Home Sport Novak Djokovic spotted training with potential new coach as Serb offers update

Novak Djokovic spotted training with potential new coach as Serb offers update


Novak Djokovic has offered an update after being spotted training with a potential new coach in his home of Belgrade. Earlier this week, the world No. 1 announced that he had parted ways with Goran Ivanisevic after almost five years together. And he has since had his say on hiring a new mentor after practising under the guidance of a new face.

Djokovic and Ivanisevic mutually agreed to end their wildly successful partnership just a few days ago, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion sharing the news on Wednesday. “Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago. Our on court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid,” he wrote on Instagram.

It means Djokovic is now without a coach with his next tournament, the Monte Carlo Masters, starting in less than two weeks. As the tennis world waits to learn who will step up to mentor the world No. 1, Djokovic has been seen training with retired Serbian player Nenad Zimonjic.

According to Telegraf, Zimonjic gave the 36-year-old some guidance as he practised in Belgrade ahead of the clay season, sparking speculation that he could be Djokovic’s new coach and even join his countryman in Monte Carlo. But Djokovic himself has now given an update on his coaching situation and admitted that he wasn’t even sure whether he’d hire a replacement for Ivanisevic.

“I still don’t have a clear idea who a new coach would be, or whether there will be one at all”, he said at the launch of Nikola Pilic’s documentary. “I’ve had coaches since I was a kid, now I am trying to feel by myself what I need, what I feel most comfortable with. You will be informed in case someone joins the team.”

The 98-time career title winner also addressed the end of his working relationship with Ivanisevic. Djokovic added: “First of all, Goran is my friend for life, mine and of my family’s. He is a very dear person for me, the end of our professional collaboration doesn’t mean that our friendship stops.

“Our separation has been positive, as positive as a separation can be. We have come to a point where we’ve exhausted our cooperation after almost five years.” And Djokovic sent his well-wishes to the Croat as he reflected on their time together.

“Together, we’ve written history of our sport, we have won Slams, ended seasons as No. 1 in the world,” he continued. “But we went through trials and tribulations as well – disqualification at the US Open, deportation from Australia. I will always remember that he was there for me as a person, as a human being, first and foremost, and that he brought the right set of values into our relationship. That kind of chemistry was followed by great results. I wish Goran all the best.”

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