Novak Djokovic has described Nenad Zimonjic as an older brother since the former doubles No. 1 joined him at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic is playing in his native tournament in Monaco for the first time as a Principality citizen following his split with longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic. After their separation was declared at the end of March, there was speculation that a new coach would be appointed. Ivanisevic took over as the Serbian team’s coach in 2019.

Rumours are circulating that Zimonjic, who is accompanying Djokovic at the tournament, would be named the 36-year-old’s official coach. Though it doesn’t seem like a choice has been made just yet, he explained their relationship’s history and how they first got together.

Djokovic expressed thoughts about his relationship with Zimonjic and said: “We have known each other well for more than 20 years. He’s been always like an older brother to me. A mentor, a friend, who always tried to help me as a person and as a player. When I stopped with Goran, I was starting my clay-court preparation in Belgrade and he was there. He came to the court, and we enjoyed our collaboration and I asked him to come here for a few weeks.”

Djokovic added: “We are trying to make the most of it. He’s been giving me really useful advice to find the proper position when I’m approaching the net, and it’s something I’m not best at because I don’t play as many doubles matches. And Nenad was one of the best doubles players in the world, he’s won many Slams and tournaments, been No. 1 on the tour.”

Novak Djokovic in 2024

At the moment ranked no.1, Novak played his last match on the 11^th of March when he surrendered to world no.75 Luca Nardi 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the 3^rd round in Indian Wells (draw).

During this season Novak owns a 8-3 win-loss record. Novak Djokovic’s best performance of the year was reaching the semifinal at the Australian Open.

Djokovic won 99 titles in his career: 53 on hard courts, 19 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)

Djokovic is scheduled to compete next in Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (Monte–Carlo). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 7th of April.