Darren Cahill has questioned Novak Djokovic’s approach to his collaboration with Andre Agassi after news surfaced that their partnership has ended.
On Friday Agassi confirmed in a statement to ESPN that he has stopped working with the former world No.1. The American has been a member of Djokovic’s team for the past ten months. During that time the Serbian has been forced to miss a chunk of the tour due to an elbow injury that ended his 2017 season prematurely before returning in January. Agassi said he has departed due to a series of disagreements. Something that Djokovic is yet to comment on.
“With only the best intentions I tried to help Novak,” Agassi said. ” We far too often found ourselves agreeing to disagree. I wish him only the best moving forward.”
Weighing in on the development, 52-year-old Cahill has provided his own interpretation of the former partnership. Cahill coached Agassi during the later stages of his career and guided him to No.1 back in 2003. Based on his experience, he believes that 12-time grand slam champion Djokovic didn’t apply himself enough.
“During the collaboration with Agassi, I learned more from him than he did to me! Therefore, it seems to me that Djokovic was not fully committed to working with Andre and that they were so different.” Cahill said whilst commentating for ESPN.
It is unknown as to who will fill in for Agassi. Radek Stepanek, who will become a father later this year, remains in the coaching team after joining at the start of this year. Presently the Czech is working on a part-time basis.
Ivan Lendl, who was a former coach of Andy Murray, has been named as a potential successor to Agassi. Although there has been no comment from the Czech. Lendl has also been linked to a future role with Alexander Zverev. Recently seen watching his semifinal clash against Borna Coric at the Miami Masters.
The first two Masters 1000 events of 2018 has seen disappointment for Djokovic after he lost both of his opening matches. At Indian Wells he crashed out to Japan’s Taro Daniel followed by a straight sets loss to Benoit Paire in Miami.
Djokovic, who currently has a win-loss record of 3-3 this year, is set to return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters. The clay court tournament will start on April 15th.
