Novak Djokovic has suggested that as his tennis career approaches its latter stages, he might choose to proceed without a coach, managing his training and strategy on his own. The legendary player with 24 Grand Slam titles recently ended a successful six-year collaboration with his coach, Goran Ivanisevic.
Currently, Novak Djokovic is evaluating his coaching situation, working temporarily with Nenad Zimonjić, his fellow Serbian and former Davis Cup captain, who accompanied him at the Monte Carlo Masters two weeks ago.
When asked at the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards, where he was honored, Djokovic expressed uncertainty about replacing Ivanisevic, saying, “I am considering that as well, whether I should or shouldn’t have the coach.”
Djokovic mentioned he enjoyed his recent coaching stint with Nenad Zimonjić and is discussing the possibility of extending this arrangement. “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 decide in the next period,” he added.
“Having no coach is also an option”
Djokovic reflected on his extensive experience, noting that, after over two decades at the elite level, he feels capable of operating without a coach.
Novak Djokovic emphasized that he isn’t in a hurry to decide and values the role of a comprehensive support team, including a fitness coach, physiotherapist, and mental coach, which all contribute to success. However, he acknowledged that, at this point in his career, it might be feasible to consider going coachless as a viable option.
“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 a quality team and fitness coach, physio, and mental coach. It’s all important. It creates a formula for success and helps you perform better, train better, and 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,” he added.
Novak Djokovic ends partnership with Ivanisevic
Last month, Djokovic announced the surprising decision to part ways with Ivanisevic, ending a brilliant association that included 12 Grand Slam wins.
The Croatian joined Djokovic’s team in 2018 as the Serb sought ways to improve his serve and overall game.
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” Djokovic posted on Instagram.
Djokovic, who finished the 2023 season with three Grand Slams, has not had the finest start to 2024. He lost in the semifinals of the Australian Open to eventual winner Jannik Sinner, followed by a shocking third-round loss to Luca Nardi at Indian Wells.
Nardi, ranked 124th globally, set a record by being the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic in either a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 event, a distinction previously held by No. 122 Levin Anderson in 2008 at Miami.