"It's like you're reading my mind": A bombshell coaching link-up? Novak Djokovic hints at collaboration with Monica Seles

Saturday, 23 August 2025 at 20:04

Novak Djokovic has hinted at a potential 'bombshell' acquisition in his coaching department ahead of the US Open that being Monica Seles. While he refrained from naming names, the context pointed towards the nine-time champion.

In a recent interview, he acknowledged that Dusan Lajovic who was there at French Open and Wimbledon is not currently travelling with him. He said that during this point in his career, he does not require a permanent full time coach but is open to collaborating with different names for select tournaments. He emphasised the significance of such partnerships as he spoke to Serbina journalists.

When asked about the possibility of working with a woman ala Amelie Mauresmo with Murray, he mentioned that Seles has been a source of support and mentorship over the years especially during the challenging times in his career and described her as one of his childhood heroes and idols.

While no formal agreement is yet forthcoming, the discussions are bound to get tennis fans excited as to whether a legendary partnership like this could blossom into something much more greater and fruitful between two of the sports greats.

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“I'm laughing because it's like you're reading my mind, but I can't tell you anything. These are initial discussions, it's more about emotions than a long-term collaboration. It would mean a lot to me," he said as per Sportklub.

“I think you already know who it is but, come on, I'm not going to say names now, not to do it too soon. If the time comes… We've had some interesting conversations.”

Seles hit the news just last week for confirming that she was diagnosed three years ago with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular autoimmune disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles.

Seles told AP that she first noticed the symptoms when she was swinging a racket as she had done during her career and noticed the feeling was slightly different so got it checked out and described the feeling of finding out.

"I would be playing with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball. I was like, 'Yeah, I see two balls.' These are obviously symptoms that you can't ignore," Seles said. "And, for me, this is when this journey started. And it took me quite some time to really absorb it, speak openly about it, because it's a difficult one. It affects my day-to-day life quite a lot."

"When I got diagnosed, I was like, 'What?!'" Seles said. "So this is where -- I can't emphasize enough -- I wish I had somebody like me speak up about it."

Seles wouldn't be out of the realms of possibility for Djokovic in regards to previously hiring legendary ex Grand Slam champions including most recently Andy Murray as well as previously Goran Ivanisevic, Boris Becker and Andre Agassi to be by his side. As he enters into the new phase of his career without much left to achieve, he is aiming to find that extra percent to reach the 25th Grand Slam.

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Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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