Newly retired Radek Stepanek has said he is in the process of finding ’the right path’ as speculation about a potential collaboration with Novak Djokovic mounts.
The 38-year-old announced his retirement from professional tennis last week after 21 years on the tour. During his career, the Czech rose to a high of eighth in the world and won five ATP titles. In the doubles, he won a total of 15 titles, including two at grand slam level. Stepanek has been marred by injury problems within recent years with the back becoming his most recent problem.
“I have fought until my last breath but it’s time to go now,” he said about his retirement.
No longer a player, there is a chance that the former world No.8 could be making a return back to the tour soon, but as a coach. Earlier this year Serbian media reported that he was a contender to join Novak Djokovic’s coaching team. Djokovic is currently guided by Andre Agassi, who is balancing the role with other commitments he has.
Darren Cahill, who is Simona Halep’s mentor, recently confirmed that he has discussed the idea with Agassi. According to Cahill, who was commentating for ESPN, Stepanek’s potential role could see him managing Djokovic during the non-grand slam weeks of the year.
There has been no official word regarding the potential appointment of Stepanek, who didn’t mention the role in an interview with Idnes.cz. Asked about what his plans for the future were, he said he would take his time to think about what to do next.
“Now for a few days I’ll disappear. And I think what I’ll do next.” Said Stepanek. “For years, I hurried from the match to the hotel, from the hotel to the airport. I was in a hurry. Now I have plenty of time to find the right way forward (for me).”
The prospect of the two working together would come as no surprise. Earlier in the year Djokovic described the Czech as one of his ‘best friends’ on the tour. Praising him for his longevity on the tour. Stepanek was also once named as a potential coach for Nick Kyrgios.
“We know each other well. We practise many times. Great guy. Very interesting guy.” Djokovic said in January.
Stepanek has also insisted that he will not change his mind about retirement. Branding his decision as ‘irreversible.’
“No. I can imagine myself playing an an exhibition (match). But not back on the professional tour. I am convinced that my decision is irreversible.” He said about retirement.
With there being no timeframe set out, it remains to be seen is Stepanek will join forces with the Serbian. Djokovic will start his 2018 season at the Doha Open. The tournament will start on January 1st.
