Roger Federer’s former coach names his two favourites for Wimbledon as he makes ‘nice’ Novak Djokovic admission
Novak Djokovic v Jannik Sinner v Carlos Alcaraz
Former world No 3 Ivan Ljubicic admits “it would be a very nice thing” if Novak Djokovic is present at Wimbledon this year, but he doesn’t see the seven-time champion as one of the favourites.
It remains to be seen if 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic will play at this year’s grass-court Grand Slam as he is still recovering from knee surgery. The tennis great has also indicated that he will only compete at the All England Club if he feels he is fit enough to win the title.
With the injury clouds hovering over the legend, Ljubicic feels the favourite tag should go to reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner and defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
World No 1 Sinner is on a high as he has a 38-3 win-loss record this year having won four titles, including his first-ever trophy on grass at the Halle Open last week.
Alcaraz’s confidence suffered a knock last week as his Queen’s Club title defence was ended by Jack Draper in the second round but he has already won one Grand Slam in 2024 as he was crowned Roland Garros champion at the beginning of June, defeating Sinner in the semi-final and Alexander Zverev in the final.
Ljubicic, who coached 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer from 2016 until his retirement in 2022, feels this year’s winner will be either Sinner or Alcaraz.
“Right now, the world No 1 is the top favourite for the title on paper, as he will also arrive with a very good run after winning the Halle tournament,” the Croatian told Sky Sports.
“Meanwhile, Carlitos could not defend his crown at Queen’s, facing Wimbledon without the necessary experience and with the mission of reclaiming the title.”
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Ljubicic added: “Wimbledon is just around the corner. Federer won many after conquering Halle, we will see if it is also the turn of Sinner. Before Roland Garros there were many question marks, especially from the physical point of view with respect to Alcaraz, Sinner and Djokovic, who was fine, but had no match rhythm.
“Now everything is different. Sinner and Alcaraz seem to be fine and are the favourites. Nole has had surgery, but he will try to be present: it would be a very nice thing. But right now my favourites are Jannik and Carlitos.”