In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has decided to end his partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic following a string of disappointing performances in early 2024. This decision marks the conclusion of a fruitful five-year collaboration that saw Djokovic clinch 12 Grand Slam titles.
Renowned Serbian tennis coach Radmilo Armenulic, who previously worked with both Djokovic and Ivanisevic, weighed in on the split, suggesting that the partnership had reached its limit. Armenulic emphasized Djokovic’s need for continued improvement and speculated on potential replacements for Ivanisevic.
Armenulic expressed his belief that Djokovic made a wise choice in parting ways with Ivanisevic, noting a perceived decline in the intensity of their training sessions. He hinted at Djokovic’s intention to enhance specific aspects of his game, such as volleying and serving, suggesting that the Serbian star may have already identified a successor to Ivanisevic.
Regarding Ivanisevic, Armenulic cryptically remarked that the former Wimbledon champion “likes fantasies,” implying a propensity for unrealistic coaching approaches. He further suggested that Ivanisevic may overlook crucial details during matches, potentially affecting his effectiveness as a coach for a top-tier player like Djokovic.
In terms of potential replacements, Armenulic advocated for the hiring of Ivan Lendl, an eight-time Grand Slam champion renowned for his serious demeanor and dedication to coaching. Drawing parallels with Lendl’s successful partnership with Andy Murray, Armenulic highlighted Lendl’s strengths in baseline play and suggested that he could significantly aid Djokovic’s preparation for the upcoming clay season, particularly ahead of Roland Garros.
However, Armenulic dismissed the idea of Djokovic reuniting with former coach Marian Vajda, citing a principle against revisiting past coaching relationships. He emphasized the potential pitfalls of such a reunion, including heightened expectations and concerns regarding Vajda’s close personal ties to Djokovic.
With the Monte Carlo Masters set to commence on April 7th, all eyes are on Djokovic as he prepares to embark on the clay court season. As speculation mounts regarding his choice of coach, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate whether Djokovic will unveil a new mentor to guide him through the challenges ahead.
