Wilander: 'Being banned from entering the US is good for Djokovic'

"Winning more titles in Indian Wells and Miami doesn't make a huge difference to Djokovic's great career," Wilander said in an interview with Eurosport on March 10. "He needs to aim for the Grand Slam. He will be healthier, fresher when he goes into the clay season with Roland Garros and soon after Wimbledon."

Djokovic failed to apply for US entry last week. He therefore had to withdraw from the Indian Wells Masters, and is likely to continue to miss the Miami Open later this month. The previous world number one stopped in the semi-finals of the Dubai Championship and will take a month off to prepare for the European clay season.

"At this stage, Djokovic plays as little as possible," added Wilander. The Swedish legend suggested that Nole should spend time recuperating, taking care of her mental health and spending time with her family. He said: "He can practice as much as he wants in Belgrade, having dinner with his wife, children and relatives. This is very meaningful."

Wilander considers Djokovic to be the top candidate at Grand Slams, even having a great chance to win all four titles. In 2021, Djokovic reached the final of all four tournaments and only lost the US Open final.

"This year is Djokovic's best opportunity at Roland Garros," Wilander said. "The following years will be more difficult because of the harshness of this court. In the remaining three Grand Slams, Djokovic can prolong his chances of winning a few more years."

Wilander was the top tennis player of the 1980s. He won three of the four Grand Slams in the 1988 season, then became world number one later that year. He is in the group of six Grand Slam winners on all three surfaces of hard, grass and clay. Also only Wilander, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are Grand Slam winners at least twice on each court.