Novak Djokovic leaves Brad Gilbert ‘shocked’ as legendary coach predicts the Serb will make key move

Legendary coach Brad Gilbert has revealed he expected Novak Djokovic to win two or more Grand Slam titles this season after the Serbian’s US Open exit ensured he would end 2024 without a major.

The former world No 4 proclaimed, though, that he thinks Djokovic will still be a contender at majors for the next two years and also predicted the tennis great will hire a new coach.

Djokovic’s US Open title defence ended with a surprise four-set third round loss to Alexei Popyrin at Flushing Meadows. This is the first season since 2017 in which Djokovic has not won at least one Grand Slam title.

The 37-year-old won a record-extending 24th major crown at the 2023 US Open — his third Grand Slam triumph in a superb campaign.

Djokovic won his only title of the 2024 season to date at the Paris Olympics last month, where he delivered a stunning performance to down Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the gold medal match. The victory saw the Serbian claim his first gold medal at his fifth Olympic Games.

Novak Djokovic News
‘Novak Djokovic is part of a new Big 3 and he is the favourite to win two Grand Slams next year’

POPULAR ON TENNIS365

Home
Tennis News
Live Scores

Tournaments

Players
Facts & Stats
Buy tickets

Login
Sign Up
Home
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic leaves Brad Gilbert ‘shocked’ as legendary coach predicts the Serb will make key move
Novak Djokovic leaves Brad Gilbert ‘shocked’ as legendary coach predicts the Serb will make key move
Ewan West
06 Sep 2024 4:49 PM

Novak Djokovic and Brad Gilbert
Brad Gilbert has given his verdict on Novak Djokovic
Legendary coach Brad Gilbert has revealed he expected Novak Djokovic to win two or more Grand Slam titles this season after the Serbian’s US Open exit ensured he would end 2024 without a major.

The former world No 4 proclaimed, though, that he thinks Djokovic will still be a contender at majors for the next two years and also predicted the tennis great will hire a new coach.

Djokovic’s US Open title defence ended with a surprise four-set third round loss to Alexei Popyrin at Flushing Meadows. This is the first season since 2017 in which Djokovic has not won at least one Grand Slam title.

0:00
/
0:00

Fluid logo

The 37-year-old won a record-extending 24th major crown at the 2023 US Open — his third Grand Slam triumph in a superb campaign.

Djokovic won his only title of the 2024 season to date at the Paris Olympics last month, where he delivered a stunning performance to down Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the gold medal match. The victory saw the Serbian claim his first gold medal at his fifth Olympic Games.

Novak Djokovic News
‘Novak Djokovic is part of a new Big 3 and he is the favourite to win two Grand Slams next year’

POPULAR ON TENNIS365
US Open: Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert gives his verdict on the American’s progress amid criticism
US Open: Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert gives his verdict on the American’s progress amid criticism
US Open: Inside story on the tennis ball being used at Flushing Meadows
US Open: Inside story on the tennis ball being used at Flushing Meadows
Sponsored
Ad
The 10 active ATP players to reach multiple Grand Slam finals: Novak Djokovic top, Jannik Sinner bids to join list at US Open

Ad
Gilbert, who currently coaches 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff, is not writing Djokovic off after his US Open disappointment.

“(On Djokovic’s chances at majors in 2025) Why not?! No one cheated the age, except maybe him,” he told Sport Klub. “He’s certainly not happy with how it went here, but I’m sure he’ll be back, he always does.”

The American admitted the prospect of Djokovic finishing 2024 without a Grand Slam would have shocked him at the start of the season.

“If you had told me that he wouldn’t win any Grand Slam titles this year, I would have been shocked,” Gilbert continued. “I thought he would win two, maybe even more.

“It will be interesting to see what he does in the fall – if he doesn’t play much, he will fall down the list, and he will be in a slightly more difficult position from that aspect.

“I expect Novak to be a candidate for titles at eight more Slams, i.e. in the next two years.”

The 20-time ATP titlist was also asked whether he feels Djokovic will add a new coach to his team.

“That’s a good question,” said the 63-year-old. “My guess is that they will. It’s always good to have someone to motivate you, maybe offer a different perspective.

“I would definitely be surprised if he [does not] hire anyone, so I expect him to do that.”

Djokovic ended his hugely successful collaboration with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic in March this year.