“I don’t think a coach can make that much difference”: Serena Williams ex-coach shares words of wisdom for Novak Djokovic
ATPSaturday, 20 April 2024 at 10:20
Former world number one Serena Williams ex-coach Rick Macci believes
having a different coach will not make too much of a difference for Serbia’s
legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic. The 36-year-old is often regarded as the
greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having
won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic is going through a bit of a lean patch in the 2024
season as recently he parted ways with his former coach Goran Ivanisevic after
spending six successful seasons with the 2001 Wimbledon champion.
Macci was recently quoted in a report where he suggested
that having a new coach will not make too much of a difference for the reigning
world number one in the men’s singles category.
“Right now, I don’t think a coach can make that much
difference,” he said. “It’s even, you know, when Serena already had 12 Grand
Slams in her pockets and she started being coached
“I think it can help you motivation wise and strategy. But,
listen, he is on third base. He is heading towards home. I don’t think a coach
can make that much difference."
Novak Djokovic has recently parted ways with his former coach Goran Ivanisevic.
Macci further went on to back the legendary tennis star to
win a few more Grand Slams before the end of his illustrious career if he manages
to stay fit.
“But, if it’s a subtle little thing, how they say it, why
they say it and can get you to do something, because it comes down to key
moments, especially in men’s tennis,” he said.
“He knew the guy he selected. Obviously, they go way back in
time and at the end of the day, he is the one out there pulling a trigger. So,
it really comes down to him and if he stays healthy, I think he can win a
handful of more Grand Slams.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- PRIZE MONEY & POINTS Winner - $185,500 Finalist - $114,500 Semi-Finalist - $66,003 Quarter-Finalist - $35,000 Round of 16 - $18,045 Round of 32 - $13,005 Winner - 500 Finalist - 325 Semi-Finalist - 195 Quarter-Finalist - 108 Round of 16 - 60 Round of 32 - 1DaveyWavey20-09-2026
- Pegula withdrew from this Singapore event
tennishappens19-09-2026 - Serena Williams chose her tournaments. It's not such a bad idea.MuswellHillbilly17-09-2026
- This child is just too fragile. Step away from tennis for a year. Get healthy, get fit; train hard;ranking be damned, and come back as strong contender. Anisimova did it. So can Emma.Rapunzel17-09-2026
- Double standards, what can be said!? Venus is p**ing on media and public. Can't face defeat. Cowerdness! Shouldn't be given any other wild cards ever. That's gross disrespect.DragosJacob16-09-2026
- Anywhere is better than Saudi Arabia!DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- He'd be a perfect coach for Rafael Jodar.DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- This financial 'chump-change' means nothing to Saba. Her vacuity likely cannot fathom the "problem" with her unprofessional actions and reactions in general. The racquet smash is not my focus. My focus was/is on her distasteful, totally unprofessional, disgusting facial expressions and eye-rolls while standing behind Elena as she spoke on the podium. This woman needs a degree of therapy for her True Attitude(s). She is not fooling anyone within the WTA circles with her post-match winner "humor" and smiley behavior. Her True Self comes out when losing a set/match and as a runner-up on the podium.
mandoist16-09-2026 - When will this repetitive "news" and wishful thinking stop?mandoist16-09-2026
- WTA has been unfairly ignoring Elena ever since Wimbledon. Arguably biased against her. Same with the most major sponsors whom normally pounce on the Wimbledon Winners for sponsorship. Didn't happen. Her unfair treatment was always in Lena's subconcious; how she was largely ignored after Wimbledon. Her sister helped her a lot during that period. Next came illnesses and minor injury. A lot of time was lost, and physical (mental?) issues were frequent, as she fought through the absurdiy and general nonsense brought-on by her coach/partner. He was a Loser then, he's a Loser still. Although he has lowered his attitude, volume, and non-stop yapping from the box since he wore the organizations out with his non-stop legal letters begging for mercy and ultimately fully reinstated. Rybakina deserves all the accolades others have enjoyed and more for her strength and will to succeed. Hope it continues.mandoist15-09-2026
Loading
