Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title with a bang as he dominated his round-of-32 match on Wednesday. The Serb has won all nine ATP Tour-level Masters tournaments and is looking to better his last-year’s loss to Holger Rune in the finals in France.
With a record 24 grand slams under his belt already, Novak Djokovic is looking ominous for competition, just as he was ten years ago. A prominent tennis coach has come out in the open with a bold claim about the Serbian superstar, saying that he is proving to be indomitable.
Heinz Gunthardt backs Djokovic for more Grand Slam glory
All eyes were on Novak Djokovic as he entered this year’s US Open. Not only was he already leading the men’s grand slam title tally, he just needed one more title win to become the most decorated athlete in tennis in the Open Era, surpassing Serena Williams’ 23 titles.
Heinz Gunthardt, a former coach of Stefi Graff, spoke to Tennis Magazin where he argued that Novak Djokovic was far from done and would increase his tally into the high-20s.
“Three or four years is still a very long time. I still think he can win three or four Grand Slams,” said the former world No 22.
“You don’t have to be able to do everything to be a good tennis player. In English it is called: ‘The Art of Reduction.’ If you can play simply, it’s easier to repeat,” he added.
Novak Djokovic added three grand slam titles to his tally in 2023 alone, and came extremely close to achieving a Grand Slam, the moniker given to winning all four majors in a single year, when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller at Wimbledon.
He is currently competing at the Paris Masters and has no points to gain from the tournament in France. However, with Carlos Alcaraz having exited the event, Novak looks set to end the year as world no.1.
Djokovic signals strong form in dominating Paris Masters return
Novak Djokovic produced yet another clinical, masterclass performance on Wednesday as he defeated Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry 6-3, 6-2 in under an hour and a half.
The match began with top seeds like Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz among others having been upset in the tournament. However, Novak Djokovic wasn’t perturbed by the competition and served 7 aces and won 100% of his break points in his dominating victory.
“People around me always talk about the danger of not playing so many weeks and I am aware,” said Djokovic, who was competing for the first time in six weeks.
Nerves were present for the Serb but he expertly bypassed them with technical prowess and elite skill.
He is set to face Netherland’s Tallon Griekspoor in the round of 16 match on Thursday. The match will take place in the late evening in France, and a cool winter breeze will aid the ball movement as Djokovic looks to progress to the next round.
What are your opinions on Novak Djokovic’s success at grand slams? Will the Serb add more major titles to his tally? Let us know in the comments section below.
