"Novak Djokovic is not going anywhere except to many more Grand Slam ceremonies" - Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci

Serena Williams' former coach Rick Macci recently suggested that Novak Djokovic has plenty more left in store despite the negative chatter over his semi-final exit at the 2024 Australian Open.

The Serb, who was contesting for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne at the start of the year, was halted in his pursuit by Jannik Sinner. Djokovic was beaten on the day 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3 by his much younger opponent. His unexpected loss was followed by lots of speculation in the media about the player's future.

Despite all the noise, Serena and Venus Williams' childhood coach Rick Macci believes that Djokovic will continue fighting for tennis' biggest prizes.

"@DjokerNole is not going Anywhere Except to many more Grand Slam Championship Ceremonies," Macci wrote on his X (formerly Twitter).

Macci has extended support to Djokovic in the past too. In November last year, he suggested that the Serb has the 'best career' among the Big 3 - the trio of Djokovic, Roger Feder and Rafael Nadal.

While he reserved special praise for Fererer's serve and Nadal's topspin, Macci claimed that Djokovic had the "best career" among the three.

"Of the BIG 3 @rogerfederer had the best serve.@RafaelNadal had the best topspin @DjokerNole had the best career," Macci wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Rick Macci once jokingly suggested that Novak Djokovic was made out of rubber

Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Australian Open - Getty Images

Rick Macci complimented Novak Djokovic and his movement during an episode of “Match Point Canada” in November last year, stating that the Serb was made of "rubber."

Macci paid tribute to the Serb's incredible flexibility despite being 36 years old. He also highlighted how well Djokovic turns defense into attack.

“The movement, the guy is made of rubber, he’s a rubber band man, so what that means is once he gets going, he can counter punch quality after quality. They can counter off a quality [shot] better than anybody. So that’s another thing, while the rest of the world might chip it or lob it, he can hit a winner,” Macci stated.

Macci made a similar claim a few months prior, in the immediate aftermath of Djokovic's triumph at the 2023 US Open. Describing him as “the rubber band man,” Macci wrote on X:

"Was asked how many more Slams can the @DjokerNole win. If the Rubber Band Man stays healthy which is the Master key to the Majors Front Door I feel the Serbian Sniper can fire at least Four More."