Novak Djokovic has given the strongest indication yet that he may not replace former coach Goran Ivanisevic, choosing instead to spend the final stages of his career on his own.
Djokovic split from long-time coach Ivanisevic late last month and has been going through a trial period with compatriot and former Serbian Davis Cup captain Nenad Zimonjic, who Joined him at the Monte Carlo Masters two weeks ago. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is yet to decide whether to make his appointment permanent. Speaking at the 25th annual Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday, he said he was weighing up the need to replace Ivanisevic.
“I’m also thinking about whether I should have a coach,” Djokovic said. “I’ve had a really good time with Nenad Zimonjić as my coach over the past three weeks, so we’re talking about continuing to see. Let’s see, what I will do in the next period Make a decision.
He added: “I’m in no rush. I feel like I’ve played tennis for over 20 years with a lot of different teams and coaches, but I don’t think I need a coach at all. I think having a high-quality team and physical fitness Coaches, physical therapists, mental coaches are always valuable. It’s all important to create a winning formula to help you perform better, train better, and recover better for as long as possible. status. But I think I’m at the point in my career where I think not having a coach is an option and I’ll make a decision soon.
Djokovic, 36, announced his shock decision to part ways with Ivanisevic shortly after their third-round exit at Indian Wells. Their five-year partnership comes amid the most dominant period of Djokovic’s record-breaking career, but he has had an unusually slow start to the season after winning three Grand Slam titles last year.
Djokovic has yet to win a trophy in 2024 and has only played four matches, failing to reach the final. He withdrew from the Miami Open in March, and after losing to Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo semifinals, Djokovic announced he would also miss this week’s Madrid Open.
He is still in Madrid to collect his fifth Laureus Sportsman of the Year award and says he will prioritize the Grand Slams and the Olympics this summer – starting with Roland Garros in May.
“Unfortunately I won’t play the Madrid Open this year, hopefully next year – I’m still young and I have time. But I’m getting my body ready, especially for Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympics and the U.S. Getting ready for the Open is the most important part of the year for me.
“I’m going to play in Rome, so I hope I can go there and be ready. This year is a little different for me, at the beginning I’m still looking for my best tennis. Hopefully that can still be achieved at Roland Garros a little.
