Former player and coach of Roger Federer, Ivan Ljubicic, is excited about Rafael Nadal's comeback at the 2024 Australian Open, hoping to see Nadal push Novak Djokovic slightly.
The matches between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have always been quite heated and competitive. They are rivals, with Djokovic considering Nadal his greatest rival.
He pushed him to become the best possible version, and the Serbian gives him credit for helping him that way. Nadal's absence in 2023 will make his comeback to tennis even more interesting.
While it's unrealistic to assume that Nadal will give Djokovic trouble, it is possible. Clay might be the surface where he's the likeliest to do so, and by the time it rolls around, he'll hopefully be playing for a while.
That time will allow him to get rid of the rust and find his best tennis just in tennis for Roland Garros. Ivan Ljubicic certainly...
The matches between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have always been quite heated and competitive. They are rivals, with Djokovic considering Nadal his greatest rival.
He pushed him to become the best possible version, and the Serbian gives him credit for helping him that way. Nadal's absence in 2023 will make his comeback to tennis even more interesting.
While it's unrealistic to assume that Nadal will give Djokovic trouble, it is possible. Clay might be the surface where he's the likeliest to do so, and by the time it rolls around, he'll hopefully be playing for a while.
That time will allow him to get rid of the rust and find his best tennis just in tennis for Roland Garros. Ivan Ljubicic certainly...
- 12/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Roger Federer's former coach, Ivan Ljubicic, has lifted the lid on Rafael Nadal's playing level ahead of his anticipated return next season.
Nadal is primed to rejoin the tour in January, where he has been granted a wild card to play at the Brisbane International in the opening week of the 2024 Atp season. It will mark his first tournament appearance in precisely a year since he left Australia with torn hip muscles.
After undergoing surgery and announcing his intention to play a farewell season in 2024 before bringing the curtain down to his long and storied career, Nadal has been training at a high intensity, even though he has sounded a warning that people shouldn't expect him to "demand the maximum" from his body anymore.
The 37-year-old trained regularly in Mallorca before flying to the Middle East, where his preseason took shape in Kuwait. Nadal has established his academy...
Nadal is primed to rejoin the tour in January, where he has been granted a wild card to play at the Brisbane International in the opening week of the 2024 Atp season. It will mark his first tournament appearance in precisely a year since he left Australia with torn hip muscles.
After undergoing surgery and announcing his intention to play a farewell season in 2024 before bringing the curtain down to his long and storied career, Nadal has been training at a high intensity, even though he has sounded a warning that people shouldn't expect him to "demand the maximum" from his body anymore.
The 37-year-old trained regularly in Mallorca before flying to the Middle East, where his preseason took shape in Kuwait. Nadal has established his academy...
- 12/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic's coach, Goran Ivanisevic, did not win the Atp's 2023 Coach of the Year award, and many were upset about it, including the Serbian himself.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had one of the best seasons in his career, with his coach Ivanisevic guiding him along the way. However, it was Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi who won the Coach of the Year award, as they led Jannik Sinner during the 2023 season.
Immediately after the award was announced, many fans were enraged by the fact that it wasn't Djokovic's coach who got the award. Their rage was later supported by Djokovic as he also hit out at the Atp in a social media post.
But was Ivanisevic really snubbed when it comes to the Coach of the Year award, or was it given in-line with the past seasons and former winners? Well, let's look at the history.
2016 Coach...
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had one of the best seasons in his career, with his coach Ivanisevic guiding him along the way. However, it was Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi who won the Coach of the Year award, as they led Jannik Sinner during the 2023 season.
Immediately after the award was announced, many fans were enraged by the fact that it wasn't Djokovic's coach who got the award. Their rage was later supported by Djokovic as he also hit out at the Atp in a social media post.
But was Ivanisevic really snubbed when it comes to the Coach of the Year award, or was it given in-line with the past seasons and former winners? Well, let's look at the history.
2016 Coach...
- 12/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Following Novak Djokovic's record-setting season in 2023, the debate on whether he is better now than his great rival Roger Federer six years ago.
