Novak Djokovic in new coach search reveals who’s next

Belgrade – (AFP) A day after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic after five years together, Novak Djokovic stated on Thursday that he didn’t know if he would have a new coach at all.

Before the 2019 grass court Grand Slam, Djokovic enlisted the 2001 Wimbledon champion from Croatia to strengthen his team. Under his leadership, the player went on to win 12 of his 24 career major titles.

Djokovic stated at a news conference in Belgrade, “As for my next step regarding a coach for me, I don’t have any clear idea who that might be and if anyone will be.”

Since I was a small child, coaches have always been by my side. I’m attempting to sense what feels right for me right now.”

Compared to his usual caliber, Djokovic’s year has started poorly as he lost to eventual victor Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals.

The 36-year-old withdrew from the current Miami Open after losing to Sinner’s little-known countryman Luca Nardi in the third round in Indian Wells.

In preparation for the second Grand Slam of the year at the French Open, he is scheduled to make his comeback to the tour at the Monte Carlo Masters the following month.

Five Candidates Who Can Replace Ivanisevic As Djokovic’s New Coach

5. Federer Roger
Out of all the combinations on this list, this is the most ridiculous and definitely the least probable to occur. In a 2022 interview, Roger Federer stated that he would be open to teaching in the future, although he clarified that he would only be willing to impart his tennis skills to a young Swiss talent.

Early in their storied rivalry, Federer and Djokovic had a tense relationship; yet, as their careers progressed, they demonstrated their ability to work together in a team environment.

In 2018, they participated in a doubles match at the Laver Cup, and Djokovic accepted the invitation to offer the Swiss a fitting farewell at the same London event two years prior.

4. Viktor Troicki

Viktor Troicki and Djokovic were teammates in Serbia’s historic 2010 Davis Cup victory. The now-retired former world No. 12 and the 24-time Grand Slam winner are good friends.

As the current captain of the Davis Cup, Troicki has mentored Djokovic, who is just two years younger than him, in team events such as the ATP Cup.

However, since Hamad Medjedovic is presently training the new Serbian young player, any potential cooperation on tour may require the 38-year-old to leave his camp. Djokovic will exercise caution so as not to impede the progress of the Next-Gen champion.

3. Boris Becker

Maybe Novak Djokovic needs a familiar voice in his camp. Or he might be looking for a part-time coach rather than a full-time one. The only name that ticks both boxes is Boris Becker, his former coach.

Becker worked with Djokovic between 2014 and 2016 and helped him to win six Grand Slams. Djokovic owes some of his mental toughness to the German great who steered him through the mud a decade ago when he was struggling to add to his Grand Slam collection.

Because the 56-year-old is restricted from traveling to some countries because of his criminal conviction in a court of law, he will only accompany Djokovic to select ATP tournaments should a deal materialize. The Serb is playing few events at this stage of his career, which makes the option of rehiring Becker a real possibility.

2. Carlos Gomez-Herrera Gomez-

Herrera was a modest player during his time as a professional. But a few seasons ago, he became Djokovic’s regular hitting partner and shot to stardom. Off the court, they have been close friends for more than ten years.

In recognition of their close relationship, the World No. 1 elevated Gomez-Herrera, also referred to as Charly in the camp, to the position of team manager, succeeding Djokovic’s previous business manager Edoardo Artaldi.

The long-term plans for Ivanisevic’s departure from the squad were not made clear in Djokovic’s Instagram post, which also included the Spaniard. This has given rise to rumors that he may be replacing the Croatian.

1. Zimonjic Nenad
A mainstay of Serbian tennis and a former No. 1 in doubles is Nenad Zimonjic. After he was seen watching Djokovic practice on clay in Belgrade, there are rumors that he is Djokovic’s new coach. Zimonjic would give Djokovic’s almost finished game an additional dimension.

He may give Djokovic’s net game and hand skills some confidence and knowledge as he is a seasoned doubles operator. Though there is a lot of conjecture right now, Djokovic probably has a name in mind. Releasing Ivanisevic without having a replacement coach in place would be nonsensical.