By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, April 23, 2024
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic details his current coaching status and shares his tournament schedule for the rest of clay season.
Photo credit: Mateo Villalba/Getty
Novak Djokovic's quest for a 25th Grand Slam crown could wind up a solo run.
The Grand Slam king said today he is considering competing without a coach when he returns to the ATP Tour.
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World No. 1 Djokovic, who parted company with coach Goran Ivanisevic last month, worked with good friend and former Serbian Davis Cup teammate Nenad Zimonjic in his Monte-Carlo return this month.
While Djokovic said he's discussed continuing his partnership with Zimonjic, he's also contemplating playing without any coach in his corner.
"I am considering whether I should or shouldn't have the coach," Djokovic told Reuters. "I had a really good time with Zimonjic... we're talking about continuing. Let’s see, I’m going to make the decision in the next period.
"It’s not like I think I don’t need a coach at all. I think there’s always value in having that quality team... But I think I’m in the stage of my career where I can afford to maybe think having no coach is also an option."
Djokovic withdrew from this week's Mutua Madrid Open.
The 36-year-old Serbian superstar, who won the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time in Madrid last night, said he plans to play Rome next month in preparation for defending his Roland Garros championship.
The reigning US Open champion's mission statement for the rest of 2024 centers on four events: Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Olympics and the US Open.
"I’m preparing my body to be ready particularly for Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Olympic Games and U.S. Open. That’s the most important block of the year for me," Djokovic said. "I'm intending on playing in Rome. This year has been a bit different for me, the start.
"I'm still finding my best level of tennis. Hopefully that can still come in Roland Garros,"