Federer, who turned 36 in 2017, put together one of the greatest comeback seasons in tennis history. With endless doubts about his long-term playing career following a five-month injury hiatus, he stormed to win the 2017 Australian Open.
The throwback year saw Federer return to his glory heydays, adding a second Grand Slam title of the season at Wimbledon and recovering his spot in the Top 2. Thanks to his coach, Ivan Ljubicic, the most conspicuous improvement was his renewed confidence and ability to tweak his backhand.
While the magnitude of Federer's accomplishments in 2017 and to a lesser extent in the early part of 2018 almost mirrors what Djokovic has done this year (even though the Serbian star statically has better numbers), there is a huge difference in that comparison according to Patrick Mouratoglou.
Federer, who turned 36 in 2017, put together one of the greatest comeback seasons in tennis history. With endless doubts about his long-term playing career following a five-month injury hiatus, he stormed to win the 2017 Australian Open.
The throwback year saw Federer return to his glory heydays, adding a second Grand Slam title of the season at Wimbledon and recovering his spot in the Top 2. Thanks to his coach, Ivan Ljubicic, the most conspicuous improvement was his renewed confidence and ability to tweak his backhand.
While the magnitude of Federer's accomplishments in 2017 and to a lesser extent in the early part of 2018 almost mirrors what Djokovic has done this year (even though the Serbian star statically has better numbers), there is a huge difference in that comparison according to Patrick Mouratoglou.
- 12/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Jannik Sinner has been the rising star in recent months, and according to former Atp player Ivan Ljubicic, he's a bit different than Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz and Sinner have solidified themselves as the two best young players. Holger Rune is also right there, but he's been lacking a bit recently, pushing them to the forefront.
There are similarities between all three of them as they all prefer to play aggressive and attacking tennis, but the trajectories are different. Alcaraz had a dramatic rise in the sport, which surprised many.
Sinner has been around for longer than him but has had a steadier rise, which possibly lies in the way they operate. While Alcaraz is quite explosive, Sinner needs steps, according to former Roger Federer coach Ivan Ljubicic, who spoke to Tuttosport.
I immediately believed in his chances. Jannik is not like Alcaraz, who went from #40 to #1. He needs steps. I...
Alcaraz and Sinner have solidified themselves as the two best young players. Holger Rune is also right there, but he's been lacking a bit recently, pushing them to the forefront.
There are similarities between all three of them as they all prefer to play aggressive and attacking tennis, but the trajectories are different. Alcaraz had a dramatic rise in the sport, which surprised many.
Sinner has been around for longer than him but has had a steadier rise, which possibly lies in the way they operate. While Alcaraz is quite explosive, Sinner needs steps, according to former Roger Federer coach Ivan Ljubicic, who spoke to Tuttosport.
I immediately believed in his chances. Jannik is not like Alcaraz, who went from #40 to #1. He needs steps. I...
- 12/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer recounted his farewell match at last year's Laver Cup , calling his last hurrah a 'beautiful' and 'perfect' way to go out.
In 2022, Federer picked up his racket one final time before retiring for good, taking to the doubles court with his greatest rival and friend Rafael Nadal in London's O2 Arena. It was a poignant swansong to what had been a storied career so cruelly ended due to a knee injury.
Federer would still be playing had it not been for injury, according to his ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic , but the Swiss legend held no regrets 12 months later as he recounted his farewell match in front of a packed house in Vancouver, Canada, where he is a bystander at this year's Laver Cup.
But he garnished the opening day of the 2023 tournament with his presence in the middle of the court in a special Q...
In 2022, Federer picked up his racket one final time before retiring for good, taking to the doubles court with his greatest rival and friend Rafael Nadal in London's O2 Arena. It was a poignant swansong to what had been a storied career so cruelly ended due to a knee injury.
Federer would still be playing had it not been for injury, according to his ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic , but the Swiss legend held no regrets 12 months later as he recounted his farewell match in front of a packed house in Vancouver, Canada, where he is a bystander at this year's Laver Cup.
