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Novak Djokovic coach's massive confession about Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic's coach is hoping the world No.1 won't have to face Roger Federer at Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic's coach has admitted the world No.1 would prefer to see Roger Federer on the opposite side of their Wimbledon bracket. Pictures: Getty Images

Wimbledon is just a few short weeks away, and intrigue is growing after Novak Djokovic closed in on Roger Federer's grand slam record with his triumph at the French Open.

One more grand slam victory will see Djokovic equal Federer's record of 20 such titles, but even with the Swiss superstar recovering from injury, the world No.1's camp is hoping for a kind draw.

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Federer pulled out of the French Open after winning his third round match, citing his continuing recovery from knee surgery undertaken in 2020.

Despite Federer's limited time in competition since returning to the professional tour earlier this year, Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic said they would prefer to avoid a matchup against Federer.

Djokovic, 34, holds a 27-23 advantage over the 39-year-old Federer in their head to head matchups, according to the ATP.

In an interview with TennisMajors, Ivanisevic said Federer had been 'smart' to prioritise a deep run at Wimbledon over a tilt at Roland Garros.

"I think Roger made a smart move in Paris," he said.

"He tested his body, whipped himself into shape a bit, and got exactly what he wanted; three matches under his belt and then he did not want to risk getting injured.

"Wimbledon is his number one goal. To be honest, I would not want to see him in our part of the draw there."

Ivanisevic also said Djokovic was frustrated to learn both Federer and Rafael Nadal were on his side of the draw for the French Open.

“We were in Belgrade when the draw for Roland Garros came out, and (Djokovic) was not particularly happy seeing Rafa and Roger in his half of the draw. Honestly, I preferred it that way," he said.

“Rafa has never lost a final in Paris, the approach and mentality for a final are always very specific, and Rafa has 13 titles in Paris. It is a similar mentality to the one Djokovic has at the Australian Open.”

Djokovic makes shock move to prepare for Wimbeldon

Meanwhile, Djokovic has made the surprise decision to tune up for his Wimbledon title defence by playing doubles at next week's ATP grass-court event in Mallorca.

The Mallorca Championships was originally slated to make its debut in 2020, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ATP 250 event will be the first in Spain to be played on grass in the lead-up to Wimbledon, which starts on June 28.

Organisers confirmed Djokovic's participation in the tournament on social media on Tuesday.

However they took everyone by surprise when they revealed the World No.1 will actually play doubles.

Fans were left stunned by the announcement, with many speculating that Djokovic might be trying to improve his game at the net ahead of the grass-court major.

Novak Djokovic won his 19th grand slam title at the French Open last weekend. (Photo by Gao Jing/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic won his 19th grand slam title at the French Open last weekend. (Photo by Gao Jing/Xinhua via Getty Images) (Xinhua News Agency via Getty Ima)

Djokovic won his fifth Wimbledon title in 2019 but was unable to defend his crown last year when the grass-court grand slam was cancelled due to the pandemic.

He picked up his 19th major at the French Open on Sunday, keeping alive his quest to become just the second man after Rod Laver to achieve a calendar year grand slam twice.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray has made a winning return to Queen's Club with victory over Benoit Paire at the cinch Championships.

The former World No.1, on the comeback trail again following yet another injury setback, was playing his first singles match on grass since 2018.

After completing a routine 6-3 6-2 victory at the scene of five of his title wins, Murray became tearful in his court-side interview.

"The body is old. But I did quite well today in terms of my movement and stuff," he began.

"It was my first match on grass in three years, I've only played three or four practice sets in the build-up so didn't know how I was going to play or feel, so for a first match it was good."

With agencies

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