Novak Djokovic news: Former world 2 warns Serb that finding a new coach will be ‘important decision’

Novak Djokovic, whose world No 1 title is about to be reinstated following Daniil Medvedev’s shock defeat to Gael Monfils at Indian Wells, has been warned by former player turned coach Alex Corretja that finding a replacement for his long-term coach Marian Vajda will be difficult.
The Serbian and his coach decided to mutually split in November last year, but the announcement was only made about them going their separate ways at the start of this month.
Vajda himself revealed the reasons why they had agreed to end their association, which included the 20 time Grand Slam winner already having a strong team with coach Goran Ivanisevic in tow and “due to his (Djokovic’s) health as an unvaccinated player, he will have a limited number of tournaments, he may only play where he is allowed.”
Although Andy Murray’s former coach, Corretja, thinks the 34-year-old has a tough decision ahead of him, the Spaniard is confident Djokovic still has a few good years ahead of him.
What a journey Marian. 15 years! 🤯😃 You have been by my side during the most important & memorable moments. We have achieved the unachievable & I will forever be grateful for your friendship & dedication. You will always be my family & I can’t thank you enough for everything 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/8ihJP2VpiS
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 2, 2022
“Definitely Novak will need to find someone that is going to be the extension of his hand because that was pretty much what Marian was doing,” the French Open finalist explained.
“Marian knows exactly how to react and knows exactly how to deal with the key moments because he knows him very well.
“Maybe when a new one (coach) comes and goes like, ‘no, don’t do this’ or ‘don’t do that’ or ‘just calm down’ or whatever, it may be that it irritates Novak.”
According to Corretja, the nine time Australian Open champion is most likely to pick a former elite player as his new coach, or a coach that has already experience some success as he believes that’s what top players tend to look for when they’re looking for guidance.
“I think these kinds of top players, we see that they all need a super ex-coach or a super ex-player, someone who knows the feeling of being there, and they need someone that they have got a lot of confidence in,” the 47 year old said.
“Someone that is doing the dirty job let’s say, Marian – he is an ex-coach, an ex-player, he is someone that knows the game very well.
“It is very uncommon that this kind of profile goes away because usually they are rotating the other ones, but this one stays there forever, almost.”
Djokovic will next be seen at a competitive tournament in April when he is set to play at the ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo Masters to kick off his clay season, and compete in his second competition of the year.
Latest
-
Live Tennis
Tennis365’s live scores and results centre: Follow the French Open here
Aaaaand it’s live! Follow the action from Roland Garros…
-
French Open
French Open Day six: Djokovic and Nadal on track but British bid ends
Cameron Norrie was the last British player to fall in the singles competition, beaten in four sets by Karen Khachanov.
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu cops biggest fine so far at 2022 French Open after ‘unacceptable’ incident
Irina-Camelia Begu lucky not to be disqualified, but not so lucky with the fine.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal produces his ‘best match’ at 2022 French Open, up next Felix Auger-Aliassime and Uncle Toni
Rafael Nadal edges closer to potential Novak Djokovic showdown.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic striving for perfection and more aggression after easing into Roland Garros fourth round
Novak Djokovic marches on at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Belinda Bencic fumes at umpire over time violation during defeat to Leylah Fernandez at Roland Garros
It’s Leylah Fernandez v Amanda Anisimova up next at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Exclusive – Why Carlos Alcaraz could be a hybrid of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Annabel Croft says Carlos Alcaraz has taken the best elements of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer to build his game.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic ‘is back’ says John McEnroe as he makes world No 1 ‘very slight’ favourite for Roland Garros title
John McEnroe tipping Novak Djokovic to win the 2022 French Open.
-
Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev insists ‘if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points’
Daniil Medvedev would jump at the chance to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios has ‘bigger fish to fry’ after Bernard Tomic challenges him ‘sort this out in the boxing ring’
Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic won’t be stepping into a boxing ring any time soon.