But he garnished the opening day of the 2023 tournament with his presence in the middle of the court in a special Q...
- 9/24/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Former player Ivan Ljubicic broke down the career of Jannik Sinner and why his progression seems rather slow compared to the rest.
Sinner has been part of the top flight of the Atp Tour for a few years but he's yet to have a major breakout. Compared to his contemporaries, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, the Italian still lacks an Atp 1000 trophy for example, even though he has a few deep runs at Grand Slams.
Stardom is written all over his career but things seem to go much slower compared to the sudden rise of Alcaraz and and the milder case of Rune. In an interview recently, Ljubicic talked about Sinner and his progression admitting that he is improving albeit slower compared to Alcaraz for example.
He has improved, as he should at this age. We can argue, is it fast enough, if those jumps are (high enough). I think...
Sinner has been part of the top flight of the Atp Tour for a few years but he's yet to have a major breakout. Compared to his contemporaries, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, the Italian still lacks an Atp 1000 trophy for example, even though he has a few deep runs at Grand Slams.
Stardom is written all over his career but things seem to go much slower compared to the sudden rise of Alcaraz and and the milder case of Rune. In an interview recently, Ljubicic talked about Sinner and his progression admitting that he is improving albeit slower compared to Alcaraz for example.
He has improved, as he should at this age. We can argue, is it fast enough, if those jumps are (high enough). I think...
- 8/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Former Atp world number one Roger Federer may be retired from playing professionally, but his newest adventures are very much aligned with tennis.
Federer has been the face of the sport for many years and his unrivaled charisma and personality are something many fans relate to. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is busy honoring his ambassadorial commitment with the Japanese clothing company Uniqlo while also growing his brand.
The Swiss legend was in New York to partner with popular Irish fashion designer Jonathan Anderson during the unveiling of his sports-inspired fashion which will be sold by Uniqlo. In addition, the 41-year-old was also launching his latest series 'Around the World with Roger Federer'
The series is centered around art, tennis, and culture with Federer taking the leading role of inspiring the new generation of tennis stars and supporting the community. Federer met invited junior tennis players and fans during the...
Federer has been the face of the sport for many years and his unrivaled charisma and personality are something many fans relate to. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is busy honoring his ambassadorial commitment with the Japanese clothing company Uniqlo while also growing his brand.
The Swiss legend was in New York to partner with popular Irish fashion designer Jonathan Anderson during the unveiling of his sports-inspired fashion which will be sold by Uniqlo. In addition, the 41-year-old was also launching his latest series 'Around the World with Roger Federer'
The series is centered around art, tennis, and culture with Federer taking the leading role of inspiring the new generation of tennis stars and supporting the community. Federer met invited junior tennis players and fans during the...
- 8/3/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ivan Ljubicic, a former Atp player, and coach, gave an exclusive interview detailing his time coaching Roger Federer and his subsequent retirement from tennis.
Ljubicic, a former Atp world number three, is one of the most revered Croatian tennis players of his generation. The 44-year-old coached Canada's Milos Raonic , guiding him to a maiden Masters 1000 final in 2013, and played an integral role in his development to become his country's no.1.
Ljubicic then coached Roger Federer, helping him to win three Grand Slam titles in the final phase of his career. The bald-headed Croat is credited with improving Federer's one-handed backhand amid its declining effectiveness against two-fisted opponents.
Ljubicic and Federer had a fruitful and special partnership both on and off the court. However, their brief, but highly successful time was marred by debilitating injuries and forcing Federer to pull the plug on his playing career. Ljubicic admits when the moment came,...
Ljubicic, a former Atp world number three, is one of the most revered Croatian tennis players of his generation. The 44-year-old coached Canada's Milos Raonic , guiding him to a maiden Masters 1000 final in 2013, and played an integral role in his development to become his country's no.1.
Ljubicic then coached Roger Federer, helping him to win three Grand Slam titles in the final phase of his career. The bald-headed Croat is credited with improving Federer's one-handed backhand amid its declining effectiveness against two-fisted opponents.
