With his most direct statement to date, Novak Djokovic seems to be hinting that he might decide to manage this final phase of his career rather than taking over as former coach Goran Ivanisevic’s successor.
After parting ways with longtime coach Ivanisevic late last month, Djokovic has been working on a trial basis with fellow countryman and former Serbian Davis Cup captain Nenad Zimonjić, who accompanied him to the Monte-Carlo Masters two weeks prior. The 24-time major champion has not decided if he wants to make that an official position, though. In his remarks on Monday at the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards, he stated that he is considering if he really needs to replace Ivanisevic.
“I am thinking about it too, if I should have the coach or not,” Djokovic remarked. “I am considering sticking with Nenad Zimonjić as my coach because we had a great time working together over the past three weeks. I will decide during the following period, let us see.”
He went on, “I am not in a hurry. It is not like I do not think I need a coach at all; I have played tennis for 20 years and have had a lot of different teams and coaches. Having a good team and fitness coach, physiotherapist, or mental coach is always beneficial, in my opinion. Everything matters. It makes a formula for success and improves your training, recuperation, and performance. For as long as you can, remain at the top. However, I believe I am at a point in my career where I can afford to consider the possibility of going without a coach. See you later. I am going to decide shortly.”
Shortly after losing in the third round of Indian Wells, 36-year-old Djokovic made the unexpected decision to split ways with Ivanisevic public. Djokovic’s record-breaking career’s most dominant phase coincided with their five-year partnership. However, following his three major title victories in 2018, he has started this season remarkably slowly.
Djokovic has only participated in four tournaments and has not advanced to a single final in 2024. He has also yet to win a trophy. After withdrawing from the Miami Open in March and losing to Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo semifinal, Djokovic declared he would also be missing this week’s Madrid Open.
Despite everything, he traveled to Madrid to accept his fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year trophy. He also revealed that he would be focusing on the major leagues and the Olympics this summer, starting in May at Roland Garros.
“I am sorry, but I will not be participating in the Madrid Open this year. Hopefully, I will be back next year—I have plenty of time left. However, I am getting my body ready, especially for the US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and the Olympic Games. For me, that is the most significant block of the year.
“I hope to be able to play in Rome, so please be prepared. I have played tennis at a slightly different level this year; I am still figuring it out. I hope Roland Garros will still allow that to happen.”
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