Novak
Djokovic may be on the hunt for a high-profile coach ahead of the 2025 season,
according to Serbian Davis Cup captain and close friend
Viktor Troicki. The
former World No. 12 has no doubt that his compatriot still has the fuel to win
several more titles if he trains effectively.
The 24-time
Grand Slam champion did not win any ATP-level titles in 2024, but his gold
medal at Paris 2024 compensated for a year that fell below Djokovic’s usual
standards, especially after his three Grand Slam titles in 2023 (making it 10
since 2019).
In his
previous 10 major victories, Djokovic worked with Croatian coach Goran
Ivanisevic, also a close friend, who had previously coached players like Tomas
Berdych and Milos Raonic. However, after a shaky start to the 2024 season,
Djokovic and Ivanisevic parted ways in March following Indian Wells.
Djokovic’s next step? A star coach could be joining his team
Although
several names were rumoured to join Djokovic’s team, including Patrick
Mouratoglou and Amélie Mauresmo, he eventually opted for Nenad Zimonjić, who
worked with him briefly during the clay swing. Later, Djokovic collaborated
with Troicki on his path to Olympic gold at Stade Roland Garros.
Recently,
the Serbian Davis Cup captain revealed in an interview with Sport Klub that
Djokovic might add a renowned coach to his team during the off-season.
“I am glad that Novak stated that he is 100 percent starting preparations for
the new season,” Troicki said. “We saw each other briefly, and I even heard
that something was brewing with a new coach, with a big name. I don’t know
anything about that. That’s the gossip I heard yesterday, I didn’t hear from
him.”
Novak Djokovic after won his first Olympic gold medal
“If so, I
really believe that he is very motivated and wants to come back in the right
light next year,” Troicki added. “This year, his main focus was on the Olympic
Games, and he showed that – when he really wants something, he can make it
happen. It was like that before in his career.
“If he
trains properly, we can expect many more titles from him. He has time to
prepare properly,” added the 2010 Davis Cup champion, who was part of the team
alongside Djokovic. “I’ve known Novak for a long time, and I know what it’s
like when he really ‘bites’. That’s how it was at the
Olympic Games. You can
see it from the first training session; it was the same in Paris. It is
recognised in him – he is sharper.”
“I’m not
saying he’s relaxed at other tournaments, but there’s a lot more focus and
attention to detail. It is incredible what he has achieved. When he believes in
something, he is truly the strongest and there is no equal to him.”