Ljubicic and Federer had a fruitful and special partnership both on and off the court. However, their brief, but highly successful time was marred by debilitating injuries and forcing Federer to pull the plug on his playing career. Ljubicic admits when the moment came,...
- 7/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ivan Ljubicic spoke to Swiss media about a multitude of topics, including tennis, and he touched upon the legacy of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic .
The Croatian former player doesn't need any lessons about what Federer did in tennis because he was right there to watch it all unfold in front of him on the Atp Tour. Ljubicic was number 3 on the rankings at a time with Federer and Nadal in front of him, so he knows really well what both mean to tennis.
He's battled Federer multiple times and then he also coached him for the final few years of his career. The duo remains pretty close as not many people know Federer, as well as the Croatian, does. In a recent interview with Swiss media, Ljubicic was asked who the Goat is.
You may not be objective in this. For me, the best is the one that has...
The Croatian former player doesn't need any lessons about what Federer did in tennis because he was right there to watch it all unfold in front of him on the Atp Tour. Ljubicic was number 3 on the rankings at a time with Federer and Nadal in front of him, so he knows really well what both mean to tennis.
He's battled Federer multiple times and then he also coached him for the final few years of his career. The duo remains pretty close as not many people know Federer, as well as the Croatian, does. In a recent interview with Swiss media, Ljubicic was asked who the Goat is.
You may not be objective in this. For me, the best is the one that has...
- 7/20/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
If anybody doubted the sincerity of Roger Federer 's and Rafael Nadal 's friendship, they could have seen it in full effect at last year's Laver Cup.
The 2022 Laver Cup will forever be remembered as the last tennis event Roger Federer officially played. It was basically a chance for the Swiss ace to say goodbye to tennis. It was in London, a city that has given him many tennis joys over the years, so it seemed fitting.
He shared the court one final time with his long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal as they lost to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in a doubles match on day one of the event. Federer was quite emotional at the event, unable to fight off the tears.
There was another person who was even more emotional than Federer, and it was Rafael Nadal who was crying his eyes out during the ceremony that was marking Federer's career achievements.
The 2022 Laver Cup will forever be remembered as the last tennis event Roger Federer officially played. It was basically a chance for the Swiss ace to say goodbye to tennis. It was in London, a city that has given him many tennis joys over the years, so it seemed fitting.
He shared the court one final time with his long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal as they lost to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in a doubles match on day one of the event. Federer was quite emotional at the event, unable to fight off the tears.
There was another person who was even more emotional than Federer, and it was Rafael Nadal who was crying his eyes out during the ceremony that was marking Federer's career achievements.
- 7/20/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ivan Ljubicic thinks that a few more Grand Slam victories from Novak Djokovic would make the Goat debate meaningless.
Ivan Ljubicic has a vested interest in the Goat debate as the former coach of Roger Federer and also a very close friend of the Swiss player. Even so, the Croatian knows Djokovic, is on good terms with him, and doesn't have a problem speaking his mind on the topic including siding with him on the Goat debate as opposed to Federer.
In a recent interview, Ljubicic broke down how he views the topic explaining that different terms mean different things to different people. Stefanos Tsitsipas said it best earlier this year when he explained why he is backing Federer to be the Goat and it's because of his impact which is unrivalled.
For me the best in history is not based on the titles, the number of Grand Slams or...
Ivan Ljubicic has a vested interest in the Goat debate as the former coach of Roger Federer and also a very close friend of the Swiss player. Even so, the Croatian knows Djokovic, is on good terms with him, and doesn't have a problem speaking his mind on the topic including siding with him on the Goat debate as opposed to Federer.
In a recent interview, Ljubicic broke down how he views the topic explaining that different terms mean different things to different people. Stefanos Tsitsipas said it best earlier this year when he explained why he is backing Federer to be the Goat and it's because of his impact which is unrivalled.
For me the best in history is not based on the titles, the number of Grand Slams or...
- 6/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz has many admirers and former player Ivan Ljubicic is one of them as the Croatian sees shades of the Big Three in him.
