12-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic is reportedly in negotiations with fellow player Nenad Zimonjic about a potential coaching partnership.
According to information obtained by Serbian news site Telegraf, the potential partnership will only occur if 40-year-old Zimonjic meets a series of conditions. One of those include him formally ending his professional career. Doubles specialist Zimonjic became world number one in November 2008 and has won three grand slam titles in the discipline. He is currently ranked 61st in the world.
Davis Cup team-mates Djokovic and Zimonjic have played doubles together four times in 2016, including the Rio Olympic Games. Earlier this year Zimonjic said playing alongside the former world No.1 in Rio was a ‘phenomenal thing.’ Away from the court, the two men are close friends.
“I mostly hang out with Janko Tipsarević, Novak Đoković and Viktor Troicki. We have spent many beautiful moments together. We are always in contact and supporting each other.” Zimonjic said earlier this year.
It is understood that Djokovic’s potential new collaboration was inspired by his time spent with Dusan Vemic. Vemic was the former coach and sparring partner of the world number two until August 2013. According to The Telegraf, having a fellow Serbian back in Djokovic’s camp would make it logistically easier for him.
Djokovic is currently without a primary coach since parting ways with Boris Becker after three years. During their time together the Serbian won 25 ATP titles, including six grand slam trophies and 14 Masters 1000 tournaments. Despite the removal of Becker, Djokovic has opted to continue his work with longtime coach Marian Vajda, who has been part of his team since 2006.
With no official comment regarding the potential appointment of Zimonjic, it is expected that Djokovic will start his new season guided by Vajda. His first tournament of 2017 will be at the Qatar Open in the first week of January.
