Novak Djokovic has hinted that he may head into the final stretch of his tennis career without a coach and instead rely on himself to do the job. The record 24-time Grand Slam champion recently split with his former coach Goran Ivanisevic after a successful six-year partnership.
The Serbian is currently undergoing a trial period with compatriot and former Davis Cup captain Nenad Zimonjić, who was with him at the Monte Carlo Masters a fortnight ago.
Quizzed whether he needed Ivanisevic’s replacement at all during the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards where he received the top honour, Djokovic said: “I am considering that as well, whether I should or shouldn’t have the coach.”
“I had a really good time with Nenad Zimonjić as my coach the last three weeks so we’re talking about continuing and seeing. Let’s see, I’m going to make the decision in the next period,” he added.
Djokovic explained he had been playing at the top level for more than two decades and that he could ‘afford’ not having a coach.
“I’m not rushing. I feel like playing tennis over 20 years and having a lot of different teams and coaches, it’s not like I think I don’t need a coach at all. I think there’s always value in having that quality team and fitness coach, physio, mental coach. It’s all important. It creates a formula for success and helps you perform better, train better, recover better. Stay on the top for as long as you can,” said Djokovic.
“But I think I’m in the stage of my career where I can afford to maybe think having no coach is also an option. Let’s see. I’m going to make my decision soon.”
Djokovic ends partnership with Ivanisevic
It was last month that Djokovic made the surprise decision of parting ways with Ivanisevic, ending a fruitful partnership where he won 12 Grand Slam titles.
The Croatian joined Djokovic’s team in 2018 as the Serb looked for ways to improve his serve and overall gameplay.
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” Djokovic posted on Instagram.
Djokovic acknowledged that their working relationship had witnessed several ups and downs but their friendship remained intact.
Having ended the 2023 season with three Grand Slams, Djokovic has not had the best of starts to 2024. He lost in the Australian Open semifinals to eventual winner Jannik Sinner before suffering a shock third-round loss to Luca Nardi at Indian Wells.
Nardi, who is ranked No. 124, became the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing No. 122 Levin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.
(With inputs from agencies)