16-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic will only have one of his coaches with him at each grand slam next season as he is set to resume training next week.
The world No.2 is currently working under the guidance of both Marián Vajda and Goran Ivanisevic, who joined the team shortly before Wimbledon this year. This season Djokovic clinched five titles on the ATP Tour. Two grand slams, two Masters 1000 and a 500 title. Ending 2019 with a win-loss record of 57-11 on the ATP Tour.
Whilst Djokovic’s last event (the Davis Cup Finals) ended less than two weeks ago, plans are already in motion for next year. Where he will be aiming to dethrone rival Rafael Nadal from the No.1 spot. In an interview with Serbian website Zurnal, Ivanisevic confirmed that Djokovic will start the new year with Vajda in full control of his programme.
“We start with training on December 9 in Monte Carlo and on the 16th we go to the exhibition in Abu Dhabi.” Ivanisevic outlined. “Then, by Christmas in Dubai, when Vajda takes over the lead role and goes to Australia with Novak.”
Despite the plans for January, Ivanisevic will remain very much part of the team. Although he has been named as a possible candidate for the vacant position of Croatia Davis Cup captain. A role he could combine with his current duties if the opportunity should arise. It will be during the second half of the season where Ivanisevic will likely feature more prominently at the major tournaments.
“Novak wants to have only one coach with him. So Marianne and I agreed that he would be at the Australian Open and at Roland Garros and I at Wimbledon and the US Open.” He explained. “A similar division will be in other competitions. I will be in Melbourne too, but because of the veteran tournament I like to participate in.”
Raonic needs a psychiatrist
Djokovic is the most prominent in terms of his accolades, but not the first player to work with Ivanisevic on the ATP Tour. Reflecting on his previous coaching duties, the 48-year-old spoke frankly about his time with Milos Raonic. Saying there was poor communication and that the Canadian ‘needs a psychiatrist more than a coach.’ The two worked together for just under a year.
“With Cilic, the most important thing was to improve his service, because a 1.98 player has to serve better. When Federer once said that no one got him with such ease as Marin and his tennis was too fast, that was a big compliment to me.” He reflected on his coaching career.
“I worked with Berdych when he was at his career decline and whatever I would tell him, he would reply that he could not do it.’
“The most complicated was Raonic with whom there was no communication. Like a wall, I never knew if he heard me at all. He needed a psychiatrist more than a coach.”
Fortunately the former world No.2 is having no such difficulty with his latest pupil. Whom he says is always looking to improve his game further.
“It helps that we have a similar mentality and that we speak the same language. It is not always easy to express yourself in English.” Ivanisevic said. “He (Djokovic) is a perfectionist, always wants to talk, seeks advice, still wants to move forward.”
Djokovic will start his 2020 season in Australia at the inaugural ATP Cup. His team has been drawn in the same group as France, Chile and South Africa.
