Djokovic sacks his coach to find a new version.

Novak Djokovic has collaborated with many renowned coaches to usher in a new era of success, something he is aiming for after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic.

After Djokovic announced the end of his partnership with Ivanisevic, some speculated that the Serbian player might be considering retirement this year. However, journalist Shahida Jacobs of Tennis365 argues the opposite. Djokovic is looking for a new cycle of success by reinventing himself.

"Djokovic isn't the type of player who lets time take its toll," Jacobs observed. "In the past, Nole has never been afraid to change coaches if he felt it was good for his career. He's still motivated to seek more glory, especially in Grand Slams."

Ivanisevic has been part of Djokovic's team since 2018 and has helped him win 12 Grand Slam titles along with numerous other prestigious trophies. Photo: ATP — Ivanisevic has been part of Djokovic's team since 2018 and has helped him win 12 Grand Slam titles along with numerous other prestigious trophies. Photo: *ATP*

Djokovic's defeat in Australia earlier this year was seen as a warning sign. The gap between him and his younger teammates is narrowing, and winning another major is no longer easy. Djokovic seemed to have been waiting for a change in himself over the past two months, but it didn't happen. He skipped the Dubai Championships to conserve his energy but then suffered a shocking defeat to a player outside the top 100 at Indian Wells.

Coach Ivanisevic directly helped Djokovic win four Grand Slams in just two seasons, 2022 and 2023, after Marian Vajda left the team. The Croatian legend has been working with Nole since 2018 as an advisor and immediately helped his pupil improve his serve, turning it into a strength in a playing style that requires conserving energy.

According to Jacobs, it was Djokovic who decided to keep Ivanisevic as his sole coach, instead of adding Marian Vajda, who had been with him for most of his career. Djokovic often makes surprising but swift decisions to dismiss coaches, leaving no room for controversy.

Before Vajda, legends Boris Becker and Andre Agassi had both briefly coached Nole. Except for Agassi, the others all led Djokovic to Grand Slam glory. "When Ivanisevic arrived, he brought magic that helped me serve better," Djokovic wrote on Instagram in his farewell announcement to his coach on March 26th.

Djokovic is currently a complete player, with almost no weaknesses. But a new coach can still identify areas where the 36-year-old star needs improvement to optimize his physical condition and continue conquering major tournaments.

"Djokovic has a lot of ambitions this summer," said legend Patrick McEnroe after Nole withdrew from the Miami Open. "From what I know, he's determined to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the Paris Olympics."

The Grand Slam record holder probably believes Ivanisevic is no longer suitable to help him compete against younger rivals like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Nole needs a fresh start for the final stages of his career, and the clay court season could be the place to test that with a new coach.

Vy Anh

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