The young Spaniard showed his talent back in 2021 by impressing more than once in a very solid first year which also saw him lifting an Atp trophy. It was back in Umag and many agreed that he would be a very good player in the future.
Not many expected him to become as good as he did so suddenly with the 2022 season becoming his major breakthrough. The first part of the year was dominated by Rafael Nadal and everything he did, however, the latter part belonged to Alcaraz.
He won multiple trophies in 2022, including his biggest one (US Open). The US Open triumph allowed him to emerge at the top of the rankings becoming the youngest man to reach the number one in the history...
The young Spaniard showed his talent back in 2021 by impressing more than once in a very solid first year which also saw him lifting an Atp trophy. It was back in Umag and many agreed that he would be a very good player in the future.
Not many expected him to become as good as he did so suddenly with the 2022 season becoming his major breakthrough. The first part of the year was dominated by Rafael Nadal and everything he did, however, the latter part belonged to Alcaraz.
He won multiple trophies in 2022, including his biggest one (US Open). The US Open triumph allowed him to emerge at the top of the rankings becoming the youngest man to reach the number one in the history...
- 6/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
It's a proven scientific fact* that tennis players are the hottest athletes in sports, and with the French Open in full swing, and Wimbledon right around the corner, it's time for our annual look at the men who provide the talent, skill, and yes, eye candy that keep us coming back.
* May not be true
We usually look at the top 20 players on the Atp, but since it hasn't changed much the last year, for this edition, we're going to shift our gaze to some of the men beyond the top twenty. They may be newbies, or veterans, you may know them well, or they may be strangers, but they're certain to grab your attention.
New balls, indeed.
Presenting ... 20 after 20.
#24 - Marin Cilic
23-year-old Croat Marin Cilic has beaten Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick, and taken sets off the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Once ranked...
* May not be true
We usually look at the top 20 players on the Atp, but since it hasn't changed much the last year, for this edition, we're going to shift our gaze to some of the men beyond the top twenty. They may be newbies, or veterans, you may know them well, or they may be strangers, but they're certain to grab your attention.
New balls, indeed.
Presenting ... 20 after 20.
#24 - Marin Cilic
23-year-old Croat Marin Cilic has beaten Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick, and taken sets off the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Once ranked...
- 6/5/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
The One Show sunk as rain forced the delay of Andy Murray's third-round Wimbledon match. Chris Evans and Alex Jones's hour-long show, shunted to BBC Two in favour of the tennis, plunged to 1.92m (9.3%), its lowest ever audience. Aired on BBC One, Murray's victory over Ivan Ljubicic, in contrast, scored 6.45m (28.7%) between 7pm and 10pm, peaking with an impressive 8.1m (34.3%) as the match drew to a close. BBC Two's normal programming was also affected. The Kennedys at 9pm drew a modest 1.35m (5.8%), a far cry from its opening audience last week, while U2 at Glastonbury rocked just 1.14m (5.4%) at 10pm - collecting a further 888k (5.4%) on BBC Four from 10.30pm. With EastEnders also moved to BBC Two, averaging only 5.4m, A Question of Sport netted 1.57m (6.6%) in its ordinary 8.30pm slot. Over on ITV1, Love (more)...
- 6/25/2011
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Pippa Middleton spotted cute at 2011 French Open Tennis Tournament. The cute London starlet and sister of famous Duchess Kate Middleton, Pippa Middleton was recently spotted out at the 2011 French Open tennis tournament yesterday in Paris,France. Pippa seemed to be enjoying herself,and looked quite cute as usual in her black top and white polka-dotted skirt that displayed her gorgeous legs. According to sources, Pippa attended the tournament yesterday with friends at the Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros. She's apparently a regular tennis player,and watched Rafael Nadal defeat Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic in straight sets.
Pippa Middleton Spotted Cute At 2011 French Open Tennis Tournament is a post from: ontheflix.com...
Pippa Middleton Spotted Cute At 2011 French Open Tennis Tournament is a post from: ontheflix.com...
- 5/31/2011
- by Eric
- OnTheFlix
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