanos, I think the problem isn’t who is in his box — it’s what’s going on in his head.”
Tsitsipas has endured a rocky 2025 season so far, with early exits in key tournaments and a noticeable drop in confidence on the court. His recent French Open loss to a player ranked outside the top 150 only fueled speculation about whether the 25-year-old can recapture the form that once made him a Grand Slam finalist and world No. 3.
Djokovic continued, “Sometimes players change coaches thinking it will be a magical fix. But if you don’t trust your own game, no coach can help until you work that out internally. Stefanos is talented, yes, but I see that he questions himself too much during matches — especially on the big points.”
This isn’t the first time Djokovic has offered insight into Tsitsipas’ mindset. The two have clashed in multiple high-profile matches, including the 2021 French Open final where Tsitsipas led by two sets before Djokovic mounted a legendary comeback. “Even then,” Novak recalled, “I sensed he didn’t fully believe he could finish the match. That’s something you can’t teach — it has to come from deep belief.”
Meanwhile, the Tsitsipas camp has remained optimistic about the Ivanišević partnership. In a statement earlier this week, Tsitsipas said, “Bringing Goran on board is a fresh start. He knows what it takes to win Slams and I’m confident he can guide me through the next phase of my career.”
Ivanišević himself has yet to publicly comment on Djokovic’s remarks, but insiders suggest the former Wimbledon champion is determined to help Tsitsipas rebuild both his game and self-belief.
As the grass court season approaches, all eyes will be on this new pairing — and whether Tsitsipas can finally silence the doubts that Djokovic so openly pointed out. One thing is clear: in the brutally competitive world of men’s tennis, confidence is as vital as talent, and right now, Tsitsipas is at a critical crossroads.
