Could Novak Djokovic hire a female coach as report points to surprise names after Ivanisevic split

Novak Djokovic is looking for a replacement for Goran Ivanisevic in the coaching position, and Serbian media suggest he has three female names on his shortlist. The world No. 1 had an early exit at the 2024 Indian Wells and then withdrew from the Miami Open just days before confirming his split from Ivanisevic.

The 24-times Grand Slam champion announced it via Instagram: "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.

“In fact, I am proud to say (not sure he is) that apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in (the board game) Parchisi going on… for many years. And – that tournament never stops for us. Thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”

Djokovic admitted that he still doesn't know who will replace the coaching position: "I still don’t have a clear idea who a new coach would be, or whether there will be one at all,” he said.

“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.”

Serbian media suggest that among the candidates are former tennis players Amelie Mauresmo and Conchita Martinez, according to Kurir Sport. Djokovic is also rumored to have considered Judy Murray, mother of Andy Murray. The British player previously worked with Mauresmo in 2014 and recently commented on the criticism he received for working with a female coach:

“Before the French Open started that year I got asked in a press conference, who my next coach might be? Martina’s (Navratilova) name was put out there as a possibility,” said Murray, who was Wimbledon champion when he began working with Mauresmo.

“It was then put out in the press that I was considering working with a female coach and I started getting messages from other players, from their coaches saying that they couldn’t believe I was playing this game with the media and that I should tell them tomorrow that I was considering working with a dog,” Murray added.

“I never had experienced that before because I’d never worked with a female coach on tour,” he concluded.