In recent weeks, Novak Djokovic’s reluctance to name a permanent coach to succeed the departing Goran Ivanisevic has generated a lot of discussion. However, tennis great John McEnroe has stated clearly that the world No. 1 doesn’t require a new advisor.

After a difficult start to the year, Djokovic seemed like he was beginning to uncover some drive and form as he defeated Roberto Carballes Baena to get to the third round at Roland Garros. It was one of his greatest performances of 2024.

McEnroe talked about it in a recent discussion and said: “As far as him needing a coach, I think that’s laughable. As far as him needing someone to tell him what he’s doing on the court, I don’t buy that. If he wants someone around, that’s perfectly fine. It’s worked amazingly well, as no one in their wildest dreams thought he’d win 24 Grand Slams. I remember seeing him play against Gael Monfils when they were both young and he won that match in five. I thought to myself, ‘That kid Djokovic has got some guts’, but if you told me then he would win 24 Grand Slams, I’d have said you were mad.”

He further said: “Now he is trying to win more and these first two rounds were a really good draw for him. Two guys didn’t have a prayer to beat him. Let’s see how it goes when it gets tougher. Djokovic looks good. There were a few times when he was breathing hard and a few times it looked like he was going to fall over, but for the large, there was no issue.”

The speculation that Djokovic is nearing the end of his career and doesn’t want to add significant players to his squad when they might be cut sooner rather than later has been stoked by his choice to avoid hiring a full-time coach.

Djokovic at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2024

Now ranked no.1, Novak achieved a composed 16-6 record in 2024. The Serbian is competing at the French Open where he ousted the world no.142 Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4 7-6³ 6-4 and the world no.63 Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4 6-1 6-2.

Novak Djokovic will face the world no.30 Lorenzo Musetti in the 3^rd round on Saturday at 8:15 pm on Court PHILIPPE-CHATRIER. Their current head to head is 4-1 for Djokovic.

The Serbian won 98 titles in his career: 52 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 at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of July.