Novak Djokovic's temporary coach Nenad Zimonjic spotted during thumping Safiullin win at Monte-Carlo Masters
ATPWednesday, 10 April 2024 at 18:00
It was a match of change for Novak Djokovic as he thumped Roman Safiullin 6-1, 6-2 in a tournament that typically he is not a fan of in the Monte-Carlo Masters. He has not won the title since 2015 and has not got past the Quarter-Finals for a number of years either.
But it also saw the first match under the watchful eye of Nenad Zimonjic, his new temporary coach and a former World No.1 doubles player who he called his 'older brother' and 'mentor' before the tournament began. A close ally and someone he can trust, he was seen in the stands after Djokovic dispensed of Goran Ivanisevic after six years.
But admittedly there is no agreement post the Monte-Carlo Masters which leads to believe that the decision to part company with Ivanisevic was sudden. Djokovic said that he simply asked him to accompany him to Monte-Carlo after asking to help him prepare in Belgrade and he agreed. There is no agreement past that. In 2023, Zimonjic announced that at 47 he was going to return to doubles, but seemingly hasn't gone through with that and could yet join full-time.
"He's [Nenad Zimonjic] obviously a longtime friend, also was a Davis Cup captain, and somebody that I've known since I was very very young. He's always helped me, even when he was playing. He was a mentor, like an older brother, and we kept that relationship until, of course, today," he said.
Novak Djokovic has previously had a poor record at Monte-Carlo Masters, but started with a thumping win over Roman Safiullin.
"So he was in Belgrade, and I was starting my play preparations there. We spoke, and I said, 'You know if you have a chance to be at my training sessions,' and he said, 'Yes, I'll be here,' and then I said, 'Can you come to Monaco with me?' He said yes. So, you know, that's where we are; basically, we don't have any kind of commitment. It's based on the relationship that already exists for many years," he added.
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