Potential future coaches for Novak Djokovic, following his separation with Ivanisevic

Dejan Petrović, Riccardo Piatti, Marián Vajda, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, Radek Štepanek, and Goran Ivanišević are some of the coaches who have worked with Novak Djokovic in his professional career. Although there have also been some cameo appearances by coaches like Mark Woodford or Tod Martin, Djokovic will soon add another name to this list.

Some were surprised by Djokovic’s split with Ivanišević, but those who were more informed had noticed some hints in the last months. The two had planned a farewell trip to the United States during the swing of the calendar year to part ways amicably. Based on the tone of Djokovic’s announcement, it seems that the split was a pleasant one.

During Tuesday’s training, Novak was accompanied by Nenad Zimonjić, a former colleague from the Davis Cup team. Although Nenad may be present at some tournaments with Novak, it is unlikely to be a long-term solution. His agent, Carlos Gomez Herrera, who previously served as a sparring partner, will be with Novak in the upcoming period. However, there will be no rush to find a new coach. Discussions, evaluations, and options will be weighed before announcing Djokovic’s new coach.

Considering Djokovic’s impressive career and age, drastic changes in his playing style are not expected. What he needs now is a fresh perspective and someone who can motivate and stimulate him. Shock therapy might be the answer to help Novak regain his form.

Obvious candidates

Whether Marjan Vajda or Boris Becker will return to work with Novak Djokovic is unclear. While Becker seems like a more realistic option, considering Novak’s needs, someone entirely new will likely be considered. Andre Agassi didn’t have a real chance to work with Novak because he was with him during his worst period, and it’s uncertain whether that missed opportunity will ever be revisited.

Radek Štepanek is working with Sebastian Korda, and Patrick Mouratoglou is busy coaching Holger Rune, although their cooperation seems uncertain. While Mouratoglou has expressed admiration for Djokovic in the past, his current engagement with Rune makes him an unlikely candidate. A few independent coaches are available, while Brad Gilbert is committed to Koko Goff; on the other side, Ivan Lendl’s training style and character may not be compatible with Novak’s. Wayne Ferreira had success with Francis Tiafo, as did Michael Cheng with Kei Nishikori before injuries ended his coaching career with the Japanese player.

Former opponents as a solution

Can Novak hire a previous adversary as a coach? If so, who could be the right person? Over the years, Andy Roddick has been one of Novak’s biggest admirers despite their professional disagreements. Roddick is knowledgeable about tennis and Novak’s opponents, which makes him a great motivator and a potential coach.

Tomas Berdych works with Jiri Lehečka, while Nicolas Massu is Chile’s Davis Cup team selector. Although Massu is an interesting name, Markos Baghdatis, who works with Yibing Wu, could also be a potential candidate. However, as Ivanišević once said, when Djokovic calls, it’s like Real Madrid calling.

Magnus Norman played a significant role in making Stan Wawrinka a three-time Grand Slam champion, defeating Djokovic in two Grand Slam finals. Norman is now coaching Wawrinka again, but there’s no telling what could happen.