Novak Djokovic Appoints Former Wimbledon Champion in His Team

Less than 24 hours are left for the third Slam of the year to get underway, and Wimbledon’s defending champion, Novak Djokovic has appointed a new member in his team, who will guide for the next two weeks.

The Croatian retired tennis professional, Goran Ivanisevic joins Djokovic’s team and he will be helping the 15-time Grand Slam champion to defend his crown on the grass-court. “I’ve just talked to Goran Ivanisevic, who has confirmed that he will be part of Team Djokovic,” the top seed, Novak Djokovic said.

“Great thing, it’s great recognition for me as a trainer, because he does not choose anyone just like that,” said Ivanisevic. “I’m glad they chose me and what Marjan (Vajda) agrees with. It was great at the first training, we hope that this cooperation will continue.”

47-year-old, Goran Ivanisevic was the first wildcard Wimbledon champion and he won it in the year 2001. For three years he was training the former Wimbledon finalist, Marin Cilic. The Croatian duo together lifted up the US Open title in 2014, where Cilic defeated Kei Nishikori in the finals. Also, he previously coached former Wimbledon finalist, Milos Raonic.

“This is some kind of dating. I mean, I know, I’ve been with him on the field many times, but on the other hand, I’m now the first time with him,” Ivanisevic continued. “We talked a bit about my vision of his game, about technical matters. We will now get to know each other better, get closer and we will look into the future.”

Last year, Novak Djokovic faced difficulties in harmonising with his new team which included his partnership with Andre Agassi. Then, at the beginning of the clay court season 2018, he reunited with Marin Vajda and touched the sky once again.

Tomorrow, Novak Djokovic will play the first match on Centre Court (1 pm BST) against Philipp Kohlschreiber in the opening round of Wimbledon Championships 2019.