Djokovic 'fires general' to find new version

Novak Djokovic has worked with many famous coaches to open a new cycle of success, which he is aiming for after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic.

After Djokovic announced that he was ending his partnership with Ivanisevic, some people thought that the Serbian tennis player might be considering retiring this year. However, journalist Shahida Jacobs of Tennis365 said that the opposite is true. Djokovic is looking to find a new cycle of success by reinventing himself.

"Djokovic is not the type of player who accepts being swept away by time," Jacobs said. "In the past, Nole has never been afraid to change coaches if he feels it is good for his career. He is still motivated to seek more glory, especially Grand Slams."

Ivanisevic has been part of Djokovic's team since 2018 and has helped him win 12 Grand Slams and countless other prestigious titles. Photo: ATP — Ivanisevic has been part of Djokovic's team since 2018 and has helped him win 12 Grand Slams and countless other prestigious titles. Photo: *ATP*

The defeat in Australia earlier this year was seen as a warning to Djokovic. The gap between him and his juniors is narrowing and winning another major is not easy at this time. Djokovic seemed to be waiting for a change in himself over the past two months, but it did not happen. He skipped the Dubai Championships to save his fitness but was shocked by a player outside the top 100 in Indian Wells.

Coach Ivanisevic directly helped Djokovic win four Grand Slams in just two seasons 2022 and 2023, after Marian Vajda left the team. The Croatian legend cooperated with Nole since 2018 as an advisor and immediately helped his student improve his serve, turning it into a strong point in his energy-saving playing style.

According to Jacobs, it was Djokovic who decided to keep Ivanisevic as the sole coach, instead of adding Marian Vajda, who had been with him for most of his career. Djokovic often makes the decision to "fire generals" unexpectedly but quickly, without leaving any negative reputation.

Before Vajda, legends Boris Becker and Andre Agassi both coached Nole for short periods. Except for Agassi, the rest led Djokovic to Grand Slam glory. "When Ivanisevic came, he brought magic to help me serve better," Djokovic wrote on Instagram in announcing his farewell to his coach on March 26.

Djokovic is now a well-rounded player with almost no weaknesses. But a new coach can still see things that the 36-year-old star needs to improve to optimize his physical condition and continue to conquer the big arenas.

"Djokovic has a lot of ambition this summer," legend Patrick McEnroe said after Nole withdrew from the Miami Open. "From what I understand, he's determined to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics."

The Grand Slam record holder may feel that Ivanisevic is no longer fit to help him compete with younger rivals like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Nole needs a breath of fresh air for the final stretch of his career and the clay season could be the place to test that with a new coach.

Vy Anh

Source link