“Found Ourselves Agreeing To Disagree”: Andre Agassi Cites Differences With Novak Djokovic During Coaching Stint

Over the past decade, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been the most dominant player in the men’s game; he is the proud winner of eighteen Grand Slam titles. In an era dominated by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the Serbian ace has carved an identity for himself. 

Recently, Novak Djokovic’s former coach Andre Agassi spoke on their brief association as player and coach. Although they didn’t enjoy much success together, the American legend stated that his wish was only to help the Serb in his journey to achieve greatness. Agassi felt a great bond and connection with Djokovic’s family and hence decided to coach him.

Andre Agassi was not helping Novak Djokovic for personal gain

Speaking more about his partnership with the Serb, Andre said, “I wasn’t helping him for me. My reasons were because I believed that it’s best for tennis if somehow he could get the best out of himself and then getting to know him & his family, I had a desire to help.”

During their association, Andre and Novak had differences and were disagreeing on more issues than they were agreeing on. Subsequently, the 50-year-old felt it would be best for the two to go their separate ways and that there would be no hard feelings. 

Andre Agassi felt it was best to step aside from Novak Djokovic’s way

The eight-time Grand Slam winner further added, “My goal is to help you, but if I am in your way or if I am stopping your process or interfering with your process then it’s best I sort of step out of your way.

“But I can’t necessarily subscribe to the choices that you are making. So there is a delicate balancing act and we just far too often found ourselves to agree to disagree and that is ok too. There’s no judgment in it.”

Andre began coaching Novak in May of 2017. The first Grand Slam event they tackled together was the French Open that year. However, they ended their partnership on March 31, 2018. 

Coming to the current season, Djokovic got off to the best of starts, winning his ninth Australian Open title. He decided to skip the Miami Open this week and is looking forward to the clay-court season, beginning in Monte Carlo next month. 

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