‘Who Are These Guys?’ – Novak Djokovic’s Abrupt Setup Changes Leaves Serena Williams’ Ex-coach Perplexed

Novak Djokovic’s camp has been experiencing significant turbulence recently. Since the World No. 1 parted ways with his long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic, he has been without a full-time coach. Ahead of the ongoing French Open, the 24-time Grand Slam winner appointed Boris Bošnjaković as his interim coach. This unexpected decision surprised the tennis community, including Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs.

On the latest episode of her Racquet’s Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, alongside co-host Sam Querrey, she speculated about potential contenders for the tournament title, for which Novak Djokovic is definitely one of the favorites. However, the tennis legend has experienced significant upheaval in his team. Stubbs discussed this issue, noting that his new team is largely unknown to her. “He’s got a whole entire new camp, the new coaching. I don’t even know who’s coaching him right now. His hitting partners now. Now his manager, his managers are gone. His coaching crew are gone. You look up to his box, and you’re like, Who are these guys?” 

Djokovic has been without a full-time coach since parting ways with his Goran Ivanisevic in March this year. Ivanisevic and Djokovic had been together since 2018, winning several Grand Slams. After Ivanisevic’s departure, Nenad Zimonjic accompanied Djokovic for the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters.

However, Djokovic clarified that Zimonjic was not his full-time coach, but rather a mentor. “Since my split with Goran, I never confirmed that I have a permanent coach,” Djokovic had said earlier. “I said that Nenad was there to help me as a friend and as a mentor, as someone who I regard important in my life,” he added.

Adding to the confusion, Djokovic announced that Boris Bošnjaković would be his coach at Roland Garros. However, the Serbian clarified that it would not be a permanent arrangement. “Boris is a part of my technical team when it comes to the analysis of my rivals, matches, and my own game. He is going to be my tennis coach in Paris; as for what comes after this tournament, I don’t have a long-term coaching solution at the moment,” the 37-year-old said in a press conference.

While it’s understandable that the Serbinator is looking to make changes to add a 25th Grand Slam to his repertoire, the constant shifts have left the tennis community reeling. The fact of Djokovic remaining titleless so far this year remains – is it because of the endless changes? Or is it the lack of a trophy driving them? It’s an endless game of chicken vs egg questions.

Are the changes creating motivational inconsistency for Novak Djokovic?

The continuous changes in Novak Djokovic’s team are likely impacting his motivation, a fact the Serbian legend himself has admitted. Speaking at a press conference ahead of his match at Roland Garros, Djokovic acknowledged, “It varies, it’s not consistent – one week it’s like this, other week it’s like that. In that whole process, I am trying to keep in touch with the highest level of dedication to professional tennis, with what needs to be done in order for me to compete and to try to win the biggest trophies.”

These statements clearly indicate that the off-court changes are affecting even seasoned players like him. Despite the efforts to maintain focus and dedication, the lack of a permanent coaching solution seems to be taking a toll on Djokovic’s consistency, as pointed out by Stubbs too.

While it remains to be seen how far Djokovic can go without a full-time coach, it is evident that securing a stable coaching arrangement will be crucial for his future success. The sooner he finds a permanent coach, the better his winning chances!