There can be no argument that the Djokovic and Becker union was a huge success boasting a lucrative 6 Grand Slams in 3 years. With this high benchmark set, though, there is no shying away from the fact the 2nd half of the 2016 season was disappointing. It has been said that having completed the Grand Slam set at Roland Garros back in the Spring, there has been a loss of focus and indeed a lack of determination in Novak’s game. This was highlighted by how Murray was able to close down and pick the number 1 ranking off Djokovic in the last match of the season.
But, for most players, motivation and discipline are a key responsibility for the coach too and not the player alone. As many suspected, following the surrender of his number 1 crown the Novak & Boris partnership came to a close with Djokovic releasing the below comments:
“The goals we set when we started working together have been completely fulfilled, and I want to thank him for the cooperation, teamwork, dedication, and commitment…On the other hand, my professional plans are now directed primarily to maintain a good level of play and also to make a good schedule and new goals for the next season. In this regard, I will make all future decisions.”
So, that now Novak and Boris have parted ways, who can fill the void and bring Djokovic back to the top of the world?
WHY SAMPRAS COULD BE A GOOD COACH
Pete Sampras doesn’t have a wealth of experience when it comes to coaching at the very top of the game. What he does have is 14 Grand Slam titles, two more than Djokovic and also an additional 63 weeks of his holding the world number 1 ranking. This potent mix of front running experience and sustained success could help Djokovic rejuvenate his world class form and dominance. Sampras is currently 16/1 to take on the role and with the defense of his slam in Melbourne looming only a month away, whatever decision Novak makes, it would help to make it sooner rather than later. The initial part of the season is critical for Djokovic with so many points to defend after such a good run of form in early 2016 which saw him also take the French title for the first time.
Speculation has been made about family life and personal issues for Novak, and regardless of how much weight these hold, it can still only contribute to a lack of focus and a negative aura in his camp. One thing there can be no doubt about is Sampras’ will power and desire to win even in the most drastic of circumstances. If we cast our minds back to the 1995 Australian open final when Sampras had an on-court breakdown as his coach, Tim Gullikson, battled with cancer at the time; the response demonstrates his character better than anything. Perhaps Sampras can instill this ability to compartmentalize different parts of your life to Novak.
Sampras certainly has the credentials, and he might just be the magic ingredient Djokovic needs in the 2017 season. Only time will tell if another dream team is formed at the top of the men’s game.
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| HE KNOWS HOW TO WIN A SLAM |
