Novak Djokovic is looking for new stimuli within the final stage of his legendary profession. The Serbian ace has simply skilled some of the delicate seasons of his profession, wherein he didn’t win a single title. The previous world no 1 saved his 2024 because of the stunning victory on the Paris Olympics, the place he received that gold medal he had been chasing for a few years.
Novak Djokovic, ATP Finals 2023© Stream screenshot
In response to some followers and insiders, the triumph in Paris this summer season may have accelerated the method that may lead him to retire from tennis. The 24-time Grand Slam champion accomplished the puzzle because of success within the Olympic match and it’s tough to determine new objectives.
His subsequent objective may very well be to win the twenty fifth Main and the one centesimal title of his superb profession, however it is not going to be straightforward in any respect to compete with opponents a lot youthful than him at nearly 38 years outdated. Due to this, the present world quantity 7 has made a fairly stunning determination.
Djokovic sends a sign
On the 2025 Australian Open, the 37-year-old from Belgrade shall be adopted by his former rival Andy Murray as coach. The previous Scottish champion – who stated goodbye to skilled tennis on the Paris Olympics – is keen to comply with Nole to Australia and can attempt to assist him obtain one other legendary feat.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
It’s no thriller that their collaboration has generated feedback in each nook of the world. The three-time Grand Slam champion has by no means been a coach and has no expertise, however he is aware of Novak very effectively and is aware of easy methods to interpret the dynamics of contemporary tennis.
It’s unclear how lengthy the collaboration between Djokovic and Murray will final, however Andy will hardly have the ability to journey for a lot of weeks through the yr. The previous world no 1 has a phenomenal household and can be organizing a theatrical tour, which is why he doesn’t appear keen to be a full-time coach.
In a latest interview with Eurosport, former doubles World No.1 Nicolas Mahut expressed his viewpoint about Nole’s future: “Honestly, I was a bit pessimistic about Novak, I thought he was already heading to the end of his career, I didn’t see him winning Grand Slams in 2025. That’s the feeling I had with him, I’m sure he felt it, himself too.
In situations where you struggle to find those personal resources within yourself, one tends to look for them outside, that’s why renewing your team can be a trigger.
This is where Andy, who has been his rival for years, but has known him since they were kids, comes in. I’m sure he’ll give you a big boost and they will both want to do well. Now I have the feeling that we can see a great Novak again.”
He additionally mirrored on the brand new partnership between Djokovic and Murray: “He can contribute on the emotional side, on the mental side and, above all, bring him a lot in the game. Although Andy has no coaching experience, he has complete knowledge of Novak, he has known him for more than 20 years and that is a big advantage.”
An interesting expertise
The previous British participant is aware of all of the opponents that Novak will face in Melbourne subsequent January and might be very helpful to him particularly from a tactical viewpoint.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is aware of he has to seek out new options to shock Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who’re a lot youthful than him and have widened the hole within the final twelve months. Jannik defeated Nole within the semifinals of the 2024 Australian Open and the ultimate of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, whereas Carlitos prevented him from profitable Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024.
The Serbian champion struggled quite a bit in second-tier tournaments, even shedding to opponents a lot inferior to him. The losses in opposition to Nardi in Indian Wells and Tabilo in Rome had been maybe the worst of his season, to not point out the defeat in opposition to Ruud within the semifinal of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000.
Novak needs to get off to a superb begin in 2025 and is conscious that an important lead to Australia would even be essential for the remainder of the season. The 37-year-old from Belgrade confided that he’s not within the ATP rating, which is why his schedule shall be very lowered subsequent yr as effectively.
Djokovic will focus solely on Grand Slam tournaments and the Davis Cup, wherein he has the possibility to symbolize his nation. The Serbian needs to win the Davis Cup once more after the triumph in 2011, when there was nonetheless the standard format.
