Goran Ivanisevic is not shy about touting his teamwork with Novak Djokovic, with the 36-year-old Serb currently sitting atop the ATP rankings.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has another week away from competition before his return to action at the Paris Masters from October 30.
And former Wimbledon winner Ivanisevic was pleased to spill some inside coaching info during a business conference speech.
“It’s not easy to motivate Nova because he has already won everything, but we have a way,” Ivanisevic said. “Many times we do not agree with each other, but it is good to discuss.
“If you don’t know how to deal with stress, which is always present, you won’t be able to do your job.
“It’s easier for me because we are from the same (Balkan) region. I am constantly under a lot of stress.
“There are five of us on the team, but it’s always my fault when something doesn’t work. That’s what happens when you’re a coach.”
Ivanisevic called his star pupil “one of a kind.”
“I’m happy to train a genius, the best tennis player of all time and one of the best athletes in general,” the Croat said of his Serb player..
“Novak is one of a kind, there are not many people in the world like him, he is a winner.
“He was lucky to have people like Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer before him, so they pushed each other, but he motivates himself.
“When you tell him he can’t do something, he is even worse. He shows you that he can do it.”
Ivanisevic added: “He always tries to find a way to win, without excuses, even if he is not well or if he is injured.”
