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Novak Djokovic's childhood coach Nikola Pilic says only "those who know nothing about tennis" had the audacity to write off the Serb before the Carlos Alcaraz final in Cincinnati. After losing to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, Djokovic got his revenge this past Sunday when he defeated the Spaniard 5-7 7-6 (7) 7-6 (4) in the Cincinnati Masters final.
When asked to address those claiming Alcaraz's Wimbledon final shifted a change and that Djokovic would lose the Cincinnati final, Pilic gave a very honest answer. But also, Pilic said he believes Alcaraz is the only player at the moment who has "both the physical and mental potential to deal with Djokovic."
Pilic slams Djokovic's doubters
“These are people who don’t know tennis!
There are those who talk about tennis and do not know it at all. Novak has already proven to everyone that he is the best, and only people who know nothing about tennis can write him off before the match. I said when Alcaraz won Madrid, that he is the only one who can compete with Novak.
Regardless of [Alexander] Zverev, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas, even [Jannik] Sinner, whom I greatly appreciate. I believe that the Spaniard is the only one who has both the physical and especially the mental potential to deal with Novak.
At only 20 years of age, to play with such maturity, it is truly a matter of respect and credit to him," Pilic told Serbian publication Kurir. At 36, Djokovic is still winning on the biggest stage. Djokovic's body and mind appear to be in a great place and Pilic expects the Serb to play pro tennis for at least two more years.
"That is a difficult question. I think at least two more years, but knowing him and his professionalism and way of eating, as well as the fact that he only plays major tournaments and grand slams, I believe that Novak will be able to do much more," Pilic said.