Novak Djokovic’s coach finally reveals the truth behind his mystery ‘illness’ 

Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic has addressed claims that the record Grand Slam champion was hampered by an illness during his Australian Open semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner. 

The Serbian was uncharacteristically of colour against the eventual champion in Melbourne last month, winning only four games in the first two sets before rallying in the third.

Djokovic’s dreams of a stunning comeback – and ambitions of claiming an 11th title at the tournament – were dashed by the young Italian, who wrapped things up 6-3 in the fourth. 

Sooner or later he had to lose, we were all aware of that.’ The former Wimbledon champion told Sportske Novosti. ‘It’s just a shame that it happened this way, but against Sinner if you’re not 100 per cent, you have nothing to ask for. 

‘And even when you’re at 100%, you can still lose. However, the whole Australian Open was somehow not right for Novak, from the first round onwards. Well, let’s move on, it’s nothing so tragic.

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Djokovic had earlier suffered a wrist injury during the United Cup in Perth, where he lost to Alex de Minaur, though he had claimed it was fully healed by the start of the Open. H

No, nothing bothered him, Nole was healthy.’ Ivanisevic added. ‘It just didn’t work out… It can happen to him too, he’s flesh and blood too. On the other hand, if he was going to lose to anyone, I’m glad it was Sinner.’

Djokovic saw his 33-match, six-year unbeaten run Down Under come to a stuttering halt, while the 22-year-old Sinner went on to claim his first major title after a dramatic victory against Daniil Medvedev in the final.