Nenad Zimonjic has discussed his coaching job with fellow Serbian Novak Djokovic and opened up about their connection. In doubles, the former world no. 1 raised hints that the duo’s partnership might end by making a past-tense reference to his time as a coach.
In addition to working with Zimonjic to prepare for the clay-court season, Djokovic received coaching from his countryman at the Monte Carlo Masters this past month.
Djokovic parted ways with his longtime coach, Goran Ivanisevic, in March after his surprise third-round exit at the Indian Wells Open. This was before he partnered with Zimonjic.
Zimonjic was questioned about how he and Djokovic became partners during an interview. He expressed his remarks about it and said: “Novak asked me, Can you be there for the training sessions, for the matches? I know him very well. On the other hand, he is someone who has tremendous respect for me and knows how much I know. I’m glad that I was able to help, and it was a great experience for me. We have known each other well for more than 20 years. He’s always been like an older brother to me. A mentor, a friend, who tried to help me as a person and as a player.”
He further added: “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 really enjoyed our collaboration, so I asked him to come here for a few weeks. 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 and been No. 1 on the tour.”
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWLWLWWWL Now the world no.1, Novak played his last match on the 13th of April when he surrendered to world no.7 Casper Ruud 6-4 1-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (draw).
Presently, during this year Djokovic achieved a compiled 11-4 win-loss record. Novak Djokovic’s most significant achievement of the year was reaching the semifinal at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo.
The Serbian 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)
Novak Djokovic |
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