One of Novak Djokovic’s good friends and mentors has revealed that something is “brewing” in his camp.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion parted ways with his long-time coach in March and still hasn’t hired a replacement.
But Serbia’s Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki has heard rumours that Djokovic is set to link-up with a big name.
Djokovic previously worked with Goran Ivanisevic, a former world No. 2 and Wimbledon champion. After five years together, they mutually parted ways at the start of the year.
While Ivanisevic has already taken on a new role with Elena Rybakina, Djokovic has yet to bring a new voice into his camp. He worked with a few temporary mentors over the clay season but has been without a full-time coach since March.
However, that could be about to change. Retired Serbia star Troicki has revealed that there is speculation Djokovic could be about to hire a high-profile name.
“I am glad that Novak stated that he is 100 per cent starting preparations for the new season,” the former world No. 12 told Sport Klub.
“We saw each other briefly, and I even heard that something was brewing with a new coach, with a big name. I don’t know anything about that. That’s the gossip I heard yesterday, I didn’t hear from him.”
While Troicki didn’t hear the rumours directly from Djokovic, he knows a thing or two about what the Olympic champion will be looking for in a coach.
The 38-year-old has mentored Djokovic in his role as the Serbian Davis Cup captain. And he believes the current world No. 5 will want to work with an elite ex-player whether or not they have much coaching experience.
Troicki continued: “Honestly, I’m also guessing because I have no information and no idea who it could be. Again, he will be looking for a big name with whom he can share experiences.
“Of course, Novak is the best in history and the new coach will not teach him forehand or backhand, we are all aware of that, but he needs someone with whom he can share the experience. It is very important that he finds peace when he looks at him, he needs that.
“To get a comment at a given moment. He is really demanding about it and asks his box for information because he is a perfectionist.
“So I think it will be an impressive name. It does not necessarily mean that he was already a coach, maybe someone with less coaching experience, but someone of great reputation.”
Djokovic has already ended his season after pulling out of the ATP Finals citing an injury. The 37-year-old will be back in action in Australia in January. He recently said he wanted to play a tournament in the first week of the new year and plans to go “full throttle” in the off-season.
